I have been working on modifying the only Rom for the LG Spectrum and have reached a total bottom point, I do not think I can get it any slimmer without breaking the Android OS. Below are some of the .apk files I removed that caused issues, just [...]
I have been working on modifying the only Rom for the LG Spectrum and have reached a total bottom point, I do not think I can get it any slimmer without breaking the Android OS. Below are some of the .apk files I removed that caused issues, just typing this up for future reference and for anyone else wanting to tear apart Roms. If I know what happens when you remove something, I’ll mark it. This page will change from time to time, I’ll try to mark the most recent update date at the end of the post.
- 411Search.apk
- Removes the app 411 Search, never used it, guess it is for looking up a phone number, something you can do in Google maps while you are getting driving directions to the place…
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- AnalogClockWidget.apk
- Removes your ability to create an Analog Clock Widget (I know, you would not have been able to figure this out without me…)
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- AppSetupWizard.apk
- Removing this apk has not caused any known issues.
- AutoRun.apk
- Removing this apk causes the Connections submenu under the Android OS settings menu to stop working.
- AutorunTest.apk
- Removing this apk has not caused any known issues.
- BaSyncClient.apk
- Removing this apk has not caused any known issues, it is one of two apps required to use the Verizon Backup Sync system.
- BaSyncService.apk
- Removing this apk has not caused any known issues, it is one of two apps required to use the Verizon Backup Sync Service.
- Blockbuster.apk
- Removing this app will prevent you from launching the blockbuster app. If you remove this apk, you can also remove /system/etc/permissions/com.blockbuster.lib.lg.xml.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- BluetoothControllerWidget.apk
- Removing this will prevent you from creating a widget to turn bluetooth on and off; however does not affect the power controls widget from turning bluetooth on or off.
- BluetoothOpp.apk
- Removing this apk may very well prevent you from using bluetooth. I removed this app and BluetoothControllerWidget.apk, BluetoothPbap.apk, and BrcmBluetoothServices.apk apps, and had no issues with my phone, other than an inability to use bluetooth. According to a Chinese website, this apk is for “Bluetooth sharing” I think it means file sharing, possibly Bluetooth file transfer, and is not necessary for bluetooth functionality other than “sharing” and can be removed.
- BluetoothPbap.apk
- Removing this apk will most likely also prevent you from using bluetooth. I removed this app and BluetoothControllerWidget.apk, BluetoothOpp.apk, and BrcmBluetoothServices.apk apps, and had no issues with my phone, other than an inability to use bluetooth. According to a Chinese website this is for BLuetooth File services and is only used for receiving files via bluetooth (the other half of Opp, I’m down with Opp…) if you are not going to do Bluetooth file transfers, then both of these can be removed without affecting other Bluetooth functions on the device.
- BookmarksWidget.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from creating a widget for bookmarks, which may be limited to only working with the stock browser.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- BooksPhone.apk
- I have absolutely no idea what this is, but I had no adverse affects on my phone after removing it. (I would guess it is some time of phonebook, but removing it did not affect the use of the contacts on my device.)
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- BrcmBluetoothServices.apk
- Removing this may also prevent bluetooth from working. I removed this app and BluetoothControllerWidget.apk, BluetoothPbap.apk, and BluetoothOpp.apk apps, and had no issues with my phone, other than an inability to use bluetooth. According to a Chinese website this is teh Bluetooth Service, then it goes on to say it is for file transfers and can be removed… when I removed these four bluetooth apks I could no longer turn on BT on my Spectrum, believe who you want to.
- Browser
- Removing this apk will prevent you from visiting the internet until such a time as you install another web browser.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions, other than the previously menitoned.
- CameraTestApp.apk
- Removing this apk has not caused any known issues.
- CalendarWidget
- Removing this apk will prevent you from creating calendar widgets for the stock calendar app.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- CameraTestApp.apk
- More left over garbage from testing.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- CarHome.apk
- Removing this apk has not caused any known issues, it is the special menu that appears when using your phone with a car charger (I guess, it is one of the first things I froze when I got the phone and rooted it. Long before it was ever plugged into my car charger…)
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- ChargingWallpaper.apk
- Removing this apk prevents you from installing charging wallpapers, or using the single charging wallpaper that comes preinstalled.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions, other than the previously mentioned.
