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How do you find the unique app package real name on your Android device?
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Arlen Holder
May 3, 2020, 10:49:24 AM5/3/20
to
*How do you find the unique app package real name on your Android device?*
In another thread, about Contacts, a member of the Android team had trouble
finding the unique package name of his contacts app:
o Why doesn't my local contacts sync with my Google Contacts?
<https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/UmART77J9PU/rkFU_tn8BAAJ>
AFAIK, in Android, they're all often called something like "Contacts",
which is why, when I'm testing them, that I meaningfully rename the icons:
<https://i.postimg.cc/QMNCLgWc/contact17.jpg>
But in the Android Settings they're all the same application name (AFAICT):
o Settings > Apps & notifications > Advanced > See all 750 apps >
<https://i.postimg.cc/d1bJ0GDH/contact18.jpg>
Notice in Android Settings, they're all just called "Contacts".
o So the question is how do you get the "real" unique name of the app?
As you know, I enjoy testing the best freeware out there, where this is
currently the app I use to find the "real" (unique name" of the app:
o App Packages Info, FOSS
<https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.oF2pks.applicationsinfo/>
This gets you the real name as far as I know...
<https://i.postimg.cc/bwJWKsws/contact19.jpg>
Yet, AFAIK, the OEMs can rename the app to a generic name, such as
o com.google.android.contacts
<https://i.postimg.cc/X7DQBxnY/contact20.jpg>
*So the question remains how _you_ get the unique name of any given app?*
--
Adults gather on Usenet to politely learn via public technical discussion.
In another thread, about Contacts, a member of the Android team had trouble
finding the unique package name of his contacts app:
o Why doesn't my local contacts sync with my Google Contacts?
<https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/UmART77J9PU/rkFU_tn8BAAJ>
AFAIK, in Android, they're all often called something like "Contacts",
which is why, when I'm testing them, that I meaningfully rename the icons:
<https://i.postimg.cc/QMNCLgWc/contact17.jpg>
But in the Android Settings they're all the same application name (AFAICT):
o Settings > Apps & notifications > Advanced > See all 750 apps >
<https://i.postimg.cc/d1bJ0GDH/contact18.jpg>
Notice in Android Settings, they're all just called "Contacts".
o So the question is how do you get the "real" unique name of the app?
As you know, I enjoy testing the best freeware out there, where this is
currently the app I use to find the "real" (unique name" of the app:
o App Packages Info, FOSS
<https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.oF2pks.applicationsinfo/>
This gets you the real name as far as I know...
<https://i.postimg.cc/bwJWKsws/contact19.jpg>
Yet, AFAIK, the OEMs can rename the app to a generic name, such as
o com.google.android.contacts
<https://i.postimg.cc/X7DQBxnY/contact20.jpg>
*So the question remains how _you_ get the unique name of any given app?*
--
Adults gather on Usenet to politely learn via public technical discussion.
Yousuf Khan
May 3, 2020, 12:13:17 PM5/3/20
to
On 5/3/2020 10:49 AM, Arlen Holder wrote:
> *How do you find the unique app package real name on your Android device?*
>
> In another thread, about Contacts, a member of the Android team had trouble
> finding the unique package name of his contacts app:
> o Why doesn't my local contacts sync with my Google Contacts?
> <https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/UmART77J9PU/rkFU_tn8BAAJ>
Interesting package.
> *How do you find the unique app package real name on your Android device?*
>
> In another thread, about Contacts, a member of the Android team had trouble
> finding the unique package name of his contacts app:
> o Why doesn't my local contacts sync with my Google Contacts?
> <https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/UmART77J9PU/rkFU_tn8BAAJ>
Yousuf Khan
Arlen Holder
May 3, 2020, 12:21:41 PM5/3/20
to
In response to what Yousuf Khan <bbb...@spammenot.yahoo.com> wrote :
> Interesting package.
Hi Yousuf,
Thank you for letting me know as I enjoy helping others as much as anyone.
<https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/UmART77J9PU/IfX9Kq4dBQAJ>
I see from that post above that "App Packages Info" worked for you to
ascertain the "real" name of your "Contacts" app, which, in your case, was:
"com.samsung.android.contacts"
While the free, ad free, GSF free App Packages Info is a keeper, one issue
with it is that it's not on Google Play (AFAIK); so if you or anyone else
can find a _better_ app, that is on Google Play, let us all know.
We all benefit from helping each other, so let's all pitch in.
Hence, this is a question for the entire team:
Q: *How do _you_ find the unique app package name of each of your apps?*
--
Together we have great solutions to offer for Usenet's public potluck.
> Interesting package.
Hi Yousuf,
Thank you for letting me know as I enjoy helping others as much as anyone.
<https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/UmART77J9PU/IfX9Kq4dBQAJ>
I see from that post above that "App Packages Info" worked for you to
ascertain the "real" name of your "Contacts" app, which, in your case, was:
"com.samsung.android.contacts"
While the free, ad free, GSF free App Packages Info is a keeper, one issue
with it is that it's not on Google Play (AFAIK); so if you or anyone else
can find a _better_ app, that is on Google Play, let us all know.
We all benefit from helping each other, so let's all pitch in.
Hence, this is a question for the entire team:
Q: *How do _you_ find the unique app package name of each of your apps?*
--
Together we have great solutions to offer for Usenet's public potluck.
Frank Slootweg
May 3, 2020, 2:58:02 PM5/3/20
to
Arlen Holder <arlen...@any1example.com> wrote:
> In response to what Yousuf Khan <bbb...@spammenot.yahoo.com> wrote :
>
> > Interesting package.
>
> Hi Yousuf,
>
> Thank you for letting me know as I enjoy helping others as much as anyone.
> <https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/UmART77J9PU/IfX9Kq4dBQAJ>
>
> I see from that post above that "App Packages Info" worked for you to
> ascertain the "real" name of your "Contacts" app, which, in your case, was:
> "com.samsung.android.contacts"
>
> While the free, ad free, GSF free App Packages Info is a keeper, one issue
> with it is that it's not on Google Play (AFAIK); so if you or anyone else
> can find a _better_ app, that is on Google Play, let us all know.
As I've not tried the 'App Packages Info' app, I cannot say I know a
> In response to what Yousuf Khan <bbb...@spammenot.yahoo.com> wrote :
>
> > Interesting package.
>
> Hi Yousuf,
>
> Thank you for letting me know as I enjoy helping others as much as anyone.
> <https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/UmART77J9PU/IfX9Kq4dBQAJ>
>
> I see from that post above that "App Packages Info" worked for you to
> ascertain the "real" name of your "Contacts" app, which, in your case, was:
> "com.samsung.android.contacts"
>
> While the free, ad free, GSF free App Packages Info is a keeper, one issue
> with it is that it's not on Google Play (AFAIK); so if you or anyone else
> can find a _better_ app, that is on Google Play, let us all know.
