Database Users

[Q] [request] LiveWallpaper Picker

I have a flipside that I rooted and removed the bloat on. I installed thed Xperia Arc launcher and it is awesome. I removed the Live Wallpaper picker and at some point I acidentally deleted the backup to it I made with Titanium Backup. Can anyone back this up and upload the file so I can restore it to my flipside? There are some Xperia live wallpapers I would like to try that use the XMB wave (I love my PSP and PS3 and It would be cool to have on my phone) Thanks

Ok, i'll try to remember. When you're down go post these instructions on my thread so that everyone else can see it too!
Ok wow about 25 minutes later I figured it out again.....
You need this.
1. moto android depacker
2. unyaffs for windows
Step 1. - launch moto android depacker
2. Menu > Open From File > choose your .SBF rom file
3. Menu > Split to Folder
4. Put unyaffs and cygwin1.dll in the Folder that has now been created in windows explorer by the last Split to Folder action
5. Also inside that new folder (named like your SBF file automatically) you will see a bunch of .SMG files.
6. Take note of the .SMG filename with the largest amount of data. One will be significantly bigger than the others. This is where all your .apk's are stored.
7. Open command prompt
8. navigate to the location of this Folder with unyaffs, cygwin1.dll, and the other .smg files
9. Once you command prompt is inside that folder type: unyaffs <filename.smg>
10. For me the .SMG file that was the biggest was CG39.smg
11. You will then see that folder filling up with a bunch more folders as it extracts
12. One of the Folders will be "app"
12. Go into that folder and you will see all of you ROM .apk's Each apk is an app, that you can now manually install or remove to rebuild a customized image, etc.
Good Luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Found this on another thread so I'm trying this now. Might work. Not sure yet

devi59 said:
Found this on another thread so I'm trying this now. Might work. Not sure yet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And it did so this thread can be closed.

[GUIDE] How to easily edit/modify .apk files! (Simple, Noob Friendly)

Hey Guys an' Girls!
Anyway, so when I first learnt how to decompile, modify then recompile .apks I found it was a rather slow process and figured out a far faster way.I searched google and xda many times and couldn't find my method anywhere. So without further ado, let's go through an easy, simple, step by step guide on how to modify .apk files!
Step 1 - Getting the .apk
Firstly, of course, you will need to obtain the .apk file that you want to edit. There are two methods to do this:
a) If you have the recovery flashable zip for the rom you are currently on, simply open it up, navigate to the file you want to edit (in my case system -> app -> settings.apk) and drag the .apk file onto your desktop.
b) Using root browser or a similar app on your device, navigate to the .apk you wish to edit and copy it onto your sdcard. Then connect to your computer and copy the file from your phone to the computer.
Step 2 - Editing/Modifying your .apk
Now is the important part. Install Winrar by clicking the link. http://www.win-rar.com/download.html?&L=0 Then open the .apk by right clicking the file -> open with -> WinRar. Now you can look around the .apk file. Find a file inside the .apk you wish to edit. (In my case I'm going to navigate to res -> mipmap-hdpi -> ic_launcher_settings.png). Just drag the file from the .apk and edit to your liking.
NOTE: It is recommended never to completely take everything out of the .apk and then put it all back in. Just do one file at a time.
Then when your finished, select the old file in the .apk and press the delete button. Now drag in the new edited file into where you found it. Easy!
Step 3 - Putting the new .apk back where it belongs
Now of course, your going to have to put it back on your device to see the changes in effect, there's no point having it on your computer! There are two ways to go about this:
a) Open up your rom and navigate to the place where you took your .apk file from. Click on the old .apk file and press the delete button. Now drag your new edited .apk file into the zip. Then connect your device to your computer and drag the rom onto the sdcard and flash it via recovery. Now reboot the system and see your change/s in effect!
b) Copy your new .apk file from your computer to your device. Then, using Root browser or a similar app, navigate to the old .apk file and look at the permisions. (eg. RW--r--) Now delete the old file and replace with the new, but make sure to set the permissions the same as they were before. Now Simply reboot and see your change/s in effect!
NOTE: For some .apk files (eg. Framework-res.apk) there might be missing folders inside the .apk (eg. Values).

Just hit the thanks button, he doesn't bite your finger!