- ChargingWallpaperPicker.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from changing your charging wallpaper. Or ever having to see a charging wallpaper…
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions, other than the previously mentioned.
- DefaultContainerService.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent app installations from occurring, this may prevent the phone from setting up properly on first boot after a Rom flash also (effectively preventing a fresh Rom flash from booting up).
- I do not recommend removing this apk.
- DeskHome.apk
- Removing this apk has not caused any known issues, it is the special menu that appears when you plug your phone into a desktop docking station/charger (I guess, another one I nuke ASAP after buying this phone)
- DigitalClockWidget.apk
- Removing this apk is very similar to removing the analog clock widget apk… you won’t be able to add a digital clock widget to any of your home screens.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- DummyApp.apk
- Removing this apk has not caused any known issues, as far as I know it is an Android app that was created, but never modified (called an empty/dummy app).
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- EmailWidget.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from creating an email widget on your homescreens. I believe this is specifically a widget for LGEmail.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- FavoriteContactsWidget.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from creating a widget to show your favorite contacts.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- Finance.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from running the associated app, I believe it is a stock market app, but never used it before removing it so can not be sure. BEst I could find on the internet was a page at XDA that refers to this app as “app exchanges”.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- FriendsPlusWidget.apk
- As if Favorite contacts widget was not enough, you can have one for your friends too… well, not if you remove this apk. (Actually it is another app I never used before I removed it, not no idea what it does besides create a widget for you to stare dumbly at while trying to figure out what it was you turned your phone’s display on to do…) XDA refers to this apk as “a social app”. Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- Gmail.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from using the official Gmail app from Google, unless you download it again from the play store (making it a user app instead of a system app). I remove it in my EvenLess Rom versions, because I like to put a “versioned apk” (versioned apk=an apk file that also includes the app version in the filename) so I know if it is up to date (this prevent app updates from the play store as soon as you flash a Rom).
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions, beyond the previously mentioned.
- GoogleFeedback.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from sending feedback when an app force closes, well unless you feel like opening the Play store and searching the app and then hitting the link to email the dev…
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions, beyond the previously mentioned.
- GoogleQuickSearchBox.apk
- Removing this apk has not caused any known issues. Also, the widget for this apk is automatically added to the home screen when the Rom is installed, I have not figured out how to prevent that, it will not work, you just need to delete it.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions, other than the previously mentioned.
- GoogleServicesFramework.apk
- Removing this apk means you are either an Apple fanatic and are screwing with someone’s Android phone, or you are too dumb to use an Android device, please return it to the nearest store, walk away and never look back. By removing this apk you will no longer be able to ADD contacts to your Google account), you will not be able to login to ANY Google service (except possibly via web browser) and you will most likely see lots of Force closes, frequently, if the phone was already configured and running before you removed this.
- HelpCenter.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from using the “help center” app. Motorola uses helpcenter.apk for a virtual phone tour app to show you how to use the phone…
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- HotspotProvision.apk
- Removing this app to the best of my knowledge) will prevent your phone from contacting Verizon to approve your usage of the Wireless Hotspot feature of your phone. This will NOT let you use the hotspot feature, only give you an error that it failed provisioning or some such the same error you get when you try to use it without paying for it with this still installed.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions, other than the previously mentioned.
- HTMLViewer.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from opening html files and viewing/editing their contents locally on your android system. This has no effect on web browsing that I have noticed.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- InTouchWidget.apk
- Guilty, no idea what this is, I removed it simply because it says “widget” in the title. I guess it is another social app widget.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- IOTHiddenMenu.apk
- Removing this apk has not caused any known issues.
- Kindle.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from launching the Kindle app, a good thing if you don’t use the Kindle app…
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- LGEmail.apk
- Removing this apk has not caused any known issues. This is the “other” (LG) email app that is installed by default on the Spectrum.
- LGHiddenMenu.apk
- Removing this apk has not caused any known issues, this is the LG Hidden menu, try the following codes from the dialer to access: *#*#4635#*#*
- LGHome2.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent your phone from functioning unless you have an additional launcher installed. This is the LG User Interface
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions, other than the previously mentioned.
- LGIME.apk
- Removing this will prevent you from having/using a keyboard on your phone, unless you have another one installed.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions, other than the previously mentioned.
