I know there's so many of you who wants to try editing or creating their own taste by modifying android apps or APK files. Here is the guide which you can use as your start to modding.

Here are the process which you need to know about APKTool Basics: Modding Android Apps.

First we must setup everything required apps. Download them here.
Now extract APKTool to:

C:\APKTool\

After all mentioned above, we are now ready for modding.

I. Installing Framework
II. Decompiling
III. Start Editing
IV. Recompile
V. Signing

APKTool Basics: Modding Android Apps

I. INSTALLING FRAMEWORK

Installing your ROM's framework will be the first thing to do when modding to obtain compatibility.

1. You must take/copy the "framework-res.apk" file from your current ROM and place it to APKTool folder, you can find it at "system/framework/framework-res.apk".

2. Go to APKTool folder and run "Command Prompt" file as administrator.

3. A command prompt will appear and type this command.

apktool if framework-res.apk

II. DECOMPILING

Decompiling is the process of decoding or producing the source codes of any program. Without decompiling a program, it is impossible to be read by human. We must decompile APK files so we can be able to edit XML files and smali files. 

To decompile an APK file, you must place it to APKTool folder and run command prompt. So this is the command to decompile.

apktool d sample.apk sample_folder

In my case I want to decompile my SystemUI.apk which is responsible for Statusbar elements.

After successful decompiling APK, a folder will be created as what you named it.

III. EDITING

This is the difficult part of modding. For now, start with replacing icons and PNGs but be sure it has the same file extension and the same size. 

You can find the icons and PNGs used in the APK by opening the decompiled APK folder

\res\drawable-nodpi

\res\drawable-hdpi or mdpi or ldpi, depends on your screen resolution.

I'll be posting more of it soon so let's just stick with the basic guides.

IV. RECOMPILING

This will be the stage of rebuilding the codes, XMLs and smali files back into a single APK file. To recompile, simply run the command prompt follow this command:

apktool b sample_folder_name new_sample.apk

In my case, I want to recompile my decompiled SystemUI folder.

V. SIGNING APK

Sign only non system apps unless you have modified AndroidManifest.xml file. From command prompt, type:

java -jar SignApk.jar testkey.x509.pem testkey.pk8 sample.apk signed_sample.apk

Done!




Credits to Rizal Lovins for the signing keys.

As an android user, I'm sure you are aware what does an android OS is capable of, one of the best part of it is modding. There's to many android mods that exist in the internet but the problem is its compatibility to our device.

Make Your First MOD Now with Android APKTool

I present to your APKTOOL, the tool which most android modders are using to modify any android application. APKTool is a tool used to decode and rebuild android applications to apply some fixes or modifications. Other than that, what I like most of this is it's very lightweight and easy to use.

To make your first mod now with android APKTool, you must have:

1. JDK (Java Development Kit) - Download

2. Android SDK (OPTIONAL. install this if you want to edit 9.png, use ADB, zipalign and other utilities)
- Download

3. Notepad++ to edit XML files - Download

4. Winrar (to open compressed files and APK files) - Download

5. APKTool - Download

You can now start modding by following APKTool Basics: Modding Android Apps

I'll be posting here the tutorials so Subscribe Now with Facebook.






Credits:

https://code.google.com/p/android-apktool/

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2195680

While I was waiting for my friends just near by CloudFone's kiosk, I suddenly noticed the highlighted  printed media ads, the newest CloudFone's Power Series; the android smartphone lineup packed up with MONSTER BATTERIES. After reading their ads, I've though for a second how long will these smartphones can take that you can even get tired of using these smartphones.

Nowadays, there's been to much of improvements in our locally branded smartphones. From single cores before turned to quad cores and octa cores, but the most common problem we encounter with our smartphones is battery. Now, CloudFone offers a great opportunity for android fanatics to taste their Power Series Smartphones and experience the feeling of not getting bothered by their previous battery issues.

CloudFone seems to be the very first mobile brand to release a smartphone having an extraordinary battery pack. CloudFone Thrill 430X, CloudFone 400QX, CloudFone Thrill 530QX and the newest from the list CloadFone Excite 400DX are the smartphone lineup under their Power Series. These smartphones have variety of features which the user can choose.

CloudFone Power Series: MONSTER Battery Android Smartphones

CloudFone Thrill 400QX

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
4.0" IPS. 233 ppi, 800x480 pixels, OGS Scratch Resistant Capacitive Touch Screen
1.2 GHz Quad Core Cortex-A5 Qualcomm MSM8225Q
Adreno 203
512 MB RAM | 4 GB ROM expandable to 32 GB
8 MP Rear Cam with Auto focus and LED Flash
VGA Front Cam
Dual Sim, Dual Standby
GPRS/EDGE (Sim 1/Sim 2), 3G HSDPA 7.2 Mbps, HSUPA 5.76 Mbps (Sim 1)
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth v3.0 with A2DP, 3.5 mm audio jack, MicroUSB 2.0, GPS
Accelerometer, Digital Compass, Proximity
Removable 1,450 mAh and 3,000 mAh Li-Ion battery pack
Php 5,999

