yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
Yep, three launchers! I'm working on porting a launcher from another KitKat ROM, IF i can get enough space free in system.img to include it. When you turn the device on for the first time after flashing, it asks you to choose a launcher, and whether you want to use it "Always" or "Just Once". Always sets it to default - to clear this default, go to the manage apps screen (you can do this by holding the home button to get to the App Switcher, then touching and holding any of the recent apps you have, and then tap "App Info" - then click the back button at the top left, then swipe to the right, to get to "All" - then scroll down to find the launcher you set as default, tap it, scroll down until you see "Defaults" and then click "clear defaults". then, when you tap the home button, it will ask you to choose a launcher again. All launcher configs are saved, even when you're not using them. I like Nova Launcher, but I use Apex because of the System Vitals page (or whatever it's called!) and the slide gestures, those are very fun xD

Hope this helps! Cheers, N =)
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
NewPipe is supposed to be a sort of third party Youtube app. I think it has some extra tweaks like ad blocking too, not sure though. I haven't tested it's functionality, so I'm not sure how well it works, if at all. I'd heard of it before but never used it, only downloaded it because YT and YT Vanced aren't really available options. But it's included in ModV5!

That's what I'm not sure about, haven't had time to look into the issue yet. I'm worried that maybe NewPipe is depracated or something but I really hope not, it's sort of my last hope at the moment for a decent YouTube client!

Close SP Flash Tool, re-open it, follow the steps and try it again. If that doesn't work, try flashing the stock firmware, the original one. If you don't have a copy of that, try one of Munk3's that he has published. If it doesn't work, can you send me your PC specs so I can get a better idea?

Also, what version of SP Flash Tool are you using?

Cheers! =)
[General Topics] Karlnoon:
I using the Q5 update where SP Flash tool is.. i ve try the 0.1 relase and flash it but red bar apperied again and the window close up
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
Good news y'all! NewPipe works! It's just the home page that doesn't load, the home page is the "trending" page - however, that page isn't really necessary. I think the API the developers of NewPipe must have used to fetch the trending videos from YouTube must not work anymore. However, everything else - searching for videos, playing them, reading comments, subscribing (all without an account! You can probably make comments if you sign in, but you can subscribe without signing in).

AND!

It has video downloads too, integrated within the app! And, like YouTube Vanced, it supports background play, and continues playing even when you turn your screen off. In which case, you can control the music from the lock screen!

Glad this works, it's very snappy and fast to load, works perfectly! (apart from the trending page not loading xD)

Mod V5 is doing great!

Cheers, N =)
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
Hi @Munk.3!

I just asked Bing Copilot about enabling Apps from Unknown Sources by decompiling the settings.apk file.

Here's what it said, to quote:

To enable apps from unknown sources in a decompiled PackageInstaller.apk, you need to modify the Settings.apk file. Here are the steps to follow:

Open the Settings.apk file in a decompiler tool like Apktool.

Navigate to the res/xml folder and open the preferences.xml file.

Look for the following line of code: <SwitchPreference android:key="install_non_market_apps" />.

Change the value of android:key to install_non_market_apps_developer_mode.

Save the file and recompile the Settings.apk file.

Install the modified Settings.apk file on your device.

Go to Settings > Security > Unknown Sources and enable the option.

Please note that modifying system files can be risky and may cause damage to your device. It is recommended to create a backup of your device before proceeding with these steps.

If you have any further questions, please let me know.

I don't have time

right now to try this, but if anyone has time to try this out, please go for it and let me know how it goes!

If you're flashing this, make sure you use @Munk.3's modified SettingsProvider.apk too - download his customized firmware, and use something like 7-zip to extract Settings.apk from the /app folder, and use this APK in your test firmware too, alongside your edited Settings.apk file!

Cheers! =)
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
it does? What Android version is your firestick? You might have said already but I must have forgotten!
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
I have tried modifying the Settings.apk file once, and that didn't work (the settings app just disappeared completely, and APKs still would not install) - but that modification was different to this one that Bing has suggested today - I haven't had time to try this one yet.