*better* app, but I do know an app - which is available on Google play -
which can show the app package names:
'Apk Extractor'
<https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.marga.ApkDownloader>
And not only can 'Apk Extractor' also show its *own* app package name
('id=...'), but it can also extract (save the APK of) *itself*! :-)
[...]
Arlen Holder
May 4, 2020, 10:15:00 AM5/4/20
to
In response to what Frank Slootweg <th...@ddress.is.invalid> wrote :
> As I've not tried the 'App Packages Info' app, I cannot say I know a
> *better* app, but I do know an app - which is available on Google play -
> which can show the app package names:
>
> 'Apk Extractor'
> <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.marga.ApkDownloader>
>
> And not only can 'Apk Extractor' also show its *own* app package name
> ('id=...'), but it can also extract (save the APK of) *itself*! :-)
Hi Frank,
Thank you for that good answer for the stated problem set!
Yours is a good observation since it answers the question better than my
answer, which, inadvertently, I didn't lay out all the conditions, which is
my fault, not yours.
Hence, your solution to the stated problem set is the way to go for someone
like Yousef Khan who only needed to figure out the unique name of the
Android Contacts app he was using.
My main problem with APK extractors (of which I have plenty), is that
they're like having two watches... each one reports _different_ apps.
Why?
o I don't know why.
But I've found through experience that there are two problems with APK
extractors when looking for unique names of apps on my system:
a. Some APK extractors truncate the full unique name in the display
b. Almost all seem to _miss_ a variety of system apps on the device
See my references below for why I claim that, but the end result doesn't
change with the addition of these facts, which is:
1. Frank is correct an APK extractor is the simplest answer for Yousef;
2. The app I suggested gives _more_ information about the APK
(which Yousef didn't need, so that's why Frank's answer is better)
3. The app I suggested finds _everything_ on the system (AFAIK)
(again, which Yousef didn't need, as long as it found Contacts).
REFERENCES:
o Android Free, GSF free, ad free APK app backup & restore programs for already installed apps (including system apps)*
<https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/-Y97dk5-uI0/tBwGuB8dBwAJ>
o *What method you use to backup & share your installed apps on Android?*
<What method you use to backup & share your installed apps on Android?>
o *Freeware to list all apps to editable text file of URLs, automatic backup of all versions, & restore*
<https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/vKeIRGMVMu8/JXdhHT0FAQAJ>
--
I didn't describe the problem set fully & completely, which was my fault.
> As I've not tried the 'App Packages Info' app, I cannot say I know a
> *better* app, but I do know an app - which is available on Google play -
> which can show the app package names:
>
> 'Apk Extractor'
> <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.marga.ApkDownloader>
>
> And not only can 'Apk Extractor' also show its *own* app package name
> ('id=...'), but it can also extract (save the APK of) *itself*! :-)
Thank you for that good answer for the stated problem set!
Yours is a good observation since it answers the question better than my
answer, which, inadvertently, I didn't lay out all the conditions, which is
my fault, not yours.
Hence, your solution to the stated problem set is the way to go for someone
like Yousef Khan who only needed to figure out the unique name of the
Android Contacts app he was using.
My main problem with APK extractors (of which I have plenty), is that
they're like having two watches... each one reports _different_ apps.
Why?
o I don't know why.
But I've found through experience that there are two problems with APK
extractors when looking for unique names of apps on my system:
a. Some APK extractors truncate the full unique name in the display
b. Almost all seem to _miss_ a variety of system apps on the device
See my references below for why I claim that, but the end result doesn't
change with the addition of these facts, which is:
1. Frank is correct an APK extractor is the simplest answer for Yousef;
2. The app I suggested gives _more_ information about the APK
(which Yousef didn't need, so that's why Frank's answer is better)
3. The app I suggested finds _everything_ on the system (AFAIK)
(again, which Yousef didn't need, as long as it found Contacts).
REFERENCES:
o Android Free, GSF free, ad free APK app backup & restore programs for already installed apps (including system apps)*
<https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/-Y97dk5-uI0/tBwGuB8dBwAJ>
o *What method you use to backup & share your installed apps on Android?*
<What method you use to backup & share your installed apps on Android?>
o *Freeware to list all apps to editable text file of URLs, automatic backup of all versions, & restore*
<https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/vKeIRGMVMu8/JXdhHT0FAQAJ>
--
I didn't describe the problem set fully & completely, which was my fault.
Arlen Holder
May 4, 2020, 10:24:13 AM5/4/20
to
In response to what Arlen Holder <arlen...@any1example.com> wrote :
> REFERENCES:
> o Android Free, GSF free, ad free APK app backup & restore programs for already installed apps (including system apps)*
> <https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/-Y97dk5-uI0/tBwGuB8dBwAJ>
>
> o *What method you use to backup & share your installed apps on Android?*
> <What method you use to backup & share your installed apps on Android?>
>
> o *Freeware to list all apps to editable text file of URLs, automatic backup of all versions, & restore*
> <https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/vKeIRGMVMu8/JXdhHT0FAQAJ>
Ooooopsie....
Fixing the APK extractor references (for the permanent Usenet record)...
o *Android Free, GSF free, ad free APK app backup & restore programs for already installed apps (including system apps)*
o *Freeware to list all apps to editable text file of URLs, automatic backup of all versions, & restore*
<https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/vKeIRGMVMu8/JXdhHT0FAQAJ>
BTW, these are the APK extractors I use, where they're in best-to-worst
order, grouped by functionality, where Apps Packages Info is tops for me!
<https://i.postimg.cc/bwJWKsws/contact19.jpg>
--
The key to finding answers on Usenet is adding detail into the question.
> REFERENCES:
> o Android Free, GSF free, ad free APK app backup & restore programs for already installed apps (including system apps)*
> <https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/-Y97dk5-uI0/tBwGuB8dBwAJ>
>
> o *What method you use to backup & share your installed apps on Android?*
> <What method you use to backup & share your installed apps on Android?>
>
> o *Freeware to list all apps to editable text file of URLs, automatic backup of all versions, & restore*
> <https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/vKeIRGMVMu8/JXdhHT0FAQAJ>
Fixing the APK extractor references (for the permanent Usenet record)...
o *Android Free, GSF free, ad free APK app backup & restore programs for already installed apps (including system apps)*
<https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/-Y97dk5-uI0/tBwGuB8dBwAJ>
o *What method you use to backup & share your installed apps on Android?*
<https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/FsRRoQbdKeo/biXD3Zv0AwAJ>
o *What method you use to backup & share your installed apps on Android?*
o *Freeware to list all apps to editable text file of URLs, automatic backup of all versions, & restore*
<https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/vKeIRGMVMu8/JXdhHT0FAQAJ>
order, grouped by functionality, where Apps Packages Info is tops for me!
<https://i.postimg.cc/bwJWKsws/contact19.jpg>
--
The key to finding answers on Usenet is adding detail into the question.
