android | Chris Titus Tech

RisingOS 2.0 - Android Custom ROM

Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT

RisingOS 2.0 introduces a plethora of enhancements and features, setting it apart from standard Android experiences.

Installation

Installation files are hosted on Sourceforge @ https://sourceforge.net/projects/risingos-for-bluejay/files/

Note: This is for Pixel6a devices only.

OTA Install

Source: https://sourceforge.net/projects/risingos-for-bluejay/files/Android_14/OTA/

XDA Developers: https://xdaforums.com/t/rom-a14-official-risingos-2-0-gapps-bluejay-02-17-2024.4581557/

Download the ROM (ZIP File), BOOT, DTBO, and VENDOR_BOOT from Sourceforge.
Install ADB and Fastboot from adb package using choco install adb in Windows or local package manager in Linux.
Reboot to bootloader
- Note: if getting "Waiting for Device...", install google USB Drivers from https://dl.google.com/android/repository/usb_driver_r13-windows.zip for Windows.
Flashing Commands: Prepare your device for flashing by entering the following commands:
- fastboot flash boot boot.img
- fastboot flash dtbo dtbo.img
- fastboot flash vendor_boot vendor_boot.img
- fastboot reboot recovery
Factory Reset: Once in recovery mode, navigate to Factory reset -> Format data/factory reset and confirm to format the device.
Apply Update: After formatting, return to the main menu and select Apply update -> Apply from ADB.
Sideload ROM: Execute adb sideload rom.zip (replace "rom" with the actual filename of the ROM).
Optional Reboot to Recovery: Optionally, reboot to recovery fully if you need to sideload any add-ons like Magisk.
System Reboot: Finally, reboot your device to the system.

Features

Here's a concise overview of what's new and improved:

Core Improvements

Framework Enhancements: RisingOS 2.0 is rebased on the crDroid Android Project, incorporating AOSP QPR2 Framework fixes and improvements, such as Adaptive Charging and a reworked Boost Framework for better performance.
Audio and Visual Upgrades: Introduces Adaptive Sound Engine for audio effects, new wallpapers, and a revamped user interface in Recovery and Settings, including Material Design themes.
Security and Accessibility: Enhanced face unlock features and added accidental phone wakeup prevention in Pocket Mode.

Customization and Usability

UI Customizations: New LockScreen Clock Styles, including an iOS widget, and the introduction of RisingUI with updated volume panel and boot animation.
Launcher and Widgets: Ortus Launcher with improved support for icon packs and freeform tasks, alongside new LockScreen Widgets for media playback.
System Enhancements: Improved memory management, ported Pixel features for a richer experience, and new Settings Styles for a personalized touch.

Unique Features

Shake Gestures: A novel feature to perform actions like taking screenshots by shaking the device.
QS Header Image: Dynamic color changes for icons and text when QS Header Image is enabled.
Deprecated Features: Certain features like Columbus/Elmyra and Nothing Launcher have been removed due to deprecated dependencies.

Acknowledgments

RisingOS 2.0 incorporates features from various contributors across the Android community, including LineageOS, Pixel Experience, and individual developers. The RisingOS team extends gratitude to all contributors for their invaluable efforts.

This release not only enhances the user experience with new features and improvements but also pays homage to the collaborative spirit of the Android development community.

Walkthrough Video

Universal Android Debloat - Double Your Battery Life

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT

The Universal Android Debloater (UADNG) is a cross-platform tool that removes unwanted bloatware from non-rooted Android devices. This powerful tool can double your battery life by removing background processes and unnecessary apps that drain your phone. Most Android devices should last 3-4 days on a single charge, and UADNG helps you achieve this without requiring root access.

Why Debloat Your Android?