Cheers! Hope that makes sense =)
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
That's what @Munk.3 and I are trying to figure out. We have gone from having a popup that says Apps from Unknown Sources are not allowed to having the install option, but just any APK fails to install. Several of these APKs work when you modify the ROM and flash the modified system image, so it's obviously not that the APKs are incompatible with the device - so it looks like there must be some sort of permission error somewhere in the system image, where this could be though we have no idea right now.
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
If your firestick runs Android 7 - then YouTube Vanced should work on there, it works on one of my smartphones that runs android 6 (which is by the way the second most popular android version, even after all these years!) - however it is still unlikely to work on the Timmkoo (I'm not 100% sure as I haven't tested it, just guessing). In theory, nearly anything that runs on Android 4.4.2 should technically run on your firestick (Android 7) - BUT much of what runs on your firestick will not run on the Timmkoo (4.4.2) - unless the app is designed to work on 4.4.2. Usually when you go to download APKs from sites online, they tell you which are the minimum and target android versions - if the minimum version is above 4.4.2, it won't work.

Cheers!
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
Hi Jayden,

Here is the APK I have, that works on Mod V5. Enjoy!!

Still working between porting ROMs and getting APK installations to work. Cheers!
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
It is, isn't it!
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
You mean the Mod V5 Firmware/ROM?
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
I noticed yesterday that it doesn't always work for every video, some videos need to be watched in Chrome. I was using it mainly for listening to music (it has music features too!) - and it worked for all of Tobu's videos, however, when I tried to play Itro - Home, and Boy From Home (Brynn Cartelli's new song!) it didn't play. I'm not sure if it is something to do with NewPipe not being able to play YouTube Music links - I haven't tested this though - but V3, V4 and V5 have YouTube Music installed too, if the worst comes to the worst! And of course there's HiByMusic for local music files (I have nearly 1.5k songs downloaded xD!) Also - V5 includes PHX (Phoenix) browser, which claims to have download options for videos on Facebook. Although V3-V5 include Facebook Lite, so I don't use Facebook in a browser because the app does the job, and it does Messenger too.
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
Hi Jayden,

I'll try get it zipped and uploaded as soon as I can. Do 7-zip (.7z) files work for you?

I'm sorry for taking a while. I'm so busy with university, I hope that's okay - a bit behind at the moment.

Also - Mod V6 Beta is on the way :D
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
@Jaydenstowe10 If you can wait a bit. I can give you Mod V6 Beta - I've got a tiny bit of work to do to refine it a little, BUT DUDE SOME MASSIVE BREAKTHROUGHS!! The Settings app has been replaced with a brand new modified one, that has so many more options!!
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
Too many, I'll try screenshot them :D
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
Check these out, Jayden! It also includes the Apps from Unknown Sources option - but I'm not sure if that's going to work or not.

Getting there! Trying to finish uni work for the day though.

Cheers =)
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
Timmkoo Q5/Q3E (untested) - Mod V6 Beta - UNOFFICIAL RELEASE!!

Jayden, this one is especially for you :D

Still got some work to do, but progress has been made!!

If you have any issues with it, let me know. Cheers!! =)
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
Oh, I'm not sure if it uploaded the first time, I'll give it another go here
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
Nope, still didn't work. I only realized it didn't go through the first time, just now. I've attached the files differently, there's two files - just paste these in the same directory and open the scatter file in SP Flash Tool. There's a readme attached too, with some IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE READ THEM FIRST!! :D
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
Nope, still not working. I'll try to upload it to a third party file sharing site but I don't have time to do that right now - APK installations still not working I'm afraid!
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
It has the option in settings - but the option doesn't seem to work, APK installations fail anyway. Not sure what is the problem with it, wish I could figure this out! I'm no Android pro though.. xD
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
I know, I have no idea why it's doing this! I thought it might be that the files are too large
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
INSTAGRAM LITE WORKS BABYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
It does! I'm just uploading the files to Mediafire so I can give you the link
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
@Jaydenstowe10 I've uploaded it to MediaFire, the full Mod V6 - Download all the files and make sure to PUT THEM IN THE SAME FOLDER!! Otherwise it won't work :D then open SP Flash Tool and open the Scatter file wherever you saved the files you downloaded. https://www.mediafire.com/folder/z04l9ggf8wuhb/Mod+V6+Beta