The Real Bev
May 4, 2020, 1:13:27 PM5/4/20
to
installed it with my computer (first time, that's really convenient!).
Last updated in 2016 and it seems to demand that I click on each app to
save it. All 162 of them. Sorry, no :-(
Looking at others. The search continues...
How does google arrange the apps? Shouldn't this be user-selectable?
--
Cheers, Bev
"Is there any way I can help without actually getting involved?"
-- Jennifer, WKRP
Arlen Holder
May 4, 2020, 3:04:26 PM5/4/20
to
In response to what The Real Bev <bashl...@gmail.com> wrote :
>> 'Apk Extractor'
>> <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.marga.ApkDownloader>
>>
>> And not only can 'Apk Extractor' also show its *own* app package name
>> ('id=...'), but it can also extract (save the APK of) *itself*! :-)
>
> I couldn't find this with the phone, but I found it from your link and
> installed it with my computer (first time, that's really convenient!).
> Last updated in 2016 and it seems to demand that I click on each app to
> save it. All 162 of them. Sorry, no :-(
>
> Looking at others. The search continues...
>
> How does google arrange the apps? Shouldn't this be user-selectable?
Hi The Real Bev,
THANK YOU for responding to Frank's post suggesting this app!
o I too couldn't find it with my phone!
<https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.marga.ApkDownloader>
Whenever someone suggests an app, I almost always try out that app!
o Even though, in this case, I have _plenty_ of APK extractors already.
So the _first_ thing I did when Frank mentioned the app...
o Was I tried to find it on "Google Play" from my phone.
Just like you, it didn't exist in the Google Play store...
o But I was using Aurora (since I don't actually use Google Play).
And yet, Aurora is simply an anonymous scraper of the Google Play store.
o So I simply considered it an anomaly specific to my use mode.
Now that I know you also had this problem, we might learn something...
o If we can figure out _why_ it doesn't show up in Google Play from the
phone and yet shows up just fine in Google Play from a web browser.
As for an _automatic_ APK extractor, or one that selects all, there are many.
o Take a look at the ones I use; you can't go wrong with what I've tested.
<https://i.postimg.cc/cLb12VZN/contact21.jpg>
Most of them have a "select all" and a section to see or hide "system"
apps, and most can set _where_ to extract the apps to, and when (e.g., upon
installation is the best time as it's automatic), and most allow you to
either overwrite the old version or save all versions, etc.
Since I already have long test threads on the topic I'll just name the ones
that are currently in my "APK" folder, which you can see here are...
<https://i.postimg.cc/bwJWKsws/contact19.jpg>
These are what I have starting as the 12th app in those screenshots:
o Bearing in mind they each do slightly different things
12. BARIA <com.easwareapps.baria> version 1.0
13. Apk Extractor <axp.tool.apkextractor> version 1.4
14. APK Export <com.ses.app.apkexport> version 3.2.4
15. App Backup & Restore <mobi.usage.appbackup> version 1.6.0
16. App Backup & Restore <mobi.infolife.appbackup> version 4.1.9
17. App Backup Lite <com.ruet_cse_1503050.ragib.appbackup.lite> version 2.5
18. My APKs <com.frankygoes.myapks> version 4.2
If I was forced to pick one and only one it would be #15 (as the newer one,
#16, has ads). None of the other apps has ads as I recall, so if you can no
longer find #15, then that's the reason I have tested the other ones.
They all do slightly different things, which is also why I still have them.
o As always, they're in the order of most-used to least-used for my needs.
BTW, in looking up the unique names for you, I found the _answer_ to my
original question, but I'll put that in another post as this is about APK
extractors in response to The Real Bev's query.
--
Each thread on Usenet should add unique value to our combined knowledge.
>> 'Apk Extractor'
>> <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.marga.ApkDownloader>
>>
>> And not only can 'Apk Extractor' also show its *own* app package name
>> ('id=...'), but it can also extract (save the APK of) *itself*! :-)
>
> I couldn't find this with the phone, but I found it from your link and
> installed it with my computer (first time, that's really convenient!).
> Last updated in 2016 and it seems to demand that I click on each app to
> save it. All 162 of them. Sorry, no :-(
>
> Looking at others. The search continues...
>
> How does google arrange the apps? Shouldn't this be user-selectable?
THANK YOU for responding to Frank's post suggesting this app!
o I too couldn't find it with my phone!
<https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.marga.ApkDownloader>
Whenever someone suggests an app, I almost always try out that app!
o Even though, in this case, I have _plenty_ of APK extractors already.
So the _first_ thing I did when Frank mentioned the app...
o Was I tried to find it on "Google Play" from my phone.
Just like you, it didn't exist in the Google Play store...
o But I was using Aurora (since I don't actually use Google Play).
And yet, Aurora is simply an anonymous scraper of the Google Play store.
o So I simply considered it an anomaly specific to my use mode.
Now that I know you also had this problem, we might learn something...
o If we can figure out _why_ it doesn't show up in Google Play from the
phone and yet shows up just fine in Google Play from a web browser.
As for an _automatic_ APK extractor, or one that selects all, there are many.
o Take a look at the ones I use; you can't go wrong with what I've tested.
<https://i.postimg.cc/cLb12VZN/contact21.jpg>
Most of them have a "select all" and a section to see or hide "system"
apps, and most can set _where_ to extract the apps to, and when (e.g., upon
installation is the best time as it's automatic), and most allow you to
either overwrite the old version or save all versions, etc.
Since I already have long test threads on the topic I'll just name the ones
that are currently in my "APK" folder, which you can see here are...
<https://i.postimg.cc/bwJWKsws/contact19.jpg>
These are what I have starting as the 12th app in those screenshots:
o Bearing in mind they each do slightly different things
12. BARIA <com.easwareapps.baria> version 1.0
13. Apk Extractor <axp.tool.apkextractor> version 1.4
14. APK Export <com.ses.app.apkexport> version 3.2.4
15. App Backup & Restore <mobi.usage.appbackup> version 1.6.0
16. App Backup & Restore <mobi.infolife.appbackup> version 4.1.9
17. App Backup Lite <com.ruet_cse_1503050.ragib.appbackup.lite> version 2.5
18. My APKs <com.frankygoes.myapks> version 4.2
If I was forced to pick one and only one it would be #15 (as the newer one,
#16, has ads). None of the other apps has ads as I recall, so if you can no
longer find #15, then that's the reason I have tested the other ones.
They all do slightly different things, which is also why I still have them.
o As always, they're in the order of most-used to least-used for my needs.
BTW, in looking up the unique names for you, I found the _answer_ to my
original question, but I'll put that in another post as this is about APK
extractors in response to The Real Bev's query.
--
Each thread on Usenet should add unique value to our combined knowledge.