Extended Battery Life: Remove bloatware to achieve 3-4 days of battery life instead of the typical 24-48 hours
Enhanced Privacy: Fewer apps running in the background means less data collection and tracking
Improved Performance: Reduced system load leads to a faster, more responsive device
No Root Required: Works on any Android device without voiding your warranty

Key Features

Cross-Platform: Written in Rust, runs smoothly on Windows, Mac, and Linux
Safe Debloating: Recommended presets prevent accidentally breaking your device
Reversible Changes: Easily reinstall apps from the Play Store if needed
ADB-Based: Uses Android Debug Bridge for secure, official communication with your device

Prerequisites

Before starting, you'll need:

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) installed on your computer
USB cable to connect your device
15-20 minutes for the complete process

Installation

Installing ADB

Windows:

Download Android Platform Tools
Extract to a folder (e.g., C:\platform-tools)
Alternative: Install via Chocolatey: choco install adb

Linux (Arch):

sudo pacman -S android-tools

Linux (Ubuntu/Debian):

sudo apt-get install adb

macOS:

brew install android-platform-tools

Downloading UADNG

Visit the UADNG GitHub Releases page
Click Assets under the latest release
Download the version for your operating system
Extract the files to a convenient location

Setting Up Your Android Device

Enable Developer Options

Open Settings on your phone
Scroll to About phone
Tap Build number 7-8 times until you see "You are now a developer!"

Enable USB Debugging

Open Settings
Search for "Developer options" or find it under System
Enable USB debugging
Connect your phone via USB
Accept the debugging authorization prompt on your phone

Verify ADB Connection

Open your terminal/command prompt and run:

adb devices

You should see your device listed. If it shows "unauthorized," check your phone for the authorization prompt and select "Always allow from this computer."

Using Universal Android Debloater

Launch the Tool

Navigate to where you extracted UADNG
Run the executable for your OS:
- Windows: uad-ng.exe
- Mac: uad-ng
- Linux: ./uad-ng

Debloating Process

Select Recommended Tab: This is the safest option and prevents breaking your device
Review the App List: Scroll through and uncheck any apps you want to keep:
- Google Photos
- Android Messages
- Google Maps
- Chrome browser
- YouTube
- Google Wallet (if you use contactless payments)
Export Selection (Optional): Click "Export current selection" to save your choices
Uninstall Selected: Click the button to remove the selected apps

Example Result: Removing 37 bloatware apps from a Google Pixel 6A increased battery life from 24-48 hours to 3-4 days.

Important Notes

For Google Pixel Users

You MUST install a custom launcher before debloating. The process can break Google's default launcher. Recommended options:

Niagara Launcher (minimal, simple interface)
Nova Launcher
Lawnchair

Critical Warnings

⚠️ NEVER use the "All" selection: This will uninstall critical system components and brick your device

⚠️ Avoid "Unsafe" or "Advanced" tabs: These contain essential system apps like your network stack

⚠️ Stick to "Recommended" settings: This preset has been tested and is safe for all devices

Restoring Accidentally Removed Apps

If you accidentally remove an app:

Open the Google Play Store
Search for the app (e.g., YouTube, Wallet)
Tap Install
The app will be restored immediately

Post-Debloat Options

Disable USB Debugging (Optional)

If you won't be using ADB regularly:

Go to Settings > Developer options
Toggle off USB debugging

Keep USB Debugging Enabled If

You use screen mirroring tools (scrcpy, Vysor)
You frequently manage apps via ADB
You want easy access for future debloating sessions

Battery Life Results

Before Debloating:

Typical usage: 24-48 hours per charge
Heavy background processes
Constant app updates and syncing

After Debloating:

Typical usage: 3-4 days per charge
Minimal background processes
Only essential apps running
Battery life approximately doubled

Tips for Best Results

Create a Backup: Export your app selection before uninstalling
Start Conservative: Use only the Recommended tab on your first attempt
Test Functionality: After debloating, ensure all features you need still work
Reinstall as Needed: Don't worry about mistakes—apps are easily restored
Update UADNG: Check for new releases periodically for updated app lists

Troubleshooting

Device not detected:

Ensure USB debugging is enabled
Try a different USB cable or port
Run adb devices to verify connection

Launcher broken (Pixel devices):

Install a custom launcher before debloating
Or reinstall Google Launcher from Play Store

App you need was removed:

Simply reinstall from the Play Store
All removed apps can be restored

Conclusion

Universal Android Debloater is an essential tool for anyone wanting to reclaim their Android device's battery life and privacy. By removing unnecessary bloatware, you can achieve 3-4 days of battery life without rooting your device or making permanent changes. The process is safe, reversible, and takes less than 15 minutes.