This is an easy way to edit the images only(icons,wallpaper,etc),not XML files,Smali's and such.I do this using the kitchen,easy way if you theme alot.

Diablo67 said:
This is an easy way to edit the images only(icons,wallpaper,etc),not XML files,Smali's and such.I do this using the kitchen,easy way if you theme alot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't have to use this guide just for images. That was just the example. You can use it for almost any file inside an .apk. I was just saying that SOME folders aren't there.

Can you guide me to how do i keep same apps of diff versions.

i tried to modify a 3rd party app e.g whatsapp and when i tried installing i got an error which said "the app is not signed", may u kindly assist!

tendyfish said:
i tried to modify a 3rd party app e.g whatsapp and when i tried installing i got an error which said "the app is not signed", may u kindly assist!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You also have this tool
Easy Apk Dissassembler
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=14049173

How do I use a flashable to get rid of .apks??? ₩

On the app I have here it returns 20 results that it scrapes from a website. I only want it to return 3 or 4. How do I get in there and change that value?

I want to change values on touchwiz launcher on my note 3, to use it in 440 dpi. When I use it there is so much margin on all sides, and I need to reduce. I need to add a new icon row as well. Can I do that just by modifying the app?
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

are the .xml files encrypted or something? when i try to edit them, it is a bunch of strange characters

Hi,
I would like to modify the tinychat.apk so that i can find how to change my device info/platform from android to something else, like pc or whatever. I dont want to be identified as using an android device. Is this possible?
Regards.

ksaul said:
are the .xml files encrypted or something? when i try to edit them, it is a bunch of strange characters
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, depending on what tool you use to decompile the apk files it may or may not decrypt them. I use apktool and it decrypts them just fine.

I think this method is no longer working for 4.3+

Modify JAR files
littlejoelgriffo said:
Hey Guys an' Girls!
Anyway, so when I first learnt how to decompile, modify then recompile .apks I found it was a rather slow process and figured out a far faster way.I searched google and xda many times and couldn't find my method anywhere. So without further ado, let's go through an easy, simple, step by step guide on how to modify .apk files!
Step 1 - Getting the .apk
Firstly, of course, you will need to obtain the .apk file that you want to edit. There are two methods to do this:
a) If you have the recovery flashable zip for the rom you are currently on, simply open it up, navigate to the file you want to edit (in my case system -> app -> settings.apk) and drag the .apk file onto your desktop.
b) Using root browser or a similar app on your device, navigate to the .apk you wish to edit and copy it onto your sdcard. Then connect to your computer and copy the file from your phone to the computer.
Step 2 - Editing/Modifying your .apk
Now is the important part. Install Winrar by clicking the link. http://www.win-rar.com/download.html?&L=0 Then open the .apk by right clicking the file -> open with -> WinRar. Now you can look around the .apk file. Find a file inside the .apk you wish to edit. (In my case I'm going to navigate to res -> mipmap-hdpi -> ic_launcher_settings.png). Just drag the file from the .apk and edit to your liking.
NOTE: It is recommended never to completely take everything out of the .apk and then put it all back in. Just do one file at a time.
Then when your finished, select the old file in the .apk and press the delete button. Now drag in the new edited file into where you found it. Easy!
Step 3 - Putting the new .apk back where it belongs
Now of course, your going to have to put it back on your device to see the changes in effect, there's no point having it on your computer! There are two ways to go about this:
a) Open up your rom and navigate to the place where you took your .apk file from. Click on the old .apk file and press the delete button. Now drag your new edited .apk file into the zip. Then connect your device to your computer and drag the rom onto the sdcard and flash it via recovery. Now reboot the system and see your change/s in effect!
b) Copy your new .apk file from your computer to your device. Then, using Root browser or a similar app, navigate to the old .apk file and look at the permisions. (eg. RW--r--) Now delete the old file and replace with the new, but make sure to set the permissions the same as they were before. Now Simply reboot and see your change/s in effect!
NOTE: For some .apk files (eg. Framework-res.apk) there might be missing folders inside the .apk (eg. Values).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's very helpful thank you for sharing. Is there a way to modify JAR files the same way?

gilbertgk said:
That's very helpful thank you for sharing. Is there a way to modify JAR files the same way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rename the jar to apk..after done,rename it back to jar

zamzameir said:
rename the jar to apk..after done,rename it back to jar
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can this work on my note 3 4.3 not rooted?

