Hi,
I recently started getting into Android and all that comes by it, so in case I'm dead-wrong about something, please excuse me and let me know.
I'd like to ask, since I plan on buying the LG G3, and as far as I'm concerned it, as of now, does not have an unlocked bootloader,
What's the level of customization that could be achieved with root only? And what does an unlocked bootloader allows you to do, besides flashing a custom ROM.
A reference to any guide of such would be awesome.
Thanks!
An unlocked bootloader essentially means we can't flash recovery and thus can't install custom ROM's and kernels as of now. Which in terms of "level of customization" means that we can't flash ROMs based on AOSP builds like CM or PA etc.
So for now we're stuck with the stock LG ROM. But having said that, we have root and then Xposed framework. So we can then pretty much customize everything on the stock ROM. Using G3 Tweaksbox Xposed module you can theme about most of the SystemUI elements. That include statusbar icons, color, navigation bar icons and colors, Phone app, Messaging app, Settings, etc. There are tons of Xposed Modules out there to do pretty much almost anything you'll get on a custom ROM by default.
With the Tasker app you can automate almost every action, with Greenify you can hibernate automatically most apps that you run in the background & if you give it root access it can pretty much greenify useless System apps as well.
In short, while you can't *completely* customize everything and completely get rid of some of the crap that OEMs put in, with Xposed Framework & modules and with some really nifty build.prop tricks you can get pretty close to being satisfied with the customizability of your phone.
If you're new to Android though and have never tried custom ROMs you'll be amazed at the sort of stuff that even just root access can do and once we get the bootloader unlock, you'll get even more blown away with flashing new ROMs and checking them out.
Google a bit for something like "Best Root apps for Android" and you'll find that most well known Android blogs have listed the majorly used apps and what you can do with it. You'll get a pretty good idea
if4ct0r said:
An unlocked bootloader essentially means we can't flash recovery and thus can't install custom ROM's and kernels as of now. Which in terms of "level of customization" means that we can't flash ROMs based on AOSP builds like CM or PA etc.
So for now we're stuck with the stock LG ROM. But having said that, we have root and then Xposed framework. So we can then pretty much customize everything on the stock ROM. Using G3 Tweaksbox Xposed module you can theme about most of the SystemUI elements. That include statusbar icons, color, navigation bar icons and colors, Phone app, Messaging app, Settings, etc. There are tons of Xposed Modules out there to do pretty much almost anything you'll get on a custom ROM by default.
With the Tasker app you can automate almost every action, with Greenify you can hibernate automatically most apps that you run in the background & if you give it root access it can pretty much greenify useless System apps as well.
In short, while you can't *completely* customize everything and completely get rid of some of the crap that OEMs put in, with Xposed Framework & modules and with some really nifty build.prop tricks you can get pretty close to being satisfied with the customizability of your phone.
If you're new to Android though and have never tried custom ROMs you'll be amazed at the sort of stuff that even just root access can do and once we get the bootloader unlock, you'll get even more blown away with flashing new ROMs and checking them out.
Google a bit for something like "Best Root apps for Android" and you'll find that most well known Android blogs have listed the majorly used apps and what you can do with it. You'll get a pretty good idea
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the info!
Another question, what is exactly the xposed framework?
Ruttix said:
Thanks for the info!
Another question, what is exactly the xposed framework?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Taken from the Xposed website, I believe this explains it pretty nicely
Xposed is a framework for modules that can change the behavior of the system and apps without touching any APKs. That's great because it means that modules can work for different versions and even ROMs without any changes (as long as the original code was not changed too much). It's also easy to undo. As all changes are done in the memory, you just need to deactivate the module and reboot to get your original system back. There are many other advantages, but here is just one more: Multiple modules can do changes to the same part of the system or app. With modified APKs, you to decide for one. No way to combine them, unless the author builds multiple APKs with different combinations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To clarify a bit more, you first root your phone, install Xposed Installer, install the Xposed framework from the Xposed installer and then download & install xposed modules. 'Modules' are essentially just like apps that you install and then enable from the Xposed Installer app. These modules hook into the Xposed framework and can do stuff like root apps can - UI modifications, extending capabilities of default apps like Phone, Messaging, etc.
http://repo.xposed.info/module/de.robv.android.xposed.installer
You can find the Xposed XDA subforum here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed
Ruttix said:
Thanks for the info!
