Related
The Fingerprint Scanner SDK (originally posted at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1202577) for Android has been released by Authentec. Currently there is only one device(Motorola Atrix) with a fingerprint scanner, but if you release your application with support for the fingerprint scanner (once you get the hang of it it is really not hard to use at all) then users of phones with fingerprint scanners will most likely be happier with your application.
Google has stated that Google Wallet will use fingerprints to unlock the payment system, so clearly more capable devices are on the way (source: http://www.qrcodepress.com/google-unveils-safety-measure-for-their-upcoming-mobile-wallet/853399/). Including fingerprint scanner capability in your application will also future-proof it as AuthenTec will have the same framework in place in other phones that will use their fingerprint scanner (Authentec is a leader in biometric security systems for lots of devices).
MotoDEV Article Guide:
http://developer.motorola.com/docstools/library/writing-fingerprint-enabled-apps
Read and Download the (simple) SDK at their site:
http://developers.authentec.com/
Example of SDK Usage (pulled from the SDK)At the time of this writing, it is my understanding that before you release the application you need to have them review it to meet their security specifications... They don't want you using this fingerprint scanner library and making their work look bad. It's a fair deal to me. I'm not sure if this is how they want it though - maybe that is just for Advanced SDK or maybe I'm just wrong (taken from their site) It appears right now that there is a mismatch between the developers and the makers of the authentec site... apparently there is no requirement for using the fingerprint scanner, so develop away!
I have an Atrix and the fingerprint scanner is amazing, once you use it you will never go back to patterns or pins. As such this guide was written by a user of the Atrix - future devices might not use the exact methodology but it should be nearly identical.
I have the Advanced SDK but I have not used any of the advanced functions yet. After using the code (And getting it to finally work) I have found some things that are not documented or are documented incorrectly in the SDK docs and I have come here to post items that will save you great time. If you find others I hope to hear about them so I can add it to the list - I'll even credit you (maybe with a post number so you can score some thanks points!)
The swipe fingerprint screen won't show up - but I'm getting a result (mine was always 14)
AM2 (Authentec fingerprint framework - there are a lot of unsubscribed terms in the documentation so just go with me here) requires Internet Permission (perhaps to verify the key for the advanced SDK, it might not be done locally - without a key advanced SDK functions will not load). If you don't, all uses of the tsm.jar will not work. Not listed at all in documentation
AM2ClientLibraryLoaded() doesn't work with the code they provide!?
You must Instantiate Authentec.AM2ClientLibraryLoaded() - SDK Docs shows as static but it is not used in the example program they give.
It goes into verification but does not show anything and locks up the fingerprint sensor.
Do not change the 'screen' in the examples of sScreen... I thought that was the title of the window that would appear, but apparently those strings are built into it... it would work better as static fields passed as integers. For values look at the next answer.
What can I use for sScreen (viaGfxScreen(string))?
The documentation says nothing of this but these are different types of verification screens. There is fingerprint scanning only and then there is the unlock style one where you also get the PIN. I'm guessing a modifed version of this is how the lock screen works.
"lap-verify" is fingerprint and PIN
"get-app-secret" is fingerprint only - hit and miss right now... will update when I get it perfected
Why does it lock up?
Only 1 app at a time can access the fingerprint scanner. Motoblur seems to access it occasionally and I think that's why it died on the Atrix's Froyo 1.8.3. It seems mostly fixed but as you develop you will most likely lock it up as you debug. Having a wrong sScreen variable will kill your FP scanner. If it locks in your app you will lose the ability to unlock the device with the FP scanner.
Use DDMS to kill com.authentec.TrueSuiteMobile and the lock will work again. This might work on 1.8.3 but I'm not sure it works that way. If the application exits with the home button, it seems to also lock it up. I'm looking into a way to avoid this..
I can't register my application, it's failing with code 6 - (System Error)
I encountered this one myself when using my Api key for com.mgamerzproductions.gibbertalk - I changed it to com.mgamerzproductions.gibbertalk.testing and it no longer worked. They did tell me this in the email that it is only for one package - so make sure you choose wisely, or bribe the people giving out the API keys to give you another one. I wish it was more specific (API_KEY_NOT_AUTHENTIC or something)
I'm still having problems. What can I do?
You can use these tags for debugging in logcat:
AMJNI (AuthenTec Mobile - permissions - server)
TrueMobileSuite (some gfx log info - swipe fingerprint screen)
AndroidRuntime (will tell you crash related things, as debugging for errors will produce too much to read at once)
Any other things would be greatly appreciated for all of use Developers so speak up if you have something I don't have listed and I'll add it.
If you want to use the encrypted storage provided by the framework you'll need to apply for the Advanced SDK. You have to give them a description of your app, and it has to be security related (obviously that's the whole point of the fingerprint scanner and they don't want you to abuse it).
If you like the guide, and you are on MotoDev, I wouldn't mind a kudos in the contest http://community.developer.motorola...print-Enabled-Apps-quot-article-in/td-p/17206
RESERVED
Reserved for OP at a later date
Pictures of my use right now (more later)
Spoke to OP, moved to main Android development, as this would be of more interest to the development community in general, as I'm sure other phones will be using fingerprint scanning (and this sdk) in the near future.
Originally posted in the source thread:
heilpern said:
I tried to post in the linked thread, but as I'm a new XDA poster the system wouldn't allow me to.
The INTERNET permission is required, however there aren't any connections made off of the device. The system uses sockets internally and INET sockets are used rather than UNIX sockets.
> Why does it lock up?
> Only 1 app at a time can access the fingerprint scanner.
This should not cause the system to lock up; it should cause your app to delay briefly and either continue with your request or return to you with an error. If you can duplicate some other result reliably, please share details.
> If someone also can upload and create an eclipse project it would be must easier to import and view their source code they post. I tried but eventually gave up cause of so many problems.
