yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[General Topics] TheMystic:
Ghost commander - very outdated UI and very user UNfriendly.

Is there anything unique about Kiwi, KM?

Musicolet - good music player with no ads. But their UI is cramped with too much stuff and I don't like that.

I will check out the other apps you mentioned.

Keyboard is nice. I like the top bar which is very functional.
[General Topics] TheMystic:
I will check them out.

As with Music Player, the most important feature for a music app is its ability to organize your music library! Yes, I didn't say sound quality because if you have a good pair of earphones/ headphones, your music will sound good even with the stock audio engine.

I know PowerAmp uses its own engine. I had a rooted device with Viper installed. Nothing beats viper when it comes to music quality. Also, Poweramp did not play well with viper.

I don't like PowerAmp UI, although that isn't very important.

Have you tried PlayerPro? It has features no other player has.

And Playlist Manager? Only app that can create system playlists that can be accessed by all music players.
[General Topics] TheMystic:
Karma is interesting. Does it have a 'Allow LAN access only' option like Netguard? This option will only allow apps to connect to devices on your local network, whilst blocking internet access.

What is PDMDM?
[General Topics] blackhawk:
Until Poweramp I never created playlists, now I use them constantly. My music library consists mostly of .wav files and including HDCD .wav files. Over 220 gb so management is critical.

Organized as Artist/Album/Track. It's important that each artist/album has it's own folder or at minimum each artist. The integrity of this data base must remain intact for playlist backup to function.

Wipe the phone, restore data base, use the Poweramp saved backup file, punch rescan library and boom within a minute or so it's fully restored including ALL settings. Superb.

I store -all- data on my backup SD card so reloads are a snap. No other apk backs up this well, but the data base must be the same for it to preserve playlists which it will do perfectly.

Make any data base alterations before the most recent Poweramp back up file as it will not detect misplace files in the music library added after the backup ie reorganized on PC. Lol, this I know.

It's audio engine is powerful with many settings that should be fully learned/explored to properly utilize the app. It's graphic equalizer is the best I've ever seen or heard on Android. It allows unlimited EQ profiles to be saved and they can be applied per song, album, playlist as you see fit.

These settings are backed up as well

Without Poweramp my Buds+ would sound like dogmeat; the EQ makes a huge difference.

You can choose from multiple processing engines and dail in their parameters if you wish. Allow to select those properties for each audio output as well. From then on it will shift on the fly with no input.

You have enormous control over all the parameters and aspects of how this app behaves and looks. So many in fact it's downright daunting. A steep learning curve, but you get the most customizable player there is and it will do what you want it to.

Because the complexity you'll need to spend some serious time setting it up to do it right.

Make to backup setting frequently and save at least one copy to PC as recreating the settings be hell.
[General Topics] TheMystic:
Does Poweramp support SMART Playlists? NO!

By SMART Playlists, I mean creating playlists automatically based on the music file metadata like Ratings, Comments, BPM, Grouping, Track number, Disc Number, Album Artist, etc. These are information stored inside the music file. So you really don't need to backup your playlists as such.

Desktop Music Managers like MusicBee, iTunes, etc can generate SMART Playlists by reading the metadata of music files. PlayerPro and GoneMAD (though not as versatile as PlayerPro) are the only music players that can generate SMART Playlists, just like Desktop Music Managers.

No more need to connect phone to PC to sync playlists or follow any particular file organization method like the one you described. No need to manually create playlists either (although you have to configure the metadata properly, but this is one-time thing).

Simply copy the music files to your device (you can just dump everything inside a single folder without any structure) and these apps (particularly PlayerPro) can generate your playlists in seconds!
[General Topics] TheMystic:
Karma does support Subnet Routing, so it should be possible. The app looks very promising.
[General Topics] blackhawk:
Most of my files are CDs and HDCD albums ripped to hard drive as .wav/HDCD subtext so these players you mentioned be useless. My music files have been well organized for over a decade and a half.

Most of these "smart" players screw up my file system and some can damage it.

Far too much potential damage to even think about trying them.

Poweramp doesn't alter the main database at all.
[General Topics] TheMystic:
While these players allow you to edit the music metadata, you don't have to use that feature. If required, you can edit that information using Desktop Music Manager.

