yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Android Apps and Games] hcnulma:
Spent some of my free time trying to figure out how to get this show back on the road. The below is what I've got so far, but I'm (clearly) missing a lot. Some input from more experienced people here would be super helpful

=======

As far as I can tell, using a decompiler like APKtool without modifications no longer seems to work (see here: https://github.com/iBotPeaches/Apktool/issues/1719)

Comments here by [MENTION=4733335]thejunk[/MENTION]jon and [MENTION=236593]wayward[/MENTION]710

https://github.com/iBotPeaches/Apktool/issues/1719#issuecomment-481360518 and https://github.com/iBotPeaches/Apktool/issues/1719#issuecomment-486067926

seem to work: adding RES_TYPE_NAME_STYLES[n], and recompiling the apktool jar, then running it on a new version of messenger works

(I am using com.facebook.orca.175782168.apk)

(nb: must compile with open JDK 8. open JDK 12 doesn’t work for some reason)

After decompiling the APK there’s a whole bunch of crap that I am not the most experienced with, so I tried a few things. Trying to find DEX files (where they are, what to do with them), I came across the documentation for how FB seems to like to compile their stuff: https://github.com/facebook/buck/. The OP says that they've moved on from Buck but it seems not the case, so I'm not sure what could be done here. In any case, within the decompiled APK (ignore smali for now), there are a few instances of DEX code (eg in /assets/instantgamesads/instantgamesads.dex.jar.xzs), and from the above Buck github link, it appears that the XZS format is just their homebrew way of compressing into XZ format, so renaming to .xz extension, we can extract instantgamesads.dex.jar.

Then using fernflower/the bytecode decompiler that comes along with IntelliJ Idea, I can finally reach a workable DEX code. Using the all new url]https://github.com/google/android-classyshark[/url] would have helped the analysis of the executable, except the resulting java class files are absolute gibberish.

So, I suspect that it would be more helpful to learn smali and work with that (there’s an entire smali directory in the unpacked APK that I think would be worth going through). For some reason, the hex editors I tried (emacs, ultraedit) couldn't read through a lot of the hex code in the unpackaged apk, so I'm also not sure where I'm going wrong there.

I’ll spend some time looking through it, but again, if someone more knowledgeable than me has any idea on which directions to go in that would be great :)

edit 2019-Oct-06:

It seems that (similar to the Aug 19 comment on the github issue page for apktool linked above) despite being able to decompile the APK with apktool, recompiling fails due to even more missing resources. Beyond methods like using a (lucky) patcher to directly modify the APK I think this route is busted until apktool is fixed...
[Android Apps and Games] ALYSKY:
I took some time and created my own version of messenger

Main features:

- no update reminder (unfortunately, the blue banner still exists above)

- various background processes disabled (like error reporting, loggers)

- disabled ads

Test Link: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1FMaDLonraG5kF6F_B5DeoJTSz4yY7d4G

Please give me feedback and report bugs. Would be great to make this app as perfect as it possible.
[Android Apps and Games] Ryuce:
Can u make one for the main Facebook app too? Thanks
[Android Apps and Games] hcnulma:
Heya, do you mind putting up some basic instructions on how you got this version of messenger to work? In particular how did you gain access to the specific features to disable?
[Android Apps and Games] 4r44444:
Works great... and finally that annoying "Stories" trash is away.

You are my hero mate.
[Android Apps and Games] patrickdrd:
I've got messenger and facebook app signed by my own test key, the first one by evilwombat, the second I updated some time ago because of the annoying update nags, anyway, I downloaded yours and signed it with my key, but Android refuses to install it, it says that package could be damaged or sth
[Android Apps and Games] Pseudonym:
It doesn't connect on Facebook app. Clicking the Messenger icon on Facebook app tells me to install messenger first.
[Android Apps and Games] L22EEW:
Hmm. Doesn't install (uninstalled the previous version first)
[Android Apps and Games] ALYSKY:
You must sign this apk with this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.haibison.apksigner&hl=pl
[Android Apps and Games] L22EEW:
Also tried that. Still no luck. Think I'm missing a step somewhere
[Android Apps and Games] Greck98:
Is this going to get updated??
[Android Apps and Games] ALYSKY:
Uninstall messenger, facebook and all other facebook's apps
[Android Apps and Games] el_easy:
Mine installed without apk-signer, but it says " this version of messenger is out of date"

are you planning to do the trick on the FB app too? Thanks
[Android Apps and Games] TheOneBD:
Please update Facebook app also..