- LGSetupWizard.apk
- Removing this apk prevents the USB connected menu from appearing in the notifications bar, preventing switching from mass storage to/from charge only, to/from internet connection sharing/debug mode (although without it the device automatically connects in debug mode), if your SIM card is already activated. This is the wizard that asks you for your language and activates your LTE SIM card when the device initiates “first run” It also calls the Google setup wizard app to setup your accounts after it finishes. If the Google setup app is missing, this app will crash when you try to exit, then relaunch itself, you can get out by pressing home, AFTER it crashes.
- I do not recommend removing this app from a Rom, it could be removed AFTER you have been using the phone for a while, I have not tested this though.
- LGWorldClockWidget.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from having a world clock widget on your home screen. This will make many of you very happy, and some of you very sad.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- LiveWallpapers.apk
- Removing this apk has not caused any known issues, this apk contains the default Live Wallpapers for the LG Spectrum, replacing it with the same .apk file from another device will give you the default Live Wallpapers of another device, but you lose all the LG Spectrum ones to get the other phone’s live wallpapers. If you remove this apk, you can also remove /system/etc/permissions/android.software.live_wallpaper.xml.
- LiveWallpapersPicker.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from picking live wallpapers, but will not stop you from picking your nose. This has been tested and verified. Several times. I am serious. Heed my words and believe them.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- MagicSmokeWallpapers.apk
- Removing this will eliminate your hope of survival, as this is the default apk that contains the wallpapers that ship with Android. Some OEMs change the contents of this apk instead of adding their own separate file. Shame on them. This practice is widely known as “Lazy developers”.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- Maps.apk
- Removing this apk will get you very lost in a strange area, I remove this apk to include a “versioned apk” file in its place so that I do not have to download an update from the market after flashing a rom.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- MessageWidget.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from creating a text messages widget, which will make you open your messaging app to read new text messages that are too long to be displayed in the notification bar, instead of looking at them from your home screen.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- MMS.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from receiving MMS messages. I have not tried leaving this installed while using Google Voice for texting, without this installed all of my incoming MMS messages via Google Voice arrive exclusively through my Gmail.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions, other than the previously mentioned.
- MobileHotspot.apk
- Removing this will prevent you from using the built in Mobile Hotspot feature of your phone, unless you download an alternate app to do so.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- Music.apk
- Removing this will do something, I am not sure if this is the LG Music app or the Google music app, or the Verizon Music app, although most Verizon apps have VZW in the name. Either way I get rid of it.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- Music2.apk
- Removing this will also do something, or prevent your phone from doing something I should say. This one may be the LG music app.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- MusicWidget.apk
- Removing this prevents you from placing yet another widget on your home screen, saving you countless MBs of Ram and speeds up your phone overall as it does not have to spend time deciding whether or not it needs to update this widget while you busy playing a game or talking to someone on the phone.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- Netflix.apk
- Removing this will prevent you from using the Netflix app on your phone.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- News.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from viewing the News on your phone, unless of course you know how to use a web browser, or have an alternate news application installed. I believe this also has a bundled widget that is removed when you remove this app.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- NFL.apk
- Removing this apk will save you data, if you do not have unlimited data, because even if you NEVER EVER run this app, it will still load into memory and access the internet, although it never updates scores or anything else until you run it, makes you wonder why it has to access the internet, but then I ask why the dialer.apk app needs to access the internet also…
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- NFSHP.apk
- Removing this apk prevents you from playing a demo of Need for Speed Hot Pursuit, I think, I have this suspicion that I vaguely recall launching NFS on my Spectrum, when I first bought it, did nothing, except prompt me to download the app…
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- oem_install_flash_player.apk
- Removing this app will save you space in your system partition. It is a link to take you to download and install adobe flash, and then this app stays on your phone forever. This is here because if they actually included flash on your phone they would have to pay Adobe to do so, but by placing this cute little shortcut on your phone, they don’t have to pay Adobe, and when you run it you get flash… This way they can advertise that the phone “comes with flash” (they may or may not say “support” depending on how good their legal team is and if they have one/ask them).
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- Packageaccesshelper.apk
- Removing this apk file will cause packages to fail to install.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions beyond the above mentioned.