If you are going to generate playlists just by reading the metadata, there is no way these apps would damage the files or the info contained therein.

You have a system in place that is already working well for you, so you have no need to look for alternatives. But just be aware there are other options that can be better than what you are used to.
[General Topics] blackhawk:
It's pretty basic... but see screen shot.

Supports logging at least in Pie maybe not in Q. The beauty is it uses almost no battery and it runs well.
[General Topics] TheMystic:
Karma Firewall is a great find for me.

I just love this app and is almost perfect for my requirement. Only one feature I wish was there is to block all traffic by default for new apps, but that could require the app to do more like monitoring app installations, something the developer seem to have deliberately left out to retain the simplicity and minimalist design of the app.

Strangely, the app hasn't received the love and attention it deserves on Google Play Store.

Thanks for letting me know.
[General Topics] blackhawk:
You're welcome😊

I didn't expect much as all VNP based ones I tried were battery hogs or worse; this one is a gem.

It's a must for unrooted phones and a valuble tool for hunting down bandwidth/battery hogs.

I usually keep Goggle Play Services blocked as its rarely needed. Same for Android Services and Playstore.

FAQ

www.stargw.net
[General Topics] TheMystic:
My experience with Netguard has been great. But I read through the documentation of Karma and convinced it is time to make the switch. Don't like apps doing more than what they are supposed to do (without user knowledge/ consent).
[General Topics] TheMystic:
I have sorted the list by 'Apps by last data' and it shows Apkpure on top. This app is in a way disabled (I have removed all permissions and deleted the app data). Was it still trying to connect to internet?
[General Topics] blackhawk:
Sure was... useful little firewall isn't it?

I'm running on Pie, it shows date/time stamp of last connection; I see that's missing on your screenshot... say thanks to Q for that.

Does its logging feature work for you? The log shows all allowed and blocked connections.
[General Topics] TheMystic:
Beautiful app. I am replacing Netguard with this one.

The logs are empty. Can't view data usage either. Check the toast message:
[General Topics] blackhawk:
That sucks and takes away a powerful tool.

" From Android 10 onwards the app can nolonger read /proc/net so we cannot see per app blocked traffic attempts. Don't worry the firewall still works on Android 10+ and blocks traffic."

Maybe there's a work around using ADB. I don't know of any though.

This is one reason I'm still running Pie.
[General Topics] TheMystic:
But why are the logs of blocked traffic useful? Unless you are talking of traffic that is being allowed. What exactly would you be looking for in those?
[General Topics] blackhawk:
You use the logs to find abusive apks that are constantly connecting. Google Play Services connects 4 times a minute! Android Services 2X @ minute. After blocking those two apks more battery life improved noticeably.

Occasionally I need to briefly enable GPS to get gmail to connect or enable/reboot to use Playstore (which I seldom do anyway).

You can find apps like Brave that will keep connecting even when you're not actively using it.

You need to close out this app after you're done with it. It's quit a pain. The log makes it crystal clear what the apk is doing; which addresses it connecting to and how often.

Q really sucks...
[General Topics] TheMystic:
Although I don't know much, I think Brave Browser is longer what it intended to be initially (about privacy).

Over the years, I have tried so many recommendations on Battery saving tips, and honestly my conclusion is all those don't work, atleast not to any meaningful extent. Also the fact that the technology in use today is much improved and battery efficient. So checking logs, blocking/ unblocking, etc imho is more hassle for the marginal gains in battery life.

For me, it is either an allow or a disallow for apps I use regularly. I don't touch Google because a lot of important apps I use require Google Services. Only for apps that I keep installed for a very limited need, I might enable/ disable the firewall when the need arises. Otherwise for the most part, I prefer a 'set it and forget it' approach.
[General Topics] blackhawk:
7-10% battery savings including when on AOD is no trivial amount.

Privacy is also an issue.

Google is not to be trusted.
[General Topics] TheMystic:
7-10% battery savings is not bad, but only if no effort is required in managing this setup.

As with privacy, I have my reservations:

There is an app called Bouncer that does something similar - granting permissions only when an app is in the foreground. The question is: are you letting go of privacy when the app is indeed in the foreground? Does this method protect your privacy effectively (because the app can upload your data whenever it is in the foreground)?
[General Topics] TheMystic:
Karma doesn’t have a persistent notification feature. How do we make sure that the app doesn’t get killed in the background?