---------- Post added at 10:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:57 PM ----------

What about Facebook app update? Anyone tried to rebuild it with this modification?
[Android Apps and Games] ALYSKY:
I looked at Facebook app and it looks like it will be a much more difficult task. There are at least three times more processes than in messenger.

Time will tell.

Work in progress.

Stay tuned.
[Android Apps and Games] Panja83:
Same for me.

"It says on first post : Installation

Prior to installing, be sure to uninstall all other applications that are made by Facebook. This includes FB itself, Messenger, Messenger Lite, Page Manager, etc. These do not always cause installation problems (though they should). The problem is that all apps in the FB family use key-based authentication for data sharing. So since my modded app is signed with my key, all FB companion apps need to be signed with that key as well. "

I uninstalled facebook, MessengerMOD installation is done. But now cant install Facebook :rolleyes:
[Android Apps and Games] ALYSKY:
So you asked me to publish mod also for facebook application.

There is is: https://xdaforums.com/android/apps-games/app-facebook-lighter-faster-version-t3981285

Like my work? Please hit Thanks! button :D
[Android Apps and Games] deggar:
Great work. No issues on install. As you noted the annoying blue update banner is still there but otherwise I don't see box issues.

Could you confirm the version you used so those with varying android OS will know if they could install. For example 213.1.0.17.114 (152682960). Thanks
[Android Apps and Games] tsalta:
If you have problem with runing both FB and Messanger here is how to fix it

https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=80497979&postcount=9
[Android Apps and Games] evilwombat:
Hey guys! Long time no see. It's been six months since the last update, and I thought I'd hop on and see what's up. Although FB has been nagging me to update every once in a while, the nags have been sporadic (so far), which made them much more tolerable.

Messenger, on the other hand, has been nagging to update full-blast, complete with a banner and everything. Unfortunately work has been keeping me extremely occupied - startups are hard work, and we're launching really soon (that, and depression has been a complete ***** - seriously, talk to your friends and tell them you appreciate them, that **** is no joke).

Anyway, since Messenger has been annoying and I happen to have a little bit of time, I thought I'd spin a new version. I pulled v236.0.0.14.120 (from here) and although the app seems to be starting up fine (and it's too early to tell if the ad-blocking patch is working), I'm seeing some glitches in the bottom icon bar. Specifically, there are three icons at the bottom of the inbox view: Chats, People, and "Discover" (ugh). Of the three icons, only one is visible. Is this a problem for everyone, or just me?

Granted, it's not the end of the world if some icons are glitched out, but I'd like to know more about what's going on. Is it a problem with how I'm repacking the APK? Do I need to go debug what's happening with apktool? Oddly enough, it's only happening with my phone, but not my tablet. DPI version? /shrug.

Either way, I'm gonna test this for a bit, and post it if it checks out
[Android Apps and Games] stiggerby:
Great to have you back [MENTION=5029215]evilwombat[/MENTION] ?
[Android Apps and Games] kos25k:
[MENTION=5029215]evilwombat[/MENTION] so you will be active on your apps again from now on?
[Android Apps and Games] Cryptecks:
Did you even read their post? They are dealing with a soon-to-launch startup and it sounds like possibly the loss of someone they know due to depression. There's a possible version of Messenger coming, that's it, and evilwombat owes us nothing, especially their word that they will 'be active on their apps again from now on'. Worried about it? Learn how to decompile and patch APKs yourself, we're all waiting on you.
[Android Apps and Games] kos25k:
I am a member on xda about 10 years now and i am subscribed to countless threads. so i cant read them all one to one.of course i didnt know about this guy.I would't be even human if i didnt care.So your "speech" doesnt make any sense to a common person here. i would suggest you not to be the "devil's lawyer" here and not to make the climate worse to all of us Just stop it here and next time think more carefully on how you express to others. Especially when it involves many members on o thread like this. Cheers.