For more information and downloads, visit the Universal Android Debloater Next Generation GitHub page.

Walkthrough Video

Making the Perfect Phone

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT

I've been using a dumbphone for the past month and I see now all the things I've been missing in Life. However, dumb phones are far from perfect and there are many things that can be fixed to make the perfect phone.

The Overview

The problem with many "smartphones" of today is they do too much! Having the world of possibilities in your pocket can not only be distracting but can actively sabotage your life. The notifications or you actively avoid real life situations, because you use your phone as a crutch.

This is why you see the rise of the "dumbphone", but these devices are far from perfect. I've used one for the past month and the amount of productivity I've gained is astonishing. However, it is not without it's problems.

My dumbphone issues:

Mobile orders (I had a buffalo wild wings want to see my order # on my phone before they would give me my to-go order.)
Navigation (Go old school with printed maps or simply have a GPS in your car)
Uber / Lyft (These apps are life savers when visiting somewhere and you need to be picked up)
Group Messaging (Depending the phone you picked, you may lose this ability. Mine couldn't do group messages or gifs)
Workout Apps
Camera and Photos
Music Player (YT Music / Spotify)

Even with losing ALL of this... I still preferred the dumbphone experience because of how much it improved my life. It rewired my brain to really focus on the things that the smartphone does well and if I modified it to only do those things... It would be the PERFECT PHONE!

So what ARE the problems with smartphones?

Web Browsing (Having this seems like a pro, but often we rely on this to look up everything and its more of a con in my experience)
Social Media (Time wasters... need I say more?)
Social Crutch (Elevators, Waiting Rooms, and many more... The addiction is REAL!)
Low Battery Life ( 1-2 days... but this is from bloat and constantly picking it up.)
YouTube / YouTube Studio (This is mainly for me, but these apps cost me so much time.)
Email (Checking email through your phone is a massive productivity loss and frankly unprofessional)

This isn't that bad as you really are only giving up two things... Being bored and productivity. Right?

To Simplify why those things are so important:

Being Bored = Creativity Fuel
Productivity = Realizing your potential

The Solution

Make the Smartphone only do the things that HELP YOU! Debloating your phone will extend your battery life and keep you from launching into the time wasting apps. The easiest way of doing this is with a fantastic project called Universal Android Debloater.

This makes it extremely easy to debloat your entire device in a single click.

Pre-Requisites

You will need the following installed on your computer:

ADB tools (XDA Developers has a fantastic article going over this: ADB Tool Installation Guide
Developer Mode (Simply click 7-times on the about in your phone to enable developer mode)

ADB Tool Install Cheatsheet

Debian Linux

sudo apt install android-sdk-platform-tools

Windows

Download ADB Platform Tools
Extract Tools to C:\Windows (This allows you to run adb.exe and fastboot.exe from anywhere)
Install drivers for your phone - Install Android Device Drivers

MacOS

brew install android-platform-tools

Install Universal Android Debloater

From your command line interface (terminal, powershell, etc.) type adb devices

Verify your phone is seen

Now download the release from their GitHub https://github.com/Universal-Debloater-Alliance/universal-android-debloater-next-generation/releases

Then launch the program

Usage

As a minimalist I recommend starting with removing ALL the recommended packages. Simply select all with the following recommended settings at the top.

Then add back in any google related packages you might use while keeping your phone slimmed down. I only kept these 4 packages from the recommended settings after I finished.