gilbertgk said:
Can this work on my note 3 4.3 not rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
idk..but you can try n report back

littlejoelgriffo said:
Hey Guys an' Girls!
Anyway, so when I first learnt how to decompile, modify then recompile .apks I found it was a rather slow process and figured out a far faster way.I searched google and xda many times and couldn't find my method anywhere. So without further ado, let's go through an easy, simple, step by step guide on how to modify .apk files!
Step 1 - Getting the .apk
Firstly, of course, you will need to obtain the .apk file that you want to edit. There are two methods to do this:
a) If you have the recovery flashable zip for the rom you are currently on, simply open it up, navigate to the file you want to edit (in my case system -> app -> settings.apk) and drag the .apk file onto your desktop.
b) Using root browser or a similar app on your device, navigate to the .apk you wish to edit and copy it onto your sdcard. Then connect to your computer and copy the file from your phone to the computer.
Step 2 - Editing/Modifying your .apk
Now is the important part. Install Winrar by clicking the link. http://www.win-rar.com/download.html?&L=0 Then open the .apk by right clicking the file -> open with -> WinRar. Now you can look around the .apk file. Find a file inside the .apk you wish to edit. (In my case I'm going to navigate to res -> mipmap-hdpi -> ic_launcher_settings.png). Just drag the file from the .apk and edit to your liking.
NOTE: It is recommended never to completely take everything out of the .apk and then put it all back in. Just do one file at a time.
Then when your finished, select the old file in the .apk and press the delete button. Now drag in the new edited file into where you found it. Easy!
Step 3 - Putting the new .apk back where it belongs
Now of course, your going to have to put it back on your device to see the changes in effect, there's no point having it on your computer! There are two ways to go about this:
a) Open up your rom and navigate to the place where you took your .apk file from. Click on the old .apk file and press the delete button. Now drag your new edited .apk file into the zip. Then connect your device to your computer and drag the rom onto the sdcard and flash it via recovery. Now reboot the system and see your change/s in effect!
b) Copy your new .apk file from your computer to your device. Then, using Root browser or a similar app, navigate to the old .apk file and look at the permisions. (eg. RW--r--) Now delete the old file and replace with the new, but make sure to set the permissions the same as they were before. Now Simply reboot and see your change/s in effect!
NOTE: For some .apk files (eg. Framework-res.apk) there might be missing folders inside the .apk (eg. Values).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thnax for great guide but,my gopro app has a update and I have changed the icon on it but the app store dosent show me the update button. How to fix so I can update?

What do I need to change in an app to substitute it for another app?
OK so I've installed a new ROM and it comes with a kernel setting app preinstalled. This app has been integrated into the system settings portion of the ROM. I want to replace this kernel settings app with one of my choice but I want to be able to integrate it into the system settings like the original app is. I tried disguising the new app by changing the name of the app and .apk files but that didn't work. Closest I got was being able to convert my app to system app but even though I changed the name, the app, when installed goes back to it's original name. Or what permissions or files do I need to change to allow the integration of my app into the settings interface. Thanks ahead of time, it's appreciated.

Change lock screen pics on Kindle Fire HDX

Hey everyone,
I recently upgraded from the original Fire to the HDX. I searched high and low on how to change the lock screen pics on the HDX and turned up nothing. However, I did find a different way to change the lock screen on the original Fire and thought it might work on the HDX. After rooting, safe strapping, making a system back up and several hours of searching for the lockscreen pics folder, IT WORKED!! I apologize if this has already been done on the HDX but I wanted to share for those of you who couldn't find it either. I urge you to follow these steps EXACTLY or you could end up with a very expensive door stop.
**Before Starting** Your HDX must be rooted. I would highly advise installing safe strap and making a backup of your system (I boot looped twice before I finally got it right!) Down load 7-zip and install on your PC. Download root explorer from the Amazon market. Credit goes to Josepho1997 for posting this on the original Kindle Fire. I just took his method and tweaked it for the HDX.
1. Using Root Explorer from the Amazon Market, go to: /system/framework and copy (do not move!) framework-res.apk to your SD card.
2. Plug your Kindle into the computer and move the framework-res.apk (from SD card) to your computer and make a back up copy.
3. Use 7-Zip to open the one you intend to modify
4. Open the "res" folder then the "raw-xhdpi" folder.
5. You'll find 22 jpeg images in this folder, 11 images with the "_p_" in the file name.
6. Replace the "_p_" jpegs with the images you want, keeping the names exactly as they are. DO NOT delete any images. You can use 11 different images or the same one over and over again. I highly recommend formatting each picture to 1600x2650 like the originals.
7. Close 7-Zip and the new framework-res.apk will be saved, move this back to your SD card.
8. Open Root Explorer.
9. Copy the framework-res.apk to /system.
10. Long press on the framework-res.apk file and change the permissions to rw-r-r. (This is critical, failure to do this will cause a bootloop)
11. Move framework-res.apk to /system/framework. Overwrite the existing file.
12. The Kindle will automatically reboot and your new wallpapers will appear on the lock screen.
That's it! Good luck :good:

