How to debloat your phone (and more) without connecting to a PC

The Android Debug Bridge, or ADB for short, is a nifty development tool to interface with your phone for debugging and testing. Through ADB, developers can access Android’s built-in Linux command line shell with greater privileges than user-installed apps. This gives developers the ability to install or uninstall apps, grant or deny permissions, change system settings values, and do much more, all from the command line. Although intended for developers, these commands are also useful to help you debloat your phone, tweak hidden settings, and enable other options.

ADB commands can be sent to a phone that’s either hooked up to a PC or connected to the same wireless network as the PC. They’re generally sent from a PC’s terminal or command prompt window and can’t be sent from the phone itself unless it’s been rooted. However, through an app called Local ADB Shell, or LADB for short, ADB commands can be sent straight from the phone without the need for rooting it or connecting it to a PC.

Developed by XDA Recognized Developer tytydraco, LADB leverages Android’s built-in support for ADB over WiFi to provide a GUI for sending shell commands straight from the device. Search for “terminal emulator” on Google Play and you’ll find dozens of apps that provide access to Android’s command line shell. What sets LADB apart from the rest of these apps is that it bundles an ADB server within the app, which is what allows it to be set up to run shell commands with the same privileges as ADB shell. With ADB shell privileges, you can do things like debloat your phone, change hidden settings, and a whole lot more right from your phone.

In order to set up LADB, though, you’ll first need to enable ADB over WiFi, but the process to do so will differ depending on your device and Android OS version.

For devices running Android 10 or older, ADB over WiFi can be enabled after some initial setup from a PC. That means on older Android versions, you’ll still need to go through the process to set up ADB on your PC. Once you do that, you can then have the app send commands to the ADB server started on the device.

Thanks to Android 11 introducing native support for wireless debugging, LADB can be set up entirely on device without needing root or hooking up to a PC for initialization. Here’s how you can set up LADB on your Android device. We’re assuming your device runs Android 11 for the sake of this tutorial because if not, you’ll have to manually set up ADB on your PC to get it working anyway, which defeats the main purpose of using LADB. (If you own a OnePlus phone that runs OxygenOS 10 based on Android 10, though, you can use LADB wire and PC-free since OnePlus baked in their own wireless debugging feature.)

How to use LADB to debloat your phone (and more) on Android 11+

1. Download and install the LADB app from Google Play or compile it from source.
2. Open Settings > About Phone and tap on the “Build number” field 7 times. This will enable “Developer Options.” (Note: The “About Phone” page may be called something else or buried somewhere else in Settings on your device.)
3. Go to Settings > System > Developer Options and enable “USB debugging” and “Wireless debugging.” (Note: Just like “About Phone”, the “Developer Options” page may be found elsewhere in Settings on your device.)
4. Open the LADB app. It will show a “Pairing information” dialog.
5. Open the recent apps screen. Press and hold on the app’s icon and tap “Split Screen” to open LADB in split-screen multitasking view.
6. On the bottom half, open Settings. Go to System > Developer Options > Wireless debugging. Tap on “Pair device with pairing code.” You’ll see a “Pair with device” dialog pop-up.
7. Copy the 6 digit “Wi-Fi pairing code” and paste it into the “pairing code” box in LADB. Copy the 5 digit port number from the IP address (the 5 numbers after the colon) and paste it into the “Port” box in LADB.
8. Hit “OKAY” in LADB and you should hopefully see text that says “Success! *\(^o^)/*”
9. Now you’re ready to type whatever ADB shell command you want into the “Shell command” box at the bottom. Looking for things to do? Check out our list of ADB tutorials for things you can try!

LADB — Local ADB Shell ($2.99, Google Play) →

If you’re having trouble setting up LADB, be sure to hit the three-dot menu icon in the top right and go to the Help section. Here you can reset the server which restores the app to factory settings and deletes pairing information and ADB server files. You can also read through the troubleshooting tips to find answers to frequently asked questions.

I’ve used LADB on a couple of different devices, including an ASUS ZenFone 7 Pro and a Google Pixel 4 running Android 11. I haven’t had much trouble setting it up on either, but I did notice that any Android TV device with “Network Debugging” enabled will strangely interfere with LADB’s pairing process. If you’re having trouble with pairing and have an Android TV device, check to make sure that “Network Debugging” isn’t turned on. You’ll know it’s interfering if you see an ADB authorization prompt show up on your TV whenever you try to set up LADB on your phone.

