Theming : Basics

Android is known for its customizability and freedom, therefore it's not a surprise that it supports a variety of theming methods. Theming is a time consuming task but it can make your android phone look decent. In this article, I will provide a step by step tutorial on how to theme an android device.

Requirements

An Android device which is rooted (google: “<your android device> root” to search how to root your phone) and has CWM recovery installed. More information about Rooting here.

Apkmultitool Get it here 

Photoshop, GIMP 2 or any other Image editing software you are accustomed to

7zip

Notepad ++

Basics

Almost all android themes are based upon modding the framework-res.apk file in your android phone’s system/framework directory. This framework-res.apk contains all the necessary .pngs as well as the code for the user interface of the android system.

APK Multi-tool is an apk decompiling utility with a huge number of other features. Whether you're doing basic image editing or editing the smali or xml files, on average you have to use awesome tool to extract the apk, edit it, then sign the apk and then adb push/install it. This process is quite tiresome if you are testing a method that needs fine tweaking. This script should make the process a LOT smoother.

There’s an option of compiling/signing/installing all in one step.

Warning: It is very important that your phone has CWM recovery installed. In case, the phone is bricked it will be easier to restore your phone from a nandroid backup.

In the next section, I will provide a step-by-step tutorial on how to change the status-bar color of your device.

Street View on Google Maps 1.7.2.0

With Street View on Google Maps, explore the world at street level.

With Google Maps Street View, you can explore the world at street level. See popular landmarks, check out places you want to visit in your hometown or far away, and take a virtual trip around the world.

Custom ROMS

Custom ROMS

Introduction

Ever wondered what the whole custom ROM business was all about ?

What is this so called “aftermarket firmware” and why would you use it ?

Are there any pitfalls ? Will my warranty get voided ?

In this article I will explain all these things about Custom ROMs.

ICS Phase Beam Live Wallpaper

ICS Phase Beam Live Wallpaper

This is a clone of the new Phase Beam Live Wallpaper from Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. In comparison with the original Wallpaper, this one has additionally a cool 3D scroll effect.

Angry Birds Seasons 2.3.0

Angry Birds Seasons 2.3.0

Angry Birds RIO 1.4.4

Angry Birds Rio 1.4.4

Angry Birds Space 1.0.1

Angry Birds Space 1.0.1

Angry Birds 2.1.1

Angry Birds 2.1.1

Smart Keyboard 4.6.1 PRO

Smart Keyboard Pro

Enjoy an improved typing experience!

Smart Keyboard Pro is a fast multitouch keyboard with multi-language support, skins, voice input, T9 and compact mode, Smart dictionary, custom Auto-Text, hard keyboard support, calibration, and many other appearance and prediction options. Get it now and see by yourself why it is the best rated keyboard app on the Market!

Launcher Pro 0.8.6 + themes

LauncherProPlus 0.8.6 with themes

Simple. Powerful. Fast. Customizable.

If you can't open it, download "ClearDefaultHome" or "Home Switcher"

- Super-smooth scrolling
- Animated screen previews (like Exposé or HTC Sense)
- Up to 7 home screens
- App drawer (2D and 3D!) with a fly-in effect and smooth scrolling
- Scrollable shortcut dock

WHERE'S MY WATER IS THE HIT DISNEY APP! NOW WITH OVER 160 LEVELS!

SWAMPY’S STORY

Swampy the Alligator lives in the sewers under the city. He is a little different from the other alligators — he’s curious, friendly, and loves taking a nice long shower after a hard day at work. The other alligators have damaged his plumbing and disrupted the water flow. Help Swampy by guiding water to his shower! In Swampy’s Story, play eight themed chapters over 160 levels. Collect Swampy’s ducks and shower items to unlock new puzzles and bonus levels. FREE levels are added to Swampy’s Story regularly!

Froyo Live wallpapers collection

Froyo Live Wallpaper collection

This is the live wallpaper apk collection introduced in the Froyo Update. It features 

Water , Nexus (Original one), Grass, & Galaxy, Music Visualizations wallpaper, and Magic Smoke Live wallpaper.

Reverse Tether (build.2012.04.05.paid)

Reverse Tether build.2012.04.05.paid

ReverseTether allows you to access your computer's internet connection on your device via USB, thus, reverse tethering. It's the first and only app of its kind on the Market, no other app does such a thing.

This app may be useful for you if:
- if you don't have a mobile data plan.
- if you have a limited plan and would like to spare your bytes and money whenever you're at home/work/school.
- if you're roaming and would like to avoid roaming data charges.
- if you prefer speed and want an internet that is faster* than any wifi/3g/4g/lte. (*as fast as your modem)
- if you don't have access to wifi / don't need wifi just for your device.
- if you don't trust the security/privacy of your wifi network.
- if your wifi connection is weak, slow or keeps disconnecting.
- if you're sick of eating terrible food at burger places just for wifi access.
- if you would like to access your local network from your device for backups or storage.

Basically, since you're already connected to usb to recharge or sync, why not also have a super fast, unlimited, secure internet connection for no additional charges, for whatever reason, like sync your mail, contacts or calendars, download and update apps, pre-cache maps, use online-only apps/games, etc...

Rooting for Dummies

Rooting for Dummies– Everything you need to know!

An introduction to rooting your Android phone and the almost possibilities and applications you can do through it.

With Android emerging victorious in almost every fight amongst the Mobile OS, it is hard to ignore the sheer amount of power the OS delivers at the hands of the user. Currently Android is the most popular platform in the world and it has definitely earned it ! If you are new to the terminology like “rooting” and “superuser”, then you have come to the right place. Through the course of this article I will explain what it means to root your phone, but also some of the impossible feats that can be made possible with a rooted android device. Lastly I will explain about the various risks and pitfalls of rooting your android phone.