This is awesome! I think I may wait though if you suggest safestrap. It's currently not available for the 8.9.
Sent from my KFAPWI using xda premium

I don't blame you. There is nothing worse than that pucker factor you get when you go into boot loop without a backup. Hopefully, our awesome devs will safe strap your sweet 8.9" machine in no time!

I've only just got mine Kindle Fire HDX 7 to use Google Apps. Playing around with the rest of Amazons interesting design choices is the next step. This looks like a brilliant idea! Time to get my HD space pictures in there.
Thanks!
--- I have just tried this. I can copy the file to a visible directory but then i cant see it in there...
It isn't hidden or anything, thoughts?

There is a check box in Root Explorer preferences that enables you to see hidden files. Make sure this is checked first and then copy the file to the root of your SD card. You should be able to see it.

It's showing up now.
Thanks!

Sweet:fingers-crossed:

Because I am pure awesome, I managed to bootloop it too haha.
I have recovered it though and had another go with much better result haha
For anyone else having a go at this, I can't stress enough cthebadge's point about moving it to "/system" first, changing the permissions, and THEN moving it to "/system/framework"!

My next step is trying to find the gray background pic on the carousel screen. If anyone finds this before me, I'd appreciate the location. I don't see why we couldn't customize this background image as well..?

the lock screen pics doesn't bother me ,but I want to make the nova ;auncher show it's wallpaper.

cthebadge said:
My next step is trying to find the gray background pic on the carousel screen. If anyone finds this before me, I'd appreciate the location. I don't see why we couldn't customize this background image as well..?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
system\app\Launcher-release-signed_81224610\res\drawable-sw600dp-xhdpi/home_bg.png and system\app\Launcher-release-signed_81224610\res\drawable-sw600dp-land-xhdpi\home_bg.png

How to change Kindle Fire HDX carousel wallpaper
ONYXis, you are awesome my friend!
Anyone that would like to change their carousel screen wallpaper, it's basically the same steps as I listed above for changing your lock screen wallpaper, only the pics are in different directories.
Following ONYXis's path, you want to copy the Launcher-released-signed_xxxxxxx.apk from the system/app directory and move it to your SD card. Transfer to the PC and open with 7-zip. Open the res folder and locate the portrait picture in the "drawable-sw600dp-xhdpi" folder named "home_bg.png". The landscape picture is in the "drawable-sw600dp-land-xhdpi" folder listed as "home_bg.png". Take both pics and replace them with the ones of your choice. The resolution for the portrait pic is 1200x1869 and the landscape pic is 1920x1149. **Make sure you save your new pics as .PNG and not .JPEG. Overwrite the old stock pics with your new pics keeping the name exactly the same. Close 7-zip and transfer the .apk file back to your SD card. Move the file to /system and change permissions again to rw-r-r. Move the .apk file to the /system/app directory and overwrite the original .apk file. Your Kindle will reboot on it's own and the new wallpaper appears! Thanks again to ONYXis for finding the pics!

Thanks. BTW this TUT http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2373563 works too.
Notice that new resolution for HDX is 562x562 and 198x198.
My screens http://imgur.com/a/g559a and some icons from me attached (put folder "images" from archive to system/vendor/data with overwrite and reboot).