If you have any feedback or questions to ask the developer, check out the XDA forum thread for LADB linked below or email the developer at tylernij@gmail.com. The app is also open source if you’re interested in compiling it for yourself — the price on Google Play can be considered a donation towards the developer for making this app!

LADB – XDA Forum Thread

The post How to debloat your phone (and more) without connecting to a PC appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/3u8Uoq0
via IFTTT

These are the Best Xiaomi phones that you can buy right now!

Xiaomi is, almost certainly, the most prolific phone brand in the world right now. Between its main brand, various sub-brands, and spinoffs that have supposedly become “independent,” the company seemingly pumps out a new phone every two weeks or so. This would be annoying if the devices were mediocre and lazy rehashes, but that’s not the case. Xiaomi’s flagship phones are excellent — not just a contender to top our Best Android Phones list, but even our Best Phones list, period. Its budget and mid-tier offerings, meanwhile, usually offer more value than competitors at the same price point.

But having so many devices can also confuse consumers. This is why we’re here to help. We have tested virtually every Xiaomi smartphone to hit the market over the past few years and these are the best devices for each need.

Navigate this article:

• Best Xiaomi phone money can buy: Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra
• Best Xiaomi phone for most people: POCO F3 / Mi 11X
• Best foldable phone from Xiaomi: Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold
• Best mid-tier Xiaomi phone: Redmi Note 10 Pro / Pro Max
• Best affordable Xiaomi phone: POCO X3 Pro
• Best entry-level Xiaomi phone: POCO M3
• Best gaming phone from Xiaomi: Redmi K40 Gaming Edition

Best Xiaomi phone money can buy: Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra

Up until a year or two ago, Xiaomi’s reputation — especially in its native home country — was a phone brand that made good but not great phones that sold at low prices. Xiaomi’s been trying to pivot away from that and be seen as a maker of premium phones (à la Huawei or Apple), and the Mi 11 Ultra is the company’s most convincing attempt yet, forming the crown jewel on its Mi 11 series.

With a main camera that uses the largest image sensor in the industry, a bright and vibrant LTPO 120Hz panel with WQHD+ resolution, and a Snapdragon 888, the Mi 11 Ultra packs the latest and greatest components that can go toe to toe with the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. The Mi 11 Ultra also one-up’s Samsung in other areas such as faster wireless charging and a superior ultra-wide lens. Throw in IP68 water and dust resistance and super-fast 67W wireless charging, this is not just Xiaomi’s best possible slab smartphone, but arguably the best possible slab smartphone anywhere, period.

Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra

The Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra represents the best Xiaomi has to offer as a smartphone, with the best camera system, screen, and SoC possible.

View at Xiaomi

Best Xiaomi phone for most people: POCO F3 / Mi 11X

Xiaomi started the POCO sub-brand three years ago and used the platform to launch a phone with almost flagship specs at a very attractive price. The POCO F3, released in March, continues this strategy. At around €349 ($416), the POCO F3 offers a 120Hz display with a whopping 360Hz touch sampling rate; a Snapdragon 870 (which is an upgraded Snapdragon 865+); a solid set of cameras; and a premium glass-and-aluminum sandwich design. Such an attractive set of hardware components in a sub-$500 price is unheard of in North America. So unless you really want to splurge on the best of the best, the POCO F3 is the best Xiaomi phone to buy value-wise.

The POCO F3 is rebranded into the Xiaomi Mi 11X in India. Other than the name, it’s the same phone and is quickly rising up as a default recommendation for the average Indian consumer.

Xiaomi Mi 11X / POCO F3

The Xiaomi Mi 11X, also known as the POCO F3, is the best phone for most people because it offers almost flagship-level power and design at a price that can be considered low for most people.

Buy from Amazon.in

Best foldable phone from Xiaomi: Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold

Okay fine, this category is a bit of a cheat right now because Xiaomi only has one foldable phone out, so there was no other option but to list the Mi Mix Fold. Still, the Mi Mix Fold is quite an impressive combination of hardware prowess, cutting-edge tech, and a reasonable price (for a foldable).

The Mi Mix Fold runs on the Snapdragon 888, with a 108MP main camera and a new “liquid lens” that doubles as a telephoto and macro lens. But of course, the biggest draw is that it is both a smartphone and an 8-inch tablet. If you want a foldable phone that runs Xiaomi’s software, or if you just want the most affordable large foldable phone right now, look no further than the Mi Mix Fold.