The eclipse projects for these examples are very simple -- with the exception of the .project you have everything you need in the example directories. Worst case is you can create a new Android project and replace its manifest, sources and resources with those provided by the examples. Then point the build path at your tsm.jar and you'll be ready to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I meant was that if an app is asking for the fingerprint reader (not the app entirely, but actively asking for the FP reader scan), and motorola does something in the background with the FP scanner (on atrix), it can lock it up. This was heavily apparent on Atrix 1.8.3 but in the new update it seems to have been mostly fixed.
Errors: If you bring up the window with anything but lap-verify or get-app-secret, the window will lock up (and i think fingerprint reader will lock up as well - if you return to the lockscreen you'll see it never finishes initializing it) I can attempt to reproduce this error but I want to finish some development I am doing now.
heilpern said:
com.authentec.TrueSuiteMobile drives the UI, directly or indirectly depending on exactly what's going on (indirectly in the case of the lock screen, for example). If this package is killed it will restart with the next fingerprint operation however it will disrupt any currently active verification attempt (causing the requesting app to receive an error -- probably the USER_CANCELED error).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never really kill it except if it locks up. Haven't tested what it returns (perhaps null)
heilpern said:
Here's something you can do to experiment if you're using StoreCredential -- swipe one of your existing fingers (the index fingers) and you'll store data to that particular finger. Swipe a different finger (multiple times as prompted) and eventually (after three swipes if all goes well) you'll be asked which finger you just enrolled (and your credential will be stored to that finger). This new finger can be used for subsequent Store Credential requests (without the automatic training session) and to release data stored with Get Secret... but only the index fingers can be used to unlock the Atrix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, in the original thread I had that image posted... It's in the framework but it never was used... I'm not sure if it was there for this purpose or was just cancelled at the end because it was incredibly confusing... I don't get why you would need all those credentials. It's not like your phone will get passed around that much. You swipe new fingers just like you would if you were registering a finger, then you choose the finger... but the accuracy of the 'pick a finger' one is pretty bad.
Would love to see a test apk where we can try this out...
Nothing available right now?
My application works with the FP scanner... its not done yet though.
These are the included APK's that are the code samples they use:
Download tsm-apk-pack.zip from Host-A
Will it support HTC Desire HD? It won't right?
The fingerprint scanner is a hardware device, just like a laptop fingerprint reader. Its not touchscreen, unfortunately.
Trolling from my ATRIX 4G on probably the crappiest main US carrier
Mgamerz said:
I can't register my application, it's failing with code 6 - (System Error)
I encountered this one myself when using my Api key for com.mgamerzproductions.gibbertalk - I changed it to com.mgamerzproductions.gibbertalk.testing and it no longer worked. They did tell me this in the email that it is only for one package - so make sure you choose wisely, or bribe the people giving out the API keys to give you another one. I wish it was more specific (API_KEY_NOT_AUTHENTIC or something)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that a more telling error code would be a better option. Error 6 is eAM_STATUS_ACCESS_ERROR but that value can be returned for other problems as well.
Note that if a generic API key is needed, TSM-0E08085A-1210171A-001A7465-632E7473 can be used if you name your package com.authentec.tsmgetsecret. You cannot post that package to the Market however if you want a means of creating a test APK with a neutral package name that package/key combination will work.
Has AuthenTec claimed that package name on the market...?
they probably should or someone might take that package...
Mgamerz said:
Has AuthenTec claimed that package name on the market...?
they probably should or someone might take that package...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it's already claimed in an unpublished but uploaded entry.
Hi . question: is it possible to use fingerprint senzor as wake up function? My button is very very hard to push, this function would be great....
SPEN on a none touchwiz ROM
The most compelling reason for buying an SPen Samsung device to me was the vision and possibility for a paper-free lifestyle.
Moving seamlessly between the paper-free and paper-bound world's is a must along that journey.
You can just about see/feel/ makeout the possibility of everything coming together in a best of all worlds type setup.....
So here it is - a capable device that has all the firepower but none of the vision by its manufacturer oh Well...
I bought a Samsung Note 2014 wifi only device with spen in november 2014.
Don't like touchwiz for its bloat and its gimmicky "locked data" feeling.
Installed Cyanogenmod 12 and then Temasek ROM port.
Please share your current setup.
Specific apps you use, relevant settings and how smooth your setup integrates( screenshot examples etc)
The more elegant and evolved your setup the better!!!
Please use the feature request section. See my "Google's Keep app
Sketch for keep
+
Handraw
Option 2 : Note buddy(Free)
OR Note buddy(Paid)
+ Papyrus app
Option 3 : Fiinote - Google Play Store
Option 4 : SpenCommander ( beta testing stage and paid ATM)[RESIZE=100]
[/RESIZE]
Option 5 : Dionote
This app utilizes the SPen pressure sensitive abilities(Not many apps do)! Well worth of further studying.
Other decent apps that you should be aware of are
Lecture Notes (bought the pro but haven't used it much)
OneNote ( feeling timid to rely on a Microsoft app in the Android ecosystem. Thats because of the politics and conflict of interest that underline Microsofts potential for success on an Androids OS. May be an overreaction or far-sightness/short-sightness blunder on my behalf ... but hey we all live and learn )
XDA:DevDB Information
SPen (touchwiz free) CM12(Lollipop), ROM for the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 Edition)
Contributors
xda_nikita
ROM OS Version: 5.0.x Lollipop
Version Information
Status: Testing
Created 2014-12-12
Last Updated 2014-12-11
Ok here is my setup :
CM 12 ( credit goes to RaymanFX and all contributors) with "google keep" , "handraw" and "sketch for keep" . Launcher(side) with "glovebox"
This gives a sort of "action memo" knockoff.
Need help with :
-SPen driven Screenshot select similar to touchwiz spen screengrab app(lassoo select a portion of the screen and have that annotated in an app like handraw before pasted into google keep).
- browser side copy image for images that get pasted into google keep note as you browse ect(much like the pinterest button on a desktop browser pins the image directly to a board)
-browser tabs session save(which ever browser is best for this kind of thing) on a google drive account with corresponding "google keep note" link inside to restore the saved session would be phenomenal!