ONYXis said:
Thanks. BTW this TUT http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2373563 works too.
Notice that new resolution for HDX is 562x562 and 198x198.
My screens http://imgur.com/a/g559a and some icons from me attached (put folder "images" from archive to system/vendor/data with overwrite and reboot).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those icons look amazing!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

cthebadge said:
Hey everyone,
I recently upgraded from the original Fire to the HDX. I searched high and low on how to change the lock screen pics on the HDX and turned up nothing. However, I did find a different way to change the lock screen on the original Fire and thought it might work on the HDX. After rooting, safe strapping, making a system back up and several hours of searching for the lockscreen pics folder, IT WORKED!! I apologize if this has already been done on the HDX but I wanted to share for those of you who couldn't find it either. I urge you to follow these steps EXACTLY or you could end up with a very expensive door stop.
**Before Starting** Your HDX must be rooted. I would highly advise installing safe strap and making a backup of your system (I boot looped twice before I finally got it right!) Down load 7-zip and install on your PC. Download root explorer from the Amazon market. Credit goes to Josepho1997 for posting this on the original Kindle Fire. I just took his method and tweaked it for the HDX.
1. Using Root Explorer from the Amazon Market, go to: /system/framework and copy (do not move!) framework-res.apk to your SD card.
2. Plug your Kindle into the computer and move the framework-res.apk (from SD card) to your computer and make a back up copy.
3. Use 7-Zip to open the one you intend to modify
4. Open the "res" folder then the "raw-xhdpi" folder.
5. You'll find 22 jpeg images in this folder, 11 images with the "_p_" in the file name.
6. Replace the "_p_" jpegs with the images you want, keeping the names exactly as they are. DO NOT delete any images. You can use 11 different images or the same one over and over again. I highly recommend formatting each picture to 1600x2650 like the originals.
7. Close 7-Zip and the new framework-res.apk will be saved, move this back to your SD card.
8. Open Root Explorer.
9. Copy the framework-res.apk to /system.
10. Long press on the framework-res.apk file and change the permissions to rw-r-r. (This is critical, failure to do this will cause a bootloop)
11. Move framework-res.apk to /system/framework. Overwrite the existing file.
12. The Kindle will automatically reboot and your new wallpapers will appear on the lock screen.
That's it! Good luck :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I've mistakenly skipped step 10 and done step 11 , now, as you've anticpated, my Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 has gone into bootloop at the Kindle Fire logo. Can you help? Many thanks!

You are a braver person than I for trying this hack without safe strap my friend. The have been searching for a fix for your 8.9" boot loop and could find nothing. I am by no means a developer and will only experiment with things if I have safe strap installed. I would recommend posting your question in it's own thread and hope that someone can help. Sorry

cthebadge said:
You are a braver person than I for trying this hack without safe strap my friend. The have been searching for a fix for your 8.9" boot loop and could find nothing. I am by no means a developer and will only experiment with things if I have safe strap installed. I would recommend posting your question in it's own thread and hope that someone can help. Sorry
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it really that bad? Thanks for your suggestion anyway. I've post it in other thread already. Have my fingers crossed:fingers-crossed:

Well..it's not good! Lol Normally, I won't even attempt root without a fxz or sbf file to flash in case I boot loop. You just changed a system file when you dropped that file in the framework folder. The only way that I can think to fix it would be to somehow be able to access that file via computer and overwrite your modified file with the stock file. You did make a backup of the original file I assume..?

cthebadge said:
Well..it's not good! Lol Normally, I won't even attempt root without a fxz or sbf file to flash in case I boot loop. You just changed a system file when you dropped that file in the framework folder. The only way that I can think to fix it would be to somehow be able to access that file via computer and overwrite your modified file with the stock file. You did make a backup of the original file I assume..?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I did. I'm also thinking how to reinstall the original file back.

