Latest Android distribution numbers show Lollipop’s continued growth

Latest Android distribution numbers show Lollipop’s continued growth

blognet   Monday, June 01, 2015   Comment  

Every month, Google updates the distribution numbers for its Android platform, showcasing the state of the operating system across its varying versions.

In May, Android 5.0 and 5.1, the Lollipop release, showed a total percentage of the Android market of 9.7%. That number grew this month, though, with Android 5.0 coming in at 11.6% on its own, with Android 5.1 commanding 0.8% of the pie chart. The major release just before that, KitKat and its Android 4.4 release, now rests at 39.2 percent, which is down from last month’s 39.8 percent.

The range of Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0.3 to 4.0.4) is now at 5.1 percent, another decline, from its 5.3 percent in May.

Android 4.1.x to Android 4.3, Jelly Bean, is now resting at 37.4%, down from the 39.2% it held in May.

The full chart can be found through the source link below. Which version of Android are you running on your daily driver?

Top 5 Xposed modules for Android 5.1 Lollipop

Top 5 Xposed modules for Android 5.1 Lollipop

blognet   Sunday, May 24, 2015   Comment  

Xposed framework is easily one of the best mods to come out from the third-party Android development community. The amount of customisations that the framework and its module offers can only be matched by certain custom ROMs.

While an official build of Xposed framework for Android 5.1 Lollipop is not available, another developer was able to create an ‘unofficial’ version of the framework for it. In case you have just installed the framework on your device and are looking for some modules to try out, check out our list of the best Xposed modules for Android 5.1 below.

GravityBox

GravityBox is undoubtedly the most popular Xposed framework out there, and looking at the sheer number of customisation options it offers, it rightly deserves all the limelight. The module makes it possible to customise nearly every aspect of the OS according to the liking of the user. Some of the features present in the framework include Pie controls from CyanogenMod, Expanded desktop, Quick Settings customisation, lock screen tweaks, Google launcher tweaks and more.

Since GravityBox allows for such a high level of customisation, it only works with AOSP or near AOSP based ROMs.

Download: GravityBox

AppOps

Google accidentally shipped a permission manager in Android 4.3, but later on removed it with the Android 4.4.2 update. It provides users with granular control over the permissions they required and use. The AppOps xposed module restores this permission manager to Android 5.1 Lollipop.

The permission manager is a great way to disable apps like Facebook, Google Play Services and others from unnecessarily waking up your Android device and draining its battery. It can also be used to prevent unwanted apps from accessing your contacts or location periodically.

Download: AppOps

APM+

The Power menu in stock Android is pretty lacklustre and does not contain options to quickly reboot the device, take a screenshot or change sound profiles. The Advanced Power Menu+ module fixes that and allows users to add quick toggles to Wi-Fi, mobile data, flashlight and more to the power menu thereby increasing its usefulness.

The module also features an anti-theft mode that automatically prevents the power menu from coming up when the device is locked.

Download: APM+

App Settings

This Xposed module allows users to individually modify certain settings of the apps installed on their phone. This includes their DPI, font scale, locale, full screen mode, rotation, mute any app audio and more.

The ability to change the DPI of an app independent from the system level is particularly a useful option to have as it allows users to keep a lower DPI in apps like Chrome or Firefox, while keeping the original DPI intact in apps that don’t play well with changes in screen density.

Download: App Settings

True Silent Mode

Google removed a simple silent mode in Android with Lollipop and instead added a system that allows users to prioritize notifications. The new Priority notification system in Lollipop requires significantly greater effort from users to put their Android device into silent mode, which is why it has been subjected to a lot of criticism.

True Silent Mode Xposed module restores the original silent mode functionality back to Android. In addition, the module also allows users to configure that alarms will go off even when their phone in is “None” mode.

Download: True Silent Mode

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Which are your top 5 Xposed modules for Android 5.1? Drop in a comment and let us know!

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Update Xiaomi Mi3 to Android 5.0.2 Lollipop via CyanogenMod 12-CancroCM ROM

Update Xiaomi Mi3 to Android 5.0.2 Lollipop via CyanogenMod 12-CancroCM ROM

blognet   Thursday, April 30, 2015   Comment  

Xiaomi Mi 3 users can now avail Android 5.0.2 lollipop through CyanogenMod 12 based custom ROM CancroCM. The ROM is of course, unofficial and still not evolved fully to consider as a stable build for daily use. According to the developer, CancroCM does have some bugs including Bluetooth, NFC, USB-OTG and camcorder in default camera. These bugs have already been identified by the OP and they’re working hard to fix it and release an update to the ROM.