- Phonesky.apk
- I really have no idea what this does, I removed it as it just sounds like something stupid and my HTC Evo did not have it, so it obviously was not necessary to make the phone work. Several websites state that this file is the same as vending.apk for ICS; however my wife has been running the ICS leak for her Motorola Droid 4 for the last 4 months and it does not have “phonesky.apk” on it. IT also does not explain why this apk is included in the stock VS920 roms… a Chinese website states this is specifically the Android Market v3.2.0.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- PhoneTestMode.apk
- Removing this will prevent your phone from using “test mode”. On my HTC Evo this was a hidden menu that you could get to by dialing a specific code in the dialer. A Chinese website says this is the “engineering test mode” for the phone and is accessed via the hidden menu apk, if you can figure out how to get into it.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- PhotoAlbumWidget.apk
- Removing this apk prevents you from having cool slideshows of every picture you have taken with your phone, including that one of your butt you were going to send to the person who pissed you off this morning. Oh it will also kill your battery before lunch.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- PhotoFrameWidget.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from placing stagnant images of specific photo files from your phone on to the home screen.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- PlusOne.apk
- Removing this apk will do who knows what, apparently (according to the following information) removing this will remove Google Plus from your device, I did not know it came with Google Plus, so that is something new I learned today. According to the GApps page on Rootzwiki the ICS package removed this “broken apk” so it may be related to Google. The galaxynexusforums states that renaming or deleting this apk will remove Google Plus from your device. On a Rom downlaod page on the igottadroid.com website it says “if” the Google Messenger (part of Google Plus) is not working, to move the PlusOne.apk from /system/app to /data/app, or to delete it and download Google Plus from the Andropid Market.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- PolarisOffice.apk
- Removing this apk will remove the Polaris Office app from your phone. If you remove this apk, you can also remove /system/lib/libpolarisoffice.so and libpolarisoffice_Clipboard.so.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- PowerControl.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from creating the uber cool power control widget on your desktop… The exact same thing you get when you pull down the notification bar, even if this has been removed. So why not remove it?
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- Protips.apk
- Removing this will remove the annoying pop up tips when you use your phone for the first time. If you need these, maybe you should not be reading this post…
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- QuickReferenceGuide_VS920.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from open the quick reference guide on your phone, not a bad thing in my mind, although if you have never looked at, maybe you should before you nuke it.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- Rhapsody.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from accessing the Rhapsody application.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- RichNote.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from using the RichNote app, actually a pretty neat app; however the notes are not readable by other apps, and apparently when a new version comes out you can not import or read your old notes.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- ScoreCenter.apk
- Removing this app will prevent you from checking sports scores quickly.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- SetupWizard.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent the phone from asking you to configure your accounts, learn how to use the keyboard, and most of whatever else happens when you first buy the phone and turn it on. Except for activating the SIM card, picking your language, and configuring your home launcher. Removing this app causes the LGSetupWizard apk to force close after it finishes running, if this happens you just need to press the home key to exit the setup app and start using your phone.
- This app is not necessary for your phone to function or to be placed in a Rom.
- Slacker.apk
- Removing this apk prevents you from using Slacker Radio.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- SmartMovieHD.apk
- Removing this apk prevents you from running Smart Movie HD, something I have never run. According to a Chinese website this app allows you to edit videos, including HD videos which you can record with this device.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- SmartShare.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from using DLNA media sharing, if you have no DLNA compatible devices at home, you don’t need this.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- Stk.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from using the Stocks app on your device.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- Street.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from using Google Street View on your device. I remove it in order to add a “versioned apk” for reasons previously mentioned.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- Swype.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from using the LG/Verizon provided Swype version. Personally, I have a Swype Beta account and utilize that to download the newest Swype apk.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- Talk.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from using Google Talk text chatting (as best as I can find online, I just either leave both or remove both…)
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- Talk2.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from using Google Talk video chatting (as best I can find online, again, I either remove both or leave both, I don’t have a versioned apk of this file, but I will start using one now).
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- TodayPlusWidget.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from using the Today widget, sort of a summary of current info. Never used it myself. Apparently requires Finance.apk and News.apk to pull data into one widget, there is a pastebin with a catlog showing calls from TodayPlus failing to find those two.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- TuneWiki.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from using Tunewiki, a very cool sounding service integrating social feature into a music player, but there was something about it I did not like when I tried it, maybe it required a subscription or something else. I have forgotten since I tried it out last. Checking the Play Market, the version included is ad based and you have to pay to get the pro version. not going to bother launching it.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- UserGuide_VS20.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from opening the Spectrum user guide on your phone.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- VCastApps.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from using Verizon’s VCast apps on your device, I’m not sure how they all tie in together, I tried all the VCast apps, did not think it was something I would use and removed them all at once. So, removing just one of these may not prevent you from using others.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions, other than the previously mentioned.
