Droid Explorer 0.9.0.4 Released

This is a pretty big release for being a maintenance release. There are some bug fixes and a couple new features.

New Features:

Sqlite files are now edited using Sqlite Browser. This tool is far more stable, and advanced than the tool that was included before in Droid Explorer. The way this tool works, the database that you want to query/modify will be copied to your PC. You can query or modify the data. Once you close the Sqlite Browser, it will ask you if you want to push the changes back to the device.

ScreenCast is now called Screen Monitor and now uses a fork of Android Screen Monitor. The fork just removes the need to have the user select the device, since Droid Explorer already knows the device.

Screen Capture: This allow you to record your device screen for up to 3 minutes.

Rotation is done when you copy the video to the PC. This uses FFMpeg to do the rotation.

Sample video:

Changelog:

• Fixed the install apk shortcut to default to install. [workitem:17512]
• Added screen capture functionality. The Plugin will show up if the connected device supports screen capture. [workitem:17417]
• Tweaked the SaveFileDialog, OpenFileDialog, & FileDialog to better support an 'initial directory'.
• Tweaked the way the plugin toolstrips are created to hopefully support reloading when connecting to another device. 
• Fixed launching screenshot from the shortcut or jumplist item. [workitem:17416]
• Replaced the JNLP with a more active developed androidscreencast and launch a jar file directly.
• Changed the window of the ScreenRecorder to be fixed.
• Updated the InstallDialog to make use of the PluginHost which provides device and other information.
• Fixed the regex for checking if an app was installed successfully and fixed the regex for getting the permissions
• Fixed the device backup so it launches correctly from the shortcut.
• Added Sqlite Browser to replace the feature lacking sqlite explorer that was part of this project. See http://sqlitebrowser.org/ for info on Sqlite Browser.
• TransferDialog now usable by plugins. [workitem:17521]
• Consolidation of some string resources in to the Global App Resources
• Default the file name when saving a screenshot to be 'screenshot-{yyyy-MM-dd-hhmmss}.png' [workitem:17516]
• All PluginForms now require IPluginHost to be passed in. 
• Updated image resources for the screenshot plugin
• added toolbar item to screenshot to "edit in default application"
• removed SqliteEditForm since it isn't used any more.
• fixed the saving size of the screenshot. It will save as the original source size [workitem:17517]
• Added ability to rotate screen capture video 90/180/270 degrees when copying to pc. uses ffmpeg to rotate video. [workitem:17519]
• Added option to delete capture file after copy to pc [workitem:17525]
• set a default filename on '/sdcard/' for screen capture [workitem:17523]
• Changed when disconnected from device that the 'connect to device' button is not disabled. [workitem:17528]
• Fixed crash when the monitor service is not running and you disconnect from the device because the ADB daemon shuts down and status cannot be retrieved.
• Added link to WiFi ADB app on the remote connect dialog. This will help people enable wifi adb. [workitem:17533]
• Added method to IPlugin interface to initialize the plugin. This can be used to set up files on the device before the plugin executes.
• Removed androidscreencast, switched to using android screen monitor fork (https://github.com/camalot/android-screen-monitor). The fork allows the device ID to be passed as an argument. This way the user does not have to select the device again.
• Changed the call to launch the jar for screen monitor to call "java.exe", before it was just "java" and that was causing issues. [workitem:17531]
• Added more logging during initialization to help with debugging start up issues. [workitem:17527]
• Set the toolstrip renderer on screenshot plugin to be the same that is used elsewhere.
• Added functions for Forward & Reverse to be used with the port manager
• Added option to restart ADB server on the connection dialog

 

 

 

Droid Explorer 0.9.0.3 Released

There is a new release of Droid Explorer that is now available for download. This release is mainly some bug fixes. The most important is fixing support for the changes to ADB where the feature ‘status-window’ was removed. Droid Explorer used this feature to monitor the status of the connected devices. The removal of this required a little reworking of the monitoring, but at this point I think I am happy with the new functionality.