Στάλθηκε από το Redmi 4 Prime μου χρησιμοποιώντας Tapatalk
[Android Apps and Games] Cryptecks:
I don't care how long you have been a member of XDA. I've been here since 2010, and guess what? I still read a post before I reply, because that's what keeps you from looking like an insensitive prick like you just did.

Whatever you suggest of me, I don't really care, 1) because you are not the speech-police, and 2) because you were the one in the wrong here, and now you're trying to lecture me ?.

'Just stop it here' is fine, and I will, but you should also really think next time about lecturing others, particularly when you are the one who 'has been here so long' and are still demanding things of a volunteer developer, one of the main no-nos here on XDA. Cheers, I guess.
[Android Apps and Games] kos25k:
Bro you owe to teach yourself that when these situations happen..(And is normal to happen in such large groups.(But from your words you put yourself like you never a mistake to any thread since 2010)...NOT to continue to throw oil in the fire.With this way,you don't make good to anyone here.If you really wanted to help,you could just point me to the right point I missed.Many times things are easy.We the people make them hard.
[Android Apps and Games] evilwombat:
Hey guys! Wow, it's 6AM and I am still awake for some reason, so I'll have to keep this one quick. Messenger has been reeaally nagging me to update it (banner and everything), so here's an updated modded version. This mod tries to get rid of the ads in the list of conversations, as has been the case with the past Messenger mods. Unfortunately (?), I have not yet used it long enough to discover if they've introduced ads (or other annoyances) in other places in Messenger, but I'll go with it for now.

Here's a link to an experimental version of Messenger. This is based on v236.0.0.14.120.

messenger-v236-resigned.apk

If you are up for trying this out, please let me know how it goes. If things are looking good, I'll update the link on the top post.

Note: when testing this on my phone, for some reason two of the three icons at the bottom of the screen are missing. These are, I think, 'Inbox', 'Stories', and 'Discover' (grrr). This happens on my phone but not on my tablet, so I'm not quite sure what's going on here. This glitch happens on my phone even if I do a "clean" unpack/repack of the APK, without making any mods of my own (and the one mod I make is very directed and has nothing to do with these icons). So, it could be a bug in apktool, a corner case related to new obfuscation of some sort, or me unplugging my phone halfway through installation by accident and ending up with corrupted resources. So if anyone does/doesn't see missing icons, please let me know! I'll do the usual "wipes" on my phone later, and hopefully I will hate a little bit of some here and there. But right now I gotta crash.

Good luck, and have fun!

-evilwombat

Ps. I learned a new phrase recently: "optimizing for engagement". That is, to build an application and user interface whose primary purpose is to influence the users to use it as much as possible. I've been getting the impression that FB designs their applications with this in mind (with all the chaining and 'related' junk and 'more like this' components, and a countdown to the next auto-play video that pops up even before the previous video is done). It's interesting to finally know the term for all this. But that's a topic for another day ...
[Android Apps and Games] aVider:
Only the middle icon is missing on my device. The same icon is missing on the official app as well.

Edit: when I have an unread message, the first icon turns invisible too.
[Android Apps and Games] patrickdrd:
I've got all three of them in mine, thanks for the update [MENTION=5029215]evilwombat[/MENTION]

edit: however, an update on fb app is needed,

because I've seen crashes in logcat (maybe because the code has changed) and

the app itself without your intervention is really bs
[Android Apps and Games] evilwombat:
Crashes in logcat? Hmm, that's not good. Is the app itself force-closing? I haven't had any issues, and I'm running my last release, plus the new Messenger. Maybe you found yourself in some kind of A/B test that's leading to crashes? How long has it been this way? I'm assuming you tried to reinstall and the like...

Edit: Regarding missing icons, I might have to file a bug in apktool. I've already tried comparing the repacked APK contents against the stock version, and all the expected files are present. Maybe apktool is mishandling some of the resources, or obfuscation is screwing something up even if resources are left alone (using apktool -r). But, apktool is a community project, so the best I can do is file a bug, describe it in detail, and wait - there's no asking for ETAs there...
[Android Apps and Games] jakito:
All the three icons of your last release are present on my phone. I have an OP3 running LOS 16.