Unfortunately, unlike most phones on this list, the Mix Fold is a China-only release, so if you don’t live in China, importing via third-party businesses is the only purchase method.

Best mid-tier Xiaomi phone: Redmi Note 10 Pro / Pro Max

This phone is named Redmi Note 10 Pro in Europe, but Redmi Note 10 Pro Max in India. Whatever you want to call it though, you’re getting a lot of value for your money as we mention in our review. Priced firmly under $300, the Note 10 Pro offers both a 120Hz AMOLED display and a 108MP camera — two hardware components that were major selling points of $1,200 phones just a year ago.

You also get a 5,020 mAh battery that lasts all day, Snapdragon 732G, and a Gorilla Glass 5 protecting the large 6.7-inch display. The ultra-wide camera at 8MP is a bit weak, and there’s no zoom lens at all, but these are understandable compromises to make for a mid-ranger.

Redmi Note 10 Pro / Pro Max

The Redmi Note 10 Pro (or Note 10 Pro Max if you're in India) is a heck of a bargain at its price point: you get a 120Hz AMOLED screen and 108MP camera along with a large battery.

Buy from Amazon.in

Best affordable Xiaomi phone: POCO X3 Pro

The POCO X3 Pro offers a 120Hz display, Snapdragon 860, a quad-camera system, and a large 5,060 mAh battery in a sub-$250 package, with deals often knocking it down to the $200 range. This is just superb value no matter how you look at it. The Snapdragon 860 SoC is basically a souped-up version of the Snapdragon 855+, which means it was considered a tip-top SoC just some 18 months ago. Although the screen is just an LCD panel instead of OLED, it’s still 120Hz and animations appear buttery smooth. Quite frankly, there’s not a phone out there that gives more at this price range.

POCO X3 Pro

120Hz screen with a large battery and an almost flagship SoC for under $300 is a great deal no matter how you look at it.

View at Xiaomi

Best entry-level Xiaomi phone: POCO M3

Running on a Snapdragon 662 with no zoom or ultra-wide lens, the POCO M3 won’t be confused for a flagship phone, but priced under $150, this is about as good as you’re going to get at this price range. You’re still getting a large 1080p display, a capable 48MP main camera, and a serviceable 8MP selfie camera, along with a huge 6,000 mAh battery that can power the device for at least a day and a half, if not two days for most people.

Xiaomi’s software is also well-optimized, so you won’t experience lags 0r app crashes like lesser brands who sell in the sub-$200 range. Some of Xiaomi’s phones do go even lower on the price tag, but the POCO M3 offers one of the better rounded-out packages out there.

POCO M3

The POCO M3 is for those on a tight budget. While there are some compromises, you're still getting a serviceable handset that can handle all your daily tasks.

View at Flipkart

Best gaming phone from Xiaomi: Redmi K40 Gaming Edition

From dedicated shoulder trigger buttons to vapor chamber cooling to 480Hz touch sampling response rate, the Redmi K40 Gaming Edition is built for mobile gamers. Powering everything is a Dimensity 1200 SoC with 12GB of RAM.

Since it’s released under the Redmi branding, the K40 Gaming Edition is quite affordable too. Right now, however, the device is sold only in China, but a global version should be coming soon. In India, the device is likely to take the form of the POCO F3 GT, and we can expect to see some killer pricing to go along with it.

---

No matter what you need, Xiaomi has a device for you

Xiaomi pumps out phones at a breakneck pace, so if you don’t see anything here that suits your needs, just wait a few months and there will be another batch of new Xiaomi devices. We here at XDA will keep track of all Xiaomi releases and update this list monthly so check back often!

The post These are the Best Xiaomi phones that you can buy right now! appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/3vsYuJK
via IFTTT

Google Play is suspending free trials in India following new RBI regulations

At the end of March, the Reserve Bank of India, India’s central bank and financial regulatory authority, announced new rules on recurring transactions. In response, Google is informing developers of temporary changes for Google Play users in India.

The RBI’s new eMandate notification “calls for an additional layer of authentication for recurring transactions via credit cards, debit cards, UPI, and other prepaid payment instruments (PPIs),” explains Business Today. Because of these rules, Google has announced that it will pause new signups of auto-renewing subscriptions for users in India. “Until the ecosystem challenges are addressed,” Google explains in an email sent to developers, the company will also temporarily suspend free trials and introductory pricing for users in India. The reason these features will be suspended until further notice is because they’re tied to how Google Play handles auto-renewing subscriptions: You currently can’t sign up for a free trial or take advantage of introductory pricing without also signing up for an auto-renewing subscription.