Mi 3 always had great developer support in the developer forums like XDA and it has got many ROMs based on KitKat including CM11. If you own an Mi3 and want to update your device to the latest android Lollipop version, you can use this guide. Don’t be panic about the current bugs as they will be fixed very soon and you will be getting a stable build at the earliest.

Pre-requisites

• Necessary USB drivers should be installed in your computer. Download the Mi 3 driversfrom here.
• Your bootloader should be unlocked with elevated root access.
• A custom recovery is required, either CWM or TWRP.
• Backup important data or take a Nandroid backup (recommended) using recovery.

Disclaimer

This guide to update Xiaomi Mi 3 to unofficial CyanogenMod 12 is meant only for the respective device and does not suit with any other devices of Xiaomi. In case you’ve got any trouble while following this guide will not affect us as TechBii will not be held responsible for any aftereffects by following this tutorial. You’re the developer of your own destiny and don’t blame us. We will try to fix your issues however.

CyanogenMod 12 Lollipop 5.0.2 CancroCM ROM for Mi 3 – Installation

1. Download the CM12 CancroCM ROM from here and copy it to your device.
2. Reboot your Mi 3 to custom recovery by pressing and holding Vol Up+Power buttons simultaneously followed by switching off the device.
3. Do a Nandroid backup of your current version.
4. Perform  Factory Reset, Wipe Cache Partition, Format System and Wipe Dalvik.
5. Now get back to the recovery home and install the copied ROM file.
6. After successful flashing, go back and reboot system. It may take a while to boot up for the first time.
7. In case you need Google Apps, get it from here and flash it in a similar manner (You don’t need to wipe anything here).
8. So that was installing CM12 based CancroCM ROM in your Mi 3. If you felt any difficulties while following this guide or stuck at any step, let us know. We will try our level best to help you install CM12 in your Mi 3.

How to install Xposed framework on Android 5.0 Lollipop

How to install Xposed framework on Android 5.0 Lollipop

blognet   Thursday, April 30, 2015   Comment  

Xposed framework for Android is easily one of the most popular mods in the third-party Android development scene. The framework combined with various modules is capable of bringing all the features usually found in a custom ROM to any Android device with only root access.

Installing Xposed framework on any Android device running KitKat or Jelly Bean was a pretty simple affair and only required root access. However, with Lollipop and ART, the developer has had to make some major underlying changes, which includes replacing some of the ART related files. Additionally, the SELinux mode has to be switched to Permissive that makes Lollipop less secure.

To install Xposed framework on your Android device running Lollipop, you will need root access along with a custom recovery like TWRP or CWM.

It is also recommended to create a backup of all your important data on the handset before proceeding with the steps below, in case something goes wrong.

All set? Follow the steps below then.

Note: The current version of Xposed framework is not compatible with stock Samsung ROMs.

Step 1: Download the Xposed Lollipop ZIP file and the Installer APK from here and transfer them to the internal storage of your Android device.

Step 2: Reboot your device into TWRP or CWM recovery. The steps for going into recovery varies from device to device and if you are unsure of the steps, you can use an app like Quick Boot from the Google Play Store to avoid all the hassle.

Step 3: Once your device has booted into recovery, tap the ‘Install’ button in your custom recovery and select the Xposed ZIP file that you had transferred to your device in Step 1. Once the ZIP file has been installed, reboot your device into Android OS.

Step 4: You will now have to install the Xposed framework APK on your Android device. Using a file manager like Solid File Explorer, navigate to the location where you had saved the APK and tap on it. If you get a prompt saying you don’t have installation from unauthorised sources enabled, tap the ‘Settings’ button and then toggle the ‘Unknown Sources’ switch to on from the Security menu.

Then, once again tap the APK to start the installation. If you get any prompt while installing the APK, click on ‘Accept.’

Step 5: To confirm that Xposed framework has been installed on your device, open the app and head over to ‘Framework.’ The installed app_process and XposedBridge versions on your device will be displayed under ‘active.’ If their version number are displayed in green, you have successfully managed to install Xposed framework on your Android device.