I have disabled battery optimisation. Would that be enough?
[General Topics] blackhawk:
Actually it does. It shows me a key icon on my status bar when active.

I would not use any on the power management features other than the fast charging option as they screw up everything. My phones use more battery with that junk enabled; track down and deal with battery/bandwidth hogs as needed on a case by case basis.
[General Topics] TheMystic:
It shows the 'Firewall on Boot' notification and notifications when it blocks apps. Both can be swiped away. There is no persistent notification feature that will tell Android to not kill it.

I think since there is almost always some app that tries to connect to the internet and Karma keeps blocking them, a notification is almost always present (even if it can be swiped away) and that helps in keeping Karma active in the background and not killed.
[General Topics] blackhawk:
I'm on Pie, and it show the key icon in the status bar indicating an active VNP connection by Karma. The only time it goes off is after a reboot perhaps. It's never stops otherwise.

Unless I need to activate or deactivate an apk it's pretty much zero maintenance. It's running perfectly on my device.

Otherwise Thank Google for their Q crap over the top big sister security... all the while as they mine your data. Swell.
[General Topics] TheMystic:
Why do you keep calling Android 11 crap?
[General Topics] blackhawk:
No screen overlays which kills alot of good harmless apks and scoped storage that causes inefficient use of stored files and extra cpu cycles for perceived security. Meanwhile tainted apks still are on Playstore... what a joke.
[General Topics] TheMystic:
I didn't get what you mean by 'no screen overlays'? Can you elaborate on that?

As with Scoped Storage, it is definitely a step in the right direction, although not a complete one. I have discussed it HERE.
[General Topics] HemanthJabalpuri:
Can you elaborate what is this feature.
[General Topics] VD171:
You said the "best apps" but, there are 11 browser apps 😂

I really don't know in what planet microsoft edge is considered "the best".

Lol

You said the "best apps" but, you don't choose that "you don't like".

Probably you need to change the thread to "best android apps for me".

Lol
[General Topics] kimilsunggg:
I mean " BEST"

is always a subjective thing , whatever you sya there might be some people whose favourite browser is the samsung internet.

i mean edge is pretty nice atleast they cared to make a UI on top of chromium instead of using the default one that looks like chrome.
[General Topics] TheMystic:
Samsung Internet browser used to have a small Reader icon next to the address bar (just like in Firefox). Once you launch the Reader Mode which strips out all unnecessary clutter from web pages, this was the only browser that allowed printing from the Reader Mode, including printing to PDF. And the PDF file would preserve all links included in the webpage, so you can open links from the PDF file itself.

And I see now that the Reader Mode option is gone! I don't know why they removed it. But more importantly, it is gone from the earlier versions too. As far as I remember, I backed up the apk of the version where this feature was present, but unfortunately, none of the APKs I have are able to launch Reader Mode now. Either I forgot to actually backup the correct APK, or it is some server side feature that they removed, for reasons known only to them.
[General Topics] TheMystic:
When you judge something, you judge them on several parameters. It is unlikely that one product/ service will excel/ be best in every single parameter.

Hence, a list has been presented in every category that I have tried and tested, where apps meet certain basic/ minimum requirements to make it to the list.

Microsoft Edge is an excellent browser that is constantly updated with features and also to keep it secure. And it is from Microsoft, a brand that is a leader in the industry it operates.
[General Topics] VD171:
Your list is like a "keep away list" 😂

I will call you play store
[General Topics] TheMystic:
You are more than welcome to present your own list in each category for the benefit of all readers (including myself). I will be happy to add them to the list in the OP, if they are good enough.
[General Topics] HemanthJabalpuri:
Oh, normally we can print the webpage to PDF in Chrome, Kiwi etc.,

I missed that Reader Mode😓.

Thanks
[General Topics] svendsvin:
Thanks. Always interesting to see what others prefer. Karma Firewall is not open source. Isn't that a problem? Or is open source not an issue for your choosing?
[General Topics] TheMystic:
1. Open source is good, but overrated. No one (trustworthy) audits them. I would rather choose a closed source app with no internet connection than an open source one requesting internet connection for the same functionality.