- spen touch depth sensors in handraw(or alternative setup)
Any way for "handwritting recognition" in any input box field to be used as a system-wide keyboard input method??
Any ideas?
For apps I use Write Beta. Just get through your prefered paper setting and you will be good to go. Maybe it doesnt have the best UI but it compensates by having the best stroke smothing technology.
To make notes, as many of you above I use Keep.
I am trying to be a developer and i made this app which any of you might find usefull
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.BCorp.SPasteAnywhere
But i have to say that i abandoned it because for it to work i need SPenSDK which suck, and because it has some error with touchwiz. Happily i dont have touchwiz anymore and so sadly i havent been able to fix it, it should be fine if anyone want to try it on cm12 with some video glitches that currently bug Rayman's great rom.
The point is, If anyone can find a better handwriting library that doesn't depends on a third party app please tell me and lets make great apps together. I was actually working on an action menu replacement for cm12 but see the information i give below.
To do some great stuff for the tablet on CM we will need the functionality that only this app is giving:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tushar.cmspen
without that app we can not detect pen dettachment, pen hover button, etc(No gestures like the one getting you to action memo or action menu). There are simply no broadcast of this actions in the system. The free version, I think, also has limited functions so if anyone does a cool app with anything else they would require the user to buy this app; and for it to have a decent pen stoke detection the user would have to add the spensdk from the play store. Can you see the hassle here? I asked @RaymanFX to look into it and add the CM SPen companion principle into cm12 for developers to have a better time doing something.
I just thought i'd let you all know before you get too far ahead of yourselves but the spen isnt actually functioning as an spen and doesnt get recognized as one so therefore the spen sdk wouldn't work witn cm12 due to as one of the bugs described says that "e-pen gets recognized as pointer device" and i'd also like to mention that i don't actually see any development in this post itself and should have been put in the general section rather than the original development or at least be a comment on the cm12 thread itself due to it being related to that
dc959 said:
I just thought i'd let you all know before you get too far ahead of yourselves but the spen isnt actually functioning as an spen and doesnt get recognized as one so therefore the spen sdk wouldn't work witn cm12 due to as one of the bugs described says that "e-pen gets recognized as pointer device" and i'd also like to mention that i don't actually see any development in this post itself and should have been put in the general section rather than the original development or at least be a comment on the cm12 thread itself due to it being related to that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if the rom detects it as a pointer device it is still detected as an spen withing the kernel. SPenSDK detects its as so and functions properly. If you want proof, use my app, SPaste, and see that spen makes strokes and finger is an eraser. This doesnt happens with any other pointer device like a mouse.
Still, as i said, the spen actions(Hover+button, attach, dettach, etc) are not broadcast to the system(Even if the actions are detected on the kernel) and thus, without the cm12 companion app, these functions are unusable. To add something, API to use them are also on the SPenSDK, but because there are no broadcast, this functions still dont work with the sdk installed.
You are completely right about this been in general.
Pazzu510 said:
Even if the rom detects it as a pointer device it is still detected as an spen withing the kernel. SPenSDK detects its as so and functions properly. If you want proof, use my app, SPaste, and see that spen makes strokes and finger is an eraser. This doesnt happens with any other pointer device like a mouse.
Still, as i said, the spen actions(Hover+button, attach, dettach, etc) are not broadcast to the system(Even if the actions are detected on the kernel) and thus, without the cm12 companion app, these functions are unusable. To add something, API to use them are also on the SPenSDK, but because there are no broadcast, this functions still dont work with the sdk installed.
You are completely right about this been in general.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is where you're wrong, a large majority of applications test to see if the s pen is actually available on the device to make sure there is compatibility yet none of them can recognize the device has an s pen because it isn't giving off the correct aigniture check. For instants give GMD spend control or cm s pen add-on a go and you'll see yet the apps are compatible with the device they don't actually get the correct response that the device has an spen because it's failing a aigniture check, I've even had contact with the developer to make sure that it isn't an issue with the app and cm12 and he sent me a debugging enabled version of the add-on app and it was something with the ROM itself preventing the app from verifying that an s pen is present. Sure a application can read the pressure strokes as I've tested it with sketchbook but the issue itself lies within the ROM having the correct drivers to send out the correct signal that it is in fact an s pen which it isn't because for starters the mouse icon is showing up and due to the s pen SDK it actually uses its own set of files to utilize the hardware rather than the Roms files that utilize it
Pazzu510 said:
For apps I use Write Beta. Just get through your prefered paper setting and you will be good to go. Maybe it doesnt have the best UI but it compensates by having the best stroke smothing technology.
To make notes, as many of you above I use Keep.
I am trying to be a developer and i made this app which any of you might find usefull
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.BCorp.SPasteAnywhere
But i have to say that i abandoned it because for it to work i need SPenSDK which suck, and because it has some error with touchwiz. Happily i dont have touchwiz anymore and so sadly i havent been able to fix it, it should be fine if anyone want to try it on cm12 with some video glitches that currently bug Rayman's great rom.
The point is, If anyone can find a better handwriting library that doesn't depends on a third party app please tell me and lets make great apps together. I was actually working on an action menu replacement for cm12 but see the information i give below.
To do some great stuff for the tablet on CM we will need the functionality that only this app is giving:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tushar.cmspen
without that app we can not detect pen dettachment, pen hover button, etc(No gestures like the one getting you to action memo or action menu). There are simply no broadcast of this actions in the system. The free version, I think, also has limited functions so if anyone does a cool app with anything else they would require the user to buy this app; and for it to have a decent pen stoke detection the user would have to add the spensdk from the play store. Can you see the hassle here? I asked @RaymanFX to look into it and add the CM SPen companion principle into cm12 for developers to have a better time doing something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dc959 said:
I just thought i'd let you all know before you get too far ahead of yourselves but the spen isnt actually functioning as an spen and doesnt get recognized as one so therefore the spen sdk wouldn't work witn cm12 due to as one of the bugs described says that "e-pen gets recognized as pointer device" and i'd also like to mention that i don't actually see any development in this post itself and should have been put in the general section rather than the original development or at least be a comment on the cm12 thread itself due to it being related to that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really like "Write Beta" app. Loved the undo and lasso features.