To install modules, head over to the ‘Download’ section of the app, which will display all the modules that are present in its repository. The modules are displayed even if they are not compatible with your Android device, so select and install the modules wisely. While an incompatible module won’t brick your device, you will encounter random crashes and reboots.

Xposed framework for Lollipop is compatible with all the existing modules that are already available for it. However, some of the modules might need to be updated to work properly with Lollipop due to the major underlying changes in the OS.

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Android Lollipop OS update live for AT&T-driven Samsung Galaxy S4 Active: How to download and install

Android Lollipop OS update live for AT&T-driven Samsung Galaxy S4 Active: How to download and install

blognet   Wednesday, April 22, 2015   Comment  

Samsung Galaxy S4 Active(Samsung)

Owners of AT&T-driven Samsung Galaxy S4 Active smartphone residing in the US can check for the Google Android 5.0.1 (Lollipop) OS update, which has been released by the network provider.

According to an official AT&T listing, the Android Lollipop is currently rolling out to Galaxy S4 Active (bearing model number SGH-I537), in the form of a 1GB-sized file, via OTA.

What's new with Lollipop?

The Android Lollipop firmware upgrade brings along a host of new features and enhancements mentioned below:

• Material Design: Material design offers fluid animations, vivid coloured themes and 3D-views.

• Improved Lockscreen: Shortcuts for both Phone and Camera are provided, along with material design-inspired notifications.

• Touchwiz: Brighter look and feel, bold colours, fluid animation inspired by material design.

• Floating Action Button: Floating action buttons provide easy access to the app's most important features, such as adding a new contact or favourite, or composing a text message.

• Smart Lock: Secure smartphone by pairing it with a trusted device like a wearable or car.

• Interruptions: Priority notifications such as events and reminders, phone calls, and messages can be set up to sound or vibrate while all other notifications are muted.

• Recents: Easy access to your Chrome tabs right from the Recent apps page. Multi-window icons for ease of use during multi-tasking.

• Activation of 'OK Google' voice command: With OK Google, it is possible to issue voice commands to Galaxy S4 Active smartphones.

• Battery saving features: Indicates remaining time left to charge.

How to download and install Android Lollipop on AT&T-driven Galaxy S4 Active:

The Android Lollipop is available on AT&T-driven Galaxy S4 Active smartphones via an OTA notification, but users can manually search and download it by following the steps mentioned below.

Manual search, download and installation of Lollipop:

• From the Home screen, press the Menu key, and tap Settings.
• From the More tab, tap About device.
• Tap Software update.
• Tap Check for updates.
• Tap OK
• Tap Done.

Verification of software update:

• From the Home screen, press the Menu key, and tap Settings.

• From the More tab, tap About device.

• The following information displays:

• Android version: 5.0.1

• Baseband version: I537UCUCOC6

• Kernel Version: 3.4.0-4554112

• Build Number: LRX22C.I537UCUCOC6.

Update Nexus 5 (hammerhead) to Android 5.0.2 LRX22G Lollipop with OptiPop F2FS-ALL custom ROM

Update Nexus 5 (hammerhead) to Android 5.0.2 LRX22G Lollipop with OptiPop F2FS-ALL custom ROM

blognet   Wednesday, April 22, 2015   Comment  

OptiPop ROM for Nexus 5Google

The Nexus 5 codenamed hammerhead has received another custom ROM called OptiPop F2FS-ALL, based on SaberMod 4.8.5 for speed and performance.

Featuring Google's latest Android Lollipop version, 5.0.2 with build LRX22G, the OptiPop ROM is based on AOSP sources. It integrates plenty of customisations and even some features from the Nexus 6 like its Ambient display. This custom build has been developed by XDA member Cl3Kener.