Arlen Holder
May 4, 2020, 3:45:13 PM5/4/20
to
> BTW, in looking up the unique names for you, I found the _answer_ to my
> original question, but I'll put that in another post as this is about APK
> extractors in response to The Real Bev's query.
While I was looking up the names of APK extractors for "The Real Bev"...
> original question, but I'll put that in another post as this is about APK
> extractors in response to The Real Bev's query.
o I ended up testing the "app managers" for the original problem set.
The problem with most "app managers" are that
a. Extremely few of them show _all_ apps on the system, and,
b. Many can't search for the unique app name string, and,
c. Even when they find the app, they truncate long unique app strings.
These are the 8 app managers in my APK folder. which are in addition to the
7 APK extractors I described in the prior post, all of which are below:
<https://i.postimg.cc/cLb12VZN/contact21.jpg>
The app managers in that screenshot are, numbered in order:
4. apps_Packa... <com.oF2pks.applicationsinfo> v1.7-14
5. App Drawer <au.radsoft.appdrawer> v6
6. Organized D... <se.brokenbrain.drawer> v1.3.7
7. List My Apps <de.onyxbits.listmyapps> v3.7
8. My App List <com.projectsexception.myapplist> v0.8
9. My Apps <com.spencerstudios.applist> v1.0.4
10. AppManager <umairayub.appmanager> v1.3.7
11. Simple App... <com.lolem.simpleappmanager> v1.0
Bearing in mind _some_ of those apps do _not_ display _all_ the apps in the
system (which is why #4 even exists!), I tested each to see if they
truncate long unique app names, such as this one below:
o App Backup Lite <com.ruet_cse_1503050.ragib.appbackup.lite> version 2.5
Here are my test results searching for "ruet" in each app:
4. apps_Packages Info ==> truncated ruet results
5. App Drawer ==> finds ruet results but doesn't show the unique name
6. Organized Drawer ==> no search
7. List My Apps ==> no search
8. My App List ==> truncated ruet results
9. My Apps ==> fails to find anything when searching for ruet
(but does not truncate the unique name searching for App Backup Lite)
10. AppManager ==> fails to find anything when searching for ruet
(but does not truncate the unique name searching for App Backup Lite)
11. Simple App Manager ==> fails to find anything when searching for ruet
(finds App Backup Lite results but doesn't show the unique name)
Notice that _none_ of the app managers or APK managers do everything that I
want, but with a couple of them, I can do all that I might want to do.
That's why this thread asks for a better app manager.
--
Usenet should be a public archive of useful polite technical discussions.
The Real Bev
May 4, 2020, 5:11:11 PM5/4/20
to
On 05/04/2020 12:45 PM, Arlen Holder wrote:
> In response to what Arlen Holder <arlen...@any1example.com> wrote :
>
>> BTW, in looking up the unique names for you, I found the _answer_ to my
>> original question, but I'll put that in another post as this is about APK
>> extractors in response to The Real Bev's query.
>
> While I was looking up the names of APK extractors for "The Real Bev"...
> o I ended up testing the "app managers" for the original problem set.
...
> In response to what Arlen Holder <arlen...@any1example.com> wrote :
>
>> BTW, in looking up the unique names for you, I found the _answer_ to my
>> original question, but I'll put that in another post as this is about APK
>> extractors in response to The Real Bev's query.
>
> While I was looking up the names of APK extractors for "The Real Bev"...
> o I ended up testing the "app managers" for the original problem set.
> Notice that _none_ of the app managers or APK managers do everything that I
> want, but with a couple of them, I can do all that I might want to do.
>
> That's why this thread asks for a better app manager.
their apps. It's a nuisance to scroll down in each app at the playstore
to find the number of downloads, but the number of reviews shown at the
top seems indicative of popularity.
I seem to remember a setting long ago which saved the .apk whenever an
app was installed. I think I did this for a while, and then some
cleanup facility asked if I wanted to get rid of those too (I was
bumping up against space limits) and I said YES.
I've never actually needed to go back and get one, so perhaps the
attempt to acquire and save them is totally useless...
Well, maybe not. I have two apps that I paid for which are no longer
supported by their respective authors and which I haven't been able to
put on my new phone. Perhaps if I still had the original .apk I could
do that. BUT I have other apps that I like that do the same things, so
perhaps that would just be wasted effort.
I searched for .apk on my computer and found that I'd saved a lot of
them, perhaps everything I might want. Tried to install one of the
99-cent apps and failed -- needed to log in to their site, which no
longer recognized me. Oh well. If I wanted to use one of their current
boating apps instead of the dead ski app they'd probably let me, but
that's about as useful to me as (as many of our southern members might
say) tits on a boar hog.
--
Cheers, Bev
"The Flat Earth Society has members all over the globe."
-- Bob Henson
Arlen Holder
May 4, 2020, 10:15:54 PM5/4/20
to
> I suspect that not many people want/need to save the .apk files for
> their apps.
Hi The Real Bev,
> their apps.
<https://i.postimg.cc/GhqjyfY5/apk01.jpg>
I'm sure only a small percentage of people save their APKs.
o Mine are saved automatically upon every installation
o Then I back them up from sdcard to PC hard drive
o When needed, I re-install from those saved backups
> It's a nuisance to scroll down in each app at the playstore
> to find the number of downloads, but the number of reviews shown at the
> top seems indicative of popularity.
o I don't even _look_ at the reviews & I only momentarily glace at scores
o I often read reviews & download those that seem to be most recommended
o But in the end, I have a simple one-strike-you're-out testing model
Very few apps get past that one-strike-you're-out model...
o But those that do, are in the running for keepers.
For example, the aforementioned apps packages info is a keeper
o I just wish it was on Google Play instead of only on F-Droid for others.
For me, it's find being only on F-Droid; but I try to find general purpose
solutions which work for everyone, and not just for me.
> I seem to remember a setting long ago which saved the .apk whenever an
> app was installed.
thread that at least one app backs up APKs automatically (see below):
<https://i.postimg.cc/GhqjyfY5/apk01.jpg>
> I think I did this for a while, and then some
> cleanup facility asked if I wanted to get rid of those too (I was
> bumping up against space limits) and I said YES.
"extraneous" stuff, and it wiped out my cache of stored APKs.
I deleted ES File Explorer soon thereafter...
> I've never actually needed to go back and get one, so perhaps the
> attempt to acquire and save them is totally useless...
1. You can restore a phone (or populate a new phone) with apps you know.
2. Bear in mind that new apps get WORSE over time (e.g., more ads).
3. If you update, and don't like the update, you can backtrack.
Look at this picture:
<https://i.postimg.cc/GhqjyfY5/apk01.jpg>
Do you see the App Backup & Restore in position 15?
And do you see _another_ one in position #16?
The #16 sucks compared to the #15.
o But the #15 doesn't exist anymore.
So if I didn't have an APK, I'd be stuck with the crappy #16.
AFAICT, #16 is #15 with ads.