"Fiinote" is worth checking and is definately the best snote replacement app I am aware of.
CM12 ROM is being worked on by RaymanFX. As a developer he is focused on delivering the Android OS.
SPen relies on RaymanFXs efforts to open spen to app developers.
You still need good apps and user friendly functionality while all the developers work out the OS segment.
To avoid polluting RaymanFXs thread with discussions outside of the OS delivery I've made this thread...
Its meant to give a glancing reference on ways of setting up SPen functionality after you are done flashing CM12( or any other Lollipop based ROM )
The Gold standard would be for all SPen functionality to be exposed on OS level , app developer level passed on to app user level. Only then can the spen be freed from its touchwizz chained existence!:crying:
Android stock keyboard is really good!
*We have decent size keyboard
*We have the accessible but not aggressive voice typing option
( Being a "keyboard and trackpad only" user until recently, I can feel ,"google voice" being currently under leveraged by me )
The only let down when using Spen able device is hand writing input option on the stock keyboard.
"Hand writing recognition" should be available anywhere inside Android OS where keyboard input is possible.
Here is an example mockup Android keyboard that should exist (refer to image)
That Handwriting should be just as understated and persistently available like the "voice typing" icon on stock keyboard today.
I would like to put forward the following questions to the wider community, especially active developers .
How do we port/import a handwriting recognition feature into an Android keyboard?
What are the best hand recognition apps and projects that lend themselves to further improvement or integration?
Is it very difficult to modify stock Android keyboard?
What are the essential pieces that need to come together to make this happen??
Hope this makes sense on one level or another.
What about myscript stylus beta?
{Diemex} said:
What about myscript stylus beta?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, it gives the hand writing recognition option to any input field and covers all SPen keyboard points I was after.
Thank you!
{Diemex} said:
What about myscript stylus beta?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another "beef" I got with SPen at the moment is Screenshots.
Taking screenshot segments with SPen able device is a frustrating experience on a Touchwiz free ROM like CM12 at the moment.
Its no fault of the ROM builds themselve.
In fact it is truly remarkable how stable CM12 (Lolliopop) runs and just how fast
RaymanFX's effort is paying dividends to P600 owners(Samsung Note 2014 wifi)!
I wasn't able to assemble a draft paper/document with images as I browse thumbnails and articles without leaving the browser screen....
No way to select multiple areas of the screen and have them imported/clipboard copied as individual selections(check mockup imagery)
OK we have no SPen pressure detection at the moment and SPen is just a pointing device to a toucvhwiz free ROM , fine. All should be sufficient to achieve
SPen Screenshot integration like I outlined in the mockup images.
Please excuse my ignorance and share everything that can be done to improve the SPen screenshot situation!!!
I started trying to get a simple screencapper to work similiar to the one included in touchwiz roms.
What is working:
Taking screenshots - root required
Interception of taps
Selection of the crop area above other apps
Cropping of the screenshots to the rectangular selection
What still needs to be fixed/improved:
Atm you start the screencapper it will intercept all touch events. You basically can't use any other apps and have to somehow kill it. I still have to figure out how to toggle interception on/off. Pressing the spen button while it is touching the screen should toggle interception needed for the selection of the area for the screenshot. Releasing the button should return to a state where other apps can be used again.
Pressure and the button state seems to be working correctly. The mouse pointer is just visual, stylus functionality is working correctly.
I have very little time, I have to study for exams. Nevertheless I'm interested in getting a functional app at some stage.
{Diemex} said:
I started trying to get a simple screencapper to work similiar to the one included in touchwiz roms.
What is working:
Taking screenshots - root required
Interception of taps
Selection of the crop area above other apps
Cropping of the screenshots to the rectangular selection
What still needs to be fixed/improved:
Atm you start the screencapper it will intercept all touch events. You basically can't use any other apps and have to somehow kill it. I still have to figure out how to toggle interception on/off. Pressing the spen button while it is touching the screen should toggle interception needed for the selection of the area for the screenshot. Releasing the button should return to a state where other apps can be used again.
Pressure and the button state seems to be working correctly. The mouse pointer is just visual, stylus functionality is working correctly.
I have very little time, I have to study for exams. Nevertheless I'm interested in getting a functional app at some stage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What app are you using to achieve that?
There is a Mac app Screencapper but nothing on Androd Google play with that name.
I tried using a dozen+ screenshot apps with variable degrees of success. None of them gets me close to a touchwiz ROM like screencapture setup.
Its interesting that the SPen button and stroke pressure work for you.
A few posters on the thread suggested that SPen functionality like stroke pressure and button are not working in Lollipop based roms at the moment.
Are you using a KitKat based rom with CM spen app and the SPen SDK for that functionality?
I wrote the app myself. There are some screenshot apps but I couldnt find one that was designed for spen. Maybe there is one that allows cropping of the screenshot afterwards.
I tested stylus input with cm 12, you can try it yourself. Link is in my signature.
xda_nikita said:
What app are you using to achieve that?
There is a Mac app Screencapper but nothing on Androd Google play with that name.
I tried using a dozen+ screenshot apps with variable degrees of success. None of them gets me close to a touchwiz ROM like screencapture setup.
Its interesting that the SPen button and stroke pressure work for you.
A few posters on the thread suggested that SPen functionality like stroke pressure and button are not working in Lollipop based roms at the moment.
Are you using a KitKat based rom with CM spen app and the SPen SDK for that functionality?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, sorry if i didnt explained myself correctly. First of all, pressure, hover and button click work correctly on cyanogenmod, that information is correctly taken by the kernel and given to the system. If an app can work with that information through Samsung or other libraries their app will work as intended just like papyrus, write, wacom, etc.