OptiPop ROM features

• Lollipop 5.0.2 LRX22G
• AOSP sources based
• Dark Material or White Material Builds
• Deodexed for Customisability
• ROM built with SaberMod 4.8.5 (for speed and performance)
• Faster animations (fling velocity, window animations, faster rotation, etc.)
• Opticharging to reduce apk size using pngquant which gives up to 70% compression
• Smoother scrolling
• Soft reboot option
• Strict aliasing
• Graphite and -O3 Optimisations
• Built with optimised compiler flags
• Art - Bionic - Dalvik optimisations
• Busybox
• Slim Heads Up changes for LP
• Disable Search Bar in Recents
• Quick pulldown settings
• Display rotate settings
• Power notification sound preference
• Status bar clock and date customisations 
• Statusbar brightness control
• Extended power menu with settings (currently non-configurable)
• Clear all button on recent apps
• Preference for custom clear all recents button position
• Volume rocker wake
• Volume music control
• Volume adjust preference
• Volume panel style preference
• Safe headset volume preference
• LED control settings
• Incall vibration
• Navbar DPI settings
• Custom apns (Updated regularly)
• App ops (enhanced features from Slim)
• Quick unlock
• Kill app longpress back
• Preference for status bar activity indicators for mobile data and Wi-Fi settings
• Option to use volume keys to control media volume anytime
• National data roaming
• Increasing ring feature
• Dialer lookup settings
• Pin keypad shuffler
• Statusbar ticker
• Volume button longpress seeks Music track on screen off
• MediaScanner Disable option
• ADB over network
• SMS rate limiting
• Blacklist support
• Wakeup on charger enabled/disable option
• Ambient display from Nexus 6 (This will drain more battery)
• SystemUI restart option
• CM Clock & Hide Alarm icon
• Power Menu configurability
• Proximity wakeup block
• QuickBoot pre-installed
• CM system profiles
• Battery style options
• PA style clear all
• Speed tweaks
• Cabinet file explorer  
• QuickBoot pre-installed
• F2FS All Support (just needs to flash F2FS compatible Kernel or if you are using UBER flashF2FS for ramdisk)

If you wish to experience the customisations of OptiPop ROM with Android 5.0.2 on your Nexus 5, check out the following installation method.

Pre-requisites

• As the tutorial might wipe out all data of the phone, create a backup using any custom recovery.
• Enable USB Debugging Mode on the phone to connect it with the computer and use Android SDK with it. [Go to Settings>> About phone. Scroll down to Build number, Tap seven times on the build number. The Developer options under Settings should appear now. You can now enable USB debugging mode.]
• Your Nexus 5 should have above 80% battery charge.
• The phone should be rooted and have the latest version of recovery installed.
• The bootloader of the phone should be unlocked.
• The OptiPop F2FS-ALL SM 4.8.5 ROM works only with Nexus 5 hammerhead. Applying these on any incorrect variant might brick the device. Verify the model number of the smartphone by navigating to Settings>> About phone>> Model number and install firmware accordingly.
• Since the custom firmware, bugs are highly likely, but these are expected to be fixed in due course of development.
• IBTimes UK will not be held liable for any damage to the device. Installation will be completely at your risk.

Download links

OptiPop F2FS ROM [Alternate link-1/ 2]

Gapps file 

How to install Android 5.0.2 LRX22G on Nexus 5 with OptiPop F2FS-All SM ROM

Step-1: Connect and mount your Nexus 5 USB memory on your PC through USB cable. Then move the downloaded files to the internal storage of the phone, which is also called internal SD card. But keep in mind that the files are in the SD card root

Step-2: Switch off the Nexus 5 and unplug the USB cable from it

Step-3: Boot your Nexus 4 into Bootloader mode. For this turn the phone on while pressing and holding the Volume Up, Volume Down and Power buttons together

Step-4: Follow the on-screen instructions, select Bootloader and then go to Recovery

Step-5: While in recovery mode, perform data wipe. Head over to wipe data/factory reset. Use the Power button to select everything in the Recovery mode

Step-6: Perform a cache wipe by selecting wipe cache partition

Step-7: Perform a wipe of your dalvik cache to avoid boot loops or, any other errors. From recovery go to advanced>> wipe dalvik cache

Step-8: Return to the main recovery menu and select install zip from sdcard>> choose zip from sdcard. Using the Volume buttons navigate to the SimpleAOSP ROM, select it and confirm installation

Step-9: Once you have flashed the ROM, follow the same steps to install the Gapps package

Step-10: Flash stock EXT4/F2FS kernel according to your choice. This is for the ramdisk fix

Step-11: Flash UBER kernel (highly recommended)

Step-12: Also install the Superuser package if you want root (You can flash SuperSU)

Note: Always flash SuperSU last to avoid issues. If you choose dirty flash to wipe system partition then flash everything according to the above mentioned guide.

Step-13: Finally reboot your Android device. Wait for some time, the first boot might take a few minutes, until then do not press any button on the device

Your Nexus 5 should now be running OptiPop ROM featuring Android 5.0.2 LRX22G.