Aimed at new tinkerers, XDA forum member Yorzua has created a handy guide that takes one such difficult application and explains how to perform all of the above. To make matters easier, Yorzua has even packaged up a .zip with everything you need to get started. In his own words:

Working around in some apk’s, I noticed that some apps are more tricky to work with.

Requirements :
Apktool
Notepad++
Openssl
Signapk.jar

I just added a complete KIT including all the tools in one folder.
No need anymore to use Openssl or change/move to another program.

Those wishing to dig a bit deeper into their .apk files should head over to the tutorial thread.

Links!
ClockworkMod Touch Recoveries

ROM Manager

Humble Bundle

HTC Ville video

HTC Elevate signup

AndroidSDK (includes ADB, fastboot & drivers)

Unpack boot.img

su binary

Superuser

Dropbox Beta

XDA Senior Member zen kun has released an app that enhances the typical SMS experience to include a set of features not commonly found in your run of the mill apps. To start, you can do things like filter which text messages you even get notifications for based on criteria like keywords. You can also auto-reply using the same criteria. Of course, don’t forge to disable apps in the stock messenger app so you don’t get doubles.

Here’s a list of features straight off the Android Market page:

-popup window on incoming message
-quickly reply, delete or close the message
-”quick reply” from popup window
-You can use text to speech to read your messages
-reply to messages using the system voice recognition
-customize notifications including sound, vibrate pattern, LED color (if available) and notification icon
-setup notification reminders (repeating notifications if you miss the first one)
-optional privacy mode to hide sender name and message contents
this app its based on SMS Popup, but with some fix in performance and tweaks,trying to get more eye candy and more usability.

If you’d like to give this unique SMS app a try, you can check it out on the Android Market here or the XDA thread for bug reports and discussion.

The premise of the application is simple:

$20 for 2 bottles of Coca-Cola (1L)
$21 for 6 cups of Coca-Cola (355mL)
Which one is more cheap?
CheapCheap can help you to find the result easily!!
Just only type in the data and it will help you get the result!
The app can help you to compare the product with different price and different unit.

For those of use who would like to know which product is a better value before purchase, this app is perfect. It also has support for three languages, English, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese; so head on over to the thread here or download from the Market here and take the app for a spin. Your bank account will be pleased.

For those toting the Acer Iconia Tab A100, you now have one of those user friendly methods at your disposal. XDA Senior Member crossix has put together a nifty script that will undergo the root process automatically without much more than a quick terminal emulator command from the user. Crossix was even nice enough to include a full tutorial for those who are still a little iffy on what to do.

Of course, the script doesn’t do it all as there are a few post root steps, including:

Open the superuser app once it’s installed, click on the wrench in the upper right corner, scroll to the bottom and find “Su binary v… Tap to check for updates” and tap that link. It should bring you to an update screen, click the button at the bottom to update!

Once you have done the above, then install busybox, Titanium, etc.. if needed.

So once the script runs, download and update the usual root apps and then profit. If you have an Acer Iconia Tab A100 that you want rooted, you can find out more information, grab the downloads and check out the tutorial in the XDA thread.

Mobile ODIN has now undergone a major update to version 2.0—adding compatibility for several new devices and variants, while updating flashkernels for already supported devices. Just as before, two versions are available: a lite version that is available exclusively on XDA, and a pro version that can be found on the Android Market. In the words of the developer:

The following devices have been added (see changelog for full list):
- Samsung/Google Galaxy Nexus, GSM and CDMA/LTE variants
- Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7″, 3G and Wi-Fi variants
- Samsung Galaxy 5, eight different models

The following variants have been added:
- Samsung Galaxy Note: I9220 variant added
- Samsung Galaxy S2: SHW-M250S variant added

The following devices have been updated and have new flashkernels:
- Samsung Galaxy S
- Samsung Galaxy Tab 7″ (the original 7″ tab)
- Samsung Galaxy S2 (2 models)
- Samsung Galaxy Note (2 models)

Those interested in getting started with Chainfire’s latest offering should proceed to the application thread.

Even if your device is currently unsupported, there is a good chance that the next major revision will add support—just be sure to share the resultant application dump and your device’s PIT file in the thread.