2. Firewall apps do not (should not) require internet connection to work. Karma Firewall doesn't even have a code requesting internet connection (unlike Netguard and other similar apps). Apps that work completely offline are much safer in my opinion.

3. As stated in OP, I disable internet access to any app that shouldn't require it for core functionality, and Karma isn't an exception. It still works perfectly (Netguard too works perfectly without internet connection, although it has a built-in code requesting the same).
[General Topics] HemanthJabalpuri:
@TheMystic

Have a look at https://f-droid.org/en/packages/net.kollnig.missioncontrol.fdroid/

which is very good app.

Thanks
[General Topics] Ultramanoid:
Please don't spread FUD about open source.

What do you think Chrome ( Chromium ) is ? Open source with Google proprietary bits on top. What do you think Linux, or Android, or the internet infrastructure that runs the world these days are ? Open source.

No one trustworthy ?! How do you think bugs and vulnerabilities are found in everything you and everybody else uses ? A magic pixie fixes things ?

I'd like to see how Chrome would survive a single day without developers' eyes on the code auditing daily, hourly. Plenty of trustworthy developers are auditing the source of things or you wouldn't even be online.
[General Topics] blackhawk:
Karma Firewall is freeware with ads, no BS.

I've been watching it for months and it runs flawlessly. The app itself isn't connected to the internet.

FAQ

www.stargw.net

It's battery usage is next to nothing even if you open it frequently as I typically do.

A near perfect app🥰
[General Topics] TheMystic:
Finally updated this list with proper links.

If anyone has some great app finds, please let me know.
[General Topics] Dayuser:
So what is best reliable file exlorer app for Android these days?

Suggest something and it must be free!

I do have default Google Files app but i want to check other ones too.
[General Topics] galaxys:
I've been using Solid Explorer full paid file app for a while. They have a free app as well.... probably limited.
[General Topics] Dayuser:
Maybe i try that one. Couple years ago i have Astro file manager but i don't know if it's this usable (or good).

All i want to check that i don't have any unnecessary files or files that Google files does not show.
[General Topics] Paradice8736:
I absolutely agree with you about Poweramp (paid). I've been using it since 2022, and every time someone turns their Bluetooth speakers on and lets me pair up and I crank the volume all he way up, they can't believe how much louder and clearer (and let's face it, just all around way better) it sounds compared to when they are playing using a different music player.

I will NEVER use any other music player OR equalizer.
[General Topics] blackhawk:
Poweramp is the cat's arse of Android players.

💯%

If you're running Android 10 or lower use this version. It's more usable and has the latest features like a parameter equalizer.

If you can use digital audio out directly to the amp, do so. It will greatly expand the stage presence since you're playing in open air* vs buds or headphones. You'll hear a noticeable improvement in sound quality.

* not blue tooth input! Even LDAC has more limited resolution and cuts off the critical inaudible frequencies needed to create the sound stage. Example: when a 22khz audio intersects a 30khz audio wave anywhere in the room from stereo speakers it creates an audible 8000hz wave. This happen thousands of times a second throughout the listening area, the entire frequency bandwidth emitted by the drivers to reproduce the sound stage. The higher the top cutoff frequency and the resolution, the better the sound stage. Done right you will be electro-acousticly coupled to the room where it was recorded. Like being in that very room.

It's incredible to hear. Small, discreet sounds pop out of midair throughout the room even with just stereo speakers, more so with 4 or more channels. Most people have no idea about how this works and why you should do it.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ Questions & Answers] mestesso93:
Hi everyone!

I hope not to have the wrong section. I have some problem with my samsung note 10 plus Exynos, and I don't understand what it could be, maybe samsung updates? (I currently have the latest version of android 10)

My problem is the following: for some time downloading applications from the google play Store is problematic, it often crashes and does not finish downloading the application. I have already tried several times to clear data and cache, without solving. Another problem concerns the gallery, if I download a photo (from chrome or whatsapp etc.) it does not always appear in the gallery immediately, but a few minutes pass. It only happens with the samsung gallery, with other applications it does not happen, everything is regular. Again tried several times to clear the cache and data, without success. In addition I also did a hard reset from recovery, but I have the same problems. How can I solve? Thanks!
[Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ Questions & Answers] mestesso93:
Hi all, finally i have found the solution.