- VCastAppsInstaller.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from installing Verizon’s VCast apps on your device, since the VCastApps.apk already exists, I do not see the point of having an installer…
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions, other than the previously mentioned.
- VCastMediaManager.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from using Verizon’s VCast apps on your device that use media files, I’m not sure how they all tie in together, I tried all the VCast apps, did not think it was something I would use and removed them all at once. So, removing just one of these may not prevent you from using others.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions, other than the previously mentioned.
- VCastTones.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from using Verizon’s VCast Tones on your device. This app allows you to download RingTones and to add “Ringback” tones to your phone. Verizon uses Windows media player codecs and applies EXTREME DRM to all media files on the VCast network.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- VCastVideo.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from using Verizon’s VCast Video app on your device. This app costs $10 per month or $3 per day auto billed to your wireless bill. Verizon has announced this service will be shut down effective December 2012. Verizon uses Windows media player codecs and applies EXTREME DRM to all media files on the VCast network.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- VerizonHiddenMenu.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from accessing the Verizon hidden support menu by dialing some unknown code from your dialer.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- VideoPlayer.apk
- Removing this gets rid of the LG Video Player, you may want to install an alternate if you intend on watching locally stored videos. Additionally on the LG P930 (Optimus LTE) there is this apk AND an LGeVideo Player apk, on a Chinese website it states that the LGeVideoPlayer contains the decoding functionality for video playback, the VS920 does not include that apk, it is possible the two are combined on the Spectrum which is why removing VideoPlayer.apk causes some people issues on the stock Rom for the Spectrum.
- Videos.apk
- No idea what this apk is for, I will reflash stock V6 and test it out, some day.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- VideoSurf.apk
- This app is supposed to allow you to capture visually, audibly, or by typing in keywords, the information needed to find a video on the internet/their database. Then watch it on your phone.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- VoiceDialer.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from using speech to text to dial contacts, I think.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- VoiceSearch.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from using text to speech to search the internet.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- VVM.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from using Verizon’s Visual Voicemail, which is a paid for feature at $2.99 a month PLUS data usage. While extracting the “versioned apk” from V6 stock, I noticed that this apk is the only voicemail app on the phone, so removing it will require you to call in to check voicemail messages.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- VZNavigator
- Removing this apk will prevent you from using Verizon’s Navigation app, which costs $9.99 a month, although at this time, you can get the first month free and $4.99 a month as long as you have never signed up for it before. Or just use Google’s for free…
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- VzwSMS.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from viewing text messages on your Verizon phone, it will not stop them from billing you for messages sent to your phone number. Not necessary if you use Google Voice exclusively.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions, other than the previously mentioned
- WeatherWidget.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from creating or using a Weather forecast widget on your home screen.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- WhatsNew.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from using What’s New, no idea what it is or what it actually does. It does not show up in the app drawer, and trying to force it to run using Titanium Backup does nothing. According to a Chinese website it is “LG program update reminded widget”, XDA lists the app as “LG App”.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
- Wiper.apk
- Removing this apk file caused the home button on the LG Spectrum to be incorrectly mapped (guess that it is a mapping issue), preventing it’s use, even after using ADW Launcher to change the functionality of the home button. It also prevented the camera app from “connecting to the hardware”. According to a Chinese website it is used to restore the phone to factory settings.
- YouTube.apk
- Removing this apk will prevent you from using the YouTube app on your device, I remove it so I can install a “versioned apk”.