Enjoy!!
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
Note that this is an unofficial release - I'll do an official release when I have time. Also - I've sent you a private message, under Chat! - it explains something. Cheers dude!
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
You can, if you want - you need to edit the image file. I've used all the space though, so you would need to delete something - like ES File Explorer or something. I presume you know how to do that?
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
Dude this is totally unrelated but guessing from how you write your messages, I swear you must be within like 5 years of my age or something haha!

Anyway I'll try explain on monday if that's okay, a tiny bit caught up busy with stuff right now - but I'll teach you! It's easy when you get the hang of it. Are you using a Windows PC, if so, how fast is it about? How much RAM do you have (you can find this by typing "About PC" into the search box), and how much disk space do you have free?
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
Awesome! I've got to go right now, but basically everything you do is in this terminal and SP Flash Tool. Talk to you later, bye!! =)
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
@Munk.3 did mention something about that I think, I haven't looked into it though. I find the Ubuntu terminal quite easy but I can try it!
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
Yep, that message with the loading icon will show up after flashing the new ROM - because it's starting all the new apps you have. My other Timmkoo used to show that message every time I booted up (with Munk's ROM) - however, the one I'm using now only shows that after flashing a new ROM for the first time. I'm not sure if it's because of the devices just behaving differently, or because of something I have done with the new apps (that should stop them from being started automatically, to make your device faster).

What do you think of it so far?
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
I have no idea. I have no idea why they aren't working, so until we figure that out I'm not sure. I'll be spending most of today studying so I won't be able to work on this much - but I really don't know how long it will take. It depends on how complicated the problem is, how many people are working on it and how long each person can spend trying to figure it out I guess.

I hope we can figure it out soon though, would really like to see APK installations working on here!
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
I have exactly 1460 songs right now! I like a lot of music - never heard of Nico and Vinz - but you can never really be "wrong" for liking a certain type of music! You might like stuff that's different to what other people like but that doesn't make it "wrong". I have the most crazily diverse music library in the world, if people think that's "wrong" well, good for them! xD
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
Did it work okay though? And did it preserve all of your data? (It should have done)

Cheers!
[General Topics] AzureStriker14:
Is the MT6580_Android_scatter.txt file the same as the one used in the original firmware?
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
Yes, no change was made to that file. I just uploaded it because it needs to be placed in the same directory that you placed the system.img file that I uploaded.

Cheers! =)
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
It is! Check this out, and it has dark mode too =)
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
So do I! Bluetooth earbuds are great (I have two pairs myself) - but still, nothing really replaces the good old aux jack!

Most phones don't have them anymore these days, but mine does - what phone do you have?
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
I haven't tried using @Munk.3's tool - it probably is easier! Hey, you said you have the APK for the app that's similar to YouTube - can you try to add it to my system.img file (Mod V6 Beta) and see if it works?

If there's not enough space, you can always try to remove some of the APKs that I've added that you might not need - like ES File Manager (that's the biggest file) - or Neon Rider, or something.

If you try that, please let me know how it goes!
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
Ahh, the yellow Timmkoo?

With a custom ROM, the Timmkoo would be a great replacement for some lower-end phones (the only issue being the Timmkoo doesn't have a SIM slot) - I have a few phones but I got the Timmkoo to keep my music separate. I have many GBs of music and videos etc. - wanted to keep them separate from my phone.

