How to Develop Your Own Enhanced Version of Android?

How to Develop Your Own Enhanced Version of Android?

As an Android user, you’d want to customize your experience. This is possible by rooting your phone and flashing a new ROM, which is essentially a total new version of Android that should have the features you’ve always wanted. There’s a new tweak called the “Xposed Framework”, which will allow you to customize your phone without even flashing a new ROM.

Getting Started with Xposed Framework

This framework will allow you to control various aspects of your phone, (that is an Android phone), from top to bottom until the system level. Through a series of modules, Xposed allows you to customize your phone, along with the applications you have installed. Making ROM-style changes are possible, such as changing the font style and size, modifying system text, customizing the launcher or lock screen, and so on.

All you need is the Xposed Framework latest version, and a rooted phone running Android 4.0, which is also known as the Ice Cream Sandwich, or a later version. Xposed modules are also needed, after the installation of the framework.

Installing the Xposed Framework and Modules

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First of all, you need to back up your Android phone, allowing you to retry the process in case everything blows up. Try using Titanium Backup as a good backup utility.

  1. Go to the XDA Developer Forums and look for the Xposed Framework, the latest version is always posted there. You can download the APK and then add it to Dropbox (since Xposed is unavailable at Google Play) or any other storage device that is accessible via your phone.
  2. Open the Xposed Installer and install.
  3. Launch the Xposed Installer and then tap the “Framework”.
  4. Tap the “Install/Update” button.
  5. Reboot the device after the framework is installed.

The framework will be active in the backup, and then continue, keeping the installer close as you will need it again for the installation of modules. The installer is also used in updating the entire Xposed Framework when a new version occurs. It’s always good to keep in your phone, but can re-download it if ever you lose it.

Installing the Modules

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The modules are available as APKs. The installation goes the same way as regular app installations. Some modules are available on Google Play, eliminating the need for side loads. But, always be ready to side load those unavailable in Google Play. So, follow the steps to start installing a module.

  1. Install or download the APK file and launch it on your phone.
  2. Next is to open the Xposed Installer. Tap the “Modules” button.
  3. Check the box next to the module that you like to enable. You can check everything if you want to.
  4. Finally, reboot your device and the modules will become active.

Note: The process is very easy and fast if your device will fit the necessary criteria, allowing you to get tons of customization.

7 Useful and Must-try Xposed Modules

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Now, it’s time to try some modules. Remember that the modules allow you to maximize an exceptional level of control over your device. The official module repository would be a great place to start your search because this is the XDA forum thread, which is loaded with great modules created by the community. Keep in mind that modules are similar to apps that are individually supported or otherwise, by the developer. You can try these 7 modules as these are a few of the favorites of many starters.

  1. Wanam Xposed – Wanam Xposed offers various feature updates and visual tweaks such as the capability to record calls, changing the volume buttons into the music playback controls, adding reboot options, and so on. When it comes to visual controls, Wanam Xposed can change the colors of the status bar text or all the system text throughout all applications. It will also allow you to tweak text sizes such as a larger battery display, and change the size and font of the clock on the lock screen. Certainly, you will have the power to enable the camera function on calls, or push Hangout calls towards cellular if ever you are on Wi-Fi. Wanam Xposed is indeed an excellent starter module, considering the various hacks and tweaks that you can control.
  2. XHaloFloatingWindow –XHaloFloatingWindow tends to bring functionality to devices. The “Halo” pop-up, a floating launcher of the Paranoid Android ROM will allow you to jump across applications, and open contacts or settings, regardless the app you are in.
  3. MoDaCo Toolkit – This is an all-in-one toolkit, especially for the HTC One. After installation of this module, you can force Amazon MP3 to function as if it’s in the U.S, allowing you to go around pesky location limitations. It will also allow you to rotate the phone in all directions by disabling the Google Play app based on location and hides the battery meter or make it transparent if you wish.
  4. Flashify – This module makes backup a snap. Flashify can recover images and make a boot without booting into recovery first, firing up the app, taking a snapshot, and then you are done. It will also allow you to ZIP files from inside the application, while supporting backups and recovery to and from the Dropbox.
  5. XPrivacy – This module allows you a complete control over application permissions. You can view every app and permission individually, or filter each one based on the required permissions. Hence, you can deny or approve permissions. When an application wants location, this module will give it an incorrect location data purposefully, or an empty list if an app wants a contact list.
  6. Tweakbox – This optimizes your status bar, but works best on Samsung gadgets. This module allows call recording, change the background color and overall appearance of the status bar, customize the indicator, and so much more.
  7. XBlast Tools – This is a collection of customization tools, allowing you to control the interaction with your phone, its operations, and how it looks. Clock text and size can be personalized, add fonts for other applications, add flavor text in the status bar or lock screen, and turn the notification bar translucent.

Conclusion

Almost all tweaks are possible with the different modules. The best thing about them is that you can turn them on and off easily, considering the relatively low risk of the entire Xposed Framework along with the remarkably high rewards.

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