Image "replacement"
cthebadge said:
Hey everyone,
6. Replace the "_p_" jpegs with the images you want, keeping the names exactly as they are. DO NOT delete any images. You can use 11 different images or the same one over and over again. I highly recommend formatting each picture to 1600x2650 like the originals.
...
12. The Kindle will automatically reboot and your new wallpapers will appear on the lock screen.
That's it! Good luck :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I followed the directions except I don't know how to "replace" the images in the file without deleting the old image files. I used the same file names for my images and copied my new images into the file after deleting the old image files.
When I moved the .apk into /system/framework several programs shutdown and I thought the tablet was going to reboot but it never rebooted. Eventually I just used the power button and shut it off. When I restarted the system all I got was the grey screen. I shut down by holding the power button for about 10 seconds and then tried a second time.... no joy.
Since I am using safestrap I am up and running, I will rebuild my rom-slot1 from backup. Curious what I may have done wrong or if I am missing some small step...
HDX 8.9 rooted, modified so google playstore works.
The _p_ files are portrait, the _l_ files are the same picture in landscape. I will figure out what the dimensions are for the landscape files and reformat all the pics for a retry.... all are 1600 x 2560 (not 2650!)
Ok, replaced all the _p_ and _l_ files, make sure they are the right dimensions and in portrait or landscape shape. It all worked and now I just need to kill the Amazon advertising.

Converting Bootanimations

Can someone convert or tell me how to convert this bootanim to the Nexus 7?
Thanks!
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/12414928/bootanimation.zip

Boncey said:
Can someone convert or tell me how to convert this bootanim to the Nexus 7?
Thanks!
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/12414928/bootanimation.zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, Boncey...
When you say 'convert', I assume you mean 'encapsulate' it into a CWM/TWRP flashable .zip.
Well, that skill and level of technical knowledge is a bit beyond me, I'm afraid. But changing a boot animation is a relatively trivial task, providing you exercise care, and are comfortable poking around inside /system.
I've tested your bootanimation.zip on my own Nexus 7... and it works... but there's too long a duration after the animation has run, before you're presented with the home launcher (or Android desktop). All you see, after the animation (which runs for about 2 seconds) is 30 seconds of black screen.
It's also quite large, clocking in at a whopping 9.7Mb... compared to the standard KitKat 'dancing colored circles' boot animation... which is just a miniscule 714Kb.
Anyway... here's the how-to-bit...
Your Nexus 7 will need to be rooted.
You'll also need a root capable Android file manager. There are several such file managers available on Google PlayStore, with ES File Explorer File Manager arguably one of the most famous and renowned. But I prefer X-Plore file manager, because it has dual-pane capability, which makes copying stuff from one location to another easy. So my instructions and thumbnails that follow are written with 'X-Plore file manager' in mind...though they should be adaptable to any root capable Android file manager.
Whichever file manager you choose... you'll first need to go into its settings or configuration options, and enable root... you'll also need to enable a setting which allows changes to be made to /system.
In X-plore filemanager, this is called Superuser+Mount Writable (Superuser mode, which allows changes in read-only mode).
(See thumbnail no.1, at the bottom of this post).
Other Android file managers may use a different description and words... but the key thing to remember, is that you're allowing the file manager to makes changes to /system. And for this reason, EXTREME CAUTION should be exercised when using the file manager with this setting enabled. By default, and for very good reasons, /system is set as READ-ONLY. Enabling the 'Mount Writable' option, makes /system READ-WRITE.
Once you've completed the following procedure, remember to disable the 'Mount Writable' option.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
OK... with that lengthy preamble out of the way... we begin.
The Nexus 7's boot animation is stored in a folder called /system/media... and unsurprisingly, its called bootanimation.zip.
The first thing you need to do, is rename this file. When doing this sort of thing on my own Nexus 7, I just rename the file extension... so, bootanimation.zip becomes bootanimation.bak
Leaving the old (original) boot animation in place is a good idea, so should you tire of its replacement... you can easily revert back, by simply renaming the files extension back to .zip, ie., bootanimation.zip
Next... copy the new replacement into the same system folder... namely /system/media
You should now have two files in the folder /system/media...
/system/media/bootanimation.bak - the original boot animation, but disabled.
/system/media/bootanimation.zip - the new, replacement boot animation.
(See thumbnail no.2)
We're nearly there... but there is one last thing to do... set the file permissions on the new bootanimation.zip file.
How this is done will vary from one file manager to the next... but in X-Plore, it's accomplished by LONG PRESSING on the file in question, until a context sensitive menu appears.
(See thumbnail no.3)
Select the option marked 'Permissions'... a dialogue box will appear with nine check boxes.
Ensure all the ones for READ are ticked, and just the USER one for WRITE. The permissions mode should amount to 644. Anyway, it's probably better if you just take a look at my screenshot at the bottom of this post. (Describing this sort of thing makes my head hurt... a picture really does paint a thousand words).
(See thumbnail no.4)
Finally... go back into the file managers settings option, and disable the Mount Writable option (or whatever it's called in your chosen file manager).
Right that's it... you can now reboot your Nexus 7 and enjoy the dubious pleasure of watching the green Android mascot peeing all over an Apple logo... I'm guessing you're not a big fan of Apple!.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Although the above sounds fairly involved and complicated... it really isn't. Like all things technical, it's easier to do, than describe. Descriptions often run to several paragraphs for the most prosaic of things.
Summary.
** A rooted Nexus 7.
** A root capable Android file manager.
** Enable root and Mount Writable or similar option in your chosen filemanager.
** Rename /system/media/bootanimation.zip...to.../system/media/bootanimation.bak
** Copy the new bootanimation.zip into the folder /system/media.
** Set file permissions on it... to 644.
** Disable Mount Writable or similar option in your chosen filemanager.
** Reboot... Enjoy!.
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Good luck... and hope this helps.
Rgrds,
Ged.