I have the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge [Exynos] as my main phone, I also have some others - a Galaxy S6, a Soyes XS13 (a really really tiny phone, runs Android 6, like a much smaller Timmkoo) and some others. I had the Samsung Galaxy S21 once, but I kept the S7E instead - it's better in a lot of ways (bigger battery, better screen resolution, more advanced cooling system (uses water!), comes with an SD Card slot, and I get a headphone jack! there's quite a few other things too - like the S7E has a beautiful curved screen. Newer doesn't always mean better =)

May I ask what you had for your old phone? And do you know what Android version? It's a long shot, what I'm thinking... but... :D
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
Okay! See how it goes - and if it works, would you mind sharing some screenshots of how it looks? NewPipe is a bit buggy - i.e. some music videos don't play, etc. which can be a bit annoying sometimes.
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
I have absolutely no idea I'm afraid. Still trying to figure it out. I'll try to remove SettingsProvider.apk and maybe PackageInstaller.apk and replace them with ones from another Android 4.4.2 ROM (I have one from an LG phone that I can try).
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
ahhh. I remember, my first phone was an iPhone 5S :D
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
So quite new. My TV is a smart one but I don't think it runs Android. I mainly use it over HDMI anyway
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
How do you mean?
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
Maybe. If only I could figure out what exactly the restrictions are. It is definitely not in Settings.apk, because I've completely changed that, so I guess it must be in PackageInstaller.apk or SettingsProvider.apk.
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
Welcome to the Senior Members club, @Jaydenstowe10!!
[General Topics] AzureStriker14:
Which apps are safe to remove from your system.img? Also, is there a way to add apps without editing the system.img? I'm trying to add Devil May Cry: Peak of Combat, but it's too big.
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
I couldn't seem to find a version of SettingsProvider.apk or PackageInstaller.apk online, can you find any? I have them from the other Android 4.4.2 ROM I downloaded but I haven't tried it yet.
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
Hi @AzureStriker14!! There's not much space free at all, I maxed it out pretty much - I tried to make the most of all the space available. There's currently 1.4MB free as you can see - I think anything I've put in /vendor/operator/app can be removed. They are installed as User apps, not as System apps - so anything in that folder can be uninstalled from the Android interface too.
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
On to my TV?
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
Dude you're awesome! I think this is the same APK that I have in the other ROM that I have, because they're both made by LG - I can try replace that though, and flash it, see if it works. If it doesn't, then I guess it must be SettingsProvider.apk that's the problem.
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
That PackageInstaller.apk file doesn't work =( just says "Package Installer stopped"
[General Topics] AzureStriker14:
Two of the apps I tried to install (Spotify and X DiVE Cards) didn't appear. The rest of the apps (Reversi, ComicRack, Imgflip) all work. How do I fix this?
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
It's definitely not the Settings APK that needs replacing - A few days ago I had tried using the APKL from the link you sent me just now - it doesn't even open, that Settings app isn't designed for MediaTek chipsets I think, it's by Sony. The issue at the moment is definitely not to do with Settings.apk, the Settings app on the device is perfect - the issue has to be something else, I suspect either within SettingsProvider.apk or PackageInstaller.apk, but it could be anything really, I'm not sure. I'm not an Android professional or anything, so it takes a lot longer for me to figure stuff like this out! Also I have studying to do :D
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
Wait DOES IT WORK?
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
Okay!!
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
I'm trying, I really wish it could work! Have you made any progress on your end? I've got quite a bit of studying to do, will try to spend some more time on it later though =)
[General Topics] AzureStriker14:
I added some apps to the system.img, but they haven't appeared on the device. However, others did install correctly. Is there something I'm doing wrong with these apps? If not, is there a way to tell which apps will work and which ones won't?
[General Topics] 2010droidX:
How do you get the developer mode enabled?
[General Topics] Munk.3:
Q3 & Q5 both are of their respective modle. I just ignored the E because timmkoo is stupid.... also i was lazy and it was a mistake. But yearh, apparently some people can and rather use the Q5 software.