What does not work, or to express it correctly, is not implemented yet, is the broadcast of some information taken correctly by the kernel that should be sent to the system as broadcasts. These information are the gestures we all know like pen attachment dettachment, pen button+hover, pen double tap, and these broadcasts are the ones that would permit the developer to imitate some of touchwiz main features.
A very silly example of what broadcast like these would create:
hey, the user just double tapped the screen with his SPen, is there any app that wants to open itself when this happens? perhaps you SuperDuperNote app? maybe you TotalyLegitActionMemo app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So there are no broadcasts and we developers have no easy way to act to these gestures system wide, anywhere on your screen and on any app that is opened at the moment just like samsung does with ActionMemo on "button+doubletap", or ActionMenu on "button+Hover".
With this in mind the developer would have to do one of 3 things.
Give up and do apps that only react to EPen information(Pressure, hover, button click) through Samsung or Other SDK(Wacom, Papyrus, Write, Spaste)
Intercept the Spen events with root and be a very skillfull programer to something like our friend @{Diemex} is doing.
Install CM SPen companion app and act to the broadcasts like we should be able to, but be dependent on those free app functions or whether the user want to buy the pro version of the same.
Thank you Pazzu510.
You have covered all angles. The explanation is crystal clear.
I've sent an email to the CM SPen Addon developer to see what his frame of mind is like regarding CM12.
His app had the attach/detached covered ok in CM 11 so maybe he has a good angle on getting the functionality registered in CM12.
xda_nikita said:
I've sent an email to the CM SPen Addon developer to see what his frame of mind is like regarding CM12.
His app had the attach/detached covered ok in CM 11 so maybe he has a good angle on getting the functionality registered in CM12.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He has explained that it would be rather easy if these broadcast code would be implemented directly into the rom. You can see the post here, it is a good read.
With the understanding of that, and too have a real impact on how broad the apps based on this can be, the important thing would be to make this changes and commit them on cm code. That way, any device with an spen could install cyanogen mod(or any rom based on cyanogenmod) and access apps intended to use this broadcasts. If it is not that way, our apps would be limited to those devices that run only the roms that make the code available, let it be "Cm12 rayman edition" or anything like that. I dont see this as a great idea because the apps made will have little to no compatibility.
What i see as a viable option, until those commits are on cyanogenmod code at least, is to analyze the code behind CM S Pen add-on(Its in github if i recall correctly) and see how they are looking for the kernel event changes. This would work in any device with spen and asking for root in cm is not difficult at all. Any app could start the tracking service for this events and act accordingly that way. My only worry is that if you have, say, 4 or 5 apps with its own service it would probably drain battery life. Another option would be to have a big project with all the functions in one app, but big projects mean few people to make it work and not many have the knowledge, the time or the passion to do such thing; even less when you think that the target market for this project is not big. Sadly, I count myself as a passionate amateur, I dont have the knowledge to do such things.
CM12(RaymanFX) with build 12/15/2014 has now been tested with CM SPen add-on and Notebuddy.
SPen Attach and detach triggers are detected and broadcast with the latest build!
What are the best apps to use with Notebuddy ??
xda_nikita said:
Developers help, enlightenment and info needed to improve Spen integration in CM 12 dramatically!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recently bought this device purely for the spen functionality and hate touchwiz with a passion. I'm a design student and will be using Sketchbook (the paid version) for the majority of the time. All the applications mentioned are focused towards note taking, whereas I'm primarily concerned with correct pressure sensitivity/stoke accuracy.
I'll flash the rom when I get my hands on one, might donate if all goes well!
I have tried to run this feature, but it stays still impossible to enter in menu saying, that this feature is based on some seeting in device manager, where are sitting in my case 4 apps like Cerberus, Google finder etc. but any additional chance to set up anything.
Thx for sharing your experience. This is quite sad, because this handy feature I have run on SIII with CNM and liked it...
Presenting.. the Next Best Thing to Root for the U.S. Samsung Galaxy S7 T-mobile edition (model SM-G930T that is)
As of 6/7/16, no root is publicly available. I purchased my S7 on 5/26/16 and decided to keep it despite the lack of root. This is my story.
INTRO
So the ol' Galaxy Note II up and died on me a couple weekends back, and I blew 40 bucks on a new battery before I realized it was gone gone gone. Queue new phone shopping, the hip glasses-toting dudes at T-mobile swayed me to an S7. I didn't want something as big as my last phone and forget using a bumper case with that curved-screen edge (an acquaintance of mine quotes: "The only thing that ****ing screen is good for is when I'm high as hell and want to read the clock without lifting my head". He dropped his and shattered it.), so I went with the plain ol' S7. Well, now I know why the salesguy got real quiet when the first thing I told him I would do was 'root the phone'. Being a programmer, I was pretty bummed and unhappy about owning a device that I am purposely locked out of Administrating.. but the return fee was $50, and I really liked what the S7 brought to the table.
Goes without saying, I was ready to pay for the rootable HTC-10 (my local store didn't even carry it, the salesman said they were 'test-marketing it' at a couple other stores across town) or the LG monstrosity (I haven't liked this company since the spying TV debacle, tho once upon a time they made good and cheap TVs), but I hated how much bigger the devices were and that svelte S7 really impressed me otherwise. Samsung really does make the 'iPhone of Androids'.
So, I decided to stick with the S7, and un-screw it pretty much as best as I could. And, because all I read was mostly a lot of 'is the root out yets', I thought it would be cool to share.
ABOUT THE S7
Not too terribly much has changed in the android linux filesystem since the last time I seriously delved into it. Got a vague idea where most of what is what, but I also recognize that the Path to Rooting is two: Utilizing a bootloader to actually flash the chip, or Piggybacking on some existing Administrative-privileged software in the otherwise 'closed' environment. Samsung shipped the U.S. T-mobile S7's (mine is SM-G930T) with a locked bootloader to make it nigh-impossible to root via flashing. Get to it, ya chip-hackers.