Subscriptions will continue to be available as single access passes that provide users a single billing period of access (eg. 1-month access). At the end of the billing duration, Google says users will need to sign up again in order to continue their subscription.

These changes go into effect in early May but will not impact existing auto-renewing subscriptions or other markets. Google is recommending developers remove free trials and introductory pricing from their apps as well as from any user communications. Furthermore, Google recommends developers replace auto-renewing subscription SKUs in India with one-time product SKUs and add in-app messaging that informs users that subscriptions will not automatically renew.

Thanks to 8bitpit, the developer of Niagara Launcher, for the tip!

The post Google Play is suspending free trials in India following new RBI regulations appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/2RhyGBv
via IFTTT

Exclusive: This is the upcoming Infinix Note 10 Pro in real life

Infinix has been selling phones in Europe and Asia since 2013, and the company’s phones have been rising in popularity in India over the past few years. Earlier this month, we shared exclusive press renders of the upcoming budget-tier Infinix Note 10 Pro, a budget phone expected to have a 90Hz screen and MediaTek Helio chipset. Now we have some real-life photos of the phone to share.

The two photos we’ve obtained show the back of the Infinix Note 10 Pro, in two colors. One of the designs is distinctly purple, similar to Apple’s new purple color for the iPhone 12 and 12 Mini. The other appears to have a reflective gradient design, like many other Android smartphones from Huawei, Samsung, and other manufacturers.

The details appear to line up with earlier renders and schematics, which indicated the phone would have a USB Type-C port for charging and data, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, a headphone jack, and multiple rear cameras. Hardware specifications haven’t been shared with us, but other reports claim the phone will have a 6.9-inch 90Hz screen, a MediaTek Helio G95 chipset, 8GB RAM, and 5,000mAh battery. The main camera is expected to be 64MP, with a 16MP front-facing lens.

It will be interesting to see the final pricing — the Infinix Note 8 was sold for around $200 when it was first released (there was no Note 9), so the Note 10 will likely be around the same price. It’s not clear when Infinix will officially reveal the phone, but the company did release the Hot 10 Play recently in India. That phone is priced at ₹8,499 (around $115), and has a MediaTek Helio G35 chipset, 4GB RAM, 128GB storage, two rear cameras, and Android 10.

The post Exclusive: This is the upcoming Infinix Note 10 Pro in real life appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/3aS1o39
via IFTTT

You can now buy the Galaxy SmartTag+, basically AirTags for Samsung Galaxy phones

To get ahead of the Apple AirTags news cycle, Samsung announced the SmartTag+, a more powerful successor to the SmartTag launched earlier this year. Following a short pre-order period, the SmartTag+ is now available from Samsung and Amazon for $39.

What separates the SmartTag+ from the original model is the updated location tracker features ultra wideband technology in addition to Bluetooth LE support. SmartTag+ also supports an AR feature for easily finding the tracker when it’s nearby. When using the SmartThings app the SmartTag+ can be tracked up to a distance of nearly 400 feet. As an added bonus, the tag’s button can be used for limited home automation.

SmartTag+ can also be tracked through the Galaxy Find network, which is supported by Galaxy smartphones enrolled in the service. The feature is similar to Apple’s Find My network, which will allow AirTags users to locate the tracker on a map. If AirTags is out of range, the Find My network can help users locate the tracker when it’s marked as lost.

Worth noting is that Samsung’s only devices with ultra wideband support are the Galaxy S21+, S21 Ultra, and Note 20 Ultra, so if you don’t own any of those devices, you’re better of buying the original SmartTag, which is available for $29 (the same price as AirTags).

Location trackers may not seem like a must-have accessory, but owning one could mean the difference between finding a lost backpack and not finding a lost backpack. With lockdown restrictions easing in some parts of the world, putting a SmartTag+ in your luggage could be helpful. If anything, it’s there for peace of mind.

Location trackers have been around for years now — made famous by a company called Tile — but with Apple’s AirTags now available, there’s renewed interest in what the accessories can do. If you’re in the Samsung ecosystem, the SmartTag+ is certainly worth checking out.

Samsung Galaxy SmartTag+

Track down your lost wallet, keys, or backpack by picking up a SmartTag+ from Amazon.