Since I was using a Pixel 4a for my main device I also needed to change the default launcher to a more minimal one. Pixel launcher is problematic because of all the dependencies it has. I highly recommend Niagara launcher.

The Final Product

After the debloat and changing my launcher, this is what my phone looks like now.

Walkthrough Video

Life without a Smart Phone

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT

I recently switched to a Dumb Phone from the smart phone and many asked why? This is my breakdown of the entire experience and recommendations. This certainly won't be for everyone, but for those that attempt it, I can promise that it will be extremely rewarding for those that have the willpower to do it.

View post by @christitustech on X

Why use a dumb phone?

Here are the benefits for using a dumb phone that I have found:

More Productivity
Mindfulness
- Less Anxiety
- More at rest
- No longer overwhelmed

There is probably more, but these are the two massive things that has changed my life for the better. I can boil down these benefits to the fact I can't check my email, look up a restaurant, google some fact, browse social media, and many other apps dinging or grabbing my attention. The greatest strength of the smart phone is it can do ANYTHING, but that can lead to massive decision fatigue and it personally made me FAR less productive.

My Journey and Downsides

I had no intention of using a dumb phone, but then after researching some privacy, and security phones I bought one that looked cool. Little did I know, the Punkt MP02 really was a dumb phone with an app for Signal, so it could be marketed as a "Security Phone".

My first reaction was, "This phone SUCKS!", but I needed to make a video about it, so I continued. Initially I was in shock without my smart phone:

No News when on the toilet
Email on the go
Music while working out or walking
Workout Apps
Food Apps
Social Media: Twitter to kill time, or YouTube studio to check comments, etc.

Within an hour or two I was bored during tasks my smart phone would fill in. Having said that, I really didn't even use my smart phone much. My digital wellbeing app clocked in at an average of 30 minute of usage a day. While many people are using their phones 3+ hours per day. The average in the world being 3 hours 15 minutes screen time per day and Americans spending 4 hours 16 minutes on mobile devices per day!

After I became bored and didn't fill in every second, something magical happened. I actually had a cloud lift from me, and I started doing all the tasks I'd been putting off. I did more in that one day then I had in the PAST WEEK!

Recommendations and Cheating

There are some recommendations and "cheating" I do when it comes to quality of life. But before I get in to that, I have to say, "You do not NEED your smartphone". All these things are simply conveniences and if push came to shove, I'd rather lose these things than have them because of the benefits of a dumb phone.

Navigation

This is a big one, but on my dumb phone there is WiFi tethering. My workaround is simply to use an all-in-one android car deck I installed last year that utilizes the WiFi.

Uber, Food, Music, Workout and Bank Apps

Most of these are covered by using a computer and a webpage, however for those that do require a physical phone I can either use my old smartphone or get away with a android image off of https://www.osboxes.org/android-x86/ and load it up in Virtualbox or VMWare. Here is a walkthrough video I did on that:

Group Messages

This is one of the downsides, because most dumbphones can't do MMS or groups messages. The Punkt MP02 doesn't do group messages but can receive them independently and GIFs come in, but emoji's do not. Depending on the phone, these things may or may NOT work. One workaround is to use Google Fi for your carrier and then https://messages.google.com

Camera and Photos

Use an actual camera and then upload them your storage. Like we did back in the day!

Will I Go Back?

I sincerely doubt it. If anything I might get a bit better dumb phone with a bit more options like music or even a good camera if that ever became an option. However, my well being is first and foremost and after I STOPPED lying to myself that I needed a smart phone. I haven't felt this good in a very LONG time.

There is also a lot of folks that simply addicted and can't quit their smartphone. Even though my usage was 30 minutes a day with minimal usage, I was addicted. They are designed that way. I was lying to myself when I said I'll just delete my social media apps or this or that. In the end, when boredom hit, I always would pick up my phone because there was always SOMETHING it could do to fill the time.