However, it is a universal law of the internet that someone out there will find an operable software workaround, and this is usually some 13-year-old kid from Finland, or at least it was in the case where I found drivers for a Voodoo 3 card during the advent of Windows XP. God bless the internet will provide, and in this case that gentle soul is none other than a man by the appropriate name of OSPolice.
PACKAGE DISABLER PRO - THE 99 CENT APP
play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ospolice.packagedisablerpro&hl=en
This little gem of an app I purchased for $0.99 off the play store. This is the key to enjoying the disabling features of Root access and the key to un-screwing the T-mobile Galaxy S7. What this app does is essentially co-opt the Administrative access that Samsung Knox (the 'security' software) uses and allows you to disable any and all packages on the phone. When you first activate it you will have to accept an agreement tied to Samsung Knox (don't worry, this in no way causes anything to 'phone home' as far as I can tell).
I would recommend the very first thing you do is go to the settings and add a password to the app, that way nobody else can get in, because this can seriously **** with your phone's software, if you disable the wrong package the phone will not boot up properly and you will need to reinstall. There is an option to Disable All Bloatware based on automatic picks from the application but this can screw up some phones and you will miss a lot of crap, so DO NOT AUTO-DISABLE.
There is also another important reason you should manually disable these. Clicking on a package from the main app brings up a screen where you have several options (the auto-google feature is quite helpful to researching various processes). There is also an important little button that says 'Clear Data', erasing the temporary package data. Due to info I found on another forum, which I am too lazy to dig up here and now, there is an important process to disabling with Package Disabler Pro:
THE DISABLING PROCESS
1. If the package is not enabled, enable it.
2. While the package IS ENABLED, click Clear Data.
3. DISABLE the package with the Disable button.
4. Click CLEAR DATA a second time.
5. On to the next one...
It appears there may be some data that is not erased when the package is disabled. In any case, this fixed all of the problems I had disabling earlier without using the Clear Data button. This is important to stop certain packages from utilizing an outside process to re-enable themselves.
Below I am listing all of the processes that I disabled. Your list might be different; before I did this I updated the phone's system software from T-mobile's servers (as of 5/25), and I don't plan to auto-update again until I root or have to reload everything.
Also, please keep in mind I turned off a few features with this method, you will have to ADJUST YOUR PACKAGES ACCORDINGLY or know what to re-enable from the below list. I turned off all wi-fi calling (don't like 'weird' internet connections), all NFC and payment such as the Samsung pay chip (nothing I want/need enabled right now). I kept Bluetooth connectivity on since I pair the phone with my car for and it's more or less an 'established' form of protocol, neverless if I didn't use it I would deactivate it as well. Security Over All is my philosophy.
THE SINGLE PROBLEM I HAVE HAD is being unable to 'browse' for a background when choosing a new one for the lock screen. I kept the lock screen with a stock dark blue and had already set my live wallpaper (play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dkeesto.holographlw&hl=en if you are curious, Digital Hive by the unsurpassed Cypher Cove). So set your backgrounds before disabling all these, or try and figure out which disabled package screws this up, though I tried re-enabling anything with 'wallpaper' in it to no avail.
I also disabled a lot of the Google services, I check my gmail online, phone apps seem so hideously insecure to my mind, and I don't want to use any drive or cloud backup services AT ALL. Go with an all-encrypted service or backup your data yourself, and I don't trust any non-rooted backup apps. If you use the Gmail app or etc, simply don't disable it.
A LIST OF PACKAGES I DISABLED (remember to Clear Data, then Disable, then Clear Data a second time!):
AASAservice
Access cloud
AllShare FileShare Service
Amazon
ANT + DUT
ANT HAL Service
ANT Radio Service
ANT+ Plugins Service
AutoPreconfig
Basic Daydreams
BBCAgent
BeaconManager
Beaming Service
Briefing (**** you)
Calculator
Calendar
Camera test
Carmode Stub
ChocoEUKor
Color Adjustment
com.android.providers.partnerbookmarks
com.android.sharedstoragebackup
com.android.wallpapercropper
com.facebook.appmanager
com.facebook.system
com.samsung.android.app.watchmanagerstub
com.samsung.android.sm.devicesecurity
com.samsung.dcmservice
com.samsung.enhanceservice
com.samsung.faceservice
com.samsung.hs20provider
com.samsung.ipservice
com.samsung.storyservice
com.sec.android.app.minimode.res
com.sec.android.app.wfdbroker
com.sec.bcservice
com.tmobile.pr.adapt
Context Service
Control TV
CoolEUKor
Device Unlock
DeviceTest
Dictionary
EasyOneHand
EasySetup
Email
Enhanced features
eSE UCS Plugin
Facebook
Favorite Contacts
Filter Installer
Filter Manager
Filter Provider
Foundation
Galaxy Apps
Galaxy Essentials Widget
Gallery (I use an app called QuickPic, don't disable if you use the regular Gallery)
Game Launcher
Game Tools
GamepadService
GameService
Gear VR Service
Gear VR SetupWizardStub
Gear VR Shelf
Gmail (You might not want to disable, but for security's sake you should and use your browser)
Google App
Google Backup Transport
Google Calendar Sync
Google Contacts Sync
Google One Time Init
Google Partner Setup
Google Play Movies & TV
Good Play Music
Hancom Office Editor
Hangouts
Health Service (this auto-health reading stuff is kind of scary)
Help
Highlight video player
IMS Settings
ImsLogger+
IntelligenceService2
Interaction control
Internet (have a secondary browser in place, I initially used Chrome)
IPsec Service
Kies Application BnR
KNOX
KnoxAppsUpdateAgent
Live wallpaper picker
Lookout
Magnifier
Market Feedback Agent
MDMApp
Memo
Message service