View at Amazon

Samsung Galaxy SmartTag+

Whether you're traveling or simply getting around town, adding a SmartTag+ will help you keep track of your lost items.

View at Samsung

The post You can now buy the Galaxy SmartTag+, basically AirTags for Samsung Galaxy phones appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/3xDLXFl
via IFTTT

Samsung is working on a web dashboard for SmartThings

Samsung SmartThings is one of the oldest smart home platforms still actively supported, as it was originally founded in 2012 before being acquired by Samsung in 2014. SmartThings isn’t just the management/setup tool for Samsung’s own connected products — it can connect to thousands of other platforms, just like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Managing everything you’ve connected to SmartThings is currently only possible through the Android and iOS mobile apps, but now Samsung is finally building a way to access SmartThings devices through a web browser.

Samsung started development on a web panel for SmartThings in May 2019, though the closed alpha was shut down in October of that same year while Samsung prepared “for a much larger test leading to a full release.” According to later forum posts from a SmartThings developer, the web app was still in development, but the project was “running into shifting requirements from legal and security teams.” The panel appears to have gone live for anyone with a Samsung account earlier this week, accessible from my.smartthings.com, though the developer noted that it’s still not finished and no official support is available.

Once you log in to the SmartThings web dashboard with your Samsung account, you’re greeted with the main screen that lists your favorite devices — these don’t sync with the mobile app yet, but they will at some point. There’s also a tab that displays all your rooms and the devices in each one, as well as an ‘Automations’ page that shows your smart home scenes and active third-party connections.

All of your connected devices should be listed, though not all of them can be controlled through the web app yet. For example, there are no controls at all for my Samsung smart TV, even though the mobile app lets me to power it on/off, change channels, and open apps. My Galaxy SmartTag isn’t supported at all (yet), but my Kasa smart lights work perfectly.

It would be great to see Samsung continue to develop the SmartThings web panel to have as much functionality as the mobile apps. The panel works well on both desktop and mobile, and unlike many other modern web apps, it isn’t slow to open. Google and Amazon don’t have a similar web panel for their smart home ecosystems (except the basic Alexa web app for connecting/disconnecting third-party services), so Samsung is alone in expanding access to the web.

Samsung previously offered a Windows application for managing SmartThings, but it was deprecated in 2019. The company is now working on an updated desktop application, primarily designed for its new Galaxy Book Pro laptops.

SmartThings (Free, Google Play) →

The post Samsung is working on a web dashboard for SmartThings appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/2QO9X82
via IFTTT

New Good Lock module gives you more ways to automate Samsung Bixby

Samsung has quietly introduced a new Good Lock module that allows users to make more powerful Bixby Routines. Called Routine+, the new module is available now in Samsung’s Galaxy Store.

According to the listing for Routine+, the new module allows users to “add advanced features to Bixby Routines so you can make more powerful routines.” Additionally, Routine+ adds more conditions, actions, and the ability to share these more advanced routines. Here’s the listing’s description:

• Description
  • Add advanced features to Bixby Routines so you can make more powerful routines.
  • Get additional features for your Bixby Routines.
• Features:
  • Added conditions – Unlock with fingerprint, Air action(Using S Pen), Button action
  • Added actions – Read text aloud, Arrow key, Touch macro
  • Share (Share via QR code, Export routines, Import saved routines)
• * Only available to Routines + users. Supported languages: English, Korean, Chinese(TBD)
• * Please install Android OS 11 and OneUI3.1 or later for a pleasant experience while using Routines +. * Feature availability may vary by device model/OS version.

According to Samsung, to use Routine+ you must install Android 11 and OneUI 3.1 or later. The module currently supports English and Korean.

Some of the recommended routines in Routine+ include location based quick access, running a touch macro, and controlling arrow keys with S Pen. You can also set a website to open every time you unlock your phone with your fingerprint. You can also get a voice alert when your battery is low and show animations when you get messages with certain keywords.

Routine+ looks like a pretty cool addition to the experience, and appears to provide users with a lot of control.

If you’re unfamiliar with Samsung’s Good Lock, now may be a good time to explore what it has to offer. Good Lock offers a suite of officially developed mods that allow users to customize their experience. Earlier this year, Samsung released Good Lock 2021 for devices running One UI 3 based on Android 11, adding new features to the Theme Park, Wonderland, and NavStar modules.

The post New Good Lock module gives you more ways to automate Samsung Bixby appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/3tbTibM
via IFTTT