My point is that saving EVERY APK allows you to restore to an older
version, since in my experience, newer versions suck compared to older
versions in many way.
The #15 came from my old LG Stylo 3 Plus because I had saved the APK.
> Well, maybe not. I have two apps that I paid for which are no longer
> supported by their respective authors and which I haven't been able to
> put on my new phone. Perhaps if I still had the original .apk I could
> do that. BUT I have other apps that I like that do the same things, so
> perhaps that would just be wasted effort.
saving the APK has no downside that I can think of, as the only possible
downside is disk space which is infinite (essentially) since they store
perfectly well anywhere (e.g., on your desktop PC).
If you had the APK of those paid-for apps, you could _try_ to put them on
the new phone, and they "might" work. Without the APK, you can't even try.
Anyway, in summary:
a. I think everyone should save all APKs (all versions) automatically.
b. Every once in a while, they can copy them to their PC for safekeeping.
c. Then, when re-populating a phone, they can use the old APKs.
For me I have it down to a science, where I keep a folder hierarchy that is
the same as my homescreen hierarchy, so I can easily re-install everything.
But most people aren't anywhere nearly as organized as I am on a phone.
--
Usenet is where purposefully helpful adults can share common ideas.
The Real Bev
May 5, 2020, 12:43:00 AM5/5/20
to
On 05/04/2020 07:15 PM, Arlen Holder wrote:
> In response to what The Real Bev <bashl...@gmail.com> wrote :
>
> In response to what The Real Bev <bashl...@gmail.com> wrote :
>
> I test a _lot_ of apps for a normal Android user. o I don't even
> _look_ at the reviews & I only momentarily glace at scores o I often
> read reviews & download those that seem to be most recommended o But
> in the end, I have a simple one-strike-you're-out testing model
I think you're being too rigorous; I discard any review from somebody
> _look_ at the reviews & I only momentarily glace at scores o I often
> read reviews & download those that seem to be most recommended o But
> in the end, I have a simple one-strike-you're-out testing model
who is obviously too stupid to even HAVE an opinion, much less express
one. That gets rid of a LOT of them on both sides.
>> I seem to remember a setting long ago which saved the .apk whenever
>> an app was installed.
>
> If you _read_ what I wrote, I already said in a previous post in
> this thread that at least one app backs up APKs automatically (see
> below): <https://i.postimg.cc/GhqjyfY5/apk01.jpg>
individually. One didn't, but it didn't seem to have an EXECUTE function.
>> I think I did this for a while, and then some cleanup facility
>> asked if I wanted to get rid of those too (I was bumping up against
>> space limits) and I said YES.
>
> Hehheh... happened to me. Years ago. ES File Explorer asked to clean
> up "extraneous" stuff, and it wiped out my cache of stored APKs.
>
> I deleted ES File Explorer soon thereafter...
spite of all the warnings about ES File Explorer and its possible evil
intentions, it works nicely and does what I want -- ever since my first
android phone. Perhaps it will keep me from getting covid-19 -- never a
good idea to kill your customer or host.
> All my apps are free, so they wouldn't necessarily work on any phone,
> but saving the APK has no downside that I can think of, as the only
> possible downside is disk space which is infinite (essentially) since
> they store perfectly well anywhere (e.g., on your desktop PC).
>
> If you had the APK of those paid-for apps, you could _try_ to put
> them on the new phone, and they "might" work. Without the APK, you
> can't even try.
Ship. I have an app I like better anyway, and its grapes are sweeter!
> Anyway, in summary: a. I think everyone should save all APKs (all
> versions) automatically. b. Every once in a while, they can copy them
> to their PC for safekeeping. c. Then, when re-populating a phone,
> they can use the old APKs.
>
> For me I have it down to a science, where I keep a folder hierarchy
> that is the same as my homescreen hierarchy, so I can easily
> re-install everything.
>
> But most people aren't anywhere nearly as organized as I am on a
> phone.
subdirectories I use frequently to have short paths and filenames. Old
DOS habits die hard, especially when using a virtual keyboard.
--
Cheers, Bev
Children, your performance was miserable. Your parents will
all receive phone calls instructing them to love you less.
Frank Slootweg
May 6, 2020, 9:15:45 AM5/6/20
to
The Real Bev <bashl...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On 05/03/2020 11:58 AM, Frank Slootweg wrote:
> > Arlen Holder <arlen...@any1example.com> wrote:
> >> In response to what Yousuf Khan <bbb...@spammenot.yahoo.com> wrote :
> >>
> >> > Interesting package.
> >>
> >> Hi Yousuf,
> >>
> >> Thank you for letting me know as I enjoy helping others as much as anyone.
> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/UmART77J9PU/IfX9Kq4dBQAJ>
> >>
> >> I see from that post above that "App Packages Info" worked for you to
> >> ascertain the "real" name of your "Contacts" app, which, in your case, was:
> >> "com.samsung.android.contacts"
> >>
> >> While the free, ad free, GSF free App Packages Info is a keeper, one issue
> >> with it is that it's not on Google Play (AFAIK); so if you or anyone else
> >> can find a _better_ app, that is on Google Play, let us all know.
> >
> > As I've not tried the 'App Packages Info' app, I cannot say I know a
> > *better* app, but I do know an app - which is available on Google play -
> > which can show the app package names:
> >
> > 'Apk Extractor'
> > <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.marga.ApkDownloader>
> >
> > And not only can 'Apk Extractor' also show its *own* app package name
> > ('id=...'), but it can also extract (save the APK of) *itself*! :-)
>
> I couldn't find this with the phone, but I found it from your link and
> installed it with my computer (first time, that's really convenient!).
Yes, that's why one should *always* give the URL (or 'id=...'). A
> > Arlen Holder <arlen...@any1example.com> wrote:
> >> In response to what Yousuf Khan <bbb...@spammenot.yahoo.com> wrote :
> >>
> >> > Interesting package.
> >>
> >> Hi Yousuf,
> >>
> >> Thank you for letting me know as I enjoy helping others as much as anyone.
> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/UmART77J9PU/IfX9Kq4dBQAJ>
> >>
> >> I see from that post above that "App Packages Info" worked for you to
> >> ascertain the "real" name of your "Contacts" app, which, in your case, was:
> >> "com.samsung.android.contacts"
> >>
> >> While the free, ad free, GSF free App Packages Info is a keeper, one issue
> >> with it is that it's not on Google Play (AFAIK); so if you or anyone else
> >> can find a _better_ app, that is on Google Play, let us all know.
> >
> > As I've not tried the 'App Packages Info' app, I cannot say I know a
> > *better* app, but I do know an app - which is available on Google play -
> > which can show the app package names:
> >
> > 'Apk Extractor'
> > <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.marga.ApkDownloader>
> >
> > And not only can 'Apk Extractor' also show its *own* app package name
> > ('id=...'), but it can also extract (save the APK of) *itself*! :-)
>
> I couldn't find this with the phone, but I found it from your link and
> installed it with my computer (first time, that's really convenient!).