In the end, most of the population simply can't quit it and will remain addicted and working with it as a severe handicap on their life. This gives me the ultimate edge to get ahead and produce more content than a person with a smart phone.

Walkthrough Video

Fix Ticwatch Lag

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 14:49:33 GMT

Lets fix the lag on the TicWatch. There is tons of bloat that needs to be removed to get a responsive interface.

Requirements

Install ADB Tools
- Windows - https://dl.google.com/android/repository/platform-tools-latest-windows.zip or choco install adb Chocolatey Users Only
- Linux - https://dl.google.com/android/repository/platform-tools-latest-linux.zip or sudo apt install adb Debian or yay -S adb Arch
- MacOS - https://dl.google.com/android/repository/platform-tools-latest-darwin.zip
Enable Developer Tools on TicWatch
- Under settings - Click About
- Click the Build number 7 times to enable developer tools
Enable Wi-fi Debugging in Developer Tools
- Under settings - Click Developer Tools
  - Enable ADB Debugging
  - Enable ADB Debugging Wi-fi

Note: Ensure both the Watch and Computer are on the same Wifi network

Removing TicWatch Bloat

This removes all the mobvoi crap that is junking up your watch.

Connect to your watch
- adb connect IP_ADDRESS:5555
Check Devices
- adb devices
- Verify you see your watch!
Run the following commands to remove all the bloat:

adb shell
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.mobvoi.wear.account.aw
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.mobvoi.companion.aw
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.mobvoi.ticwatch.cmodel.c2.male
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.mobvoi.wear.appsservice
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.mobvoi.wear.fitness.aw
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.mobvoi.wear.health.aw
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.mobvoi.wear.privacy.aw
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.mobvoi.wear.system.aw
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.mobvoi.wear.watchface.aw

Screenshot

Using Google Fit and other WearOS Apps

Now with all the garbage gone you can use all the other apps that are well maintained and optimized. You will notice that your watch is no longer lagging and it runs just like any other good wearable.

How to Speed Up Your Amazon Fire Tablet

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 17:37:54 GMT

This Guide goes over over debloating amazon fire tablets and getting Google Store and regular tablet functionality out of them.

Tools and Sources Used

Debloat Amazon Fire (XDA Developers): Amazon Fire Toolbox
Screenshare Any Android Device (GitHub Project): scrcpy
- YouTube Video Link for scrcpy: https://youtu.be/VMQfH2Qkuss

Prerequisites

No Root Required
Developer Mode Unlocked
USB Debugging Enabled in Developer Tools
Compatibility:

Amazon Fire 8/8+ (2020)
Amazon Fire 10 (2019)
Amazon Fire 7 (2019)
Amazon Fire 8 (2018)
Amazon Fire 10 (2017)
Amazon Fire 8 (2017)
Amazon Fire 7 (2017)
Amazon Fire HD8 (2016)
Amazon Fire HD10 (2015)
Amazon Fire HD8 (2015)
Amazon Fire HD7 (2015)
Amazon Fire HD7 (2014)
Amazon Fire HD6 (2014)

Enabling Developer Mode

Settings > Device Options > About Fire Tablet and tap on the Serial Number until you unlock Developer Options
Settings > Device Options > Developer Tools and enable USB Debugging

After doing this plug your tablet in to your computer and tap authorize device. If you don't see authorization prompt, change USB mode to file transfer or it may already be authorized from a past attempt. Check the Toolbox app in the next step to verify.