Full change log is available on Droid Explorer Site:

• updated the location of the device images to use the program data directory. This is mainly for the service because a normal user, on windows 10, will not have access to read the icon file.
• updated to use Visual Studio 2015
• updated to .net 4.5.2
• updated to use Wix 3.10 - it will try to use the installed version of wix, if it has created the WIX environment variable
• changed the position of the Ask for Help button on windows 8+ devices to account for the larger buttons (on windows 10)
• fixed when looking for the build tools versions it will only take directories in to account that match a version string regex.
• Reworked the 'status-window' to use existing functionality in ADB so a different binary does not have to be distributed with Droid Explorer.
• Updated some of the plugins that launch tools. It now checks for the tools, if it can't find them, they will not show up.
• Updated the application manifest files to support current features in windows.
• Added check to see if user (or user policy) has recent document tracking disabled. If it is, do not attempt to create jump lists.

 

 

Droid Explorer 0.9.0.2 Released

I just published a minor update to Droid Explorer. This fixes a couple bugs with the Shell console where some lines that should be on a new line are not. There are some new shortcuts now added to the start menu for quick access to launch the shell console, device backup, apk installation, taking a screenshot, and to launch the screencast plugin.

Also addressed is an issue where some older devices do not show up in the device selection. This was because Droid Explorer now uses ‘adb devices –l’ to get more detailed information about the device, but it appears that some older devices do not display this information. To resolve this, it will try to look for the additional information, if it isn’t found, it will fall back to use the information without the details. A downside to this, which I may address later, is the device icon will not be the true device icon because the web service will not know what device it is.

See the full change log for this release here.

Download this release here.

 

Update 3/10/2015 : updated to 0.9.0.2 to fix a bug that prevented the device icon from loading.

Droid Explorer 0.9.0.0 Released

Today is Friday the 13th, but it doesn’t mark a day for superstition. Instead it marks the release of a long over due update to Droid Explorer. I have been working hard the past couple months getting this release ready. As I have mentioned in some previous posts, there are a lot of redesigned components, like the Shell Console, LogCat Console, the Device Selection dialog, and much more. Another key change is the handling of, non-issue, questions. Instead of being part of the discussion on CodePlex, there is now a tag on Android Enthusiasts. If using Android Enthusiasts, be sure to be detailed in what your issue is. I am not the only one that would be monitoring questions there. I wouldn’t want to see the questions closed because of lack of information.

 

On top of the changes that went in to Droid Explorer, I am also announcing the launch of http://de.bit13.com/, a new home for the Droid Explorer project. Besides being a place that contains screenshots and information on the releases, it acts as a central service for the device icons that are displayed when choosing the device to connect to and the icon that is shown in Explorer. As I get more information on devices, more icons will be added. Over time, other features will possible integrate more with the website.

 

 

 

Highlights of the Changelog for 0.9.0.0

• Added support for connecting to devices via TCP/IP New web service for getting device icons.
• Upgraded .NET Framework Requirement to 4.5.1
• Device lookup now uses 'detailed' call. Gets device name, model, and product name. see adb devices -l.
• Redesigned the GenericDeviceSelectionForm
• Updated the [default] image for devices
• Options Windows: added information to show the build tools version that is being used. [workitem:17313]
• Added ActiveMenu to add button to DWM.
• Moved DDMS launcher to be a plugin
• Moved Hierarchy Viewer to be a plugin
• Removed the "reboot" buttons, instead there is now a reboot plugin that supports all forms of reboot: normal, recovery, bootloader, download.
• Added a warning dialog when the app launches that will let the user know if droid explorer was unable to gain root access via adb root.
• Some refactoring to some plugins, like the shell, so it can be launched independently.
• Added links to ask questions on android enthusiasts.
• Removing some code that is unused.
• removed out of date plugins / tools.
• Some refactoring of the ConsoleControl. Moved to the Core.UI.
• Added reference to Camalot.Common.
• Updated LogCat to use ConsoleControl.
• Updated the Debug Console to use ConsoleControl.
• Updated ConsoleWriter to work with the ConsoleControl.
• Added OutputProcessors to handle different content for logging.
• Adb Root call is now called during initialization, after device selection.
• if adb root fails, a warning is displayed to the user. Future warnings can be ignored.
• A minor redesign to the splash screen.
• Plugins are now grouped in to separate toolbars.
• Added SDK Manager plugin
• Added AVD Manager plugin
• updated icons across the application.
• Plugins now grouped in the plugin menu.
• Fixed the cloud image path to support the new site.
• Fixed the file names when transfering to PC to remove invalid characters.
• Fixed the device monitor service.
• Added PluginSettings (not yet used really)
• Added icon handler interface
• Added picture extension handler using the icon handler interface

New version of Mount Manager available

I published a new version of Mount Manager last night that addresses some issues along with adding new functionality.