Another question, what is exactly the xposed framework?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
xposed is an app that exposes the core of your operating system (it exposes them to modules made for xposed) to allow modifications that you normally can't do without custom roms.
if4ct0r said:
Taken from the Xposed website, I believe this explains it pretty nicely
To clarify a bit more, you first root your phone, install Xposed Installer, install the Xposed framework from the Xposed installer and then download & install xposed modules. 'Modules' are essentially just like apps that you install and then enable from the Xposed Installer app. These modules hook into the Xposed framework and can do stuff like root apps can - UI modifications, extending capabilities of default apps like Phone, Messaging, etc.
http://repo.xposed.info/module/de.robv.android.xposed.installer
You can find the Xposed XDA subforum here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed
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Click to collapse
Thanks so much for the extra information. It does, however, leads me to a follow up question.
There's a tool posted here on the forum, called TweakBox, I think. My question is, are the customizations available there a derivative from the xposed framework?
Ruttix said:
Thanks so much for the extra information. It does, however, leads me to a follow up question.
There's a tool posted here on the forum, called TweakBox, I think. My question is, are the customizations available there a derivative from the xposed framework?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. The G3 Tweaksbox is an Xposed Module like I mentioned. You can install the app from the play store or get the apk from the thread and install it manually. You'll need to have Xposed Framework installed before that though.
if4ct0r said:
Yes. The G3 Tweaksbox is an Xposed Module like I mentioned. You can install the app from the play store or get the apk from the thread and install it manually. You'll need to have Xposed Framework installed before that though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One thing I can't seem to figure out here, those modules, do they come with the framework, or does it supplement tools for developing them?
Ruttix said:
One thing I can't seem to figure out here, those modules, do they come with the framework, or does it supplement tools for developing them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The modules can be obtained independently from XDA threads or from the playstore. These are essentially Android apps which use the Xposed modules APIs to achieve there purpose.
Think of the Xposed Framework as a layer that allows apps(referred as modules) to do stuff by exposing some methods that they can use. (I'm trying my best to explain here without being too technical)
What you need to do is to install the Xposed Installer app, open the app and install the xposed framework from it. That will deploy the framework on the OS. You can then install the modules either by finding them on XDA or again by opening the Xposed installer app and going into the downloads section (you can access a whole repository of modules from thr Xposed installer itself. That being said, it's not the only place to find these modules.)
Once you download the modules and install them like you would any APK, you'll need to enable the module(again from the Xposed Installer app) and reboot your phone. The module would now be active and can be used like any Android app.
The best way to learn is to experiment. ☺ Xposed is quite safe and will not brick your device unless you do something really stupid.
if4ct0r said:
The modules can be obtained independently from XDA threads or from the playstore. These are essentially Android apps which use the Xposed modules APIs to achieve there purpose.
Think of the Xposed Framework as a layer that allows apps(referred as modules) to do stuff by exposing some methods that they can use. (I'm trying my best to explain here without being too technical)
What you need to do is to install the Xposed Installer app, open the app and install the xposed framework from it. That will deploy the framework on the OS. You can then install the modules either by finding them on XDA or again by opening the Xposed installer app and going into the downloads section (you can access a whole repository of modules from thr Xposed installer itself. That being said, it's not the only place to find these modules.)
Once you download the modules and install them like you would any APK, you'll need to enable the module(again from the Xposed Installer app) and reboot your phone. The module would now be active and can be used like any Android app.
The best way to learn is to experiment. ☺ Xposed is quite safe and will not brick your device unless you do something really stupid.
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Click to collapse
I actually do have some experience with linux and some with programming.. So basically the framework allows you to use APIs you otherwise wouldn't be able to use?
Ruttix said:
I actually do have some experience with linux and some with programming.. So basically the framework allows you to use APIs you otherwise wouldn't be able to use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You meaning the module developer. Yes. Check out the Xposed XDA subforum, there used to be a module developer guide in there somewhere.
Say, is this framework for all android devices?
Or are these modules specific for each device?
The Xposed framework is generic. AFAIK it works on all rooted android phones.