Amazon Fire Toolbox Usage

Main Menu

Options you need

Manage Everything Amazon
- Disable all amazon apps
Custom Launcher
- Change to Nova Launcher from Amazon
Google Services (Manage)
- Install Google Play and Google Sign-In

Optional Features on Main Menu

ADB Shell
- Command Line for ADB
Hybrid Apps
- Installing Netflix or Disney- Not needed when using Google Store
Lockscreen Wallpaper
- Doesn't remove ads - Done with another package
Density Modifier
- Changes DPI
Google Assistant
- Uses Google Assistant instead of Alexa
Modify System Settings
- Disable automatic system/app updates, and turn off Over the Air updates
Power Options
- Power Off, Reboot, Bootloader Selection

Second Menu

Recommended Options

Remove Lockscreen Ads
- This setups an automation sequence that constantly scans and removes amazon ads. Here are the detailed instructions:
Click Remove Lockscreen Ads in Amazon Fire Toolbox
Launch Automate Settings
Check "Run on system startup"
Import Adblocker script into Automate
- To import: Click Import from 3 dots on right, Select SD Card and click "Amazon Lockscreen Ads Remover V4.5" from root
Return to Home screen of Automate and click the Ads Remover

Optional Items on Second Menu

Parental Control Hide
System Backup
- Excellent backup and restore tool for your tablet
Push and Pull
- File Transfer to and from tablet
User Management
- Add Accounts for Google, LinkedIn, Patreon, etc.
YouTube Clients
- APK files for Vanced and other YouTube alternative apps
Screen Capturing
- Record or Screenshot on your tablet
Sideload Apps
- Select APK files to upload OR search for APK files on internet

Conclusion

This tool is a fantastic way to debloat a new fire tablet and get greater functionality from it. The added utilities I rarely use, but can be very nice for some users.

Debloat Android

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 01:01:50 GMT

This article goes over using ADB Platform Tools and utilizing adb to uninstall packages by using these tools.

Pre-Requisites for Using ADB

Setup all of the following to use ADB

Setup Computer with ADB Platform Tools

Windows Install with Chocolatey choco install adb
Linux Install with Terminal sudo apt-get install android-tools-adb android-tools-fastboot
MacOS Install with Homebrew
- Homebrew install - ruby -e “$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/master/install)"
- ADB Homebrew Install - brew cask install android-platform-tools

Setup Phone for ADB Debugging

Open Settings, and select “About”.
Tap on “Build number” seven times.
Go back, and select “Developer options”.
Scroll down, and check the “Android debugging” or “USB debugging” entry under “Debugging”.
Plug your device into your computer.
On the computer, open up a terminal/command prompt and type adb devices.
A dialog should show on your device, asking you to allow usb debugging. Check “always allow”, and choose “OK”.
- Note: If you don't see this prompt on you device change the usb connection to MTP or File Transfer on the device

ADB Commands - These only work when device is booted

adb devices - shows all connected adb devices
adb shell - launches a shell on the device
adb shell pm list packages - list all installed packages on the device
adb shell pm list packages -3"|cut -f 2 -d ": - lists all user installed packages
adb push <local> <remote> - pushes the file to
adb pull <remote> [<local>] - pulls the file to . If isn’t specified, it will pull to the current folder.
adb logcat - allows you to view the device log in real-time. You can use adb logcat -b radio to view radio logs, and adb logcat -C to view logs in colour
adb install <file> - installs the given .apk file to your device
adb uninstall com.packagename - uninstalls package from shell pm list packages
- Note: if you encounter "[DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR]" type this to bypass: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 <appname>
adb reboot - reboots system
adb reboot bootloader - reboots to bootloader
adb reboot recovery - reboots into recovery mode
adb reboot fastboot - reboots into fastboot mode

Fastboot Commands - These commands work when device is in Bootloader and Fastboot Mode

fastboot devices - shows all connected devices
fastboot reboot - reboots device - can add bootloader, recovery, and fastboot
fastboot oem device-info - shows oem bootloader status (unlocked or locked)
fastboot oem unlock - unlocks oem phones - note: aosp and unlocked phones don't need this
fastboot flashing unlock - unlocks system for custom rom in pixel and other phones
fastboot flashing unlock_critical - unlocks bootloader and system partitions - note: this isn't generally needed
fastboot format:ext4 userdata - format userdata on device - note: this will erase your entire device
fastboot boot recovery.img - test recovery image without flashing
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img - flash recovery image then run fastboot reboot recovery to boot into it.
fastboot flash boot boot.img - flash boot image - this is the kernel
fastboot -w - wipes device
fastboot update </path/to/your/Rom.zip> - flashes zip to the device