Messages (I use an app called Textra, it is pleasant, don't disable if you use this for text messages)
MmsService (I have had no trouble sending/receiving MMS text with this disabled)
Mobile tracker
My Files
My interests
My Places
Nearby Service
Nfc Service
NSDSWebApp
Personal Data Management
Photo Editor
Photo Screensavers
Photos
Print Spooler (might be necessary for phone-to-printer if you're into that)
Private Mode Service
Quick connect
Remote Controls
RoseEUKor
S Finder
S Health
S Voice App
Safety assistance
Safety information
Samsung account
Samsung ApexService
Samsung Billing
Samsung Content Agent
Samsung Galaxy
Samsung Gear
Samsung keyboard (HAVE ANOTHER KEYBOARD INSTALLED [I use Hacker's Keyboard] OR DO NOT DISABLE THIS)
Samsung Location DSK
Samsung Milk Music
Samsung MirrorLink 1.1
Samsung Pay Stub
Samsung Payment Framework
Samsung Push Service
Samsung setup wizard
Samsung text-to-speech engine
Samsung+
SamsungDLPService
SapaMonitor
Screen Mirroring
Security policy updates
SecurityLogAgent
Settings Receiver
ShootingModeProvider
Simple Sharing
SLLibrary
Slow and fast-motion video player and editor
Smart Manager
Smart Manager Provider
SmartCallProvider
SmartcardManager
SmartcardService
SmartFaceService
SmartManager Clean DSK
SnsImageCache
Software update
Software Update
Sound detectors
Sound picker
T-Mobile
T-Mobil Name ID
T-Mobile TV
Theme store
Themes
TouchWiz easy home
TouchWiz home
Trim
Universal switch
UrgentFWUpdateNfc
UrgentFWUpdateTSP
Video collage
Video Editor Lite
Video Player (Stock, don't disable if you use, I use an app called VLC that plays damn near anything)
Virtual tour
Visual Voicemail
Visual Voicemail
Voice Assistant
Voice service
Voice wake-up
WallpaperCompression
Weather
Weather
Wi-Fi Direct
Wi-Fi Direct share
Wi-Fi Calling Settings
withTV
And that's it! Boy, wasn't that a lot of clicking clear data and all that junk! But it is worth it!
A FEW OTHER FEATURES I DON'T USE
Fingerprints.. never tested with this. I fail to see the usefulness of a fingerprint compared to a password in your head, and it's a whole lot easier to duplicate the former and scan someone's phone (call it the 'law gets in' password). So some of these might have disabled fingerprint functionality.
Voice-assistance.. again, the possibility of my phone recording me without me knowing is kind of scary. There's a lot of Samsung S-voice crap built in, I had this sort of thing on my last phone and never had the need for it.
Always-On Screen - It displays the time, had it on for a couple days and it worked just fine, but ultimately a battery eater, and the config options are real limited. I ended up turning this off.
The Samsung TouchWiz Launcher - As soon as I got all my packages disabled, I ditched this one. You can use anything you like, but personally I found a new home with NovaLauncher.
The Camera I tried to keep as whole as possible, I set it as the 'double-home-button-click-to-open', which was default behavior, and I really like it this way - double-click and you have a camera, and it works regardless of locked screen. They've really improved the camera software, I can double-click and start recording and that's just the way I like to use a phone. Now if there were only a way to compress, encrypt, and auto-transmit those movies immediately after recording...
DEVELOPER OPTIONS
Settings -> About device -> Click on 'Build Version' a bunch of times. If you're reading these forums you should probably know how to activate this.
Some cool settings, the only one I toggle is USB debugging.. for ease of file transfer on a PC thru USB cable, something which ALL modern phones suck ass at. It almost makes me want to program a simple universal file transfer software suite.
WHAT I WISH I STILL HAD
Encrypted Backup Solutions/State Backups: TitaniumBackup & Nandroid are the ****. Man do I miss having root access.
Customized Pull-down Notification Screen: I hate that first row of settings buttons. I will probably have to pony up the 5 bucks to NovaLauncher to see if they can make those go away.
One-touch Reboot app - Not getting this one until root Administrative access. I'll have to live without until then.
Otherwise, I have been pretty conveniently able to live without Root on this phone, and I hope this guide can make you happy, too!
SOME APP SUGGESTIONS - USEFUL
I've peppered the above with some apps I really like, here are some more:
Firefox - My favorite browser. I keep a copy of chrome for emergencies. 'Noscript' and 'Phony' are must-have extensions. Still looking for a good page-to-pdf extractor.
Orbot/Orfox - Best TOR/browser combo.
Rocket Player - FANTASTIC music app that I ponied up the money to unlock (mostly to play FLACs). Near-perfect, and a relief because Winamp **** the bed when it came to Android.
DuckDuckGo - I use this to replace the Google search bar widget. Doesn't work the same (click to open) but works quickly.
ZDBox - I use this exclusively for the 5x2 'control' widget on my home page. One-touch turnon/offs (or some options send you to the settings screen) for the following: WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, Mobile Network, Airplane Mode, TaskKiller, disable Screen Rotate, Brightness, Applock (you specify) and Flashlight (my default light, big screwy button but I'm used to it now).
ZDCal - From the makers of ZDBox, a free calendar that displays as a strip in the notification bar and also places a date at the top of the screen. Be careful, the first time I set it up I blindly clicked a couple pages and set up a period calendar that promptly notified me when I was beginning ovulation (I am a man).
SOME APP SUGGESTIONS - GAMES
Stellar Solitaire - The best Solitaire app ever. Tons of games, demos, beautiful for a phone screen.
Cliffy Run - A rager game my awesome friend made that is totally and amazingly simple and has some great graphics.
Neko Atsume - A stupid japanese cat simulator that I can't stop checking.
Source - A free 'pipes' puzzle game. I'm at 1 hr 2 mins on insane level. Great for killing time in the DMV.
SOME APP SUGGESTIONS - PROGRAMMER/NERD
OS Monitor - Process/Connection task-manager
JuiceSSH - My terminal app of choice.
Blowtorch Beta - My MUD app of choice. Told ya I nerd.
AndFTP - My FTP/SSHFTP app of choice.