• Fixed bug when mounting / unmounting a share that contains a “space”
• Fixed bug when mounting / unmounting when mount point contains a “space”
• Fixed bug if the share path or mount point contains a trailing slash
• Changed the default mount point “base” to /sdcard/cifs/ instead of /mnt/cifs/. This eliminates the need to remount / as read/write. If you have mounts already defined to /mnt/cifs/, I suggest that you move them to /sdcard/cifs/ otherwise you will get errors when mounting and you will manually have to remount / as read/write.
• Added a built-in file/folder browser used for selecting the mount point or browsing for module files to load.
• Added ability to browse for network shares. Some machines are not browsable, depending on how the shares are set up. In these cases, you will just have to manually enter the share path.
• Updated the admob library to the latest version.

Droid Explorer 0.8.8.2 Released

I released an update to Droid Explorer today that addresses some needed issues.

• New Device selection dialog
• all assemblies are now signed again
• fixed the "runner" so apk's can now be installed from the machine (along with the other plugins)
• when upgrading, and using an existing SDK, the value will now be pulled from the registry, if it exists.
• fixed bug in uninstall that would remove the sdk, even if you used an existing sdk
• removed anda.pk plugin since the site is dead.
• added a link in the bootstrapper (installer) to download the sdk.
• refactored some strings to the external resources files in the bootstrapper (installer)
• changed the reboot commands to use the adb commands, not the shell commands
• fixed rm command to now use busybox as it was passing args that are not supported on the "stock" rm command.
• added the sph-p100 (Sprint Samsung Galaxy Tab) device icon

 

Download Droid Explorer v0.8.8.2

Droid Explorer 0.8.8.1

Since the release of version 0.8.8.0 a few days ago, some users have reported an error during the install of Droid Explorer. I have identified the issue and have published a release addressing this. A couple other minor changes are in there too, along with icon support for additional devices. Finally, the use of an existing SDK is now the default, and recommended option during the install.

Download Droid Explorer 0.8.8.1

Droid Explorer 0.8.7.2

A new release of Droid Explorer was published early today. It fixes the big issue with the server not being able to start. It also has some little fixes that wont even be noticed by most people. For example the extended glass area now doesn’t cause the window to move in an unexpected ways.

I will now be starting to work heavily on the 0.9.x branch. This will open Droid Explorer to many more devices beyond the rooted with busybox devices.

If you have any issues with 0.8.7.2 please report them on the droid explorer project issue tracker so they can be addressed.

Downloads

DroidExplorer.0.8.7.2.x86.Setup – 14974K
DroidExplorer.0.8.7.2.x64.Setup – 15142K
DroidExplorer.0.8.7.2.x86.Standalone – 32911K
DroidExplorer.0.8.7.2.x64.Standalone - 33078K

Twimager 1.0.25

Minor update to Twimager was released today. This update fixes issues with Twimager showing as a viewer for other types of images that were not supported. It also adds support for some other types of images, like ones on the device that you open with an application like Astro, for example. Also support for MMS images was added. Now you can click on the image in your MMS message and open the image right in twimager.

As always, Twimager is available for $0.99 on the Android Market, or you can get the limited version for free.

Twimager 1.0.24 Released

A new release of Twimager is available on the market for purchase. This release adds full support for image caching, whether its the “thumb” view or the full size, zoomable image. Thumbnail images are now also loaded for the “thumb” view, for sites that support them.

The cache uses the external storage device, if available, and it can be cleared in the Preferences.

The preference screen was also slightly changed. The sections are now grouped together.