I use Q5 thus, its tested.

In term sof Q3 i rely on others who have Q3E to run test for me. but yeah...ask community.
[General Topics] Munk.3:
dev mode is useless but you can use the usb method. Also you can try to acess dev mode via the apex launcher widget called activities. (if you decided to use apex launcher).

With the activities widget you can acess more stuff. kind of like hidden settings.apk.

THough its pretty much nonthing their like, it goes beyond just editing settings and such. In order for this to be a working fully functional device we either:

A) port a rom somehow

or

B) Reverse all the timmkoo crap

I failed at A, and am somewhat contempt with B. But Im to busy now to be persistent with this device. i did learn alot though :)
[General Topics] Munk.3:
Nope i stated you have a 50/50 chance of getting apps installed. and sometimes installed apps wont run or disappear.

You may try to add it as an app in vendor/operator (but this requires some extra steps) or

you can just rename your apk to FMRadio.apk and replcae it in the vendor/operator folder. Then install

I installed a test of minecraft 0.14 and it runs very well!!

though if the world becomes too big you will notice lag (70.5MB world so yeah).

But overall the device is decent for how old the componets are and such.
[General Topics] AzureStriker14:
How do I add the app as a vendor/operator?
[General Topics] Munk.3:
for a person who just want a few apps. rename whatever apk you want to add to whatever is by default in their.

it will replace the app that came with timmkoo.

ex. you have game.apk rename to FMRadio.apk

replace the FMRadio.apk in the vendor/operator folder where other apk's are stored.

of course this isnt the best way. but its the shortest and least difficult path for people to do.

or if you want to get more technical:

Adding prebuilt APK to Android system.img (stock firmware from manufacturer)

Can someone help add a prebuilt APK to an Android system.img for me? I’ve obtained boot.img, system.img, etc. (the full firmware) from the manufacturer of the device. I’ve been trying for hours to ...

android.stackexchange.com

=====

you see system apps, priv-aps, and vendor/operator are all different. Think of vendor/operator as a place where your apps would normally get installed. well im bad at explaining with my words but you get the idea.
[General Topics] Munk.3:
to anyone else:

I believe NoahDomingues is doing well with keeping this active. please look at the system.img file he has shared. (might go back a couple pages). and be active.
[General Topics] AzureStriker14:
Thank you for your help. If I may, where did you learn the necessary skills for this?
[General Topics] Munk.3:
I mean i've always modded android through other peoples projects (you know installing custom roms etc). I just decided to buy this device to learn how to mod andorid more. So i started to mess with boot.img, and recovery.img and learning more abut it from personal research.
[General Topics] AzureStriker14:
Cool, thanks!
[General Topics] arian421:
Hey I have a question. Because my device works fine, but always the hibymusic app gets stuck when I enter memory, artists, albums, etc. It irritates me terribly
[General Topics] Munk.3:
doesnt happen to me. its possible though to have to much music. but if thats not the case, then get a new music app, and add it using the method desribed on my thread. (their are much better players out their, especially for timmkoo.) I dont have a recomendation for you, but their are many.

so yeah :)
[General Topics] AzureStriker14:
I would recommend switching to Pulsar. @NoahDomingues has Pulsar+ in his Mod V6, but it crashes if you press and hold on anything. I have a copy of the free version that works fine if you want.
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
I have just shy of 1500 songs and I don't have any problem. Sometimes it gets stuck when you pause a song, it refuses to play and you have to restart it - but that's quite occasional.
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
I tried flashing a newer version of HiByMusic as part of the custom ROM but anything newer than the original version crashes and refuses to run.
[General Topics] NoahDomingues:
Pretty much the same with me too. I study Computing/Information Technology as one half of my degree so I do a lot with modding stuff etc. done it since a pretty young age! :D
[General Topics] AzureStriker14:
I have over 3000 songs and I used to have that problem. A factory reset fixed it for me.