CloudFone Thrill 430X

Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
4.3" qHD IPS, 540×960, 256 ppi
1.2GHz Qualcomm S4 Play Dual-Core
Adreno 203
768 MB RAM | 4 GB ROM Expandable up to 32 GB
Dual-SIM, Dual-standby
GPRS/EDGE/3G/HSDPA
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, GPS w/ aGPS support
8MP autofocus rear camera w/ dual LED flash
2MP front camera
4,160mAh battery
Php 4,999

CloudFone Thrill 530QX

Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
5.3" IPS qHD 960x540 pixels, 208 ppi
1.2 GHz Quad Core ARM Cortex-A7 MediaTek MTK6589M
PowerVR SGX 544MP
1 GB RAM | 4 GB ROM, expandable up to 32 GB
12.0 MP Rear Cam with auto focus and LED Flash,
5 MP Fixed focus with wide-angle lens
Full HD 1080p 30 FPS Video Record
microUSB v2.0, USB OTG, 3.5 mm audio jack
Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth v3.0 with A2DP, EDR, GPS w/ A-GPS
Dual Sim, Dual Standby
GPRS/EDGE, 3G HSDPA, 21 Mbps; HSUPA, 5.76 Mbps, HSPA+;
Accelerometer, Digital Compass, Proximity Gyroscope
Removable Li-Ion 4,500 mAh battery
Php 9,999

CloudFone Thrill 400DX

4.2 Jelly Bean
4-inch WVGA Display
1.2 GHz Dual-core processor
512 MB RAM, 4 GB Expandable up to 32 GB
5 MP Rear camera
0.3 VGA Front camera
WiFi, HSPA+, Bluetooth, GPS
Black, Silver, Red
Interchangeable 3000 mAh and 1400 mAh battery
Php 2, 999

CloudFone Power Series: MONSTER Battery Android Smartphones

Credits to NoypiGeeks, Yugatech and Techpinas for the specs

While you are using an android device, you have probably heard about rooting. To many android users have been talking about this and I'm sure you don't want to be left alone with them. This article will help you understand what is rooting and what its advantages and disadvantages to your android device.

What is Rooting in Android | Pros and Cons

What is Rooting in Android

Root came from the word that describes the user having superuser rights or privileges on the system files. Android is developed based on Unix/Linux kernel that is why the terms are based on Unix/Linux as well.

Since android is a Linux kernel-based OS, rooting is defined as the process of obtaining "Superuser" rights to your android system. User guest rights by default from your device manufacturer was elevated after successfully rooting your android device. With Superuser privileges, you will be able to access your system files, read, write, modify and delete them.


PROS

With superuser right, you can have the freedom for your android device.

You'll have the ability to change and install modified/custom ROM's that changes the overall android software.

This is one of the most popular custom ROMs known as MIUI

photo credits from XDA

You have the control to configure hardware and system components for better performance.

Photo credits from SetCPU

SetCPU app lets you control your CPU frequency for better performance or better battery.

You can install custom modified themes and animations.

Photo credits from xTheme Engine

xThemes Engines enables you to select custom themes. The theme covers all part of system apps not only launcher.

Install scripts and mods that tweaks your android features.

Photo credits to XDA and it's creator

V6 Supercharger lets you tweak your android performance for better overall performance.

CONS

May void your carrier warranty
Your carrier does not dispose android device which are already has root access. Simply because the defaults were optimized for better safety than better performance. When you root your android device, it is your decision to take the risks of modifying your system which are the default values of your device. Your carrier is not responsible for the risks you take.

Bricking

One of the worst thing that may happen to your phone is bricking it. Why does it called brick? Simply because your android device can be compared to a brick when you screw it up. When having superuser rights, you must be knowledgeable of what you are doing. A simple mistake may cause damage to your android system and even to your android device hardware.

There are two kinds of bricking your android device, soft brick and hard brick. Soft brick means your android device is half alive, in short, your android device can be revived. You can identify soft brick when you can't turn on your device but it has power on it or if it can still be detected by your computer with drivers installed. Hard brick simply means dead. No power, no LED, no computer detection.

Bootloop

Have you been installing custom mods and ROMs? Have you ever got stocked in boot animation and it does not boot normally? If yes, then you have experienced bootloop. This problem is one of the most common problems when you have done wrong or you have installed an incompatible mods that interferes the normal booting. It was called bootloop because the cycle keeps looping during boot.

Security

A lot of apps requires root permissions that may contain malicious scripts that may damage your files and system. It can also contain viruses, keyloggers, spywares or trojans. So better beware, only install apps with good user reviews and from trusted sites. Download antivirus and security application from our respected app store to prevent and avoid them.


Unrooting android possible?

Yes you can. It is very simple and easy. Most android device with root access preinstalls "SuperUser" or "SuperSU" app that manages the applications that requires root access. Running Superuser and selecting "Full Unroot" will fully unroot your android device.

What is Rooting in Android | Pros and Cons

Smartphones such as android phone and iPhone are very popular when it comes to advance technology it packs. As a smartphone user, I know that you've been facing a lot of troubles when it comes to your battery, that it could not even last a day. Know how to solve your battery problems with these easy tips.

Note: The following tips are also applicable to any mobile phones.