Video Walkthrough

Degoogle Apps

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 02:28:09 GMT

This article goes over the apps that work and don't work with a Degoogled phone without google play services installed

Aurora Store Apps (Google Play Store apks)

App Name	State	Warnings
Coinbase	Works	None
GoPro	Works	Google Services Error
Google Keep Notes	Broken	Google App
Google Maps	Broken	Google App
Google Photos	Broken	Google App
Kasa	Broken	Login Error
LastPass	Broken	Crash on Startup
Lichess	Works	None
Lyft	Broken	GPS and Google Error
Microsoft Outlook	Works	None
Patreon	Works	Google Services Error
Ring	Works	Google Services Error
Robinhood	Works	Google Services Error
SKED	Works	Google Services Error
SimpliSafe	Works	Google Services Error
Spotify	Works	None - Except On Initial Login
Starbucks	Works	Google Services Error
Steam	Works	None
Stride	Works	Google Services Error
Synology Drive	Works	None
Synology Memories	Works	None
Uber	Broken	GPS and Google Error
Yi Home	Works	None

**Note: Uber and Lyft could be used through their mobile websites at the time of writing.

F-Droid Apps (Free and Open Source)

App Name	Alternative To
Files	Android Files
ImagePipe	Google Photos
Import Contacts	Google Contacts
Lemmy	Reddit
NewPipe	YouTube
OSMAnd	Google Maps
OpenVPN for Android	OpenVPN
Personal DNS Filtering	None
Slide	Reddit
Twidere	Twitter
Twire	Twitch

**Note: ImagePipe shrinks photos and does basic edits. I sync my photos with Synology Memories.

Get rid of Amazon Fire Launcher without root access

Mon, 10 Jul 2017 21:46:28 GMT

This How-To shows you how to get rid of Amazon Fire Launcher without root access. Amazon Fire 5.3.3 OS can’t be downgraded or rooted, and since the Fire tablet line auto-updates, this leads many folks with the horrible experience of using the Fire OS with their gimped store/subscriptions.

This 2017 procedure is retained for historical reference. The SuperTool download is gone, and LauncherHijack is deprecated and may not install on current Fire OS releases.

The process to use Google Services and Googles Store instead is a bit involved but entirely doable on the Fire Tablets without having to root it. From then on, you don’t have to navigate the out of date and limited Amazon App Store.

Here is the process

Enable ADP USB Debugging (Settings -> Device -> Tap Serial 10 Times -> Select Developer options -> Turn ADP Debugging ON)

Enable Downloads from Unknown Sources (Settings -> Security -> Allow Unknown Sources ON)

Install Google Play Services
- Plug Device into USB on Computer and run the Supertool as Administrator
  - On Tablet Select Always Allow this computer and press OK
  - The original SuperTool ZIP download is no longer available.
  - Run 1-Amazon-Fire-5th-gen.bat
  - Select Install Google Play Services/Framework
  - Wait for it to Finish and Close the program
Launch Google Play using Search on Home Screen

Sign-in to Google
Update Google Play Services (Note: you can type Google Play Services in or launch update from the notifications tray — This will take 5-10 minutes to update)
Install Nova Launcher from Play next
The former LauncherHijack APK is no longer distributed as a supported download. Its archived source remains at https://github.com/BaronKiko/LauncherHijack.

Note: The project owner has deprecated LauncherHijack and recommends building it from source with a different package name only if you understand the Android build process.

Install the HijackLauncherV2.apk and Open it
Select Nova Launcher in the App and hit Ok at the prompt
Go back to settings -> Accessibility ->To detect home button press -> Switch to On

Finished, Enjoy being able to use Google Services on your Amazon Fire!