*name* is very often useless. In this case the 'Play Store' app on your
phone probably just gave one of the zillion of 'Apk Extractor' apps and
could not be bothered to give the rest (like the 'Google Play' website
does). I think the one shown by the 'Play Store' app is just selected on
number of stars, installs, etc..
> Last updated in 2016 and it seems to demand that I click on each app to
> save it. All 162 of them. Sorry, no :-(
Arlen mentioned.
I just don't update apps unless neccessary or I want the new features.
If and when I update an app, I use (this) 'Apk Extractor' to backup/
archive the old version, so I can always roll back if needed.
And anyway, my response was not about backing up / archiving apps, but
about a Google Play / Play Store app which could show the full package
*name* ('id=...') of an app! :-)
> Looking at others. The search continues...
just use Windows like normal people, you could just use your vendor's
Windows program to backup your APKs!
> How does google arrange the apps? Shouldn't this be user-selectable?
There already are enough app developers - also major ones - which put
(some of) their stuff outside these standard folders (Android\data\<id>
and Android\obb\<id>)s, we don't need a bigger mess than there already
is!
Arlen Holder
May 6, 2020, 10:07:28 AM5/6/20
to
In response to what Frank Slootweg <th...@ddress.is.invalid> wrote :
> Yes, that's why one should *always* give the URL (or 'id=...'). A
> *name* is very often useless.
Hi Frank,
> *name* is very often useless.
Thanks for that reminder to all for everyone that when they suggest an app,
the unique name or URL is always the best thing to add, as tons of apps are
called "APK Extractor" or "Contacts" or "WiFi Analyzer", etc.
> In this case the 'Play Store' app on your
> phone probably just gave one of the zillion of 'Apk Extractor' apps and
> could not be bothered to give the rest (like the 'Google Play' website
> does). I think the one shown by the 'Play Store' app is just selected on
> number of stars, installs, etc..
the Aurora scraper of Google Play, and neither one of us could "see" the
app in those apps, but both of us knew the app existed as it was on Google
Play.
This once happened for me in the past while helping to find a diabetes app
for a friend, where they're all called the same thing (and they don't have
as many installs as an APK extractor might have).
> It's not meant for saving them all. There are others for that, as
> Arlen mentioned.
button to where you want them saved, versus apps that save all your
installed programs (system & user) versus apps that automatically save as
you install (all versions or replace).
That's why in my screenshots you see so many of these tools.
<https://i.postimg.cc/GhqjyfY5/apk01.jpg>
> I just don't update apps unless neccessary or I want the new features.
> If and when I update an app, I use (this) 'Apk Extractor' to backup/
> archive the old version, so I can always roll back if needed.
forced to at gunpoint (which is why I'm often at odds with the Apple owners
who can't believe my iOS devices are never updated unless I have to).
There are a LOT of reasons for not updating, but if you're gonna update, as
Frank said, save the old APK.
That way, if you don't like the update, then you can roll back.
Case in point is in that screenshot above, you see _two_ apps with the same
icon, where the _old_ one no longer exists on google play (to my knowledge)
where the only difference (that I'm aware of) between the old one that no
longer exists and the current one - is the current one has ads.
> And anyway, my response was not about backing up / archiving apps, but
> about a Google Play / Play Store app which could show the full package
> *name* ('id=...') of an app! :-)
The choice of using an APK extractor for Yousuf's contacts app was apropos,
since a contacts app would show up in an APK extractor.
The reason I hadn't thought of APK extractors when I wrote the OP is that,
in my experience, very few apps show _all_ the apps on your system.
You think they show all, but once you have tested as many as I have, you
see they each can show a _different_ set of what they consider apps (where
the discrepancy is usually in the system set, often the "com.google"
stuff).
> That's your - deserved - punishment for using Linux! :-) If you would
> just use Windows like normal people, you could just use your vendor's
> Windows program to backup your APKs!
use Windows for bidirectional copy to/from Android.
One unexpected beauty of a dual-boot system is that Linux (Ubuntu 18.04 in
particular) can _simultaneously_ see Windows, the iPad, Android, and Linux
all at the same time.
Notice the beauty of that in that it's a dual-boot system so the Windows
isn't even "running" but Linux can read/write to all of it (as long as you
turn off hibernation & quickstart in Windows settings).
Since details are my schtick, one caveat is there are a couple (maybe two
or three?) files we've run into that Microsoft has played games with, where
you can't delete or rename them, but you only run into them (like I did)
when you're trying to disable Windows update (e.g., wuaueng.dll), or when
you're trying to backup the binary tiled menus (which I finally gave up
on).
<https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-update/deleting-windows-update-wuauengdll-leads-windows/7d139df1-71ce-4506-bc93-4fd04ef9db84>
>> How does google arrange the apps? Shouldn't this be user-selectable?
>
> No, it should *NOT*. Now we at least know what should go/be where!
> There already are enough app developers - also major ones - which put
> (some of) their stuff outside these standard folders (Android\data\<id>
> and Android\obb\<id>)s, we don't need a bigger mess than there already
> is!
organize my file system and menus. On Windows I'm probably the only person
you know who can literally copy the Windows XP accordion-style cascade menu
over to Windows 10 and it will work perfectly as a "toolbar" attached to
the taskbar menu.
I probably have thought about organization of computer access more than
anyone you know, where I install my programs into a hierarchy that is based
on functionality (e.g., archivers, browsers, cleaners, databases, editors,
finance, games, hardware, etc.) where I can rattle off the category off the
top of my head because it (almost) NEVER CHANGES from computer to computer,
year to year, decade to decade.
<https://i.postimg.cc/rs3t4VV6/homescreen00.jpg>
What you DO on a computer rarely changes, just like what you DO on a
cellphone rarely changes, so I have categories on all my cellphones too.
<https://i.postimg.cc/X7jYKSTW/backup01.jpg>
While they slowly evolve, the main point is that, on Windows, all "things"
have the same set of categories, for example:
a. The installers get archived in:
c:\software\{archivers,browsers,cleaners,databases,editors,etc.}
b. The apps get installed into the same hierarchy:
c:\apps\{archivers,browsers,cleaners,databases,editors,etc.}
c. The menu pointing to the apps is the same hierarchy:
Taskbar > menu > {archivers,browsers,cleaners,databases,editors,etc.}
<https://i.postimg.cc/9MbGhYf3/winxpmenu05.jpg>
NOTE: The actual names don't matter & the exact location doesn't matter,
and, in fact, I never use plural, for example, but I am simply showing you
an example.
o Philosophy on a tutorial for setting up Windows in a well organized KISS
philosophy such that search is never needed & reinstall is trivial
<https://groups.google.com/d/msg/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/1Gf59YRkaI8/5MfQi5wMCQAJ>
In my most humble of opinions, developers have absolutely no clue how to
organize anything, where Linux, Windows, and Android are all quite good
examples of the utter crap that they give us in terms of organization.