I'm using a rooted HTC Desire 816, the UK version, unlocked. With the bootloader unlocked, CWM recovery installed and rooted but not using a custom ROM or kernel (just the stock HTC ones that came on the phone).
I'm wanting to change the navigation buttons but having some trouble. I've tried a number of different methods including using SoftKeyz, which seems like the easily method without using xposed modules. However, the icons don't change once I've applied the theme I want to use and have done a soft reboot.
Does anyone have any other methods for changing the navigation buttons? Or have any idea of why I can't change using SoftKeyz?
Cheers guys!
Xstana works well. it also has a paid version which I haven't tried
your device seems to be ready for xposed. you don't need a custom Rom and you shouldn't have any problem installing Xposedinstaller and modules like Xstana or Sense6 Toolbox which IMHO is a must have
Xstana works well. it also has a paid version which I haven't tried
your device seems to be ready for xposed. you don't need a custom Rom and you shouldn't have any problem installing Xposedinstaller and modules like Xstana or Sense6 Toolbox which IMHO is a must have
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Thanks for the reply!
I did try Xposedinstaller as well, but this also didn't seem to work. Do I need to have S-Off in order for xposed modules to take effect? I'll give Sense6 toolbox a try though.
Thanks again.
Xposedinstaller provides the basis for all Xposed modules like Sense6 toolbox and Xstana to work. it doesn't change your phone by itself.
first you should install Xposedinstaller. here is how; most probably, you won't need to do all the steps, just follow from step 5. then download other modules like Xstana and activate them in "modules" section inside Xposedinstaller. it's easier than it sounds.
most changes in modules need a reboot to take effect.
Hi friends
are you bored of your Stock rom UI ..?
So here's a new themes and mods where you can easily customize your Stock rom with some nice xposed modules
I Know its not new i mean its already there but i just want to make you feel good in using it for who doesnt have a idea about this
Lets start
Before installing it make sure to backup your current data and everything with a recovery. It is recommended because some modules gonna overrides system defaults so incase if you want to revert back to stock experiance for that u must backup your rom/ if not also not a problem u can flash stock firmware and can get back your stock experiance
1. Download and install xposed installer
here is the video how to install it
2. Now its time for to download modules , open xposed installer there u will see a list of profiles containing framework,modules,download,settings etc.. you just need to hit download and search for modules there
3. Some of the recommended modules for customization
--->Android theme engine (to theme your status and navigation bars icons,colors etc..,)
--->AppOpsXposed (to manage permissions for apps installed in your phone like restricting apps to use your contacts,location,sd card access etc...,)
--->Gem Xperia Xposed (to theme your xperia launcher, system ui )
---> Gravity box
--->Serajir Xperia Xposed
--->Xblast tools
--->Xstana (to change your status and navigation bar icons)
--->Youtube Adway (to block ads in youtube while streaming)
and to theme your launcher follow this guide
Sorry for not detailing about how to use mods but not a problem u can find easily videos on youtube
and its just a little brain work if you know how to use one mod and you can easily know how to use the other mods
IF you have any doubts pls feel free to post you comments
So, purpose for this thread is to notify the users which mods are conflicting and causing problems for HTC 10. I hereby will share my scenario and others please also share what u guys observe.
I am using ICE stable 1.1.3 Rom, s-off, xposed framework version 85.
So the problems I faced with conflicting mods are:
1. Sudden reboots.
2. After rebooting, no ringtone during calls.
Working mods are:
1. Android N-ify v0.2.0
2. Gravitybox v6.1.3
3. Greenify (donation) v2.8.1
4. Native clipboard v4.6.4
5. OGxposed v1.0
6. Play store changelog v1.2.2
7. Xinstaller v5.0
8. Xnotifications
9. Direct APK install
10. Youtube adblock
11. Youtube background playback
Conflicting mods for me:
1. Sense toolbox v2.2.4
2. Amplify v3.3.4
P.S. these mods were conflicting for me probably because I was using Gravitybox which I didn't want to remove. With any other combination or using them single, u may not face any problem. So if u guys find any variation in behavior or whatever may be, please post and I will update my list accordingly. Thanks.
Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk
How do I even get xposed Installed just confused on which zip to flash for the framework I'm on Lee droid. Thx.
Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk
dandan2980 said:
How do I even get xposed Installed just confused on which zip to flash for the framework I'm on Lee droid. Thx.
Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
xposed-v85.5-sdk23-arm64-systemless is the latest systemless version. you want the arm64 versions for the HTC 10. then you install the xposed installer
afuller42 said:
xposed-v85.5-sdk23-arm64-systemless is the latest systemless version. you want the arm64 versions for the HTC 10. then you install the xposed installer
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Click to collapse
Thanks so flash the zip then install the apk? Also I didn't see anything about systemless but I will search for that thanks
Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk
dandan2980 said:
Thanks so flash the zip then install the apk? Also I didn't see anything about systemless but I will search for that thanks
Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/unofficial-systemless-xposed-t3388268
you don't need to use systemless, but its the one I went for since it don't break OTA or Android pay cause it can be disabled in the new app
nipun1110 said:
So, purpose for this thread is to notify the users which mods are conflicting and causing problems for HTC 10. I hereby will share my scenario and others please also share what u guys observe.
I am using ICE stable 1.1.3 Rom, s-off, xposed framework version 85.
So the problems I faced with conflicting mods are:
1. Sudden reboots.
2. After rebooting, no ringtone during calls.
My currently working mods are:
1. Android N-ify v0.2.0
2. Gravitybox v6.1.3
3. Greenify (donation) v2.8.1
4. Native clipboard v4.6.4
5. OGxposed v1.0
6. Play store changelog v1.2.2
7. Xinstaller v5.0
Conflicting mods for me:
1. Sense toolbox v2.2.4
2. Amplify v3.3.4
P.S. these mods were conflicting for me with all the other mods I used. With any other combination or using them single, u may not face any problem. So if u guys find any variation in behavior or whatever may be, please post and I will update my list accordingly. Thanks.
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Click to collapse
Sense Toolbox is probably conflicting with Gravitybox because they both make changes in the system. I am using Sense Toolbox for the Center Clock, to add Blinkfeed shortcut so I can run Nova Prime as my main launcher then tap that to switch to Sense. I am also running N-ify, Greenify, XNotifications, and Amplify. Oh, also APK direct install (so I don't have to toggle it in Settings/security) as well as YouTube ad block and YouTube Background Playback...no issues here at all. Everything is set up systemless. There was one module that made Sense Toolbox lose center clock so I disabled it...but I can't remember which it was. I know that it wasn't Gravitybox though...I hadn't gotten around to trying that one yet. My guess is that Gravitybox is messing with Sense Toolbox and Amplify for you but that's a guess
JohnCorleone said:
Sense Toolbox is probably conflicting with Gravitybox because they both make changes in the system. I am using Sense Toolbox for the Center Clock, to add Blinkfeed shortcut so I can run Nova Prime as my main launcher then tap that to switch to Sense. I am also running N-ify, Greenify, XNotifications, and Amplify. Oh, also APK direct install (so I don't have to toggle it in Settings/security) as well as YouTube ad block and YouTube Background Playback...no issues here at all. Everything is set up systemless. There was one module that made Sense Toolbox lose center clock so I disabled it...but I can't remember which it was. I know that it wasn't Gravitybox though...I hadn't gotten around to trying that one yet. My guess is that Gravitybox is messing with Sense Toolbox and Amplify for you but that's a guess
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Yes that's right. But I thought gravitybox was a must for everyone as it's kinda all-in-one mod. But here u r just doing fine without it. I will update my thread accordingly. Thanks for yr input.
Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk
nipun1110 said:
Yes that's right. But I thought gravitybox was a must for everyone as it's kinda all-in-one mod. But here u r just doing fine without it. I will update my thread accordingly. Thanks for yr input.
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Click to collapse
No problem....however, if Gravitybox has things like center clock, you can use other modules to block notifications and icons in the status bar. Sometimes if I add one thing too many, it goes back to default so it's more of a "mostly works" I wasn't able to use Gravitybox on my M9 (as far as I know) but yeah, it's best to experiment and get other people to comment like you are. Pretty soon I will be on ViperROM though...that's the sickest custom ROM I have ever used. You can leave it Sense based or "De-Sense" it and the amount of customization it has is unmatched. I have used it on 5 different HTC models and it's incredible!
For those who are going to stay stock rooted with Xposed, you have lots to choose from and my battery has been incredible so no bad side effects from using it