What you need:

A big amount of patience and exploration of your device.

iPhone | Android: Make battery last longer

1 Know how to turn off after using or if your not totally using it.

This is the most common problem that resides in the user not within the device. Your phone is designed to follow its master and you, as a user, are the master. Turning on any features requires power, therefore you must turn it off to save power.

Turn off Bluetooth

Turn off GPS

Turn off Wifi

Turn off Data Connection

Turn off Auto Sync

Turn off Notifications

Turn off Auto Rotation

2 Reduce brightness level.

You must not keep the brightness level at 100%. Adjust the brightness just enough that you can properly see your screen display. Screen brightness greatly increases battery consumption, therefore, you must know how to adjust them.

What I usually do:

Under the sunlight: 100% brightness level

On normal light: 40-50%

Night/Low light: 10-15%

3 Properly close applications after using. Do task killing.

Applications and services running on background takes a lot of RAM which requires an amount of power, therefore, in order to save more battery juice, you must close those apps and services after using.
Don't use power saving apps, it will only add apps running in background.

Here is an article for root android phones Disable Background Apps/Services in Android Phones which you can follow.

4 Keep away from heat.

Heat makes your battery drain fast. Also, it may cause damage to your phone's hardware. Keep it cool by avoiding it from hot places, let it sleep for a while or by turning off the features that makes your phone hot.

Your phone's temperature usually increases when playing games, making phone calls and browsing the net. Using the features that requires more of hardware power consumes more energy.

5 Minimize animations and effects on your phone.

Animations, live wallpapers and effects make your GPU and CPU work hard which eventually consumes more of your battery, thus, reducing or totally removing them not only saves you more battery but also makes your phone perform smoother and faster.

6 Reduce screen timeouts. Turn your screen off.

Turning your screen of makes your phone rest and sleep for a while. It significantly reduces your battery consumption since your LCD lights are turned off and some features are disabled when the phone is at sleep mode.

7 Use dark theme or background.

Using colorful designs forces your hardware especially your phones GPU to perform harder which therefore requires more battery power.

8 Avoid using Dual Mode. Only use GSM when not in browsing mode.

Using dual mode forces your signal to keep on searching better signal strength for it to be used. Note that cellular standby is the second thing that consumes more battery so you must prevent it. GSM mode is enough for making phone calls and messaging so there will be no problem about it.

9 Learn how to use Flight mode. (My Favorite)

Flight mode disables your phone's cellular standby which makes your battery last longer but sacrifices the ability to do calls, messaging and data connection but you may still use WiFi to browse the internet. Turning flight mode on is the best way to save battery and play games longer.

10 Power off phone if your not totally using.

This is very self explanatory. If you think you don't need your phone anymore, turn it off.

Do this simple steps for your phone, iPhone | Android: Make battery last longer is surely the best answer for your problem.

How to Take Screenshots on Anrdoid

Have you tried taking screenshots in your android device? Are you confused how and being troubled how to do such a thing? In this post, we will going to show you how to take screenshots on android device in a very simple way you could do it. This could be done on any android device including the newer released smartphones and tablets, Samsung Galaxy series, Nexus series and more.

How to Take Screenshots on Android

For Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and up

This is a very simple and popular method, almost all new android device was equipped with ICS or later android OS versions. You are lucky because screenshot feature is already built in to your device. All you have to do is press Volume Down + Power button at the same time and hold them for a 1-2 seconds, it will take a screenshot and there will be a shutter sound and an image preview of your screenshot. View your screenshot in your Gallery.

For below Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

Unfortunately, your phone does not have the built in capability to take screenshots, not unless it was equipped by your device manufacturer. According to my own experience with Samsung's Android devices, they have their own combination keys to take screenshots. Just like my Galaxy Mini, I can do screenshots on my phone. Below combo keys on taking screenshots might work for you.

Home + Power button, press and hold them for a few seconds to take a screenshot.
Back + Power button, press and hold them for a few seconds to take a screenshot.

If non of these methods worked for your android device, you may try the following options:

1. Install 3rd Party apps found in Google's Play Store, they may require you to root your phone.
2. You have to flash custom ROM for your android device that has screenshot feature (like CyanogenMod).

Now you know how to take screenshot on android.

Are you getting annoyed by applications and services that automatically runs in background even you don't want to and eats too much of your RAM? Does your phone turns laggy when your just messaging and playing games? In this article, I will going to show you how to solve your android problems.

There was an app called "Disabled Service" which actually disables your applications and system services from running in background. This is surely very useful for those who had troubles with their RAM.

Disable Background Apps/Services in Android Phones

Video Tutorial

To disable backgroud apps/services in your android phones, your phone must have ROOT ACCESS and Disable Service app installed.

First, you need to download and install Disable Service app from Google Playstore.

Secondly, you have to look for the services that you want to disable. TAKE NOTE, you must understand and you must know what you are trying to disable.

Next, open Disable Service and look for the blue font-colored number count from the system name, it indicates the number of running services. The blue font-colored services are the current running services. Uncheck it to disable. The red font-colored number indicates the number of disabled system process.

Now, you have disabled background apps/services in your android phone.