I worked in the Silicon Valley for decades with very smart developers,
where the _last_ thing on most of their minds is where "someone else"
should put their stuff.
Don't even get me started on the utter horrid miserable mess Android is in
terms of organization, where I simply strive for the following:
a. On the phone, I organize my homescreen by functionality.
b. On the phone, all data goes into a well-organized data hierarchy.
c. On Windows, I save my APKs in the same hierarchy as my homescreen.
Unfortunately, just like Windows 10 tile menus are an abomination, the
Android file system, in my most humble of opinions, is an abomination.
If Google hired me to fix their problems, people could have a vastly more
organized file system over time, as I would make that happen just as I
would solve it for Microsoft since it's not a hard problem to solve (people
"think" it is, but it's not - where I've solved far harder software
problems in my professional career in the Silicon Valley).
Arlen Holder
May 13, 2020, 6:57:35 PM5/13/20
to
UPDATE:
I used it just today to get the version of GCAM which doesn't have a
working "version" inside the app because it's a port of Google Camera.
<https://i.postimg.cc/T1S56M8L/gcam01.jpg>
I used it just today to get the version of GCAM which doesn't have a
working "version" inside the app because it's a port of Google Camera.
<https://i.postimg.cc/T1S56M8L/gcam01.jpg>
Arlen Holder
May 20, 2020, 3:18:41 PM5/20/20
to
On Wed, 20 May 2020 17:39:08 +0000 (UTC), Eli the Bearded wrote:
> (Also, wtf is it with the F-Droid app that makes it nearly impossible to
> search?
Below is some insight on the 'search'...
On the F-Droid search sucking, I don't disagree (as I don't really use
F-Droid for search...
But rest assured, both The Real Bev and recently I tried to search Google
Play via two different methods for an app that Frank Slootweg had
suggested, and we couldn't find it - even though we had the URL in our hand
on the desktop computer).
o 'Apk Extractor'
<https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.marga.ApkDownloader>
I ended up getting it via the desktop _instead_ of the Google Play search
(actually I used the Aurora Store search) on my mobile device.
o *How do you find the unique app package real name on your Android
device?*
<https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/4TcwyAcSPqM/7Dq-mCcZBQAJ>
Given independent people using independent methods failed to find an app
that they _knew_ existed (because they could "see" it from the desktop!),
I would say _all_ the searches suck, when they get difficult.
I have friends who write apps which have only a few dozen downloads, and
even though I _know_ the app is on Google Play, the search won't find them
from my phone.
Luckily, it seems that for F-Droid & Google Play, a desktop-based search
works, where copying an APK from the desktop to the phone is seamless.
In summary, I don't think it's "only" F-Droid whose search sucks.
--
Usenet is a wonderful group discussion for purposefully helpful adults.
> (Also, wtf is it with the F-Droid app that makes it nearly impossible to
> search?
Below is some insight on the 'search'...
On the F-Droid search sucking, I don't disagree (as I don't really use
F-Droid for search...
But rest assured, both The Real Bev and recently I tried to search Google
Play via two different methods for an app that Frank Slootweg had
suggested, and we couldn't find it - even though we had the URL in our hand
on the desktop computer).
o 'Apk Extractor'
<https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.marga.ApkDownloader>
I ended up getting it via the desktop _instead_ of the Google Play search
(actually I used the Aurora Store search) on my mobile device.
o *How do you find the unique app package real name on your Android
device?*
<https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/4TcwyAcSPqM/7Dq-mCcZBQAJ>
Given independent people using independent methods failed to find an app
that they _knew_ existed (because they could "see" it from the desktop!),
I would say _all_ the searches suck, when they get difficult.
I have friends who write apps which have only a few dozen downloads, and
even though I _know_ the app is on Google Play, the search won't find them
from my phone.
Luckily, it seems that for F-Droid & Google Play, a desktop-based search
works, where copying an APK from the desktop to the phone is seamless.
In summary, I don't think it's "only" F-Droid whose search sucks.
--
Usenet is a wonderful group discussion for purposefully helpful adults.
Arlen Holder
Jul 7, 2020, 1:38:15 AM7/7/20
to
Update:
Freeware "App Inspector" by Ubqsoft [free, no ads, GSF independent] lists
installed apps & their "secret" permissions [apparently].
I was reading up on how to disable clipboard access in Android
o *How to Stop Apps from Reading the Android Clipboard to Protect your Privacy*
<https://www.xda-developers.com/stop-apps-reading-android-clipboard/>
Where that tutorial suggested the Ubqsoft "App Inspector" utility.
o It seems to be an instant keeper in my quick test just now...
My first test was to select an arbitrary app, in this case, the Calculator
(com.rwaltersapps.calculator2), where it gave me the following data:
a. First install date & last update date
b. Unique name, app version, base APK, base SDK, dev website, etc.
c. Its libraries & data directory on my phone
But more importantly, it gave me a nice view of its 3 permissions:
1. Google Pay Billing Service [*granted*][normal][instant]
2. View network connections [*granted*][normal][instant]
3. have full network access [*granted*][normal][instant]
I didn't even _know_ it "had" these three "secret" permissions.
o I keep my permissions pretty tight, so I was shocked.
Think about that because in Android settings, it doesn't say that.
o Why does a calculator need _any_ of those secret permissions anyway?
When I look in Android settings for this particular app, it says:
o Permissions: No permissions requested.
Hmmmmmmmm..... what are these secret permissions anyway?
o App Inspector, by Ubqsoft [free, no ads, GSF independent]
<https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ubqsoft.sec01>
"Lists installed applications & shows various information about them."
"Inspect the detailed informations of all apps installed.
Shows permissions used by apps.
Shows apps ordered by install time and usage.
Can extract(download) APK file from installed applications.
(Downloaded file will be saved in Downloads folder)
Included information:
- Package name and version
- Installation and update dates.
- Package file path.
- Target SDK version
- Package size (file size)
- Usage time (recent 1 week)
- Permissions (granted or not)
- Engine or framework analysis.
(Unity 3D, Adobe AIR, Cocos2d, Xamarin, yoyogames GAMEMAKER, Unreal
Engine 4)
- Used Java libraries.
bugs and feature requests:
<https://github.com/bigflood/AppInspector/issues>
--
Reading the experiences of others reduces the high cost of freeware.
Freeware "App Inspector" by Ubqsoft [free, no ads, GSF independent] lists
installed apps & their "secret" permissions [apparently].
I was reading up on how to disable clipboard access in Android
o *How to Stop Apps from Reading the Android Clipboard to Protect your Privacy*
<https://www.xda-developers.com/stop-apps-reading-android-clipboard/>
Where that tutorial suggested the Ubqsoft "App Inspector" utility.
o It seems to be an instant keeper in my quick test just now...