- Removing this app does not appear to cause any problems with the device’s daily functions.
last update April 5th 2012
Tagged with: 411Search • AnalogClockWidget • Android • apk • AppSetupWizard • AutoRun • AutorunTest • BaSyncClent • BaSyncService • Blockbuster • BluetoothControllerWidget • BluetoothOpp • BluetoothPbap • BookmarksWidget • BooksPhone • BrcmBluetoothServices • Browser • building • Calendar • CameraTestApp • CarHome • ChargingWallpaper • ChargingWallpaperPicker • DefaultContainerService • DeskHome • DigitalClockWidget • DummyApp • EmailWidget • FavoriteContactsWidget • FriendsPlusWidget • Gmail • GoogleFeedback • GoogleQuickSearchBox • GoogleServicesFramework • HelpCenter • HotspotProvision • HTMLViewer • InTouchWidget • IOTHiddenMenu • Kindle • LG • LGEmail • LgHiddenMenu • LGHome2 • LGIME • LGSetupWizard • LGWorldClockWidget • LiveWallpaper • LiveWallpaperPicker • MagicSmokeWallpapers • Maps • MessagingWidget • MMS • MobileHotspot • Music • Music2 • MusicWidget • Netflix • news • NFL • NFSHP • oem_install_flash_player • Phonesky • PhoneTestMode • PhotoAlbumWidget • PhotoFrameWidget • PlusOne • PolarisOffice • PowerControl • Protips • QuickReferenceGuide_VS920 • Rhapsody • RichNote • ROM • ScoreCenter • SetupWizard • Slacker • SmartMovieHD • SmartShare • Spectrum • Stk • Street • SWYPE • Talk • Talk2 • TodayPlusWidget • TuneWiki • UserGuide • VCastApps • VCastAppsInstaller • VCastMediaManager • VCastTones • VCastVideo • VerizonHiddenMenu • VideoPlayer • Videos • VideoSurf • VoiceDialer • VoiceSearch • VVM • WeatherWidget • WhatsNew • wiper • YouTube
LG Spectrum one stop download shop
Latest Update – March 3rd 2013
I have moved all the blah blah blah to the bottom of this page, so you can more easily get to what you are looking for. Additionally for those who skip this page [...]
LG Spectrum one stop download shop
Latest Update – March 3rd 2013
I have moved all the blah blah blah to the bottom of this page, so you can more easily get to what you are looking for. Additionally for those who skip this page and just go to the files (joelperryproductions.com/spectrum) I have started adding a text file into each directory with the url for support/the source where I obtained the files. This will also be there for files I have not yet received approval to mirror, so if you are hunting something and I do not have authorization to distribute it, you will find a directory for it with a text doc that will direct you to the location to obtain the file and support. Last but not least, I want to give a special thanks to MTMichaelson for giving us our first Rom, the one all others were built from until ICS, and PlayfulGod, Death2All, and TDM for all their hard work on getting us ICS. Click their names if you want to donate to them.
I have not modified any files unless otherwise noted (currently, only EvenLess files are modified from the source)
Rooting
These files contain everything you need to root an LG Spectrum, pick a “linux” file if you are not using Windows, those are based on the official one for Windows, only I have modified it somewhat and re-written it for linux. Please act consciously and READ THE SCRIPT! before running it. Please note, the Linux scripts have been updated on May 27th, 2012 again on May 30th 2012.
Note for Linux users: if you have not configured your computer to recognize the LG Spectrum via USB, these scripts will do it for you when run using sudo or as a root user. This is the only thing the script does that requires root access. If you do not run the script as root, it will only work after you manually configure your computer.
This can be done by copying the line that requires root access and pasting it after typing “sudo”, then run the script without root access and it will error and skip the part requiring root, all of the rest of the script will work without root.
Official All in one Root file
AllinOnePackageSpectrum.zip
linux-spectrum-root-hosts-CWM-touch-bootloop-fix.7z
linux-spectrum-root-hosts-touch-bootloop-fix.7z
linux-spectrum-hosts-CWM-touch-bootloop-fix.7z
IceCream Sandwich Roms
These can be downloaded directly to your phone once rooted with CWM installed.
files removed as they were all pre beta and not at all useful any more.
GApps
gapps-ics-20120429-signed.zip
GingerBread Roms
These can be downloaded directly to your phone once rooted with CWM installed.
Broken Out Rom
BrokenOutSpectrum3.0.zip
EvenLess-v3.0.zip+
broken3.0-removed.7z
EvenLess3.0-added.7z
Other files related to The Broken Out Rom
There is are some known acceptable (at this time) issues with my minimal and EvenLess versions of this Rom
- +Since I am not yet familiar with modifying .apk files, after the SIM activation and language selection setup app runs (the Verizon setup app), it will force close, then run itself again. you may press home to get out of the app AFTER the force close popup, then uninstall it later with your choice of system app uninstallers, it is not necessary but to run one time. The force close is caused by a call upon exit of the Verizon setup app that loads the Google Setup App, which I have removed to save 1.6MB or so on the Rom size.
