[Android Apps and Games] erikalin:
Frequently Asked Questions​

What is the main purpose of The Box?

Very simple: Include this app in your ROM and users can check for ROM updates, fixes, modifications, themes and whatever else you would normally link to in your thread. Use AHF or whatever you normally use for hosting, and just create a useful file structure for your uploads.This app can really save thread clutter with people asking for links to mods and updates. You can customize The Box one time and literally never have to touch it again.

Do you have a sample of The Box that is in use already in a custom ROM?

Yep. The Box is currently being used in several different ROMs and theme collection projects. One version is on the play store. Download it to check it out as a functioning example: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.erikalin.box1

How is The Box different from OTA Updater apps?

Thanks for the question, [MENTION=1826556]gcrutchr[/MENTION]. The Box is much more simple than OTA updater apps. This is basic, lightweight, clean and will just always work. More features means more places to experience errors. The Box is not meant to compete with feature-rich updater apps. You can customize The Box one time and literally never have to touch it again.

Who is The Box for?

This is primarily for custom ROM developers who do not want to create an app from scratch. The other possible users are themers who offer a library of themes and updates, and cannot create an app from scratch. Just because you can theme an app doesn’t mean you can make one. If you know how to create an app from scratch then do that. ;) If not, theme this one for your own use.

Who is this not for?

*This* thread here is not for end users. The Box is useless until it has been customized for someone’s ROM or other project. If an end-user downloads The Box from this thread, he/she will be getting a fully-functional dummy app with placeholder images. The Box is also not for app developers who are good at what they do. One can make a much more complex and personalized app for one’s specific needs. This is intentionally simple in order to be quick, easy and universal.

How long would it take me to customize The Box to use in my project?

An hour maybe, or a little less? If you go back later to update again, it'll probably take five minutes to revise a link or something like that.

Do you have default images?

Yeah. I put a folder of the placeholder images in a zip file attached to the OP. Replace those with your own and drop them back into the template apk file.

Can you tell me all the places I need to get in and edit to customize?

Yes. See post #3.

What permissions does the app require?

This app only needs one permission: Full internet access.

What permissions do I have to use this app?

Take it, customize it and use it in your own projects. Please post a link on this thread to your project in which you're using The Box. You NEED to leave the “About” tab on the bottom of the main activity (screen) and you need to not edit my About activity string. There are no ads, no fees, no hidden costs or other obligations. Please leave my credit as-is and my app name as-is. Don’t remove the About. I made The Box and have offered it to you for you to customize and personalize. Let’s just not pretend you made it, mkay?

So what can I not modify if I use The Box in my own project?

Don’t remove the visibility of the About tab from the main activity (“main screen”) and don’t edit the string content of that activity, which is located in strings.xml file and works in the AboutActivity.java class file. Do not rename the app. These are my credits and need to stay. Change whatever else you want.

Can you add in this feature or that feature?

Doubtful. This is intentionally simple in order to be both lightweight and universal, and easy for you to customize too! If you want a more complicated app then by all means go make one. If you have light suggestions, consistent with a basic, universal app such as this, feel free to make them on this thread. I’ll definitely consider all feedback, but offer no promises. This is supposed to be a SIMPLE solution.

Why no splash screen?

I see no reason to make end-users wait three seconds. It’s annoying. Nobody wants to be shown an ad when they open an app. They want to be shown an app. Also no facebook integration, ads, other device permissions or complicated programming which would just be harder for you to customize and thus defeat my purpose.

What if I don't like this app?

No problem, and I respectfully ask that you not share that with me. Just don't use it. I'm not seeking critique but sharing my work for free.

If you have any questions, ask them in the thread and I’ll add to this FAQ post.​