To resolve, you need to install "Heartbeat Fixer for GCM", and set refresh to 2 minutes. (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.github.mobodev.heartbeatfixerforgcm).

Hope that can help someone. Bye!
[Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ Questions & Answers] blackhawk:
Try clearing system cache.

Clear Google Play Services data.

Try rolling back effected apps to their factory load versions.

If you have done a major firmware update without a factory reset, do so now.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series ROMs, Kernels, Recover] AlexeyPer:
View attachment 5182263View attachment 5182265

* Your warranty is now void.

* I am not responsible for bricked devices, dead SD cards,

* thermonuclear war, or you getting fired because the alarm app failed. Please

* do some research if you have any concerns about features included in this ROM

* before flashing it! YOU are choosing to make these modifications, and if

* you point the finger at me for messing up your device, I will laugh at you.

Hello! I took the magendanz build and remade it for SM-T515

INSTRUCTION

* Download Nexus U8CUL1 or LIneage OS on SD

*UNLOCK BOOTLOADER

*INSTALLING TWRP.tar.md5

*INSTALLING multudisabler

*MAKE FULL BACKUP ON SD CARD!!!

*WIPE DALVIK,SYSTEM,CACHE,DATA,INTERNAL STORAGE.

*Reboot System and open TWRP

*INSTALLING Nexus U8CUL1 or Lineage OS

*RESTORE PARTITION BOOT!!!

*WIPE---ADVANCED WIPE---SYSTEM---RESIZE SYSTEM PARTITION

*If you chose Lineage OS you should install PICO gapps only!!!

*Installing TWRP to 3.6.0-11.2.img

*REBOOT

BUGS:LTE doesn't work

Update 24.02.2022 CUL1

Change Log:

20220219:

Vendor partition and custom kernel based on T515XXU8CUL1 OEM firmware (December 2021 Update)

System partition based on CAOS 11.0 v315 (January 2022 Security Update)

Latest Google apps from OpenGApps (20220215) w/ rollback for GoogleTTS

20211125:

Vendor partition and custom kernel based on T515XXU8CUJ1 OEM firmware (October 2021 Update)

Update to TWRP v3.6.0 custom recovery on AOSP 11

Latest Google apps from OpenGApps (20211125) w/ rollback for GoogleTTS

20211120:

System partition based on CAOS 11.0 v313+ (October 2021 Security Update)

Latest Google apps from OpenGApps (20211120) w/ rollback for GoogleTTS

20210825:

Vendor partition and custom kernel based on T515XXU5CUF4 OEM firmware (June 2021 Update)

System partition based on CAOS 11.0 v312 (August 2021 Security Update)

Update to TWRP v3.5.2 custom recovery

Latest Google apps from OpenGApps (20210825-TEST)

20210318:

Fixed custom Pixel Launcher so that icon positions are saved.

Fixed clipped pixels on edge of launcher search bar.

Defaults icon layout to 7 columns for main, hotseat and app drawer, just like it used to be for the Nexus 10. (For 6 column layout bump display scaling to Large.)

20210314:

Vendor partition and custom kernel based on T515XXU4BUA1 OEM firmware (January 2021 Update)

System partition based on CAOS 11.0 v302 (March 2021 Security Update)

Update to TWRP v3.5.1 custom recovery

Latest Google apps from OpenGApps (20210130-TEST)

20210216:

Initial build based on T515XXU3BTK1 kernel (November 2020 Update) and CAOS 11.0 v300m.

Latest Google apps from OpenGApps (20210130-TEST)

Donations:

Your support is always appreciated! Just click here

I am from Russia
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series ROMs, Kernels, Recover] bedwere:
Forgive my ignorance, but what does "restore partition boot" mean exactly?
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series ROMs, Kernels, Recover] AlexeyPer:
View attachment 5187275View attachment 5187279
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series ROMs, Kernels, Recover] bedwere:
Thank you! As soon as I have a moment free, I;ll give it a try!
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series ROMs, Kernels, Recover] Pinage:
I hope you can make lte work!! I need that! Fingers crossed!