My first test was to select an arbitrary app, in this case, the Calculator
(com.rwaltersapps.calculator2), where it gave me the following data:
a. First install date & last update date
b. Unique name, app version, base APK, base SDK, dev website, etc.
c. Its libraries & data directory on my phone
But more importantly, it gave me a nice view of its 3 permissions:
1. Google Pay Billing Service [*granted*][normal][instant]
2. View network connections [*granted*][normal][instant]
3. have full network access [*granted*][normal][instant]
I didn't even _know_ it "had" these three "secret" permissions.
o I keep my permissions pretty tight, so I was shocked.
Think about that because in Android settings, it doesn't say that.
o Why does a calculator need _any_ of those secret permissions anyway?
When I look in Android settings for this particular app, it says:
o Permissions: No permissions requested.
Hmmmmmmmm..... what are these secret permissions anyway?
o App Inspector, by Ubqsoft [free, no ads, GSF independent]
<https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ubqsoft.sec01>
"Lists installed applications & shows various information about them."
"Inspect the detailed informations of all apps installed.
Shows permissions used by apps.
Shows apps ordered by install time and usage.
Can extract(download) APK file from installed applications.
(Downloaded file will be saved in Downloads folder)
Included information:
- Package name and version
- Installation and update dates.
- Package file path.
- Target SDK version
- Package size (file size)
- Usage time (recent 1 week)
- Permissions (granted or not)
- Engine or framework analysis.
(Unity 3D, Adobe AIR, Cocos2d, Xamarin, yoyogames GAMEMAKER, Unreal
Engine 4)
- Used Java libraries.
bugs and feature requests:
<https://github.com/bigflood/AppInspector/issues>
--
Reading the experiences of others reduces the high cost of freeware.
Arlen Holder
Nov 20, 2020, 2:25:47 PM11/20/20
to
On Tue, 7 Jul 2020 05:38:15 -0000 (UTC), Arlen Holder wrote:
> o App Inspector, by Ubqsoft [free, no ads, GSF independent]
> <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ubqsoft.sec01>
> "Lists installed applications & shows various information about them."
Update regarding:
> o App Inspector, by Ubqsoft [free, no ads, GSF independent]
> <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ubqsoft.sec01>
> "Lists installed applications & shows various information about them."
o How do you find the unique app package real name on your Android device?
<https://groups.google.com/g/comp.mobile.android/c/4TcwyAcSPqM>
In the past, my keeper for most easily finding a true listing of _all_ the
apps (even system packages) installed on Android was "apps_Packages Info"
But this morning, while I was searching the F-Droid app settings for
a solution to the problem of automatically not deleting APKs once installed
o Does anyone know if the F-Droid app saves the APKs on non-rooted Android?
<https://groups.google.com/g/comp.mobile.android/c/onNrUUa4bSI>
I ran into this app, which seems to be an even more functional replacement:
o App Manager <io.github.muntashirakon.AppManager> version 2.5.17 (368)
<https://f-droid.org/en/packages/io.github.muntashirakon.AppManager/>
<https://github.com/MuntashirAkon/AppManager>
I'll reproduce the full blurb below, but it seems to have 2 key rationales:
1. It was designed to improve upon the venerable "apps_Packages Info"
2. And it seems to add a lot of good stuff "apps_Packages Info" didn't do!
Here's the full advertising blurb on F-Droid
o Where, even after only a few minutes' use, I declare this a keeper!
=== Description for App Manager 2.5.17 ===
App Manager: A full-featured open source package manager for android.
App Manager began by merging the features of App_packages Info
(formerly Application Info), ClassyShark3xodus, Activity Launcher
and Watt into a single app with material design and dark mode
to give a modern look and feel.
App Manager 2.5.17 Features:
o Free and open source
o Material design (and a nice UI)
o No useless permissions requested
o Doesn't connect to the internet (internet permission is required for ADB mode)
o *Display as much information as possible* in the main window
o Lists activities, broadcast receivers, services, providers, permissions, signatures, shared libraries, etc. of any app
o Launch (exportable) activities, create (customizable) shortcuts
o *Block any activities*, broadcast receivers, services or providers with native import/export as well as Watt and Blocker import support (requires root)
o Revoke dangerous permissions (requires root/ADB)
o Disable any app ops, therefore any hidden permissions (requires root/ADB)
o *Scan for trackers* in apps and list (all or only) tracking classes (and their code dump)
o Generate dynamic manifest for any application
o View/edit/delete shared preferences of any app (requires root)
o View/kill/force-stop running apps/process (requires root/ADB)
o View app usage, data usage and app storage info (requires ´Usage Access¡ permission)
o *Apk file sharing* (hence the use of a provider)
o Clear app data or app cache (requires root/ADB)
o Batch operations: clear app data, disable run in background, disable/kill/uninstall apps
o One-click operations: block ads/tracker components, block components by signature, block multiple app ops
...and other minor features such as installing/uninstalling/updating/enabling/disabling apps,
displaying app installation info, opening on F-Droid, Aurora Droid or Aurora Store.
It basically combines the features of 5 or 6 apps that any tech-savvy
person needs to use in order to have a life.
--
Sometimes we can find better apps than even the best we found prior!
Arlen Holder
Nov 20, 2020, 4:20:58 PM11/20/20
to
Update regarding:
o How do you find the unique app package real name on your Android device?
<https://groups.google.com/g/comp.mobile.android/c/4TcwyAcSPqM>
ClassyShark seems to not only also nicely report the full unique app name:
o How do you find the unique app package real name on your Android device?
<https://groups.google.com/g/comp.mobile.android/c/4TcwyAcSPqM>
o ClassyShark3xodus checks for known trackers & shows location of APK
<https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.oF2pks.classyshark3xodus/>
It's based, apparently, on this app (and then improved):
<https://github.com/google/android-classyshark>
"ClassyShark is a standalone binary inspection tool for Android
developers. It can reliably browse any Android executable and show
important info such as class interfaces and members, dex counts and
dependencies. ClassyShark supports multiple formats including libraries
(.dex, .aar, .so), executables (.apk, .jar, .class) and all Android
binary XMLs: AndroidManifest, resources, layouts etc."
What's nice is it also seems to report the full path to the APK that is
saved by the Android operating system for almost every app you installed.
Note this APK path is (apparently) quite _different_ from one you may have
personally manually or auto-archived, either via an app backup & restore
utility, or a shell around either F-Droid or Google Play that manually or
automatically saves the app in the visible filesystem.
These system-created APKs are _not_ in the user-visible file system.
o So while you now know where they are, and what they're called
(You still can't easily view them unless you're rooted.)
--
I think adb can copy these APKs over to the desktop (based on this thread):
o Does Android keep the .apk files? if so where?
<https://stackoverflow.com/questions/2507960/does-android-keep-the-apk-files-if-so-where>
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