[Thanks to XDA Senior Moderator M_T_M for the tip!]

While a ROM is still in the works, developer presents this change log for 4.0.4:

Noticeably Faster
Android OS bug fixed (in battery stats)
Long-pressing on a blank spot on the last page of app tray bug is gone
3G/4G switching better.
Improved signal strength
New Power Menu
PRIMELA03 Boot loader
Faster boot up time
Auto-brightness Functionality changed. Smooth transition
Holding down camera button now refocuses again
Multi touch issue seems resolved
Auto rotate is faster
Browser performance noticeably improved
Recent apps list opens faster
Miscellaneous camera UI changes
Increased volume
Keyboard fixes
Updated News & Weather app UI
Improved quick controls in browser

According to Android Police “Users on several forums are saying they’ve received prompts to download and install new updates that crank the version number up to 4.0.4.” So if you already have it whether it was pushed to your device or from the XDA thread please let us know how it´s working for you.

Originally posted by kangxi
4.0.4 Unofficial Changelog *Update2 02/05*

Change to update.zip and flash through stock recovery or CWM *STOCK CDMA NEXUS ONLY*

*02/05 update*
For those having issues, try flashing it with CWM using the toolkit in the dev section.

Root not required but bootloader must be unlocked
1. Download the toolkit
2. Put your phone into fastboot mode
3. Open the toolkit
4. Choose the option to “Boot into Clockwork Mod without permanently flashing it”
5. Once in CWM, choose install from SD card
6. Choose install “update.zip” if you renamed it to that. Otherwise, choose the option to choose the file.
7. Viola!

Work In Progress. Will update as I discover more:

Continue to ROM thread here
Thanks for reading.

For Android, there isn’t many options in this area. While it would be nice to have a Game Shark style application, there are those who are working on something similar. XDA Senior Member b02 has posted about a free application that will help Android users cheat their way through almost any game.

The app, called GameCIH, is a gaming cheat/hack/crack engine that allows users to alter their in-game stats in most games. The process isn’t very hard as it only really requires pressing a few buttons and paying attention. The app itself requires root access and at least one hard key, such as volume up or down, to trigger the app in any game you play. Additionally, there’s a new version, available on the developer’s website and an old version, which is available currently in the Android Market.

For anyone who wants to give it a shot, you can check out b02′s original thread for download links, instructions and explanation of the app. There’s no supported device or game list, but it is free so no harm done.

This app is compatible with Android 2.2 or newer and of course needs root access to write to your Android’s /system directory. Although the tool is more intended to help Developers work than to an end user but if you are on the process of learning this may be an useful tool to work with.
XDA Recognized Developer nathanpc mentions too that he is already working to port the XDA TV application into a fully native version.

Feed back is very important so please do so to help improve future versions.

Originally posted by nathanpc
build.prop Editor v1.0

This app will let you easily edit your Android’s build.prop file using a intuitive interface. Don’t forget that this is my first complete native app for Android, so it was my first contact with Java for Android (the XDA TV app was made using HTML5 and running natively because of Phonegap. I’m already working to port the XDA TV app into a fully native version, so stay tuned).

I’m not responsible for any problem caused by editing the build.prop file. I’ve tested the app and haven’t bricked my phones.

Continue on to the original thread
Thanks for reading.

Well for owners of the Sony Ericsson Xperia line up, you can make your phone go just a little bit harder. XDA Recognized Developer DooMLoRD of Team Utterchaos has an app that will apply an I/O hack to rooted SE Xperia phones that will boost the Quadrant Standard scores of phones that employ the boost.

As DooMLoRD explains:

install app
start app
accept SU permission
click on BOOST
start quadrant
run benchmark
ENJOY the boost in score

There’s a few tips and tricks involved with getting it to work right. If the app doesn’t open right away, you just need to reboot your device and before deactivating the boost, you have to make sure Quadrant isn’t running at all. That means grabbing up your favorite task killer app and making sure it’s closed down before turning the boost off.

For those SE users who want to check it out, you can find the app in DooMLoRD’s original thread along with additional details, troubleshooting tips and instructions.