Thanks for the update!
[Android Apps and Games] ALYSKY:
[MENTION=5029215]evilwombat[/MENTION]

Small tip to you:

I made my own messenger versions based on disabling many processes from apk file. I made it via Lucky Patcher (it has this function, also disabling google's ads). See this screenshots. You disable it permanently.

This has a very good effect on the size of the application and its consumption in the system. You can see my versions of FB and Messenger (available in my signature) Good luck with the project!
[Android Apps and Games] mrevansx7:
Latest experimental version working great for me. Major thanks.
[Android Apps and Games] wonsky21:
Can you pm me with some trusted link to LP?
[Android Apps and Games] stiggerby:
Installing now, thanks [MENTION=5029215]evilwombat[/MENTION]
[Android Apps and Games] stiggerby:
All working well me old, nice one

Oneplus 6t

Ob17

Magisk 20

Riru and edxposed sandhook
[Android Apps and Games] jineshpatel30:
I don't have any crashes for the FB App 15.3 as such BUT sometimes comments don't load for public posts plus options to sort comment like "relevant, most recent" has disappeared for month or so.

it was there before but now i can see it only if I install official app. Similar things happened during last time also in 14.2 then you updated 15.3 so it worked well for few months and now again it's gone form 15.3 as well.

So, I think FB changes some code for comments in public posts every few months and we need to update the base to keep up with it
[Android Apps and Games] patrickdrd:
yeah, that I was trying to say, not exactly crashes, but I noticed messages in logcat that some code had been obsolete or deprecated or something and

that I should update
[Android Apps and Games] evilwombat:
Ah, that makes sense. Logcat can be very chatty, and a number of things will warm that something or other needs to be updated. Often this refers not to a specific application, but to some components that are interacting with some adjacent components. After six years of kernel work, I get the impression that if a device has a screen and an internet connection, chances are high that its software is made up of many, many layers. Sometimes it feels like it's layers all the way down (until you get to the turtles :) ). So, I wouldn't be too worried about that.

By the way, has anyone tried to take a look at the "new" redex format, which consists of multiple xz-compressed superpack files? I'm skipping over that for now, and taking a different approach, though it would be nice to figure out this format (used on the Android 4.1 FB APKs, which has been the version I usually start with). Maybe there's a chance these versions will be less frequently updated, as well, and thus, hopefully longer stretches without nags?
[Android Apps and Games] Usraek:
Messenger has officially stopped allowing me to bypass the update.

Man, I can't stand FB's apps, your mods are the only thing that makes them bearable.
[Android Apps and Games] Myk61088:
App store error

I now can't install the play store version I get an error installing, the lite version too ?
[Android Apps and Games] L4WL13T:
Can't bypass messenger update warning anymore either :/
[Android Apps and Games] klisza1993:
Ater update to R1 it force me to update an app...
[Android Apps and Games] cfbauer:
Love you so much [MENTION=5029215]evilwombat[/MENTION]! Thank you for Making the Facebook Apps Usable Again. Great timing with the return to update the app, too! If you ever provide a PayPal button I will smash that donation link so quickly.

Just installed the update and as far as I can tell everything is working, though I am missing the middle icon in the bottom row (although there is a red "1" in a circle like a notification indicator.