AndroZip - My compression app, and, surprisingly, file manager of choice.
Fing - 1st of the 2 best wireless discovery apps ever.
Wifi Analyzer - 2nd of the 2 best wireless discovery apps ever.
Usemon - Resource Analyzer. Has a cool option for the notification screen, and measures both frequency and % use graphs when many progs do one or the other.
Cargo Decoder - If you want to read what exactly is in the tanker truck you are driving behind and how badly a spill will **** up your day.
Maverick - For all your GPS/compass/accelerometer needs.
FINALE
Please feel free to add anything to the above! I am pleased that I got my phone to do most of the things I wanted without a root. That being said, as soon as it is possible I will be jumping on that train. If you have any suggestions, please contribute! And thanks for reading!
Solid post man. I will be looking to clear data on my disabled apps. That is great advice. Thank you for this!
I can say i agree, mostly. I too miss root, but can manage without it. I really wish I still had full functionality of tasker. I had some kickass gps profiles and such that I can't use anymore. Do you know a workaround for that?
Sent from my SM-G935T using XDA-Developers mobile app
looking to get an s7, waiting on more info from this thread, can anyone else confirm
rkohliny said:
looking to get an s7, waiting on more info from this thread, can anyone else confirm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What more info? How much more detail do you need?
Just completed this entire process...thank you so much! Have you been noticing faster speeds and better battery life as a result?
thank you!
Thank you. My phone is running better and faster and cooler. Thanks again
Sent from my SM-G930T using XDA-Developers mobile app
great post. im bummed as well regarding the locked bootloader that TMO has implemented. It's still a new enough phone that I'm trying to get the 'samsung experience' so personally disabled lookout and the TMO crapware. I will be saving this post for when I'm ready to go barebones (like I always eventually do) does anyone know of a good rootless ad block? Every time I launch a game and stare at a 30 second video for a different game it makes me miss adblocker terribly
I used this list as a base for safe to remove applications. Ridiculous that Samsung thinks it's this necessary to have this many applications installed.
I use the Theme Engine and a few Samsung apps (their browser with Crystal Adblock, works great and I also use Screen Mirroring/Quick Connect.) So I skipped disabling those, but got everything else. Thanks for the list. Looks like you spent a lot of time compiling it all together.
Seems to have definitely made the phone a lot snappier so thanks for this! However I can't seem to figure out which is affecting my wifi calling. It'll turn on on reboot but if it drops it won't come back on. Any ideas? Also I didn't turn off the lasy three ok his list.
Could you please share the XML file of PACKAGE DISABLER PRO? ....
PS Thank you for the great Post!
dantes5823 said:
Seems to have definitely made the phone a lot snappier so thanks for this! However I can't seem to figure out which is affecting my wifi calling. It'll turn on on reboot but if it drops it won't come back on. Any ideas? Also I didn't turn off the lasy three ok his list.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you ever find out why WIFI calling isn't working properly? Mine won't even start on a reboot!
Looks like Debloater will do the same thing as well.
Thanks for the list of apps that i can safely disable
Very nice write up..
1st: Excellent post, lots and LOTS of detail!
2nd: OMG, I hope I don't mess anything up!
Yikes!
Bambi
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S7 using XDA Labs
I do not have an Android head unit yet but I've been looking into security options. Case use examples where you'd want security, if you need to leave your car with a service centre; if you let a family member or friend use the vehicle; worst case scenario if it gets stolen. In all scenarios people would have access to your Google account (Gmail, Play Store, Calendar etc).
So far the solutions I've seen are:
1. Don't use your primary Google account. This is the most secure, but also the least convenient.
2. Using AppLock and other apps. I haven't tried this on any Android device so I don't know how truly secure it is at locking sensitive apps and data. I'm not even sure how convenient it really is.
Here's an idea for a third option for Lollipop and above head units, that in theory is the most elegant solution provided they have the same security functionality as the stock Android OS.
1. Enable the lock screen feature in the Android settings so it requires a pin to login.
2. Employ the smart lock feature in Android so the head unit unlocks when it detects a trusted device, such as a Bluetooth connection with your smartphone, your Fitbit, etc.
3. Add a guest user account to the head unit for times when someone else will use the car so they can still use basic features, but not access your sensitive data.
I'm not sure how this would affect boot time, or if the aforementioned security features have been disabled in these head units, etc. Let me know if this would work.
vxn said:
I do not have an Android head unit yet but I've been looking into security options. Case use examples where you'd want security, if you need to leave your car with a service centre; if you let a family member or friend use the vehicle; worst case scenario if it gets stolen. In all scenarios people would have access to your Google account (Gmail, Play Store, Calendar etc).
So far the solutions I've seen are:
1. Don't use your primary Google account. This is the most secure, but also the least convenient.
2. Using AppLock and other apps. I haven't tried this on any Android device so I don't know how truly secure it is at locking sensitive apps and data. I'm not even sure how convenient it really is.
Here's an idea for a third option for Lollipop and above head units, that in theory is the most elegant solution provided they have the same security functionality as the stock Android OS.
1. Enable the lock screen feature in the Android settings so it requires a pin to login.
2. Employ the smart lock feature in Android so the head unit unlocks when it detects a trusted device, such as a Bluetooth connection with your smartphone, your Fitbit, etc.
3. Add a guest user account to the head unit for times when someone else will use the car so they can still use basic features, but not access your sensitive data.
I'm not sure how this would affect boot time, or if the aforementioned security features have been disabled in these head units, etc. Let me know if this would work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you been able to get this working? I am also looking for a similar solution to stay secure while keeping primary Google account.
roxylove said:
Have you been able to get this working? I am also looking for a similar solution to stay secure while keeping primary Google account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The unit I've got had half of the Settings menu disabled, including Lockscreen. Before I rooted it and installed normal settings I used activity shortcut to get to the hidden menu options. I described it here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=73282307&postcount=6
For some reason unlock with trusted devices mostly doesn't work. But overall it works and device is not accessible unless you enter pin.