Please note that all HoloS Rom files have been renamed to remove the “space” in the name, this makes working with it in linux a bit easier, and me happier.
HoLoS-3.2.6.zip
HoLoS-3.2.5.zip
Holo_S_v2.zip
Please note that all plagued Ninjroid Rom files have been renamed to remove the “space” in the name, this makes working with it in linux a bit easier, and me happier.
LGs-GingerCream-v2.0.zip
plagued-NinJroid-v1.1.zip
plagued-NinJroid-v1.zip
Kernels
BlitzKrieg Kernel
BlitzKriegKernel3.0.zip
Popcorn Kernel – Also has a home on Rootz.
PopcornKernel-v2.0-FiNAL.zip
PopcornKernel-v1.0-FiNaL.zip
PopcornKernel-v0.1_rc1.zip
Tools
various things you may find useful that may or may not be included in other files available here, I cannot guarantee they are up to date, or that I will update them when newer versions become available. They are just here, because they “might” be useful to someone, older versions have been removed due to the recent dual zero day exploits released, but I will only use links for the newest on this page to keep the page length down. Also, the Android NDK & ADT files and Java JDK .rpm files are also located on the server, but not linked here.
Android SDK
installer_r21.1-windows.exe
android-sdk_r21.1-linux.tgz
Oracle Java 7
I also have the jre files in the same folder, you can navigate to it and download them if you wish. http://joelperryproductions.com/spectrum/tools/java
jdk-7u15-windows-i586.exe
jdk-7u15-linux-i586.tar.gz
jdk-7u15-windows-x64.exe
jdk-7u15-linux-x64.tar.gz
ClockWork Mod Touch Recovery
cwm_touch.img
cwm_bootloop_fix.zip
BlockOTASpectrum.zip
CWM-Root-Installer-LG-Spectrum-4G.zip
LG Spectrum Unbricking/return to Stock methods
The full unbricking set, plus some of the individual packages included in that file.
Full_Spectrum_un-brick_tool.zip
LG_Tools.zip
LG VZW_United_WHQL_v2.4.1.zip
SYSTEM_DUMP-VS920-ZV3.zip
SYSTEM_DUMP-VS920-ZV4.zip
V6_stock_rooted.zip
spectrum_boot.img
Stock files
a collection of files taken from the stock installation on the LG Spectrum, made available just in case you need them. There have been issues getting these installed, I recommend adding them to a Rom and flashing that Rom over your current without wiping first. warning the EvenLess Rom Installs and others MIGHT wipe your data automatically on install. Please make backups/nandroids of your system first!.
Hosts File
LG Spectrum stock hosts file
Audio Files
LG Spectrum stock system/sounds files
LG Spectrum stock system/media files
Revert to Stock V4 or V6
LG Spectrum stock V4 Rom restorer
LG Spectrum stock V4 Rom
LG Spectrum stock V6 Rom
I have also found there are some useful files located here:
http://androidinvasion.us/apps/
below you find all of the info that used to be at the top of this page, moved for your convenience…
Early in March I left Sprint, my cell phone carrier since 1997. Even though they have great plan rates, unlimited data at the same price of approx 2GB plans with other carriers. I finally got rid of my HTC Evo. Sprint really messed up, and I am sure they had a lot of subscriber loss because of it. Ok, here is some back story for those that don’t know what I am talking about. Sprint (first) removed the 1 year upgrade ability from anyone without 10 years of service to them (I was on another persons account until 2004, so did not qualify any more), they did this right before everyone who pre-ordered (or bought at or shortly after launch) the first HTC Evo was able to upgrade on the one year upgrade schedule. Then they shortly thereafter removed the one year upgrade plan completely, I am not sure on the timing, so I don’t know if they screwed everyone that bought an Evo out of the one year upgrade. But, what they did at the same time was to completely screw themselves by changing to a 21 month upgrade time. Then Sprint waiting until 1 month AFTER the 21 month upgrade window for HTC Evo first month purchasers, before they announced a new model available exactly 2 years after the original Evo. I was more than ready to get rid of my phone at that time, and did.