edit: for the love of all that is good, everyone commenting, please read the previous page, evilwombat posted an update.
[Android Apps and Games] jamesfitzes:
Can't use the dark messenger anymore, it forces me to update. Hoping there will be a modified newer one
[Android Apps and Games] Ghosty031:
Yeah, same here. Cant bypass the update on messenger. :( I hope OP has time/wants to make a new version because, as stated above, this mod is the only thing that makes facebook and messenger usable imo
[Android Apps and Games] Jouros:
[MENTION=5029215]evilwombat[/MENTION] I installed the new update and so far so good. It looks like this and I cant tell if icons are missing or not cause I rarely used them lol. I havent had any errors and 0 adds. So Im gonna call it a win on my end lol
[Android Apps and Games] marcsmv3:
Please post update to OP and not leave it only buried on page 310 so those of us subscribed to this thread don't have to get an email every hour with somebody asking where the update is.
[Android Apps and Games] Jouros:
He hasnt finalized the update yet which is why the OP hasnt been changed. He clearly stated that it was a test update and wanted people to try it out and report what they thought before he went to the next step. If you had reade is posts you should of gotten that from what he said.
[Android Apps and Games] marcsmv3:
Fair enough but there hasn't been a working link AT ALL on OP for months and it's a major PITA finding this APK everytime I clean flash an update to my OS... Seeing as there is no other working version...
[Android Apps and Games] Jouros:
Again if you read his posts he addresses that as well. Hes been working on a start up for the company he works for. These devolpers have a life out side thes projects and work one these when they have time. They arnt doing this to make money so making it seem like they owe you some thing by complainging that its a PITA cause YOU gotta do a little extra work for something he does in HIS FREE time to make something for people thats better then the original.
[Android Apps and Games] marcsmv3:
So your rationale is he has just enough time to develop the app and not enough to update OP. Got it.
[Android Apps and Games] Pseudonym:
Just use search and type his name
[Android Apps and Games] Jouros:
Again he is still in testing for the update hes doing you keep bouncing back and forth between *****ing about looking for the update and the op not being updated and ignoring the fact that he CLEARLY stated that this update is NOT a finished update and he ASKED people to TEST AND LET HIM KNOW how its working. If you actualy read and understood that then you might get why the OP hasnt been updated. Maybe if you wernt so dense it would click for you lol. Why update to OP if the update is still being tested? Just for YOUR convenience? Doesnt make much sense.
[Android Apps and Games] kauw5164:
Messager v213 now need update can't use.
[Android Apps and Games] IrateVuvuzela:
Heyo evilwombat, just wanted to say a quick thanks for posting this version of messenger and facebook, it's definitely way better than any of the reskins!

Trying out this version, so far I still have dark mode, and none of the icons on the bottom are missing for me. Not sure if it's relevant, but I'm using a Pixel 3 with Android 10. And, all the urges and notifications to update are GONE, which is a huge plus.
[Android Apps and Games] tennyleaz:
Testing messenger-v236-resigned.apk.

Haven't find a bug so far.
[Android Apps and Games] sonrics1993:
Deleted
[Android Apps and Games] evilwombat:
Fair enough. I was mostly worried about the missing icons, but it looks like these are happening on the stock version, too? Either way, I've used the patched version for a few days and it seems to be happy, and it also sounds like the previous release is now forcing an update? All good timing :). I'll go update the OP now.
[Android Apps and Games] marcsmv3:
Your new update is working flawlessly on OP5T OOS 9.0.8 FWIW... No missing buttons here. Thank you for all your work
[Android Apps and Games] PieOfJustice:
Just chiming in. The latest official mod for messenger is now dead. The newest mod you posted in your comment on 310 works.

Thanks again for doing all this. Wish I could help out myself.
[Android Apps and Games] docteurcrook:
It work like a charm...

Thank you [MENTION=3111578]evilwon[/MENTION]bat ??
[Android Apps and Games] User.Hemlock:
Testing v236

Middle icon is also missing for me. Haven't yet received a new message so can't report re: the second bug.

Im running Android 10 on Pixel 3.
[Android Apps and Games] gio zia:
Hi, thanks for the update. I noticed that older fb posts shared in conversations, group or individual ones, are not displaying anymore. That is those messages that show a preview under the date sent. I think it's only older messages, before the latest update. Date of message is still showing with a blank space underneath. I'm on a Redmi note 7.

Thanks again. Great mod
[Android Apps and Games] con_sau_may_tinh:
wow great update bro, work great on my pixel 3 android 10
[Android Apps and Games] Masirek:
This works (310)

PAGE 310
[Android Apps and Games] Furax31:
Delete.
[Android Apps and Games] Sudhangshu:
Hello I have just installed the latest version of (v236) and it seems all icons are visible on my device.
[Android Apps and Games] Robbie_Quang:
Hi, just notice that latest version cannot installed on Mi A1. Thank you!
[Android Apps and Games] Sophia.xda:
Thanks developer for Ad free Messenger MOD Loves it.
[Android Apps and Games] Furax31:
Last messenger, works perfectly.

A5 2017 - Oreo Custom ROM Stock
[Android Apps and Games] mursederp:
Opened the messenger app this morning. Forced me to update. Working great. Oneplus 6 oxygenOS 9.0.8 magisk 20. Thank you for all your hard work