Thanks!
Turns out my permissions were wrong!

Custom boot video

We have finally figured out how to change the boot video. This is the part where it says OUYA right before showing the launcher. Most people probably know this and that the video is part of the launcher apk. It is possible to switch the video out for one of our choice.
Here is a link showing our custom boot up vid.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmlyDxR7JMg
And another link to a write up I did so anyone can customize their own.
http://burdbroscustomarcade.us/forums/topic/how-to-create-your-own-ouya-boot-video/
These are the directions on how to have your own custom boot video when your OUYA starts up. This does not change the boot animation that comes before the video. If that’s what you are looking to do you can find info on that here. http://ouyabrew.com/custom-boot-animations-for-ouya/ This is my first guide so if you think I should add or change anything let me know.
Warning!!! Please Read!!!
If you do not follow these steps exactly and don’t have another launcher installed all you will get is a black screen. This can be fixed with adb though so it doesn't actually brick your ouya. I highly recommend installing a backup launcher in case something doesn’t work.
Your OUYA must be rooted for this to work and the system\ folder properties need to be set to RW so you can replace the launcher apk. You can do this under tools in es file explorer(turn on root explorer, mount r/w) and can be found in settings or properties on most other file explorers.
I’ll just go step by step of how I did it. You may know some of this but I will try to be as thorough as possible. I used apktool to decompile then recompile it. Make sure the apk is in the same folder as apktool. Otherwise you just have to include the entire path for the files and folders.
First off copy the file OUYALauncher.apk from syatem\app\ on your OUYA to your computer. Then install apktool on your computer. It works on both PC and mac. A Google search will find it quickly.
At this point it is a good idea to make a copy of your launcher and save it somewhere for backup just in case.
To decompile:
apktool d OUYALauncher.apk outputfolder\
outputfolder\ can be whatever you want. Just make sure to keep it consistent with all apktool commands.
Then switch out the video in the outputfolder\build\apk\res\raw\boot_video.mp4 with whatever mp4 you want. Just make sure to rename it exactly as the one you are replacing. In theory you could do the same for the audio but I haven’t tested this yet.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 5/24/14 The new update for the OUYA now has 2 different videos, boot_video.mp4 and boot_video_long.mp4 in OUYALauncher.apk. I replaced both with my custom video and it worked fine just as before. Do not use any OUYALauncher.apk from one update version with another update. This can cause the stock launcher to stop working. Always start with a fresh copy of the file to be safe. And once again I suggest installing a secondary launcher as backup in case you do mess something up. It makes it much easier to fix.
To recompile:
apktool b outputfolder\ nameof.apk
It doesn’t matter what you use as nameof.apk because you will have to rename it after signing anyways.
Then to sign it I use the app zipsigner on my phone or tablet using the test key that it selects by default. Once you have the signed apk just rename to OUYALauncher.apk and copy to system\app\ on your Ouya. I used es file explorer on my ouya but any file explorer should work. Select overwrite when it prompts you. The screen will go black. If you have another launcher it will switch to it automatically. If not then I wait a few seconds to let it settle then unplug the OUYA and plug it back in and start it. As long as the file is named right and signed you should be greeted with your new video after the boot animation.
If you have any questions or need help feel free to ask