So I bought an LG Spectrum and moved to Verizon, bad news for me, it has the same class processor as the original HTC Evo (Qualcomm SnapDragon S3), only in a dual core and higher clock speed. Not to mention the “New” HTC Evo model coming to Sprint exactly 2 years after the original, has the “next” generation model of said processor (Qualcomm SnapDragon S4), with LTE on chip and at a 28nm die process, improving battery performance and computational power. Needless to say I am a bit upset, although… I now have 4G LTE service anywhere I go around my house within a 30 minute drive, and most everywhere else, vs. only having 3G, on Sprint, Everywhere, except in my house where I had 1x or roam only service. I moved at the beginning of this year and my Sprint phone frequently drops to 1x or no signal in my home. On Verizon I have seen my phone drop to 3G, but never for more than 3 seconds and to tell the truth, only once or twice at that. Not to mention Verizon gave me $85 to trade in my HTC Evo, and I bought the Spectrum for $19.99 on Newegg (at the time it was $50 on Amazon), although Amazon.com and a few other places now sell it for $0.00 or $0.01. (update 6-4-2012 the prices have gone back up)
Now I am happy with my purchase; however I see a MASSIVE phone envy coming my way by the end of this year. The Qualcomm S4 will most likely be around for 2-3 more years, unless Android changes to “requiring” 4 core CPUs in order to run Android 5.0 or 6.0 (or 4.5 if they go that route), then the S4 will get pushed aside for an S4.5 with quad core (if technically possible), else an S5 chip. According to Wikipedia’s page on the SnapDragon, the Quad Core S5 2.0-2.5GHz processor will be available in Q1 2013. So unless Google makes such a requirement in a soon to be released future version of Android, It looks like I may have to hold out for 3 years before I upgrade, unless I want to get stuck with the “old model” CPU as my only upgrade options, similar to what happened to me this time, as I could not wait, and my cell service is horrible in my new home (I’ll probably be moving anyway at the end of the year, this is just a rental).
Thanks go out to
- Security Researcher Dan Rosenberg for rooting the LG Spectrum quite quickly (exactly 1 month after the phone launch and 3 weeks before I bought it.
- mtmichaelson over at Android Forums for creating the first LG Spectrum Rom and adding a custom Kernel. Also, for putting together the All in One rooting and CWM install method for the LG Spectrum, using the vulnerability found by Dan (djrbliss).
- neph81 at Android Forums for making a Touch based version of ClockWork Mod available for the LG Spectrum.
- MrB206 for generally just being Awesome and all the things he doesn’t get enough credit for.
- brianmaedche for all his hard work and testing assistance.
- Koush for creating the CWM Touch version for the LG Nitro that the LG Spectrum version is based off. Sorry but I cannot find a link for info on it; however if you have a Nitro and Rom Manager, you can download it through the Rom Manager App.
- Android Forums, for providing a location for all of us Android freaks to get our fix on!
- Secure Mecca for the blocking hosts file that I use with my linux rooting install scripts, and have been using on my personal systems for almost 2 years now.
The links above will take you to the forum pages at Android Forums or Dan’s blog page, referencing all of the information I thanked everyone for. I will also link to these below again as I share the files from here as a mirror location and will continue to do so, and add new files for as long as I own my Spectrum (which looks like at least October 2013…) I also have a couple of addition/modified files I will post here that I use personally; however I probably will not provide most of them elsewhere. Easier to maintain that way, sorry for anyone who doesn’t like that idea. If I have any files below that you are responsible for providing to the community and do not like me providing it from my website, let me know, and I will take it down, no questions asked.
Tagged with: Amazon • Android • Android Forums • AT&T • ATnT • boot image • boot.img • Clockwork Mod • CWM • Dan Rosenberg • English • Google • GSM Arena • HTC Evo • Koush • LG • LG Nitro • Linux • LTE • MrB206 • mtmichaelson • neph81 • NewEgg • Qualcomm • recovery • revert • ROM • Roms • root • rooted • Rooting • Secure Mecca • snapdragon • Spectrum • Sprint • Ubuntu • unbrick • Verizon • wikipedia • windows 7 • Windows Operating Systems • Windows Vista • XDA
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Tech Websites
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- Notion Ink – homepage
- Plug Computing web site and forums
- Tablet Roms – used to be – Notion Ink Hacks
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- VMWare ESX blogger
- Wikipedia.org main page
- ZDNet's blog pages