 

Droid Explorer 0.8.7.1

I released a minor update to Droid Explorer the other day that addressed the following:

• .NET 3.5 SP1 Check removed. This caused issues on Windows 7, even though it ships with .NET 3.5 SP1
• Added icon for the EVO – thanks to sanjsrik for identifying the device for me
• Added some debugging messages to the Shell Console so I can get some info from you Droid/Milestone users on what’s not working.
• Application data is now cached, so they load WAY faster. The first time it still loads normally, but after that, zoom!

32 bit Web Installer
64 bit Web Installer

32 bit Full Installer
64 bit Full Installer

As always, the latest release is available @ the Droid Explorer CodePlex page.

Twimager 1.0.18 Released

I uploaded a minor update to Twimager and Twimager Lite today. It addresses the issue that was reported that Twimager no longer works in Android 2.2 (Froyo). The only other change is in the Preferences screen. I added a small description on how Twimager works, since I have seen some negative comments in the Market stating that the app “Does except display application information”.

The application is now available on the Market for $0.99 or the Lite version for Free. Use scan the QR Code to the right for a direct link to the application on the Market.

Droid Explorer 0.8.7.0

A new version of Droid Explorer was put up for download late last night. This version was initially just a maintenance release and consisted of more code refactoring. But it has since turned in to an actual release since some of the newly added features could be somewhat buggy.

One of the changes, code wise, is that all projects have been upgraded to Visual Studio 2010. Along with that, the WiX installer project now uses WiX 3.5.

I fixed the bug where files would no longer open on your system when double clicked. This may not have been an issue with all ROMs, but with CyanogenMod, it was. It seemed that 95% of the files on the system are marked as  “Executable” in CyanogenMod now.

The biggest change is that you can now specify that you want to use an existing Android SDK, instead of having Droid Explorer download a trimmed down version of the SDK. This is really more for the advanced setup, and if you don’t have the SDK already setup, it is best you let Droid Explorer set it up for you.

Once you select that you want to use your existing SDK, during the install, you will be prompted for the path of the SDK. If the installer is unable to find the necessary components in the selected directory, you will be prompted with a message stating that it is not a valid SDK directory. Make sure you are selecting the root of your Android SDK.

Downloads

• x86 Web Installer
• x64 Web Installer
• x86 Standalone Installer
• x64 Standalone Installer

Boot Animation Preview 1.5 Released

A new version of the Boot Animation Preview tool is available for download.

Changes

• Minor fixes to the animation algorithm
• Now Requires .NET 4.0
• Able to create animations from a directory containing 1 or more “parts”

Download

Boot Animation Preview 1.4

Boot Animation Preview is a tool that allows you to preview a boot animation on your PC without having to install it on the device and reboot just to see it. It also has the ability to create an animation GIF image from the animation to be used on a website or forum for showing the visitors a preview of the animation. If ADB is in the system path, then it can also apply the image to the attached device.

I’ve uploaded a new version of the Boot Animation Preview this morning. It fixes an issue of not loading boot animations that use Jpeg’s. This is the only change in the release.

The application requires Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 be installed on the machine. It also requires ADB be in the Path environment variable if you want to set the boot animation to a connected Android device.

Download

Twimager 1.0.17 Released

An update to Twimager went up on the market yesterday. This release was minor changes from 1.0.16 and 1.0.17.

Changes:

• Fixed issue with TweetPhoto zoom view loading an blank screen
• Fixed ow.ly support being lost between 1.0.15 & 1.0.16
• Fixed force close when saving the image while in zoom view

The new version is available on the Android market.

New version of Droid Explorer – 0.8.6.0

A new build of Droid Explorer is available for download

• x86 Web Installer
• x64 Web Installer
• x86 Standalone Installer
• x64 Standalone Installer

There are a lot of fixes / changes to this build, here is a list of them

• fixed missing file in the standalone installer
• added check for minimum .net framework version in to bootstrapper (v3.5sp1)
• increased the service start/stop timeout in the bootstrapper from 30 seconds to 60 seconds
• removed initial strings from download panel labels of bootstrapper
• htc desire / bravo icon added for attached devices - thanks to beadza for identifying the device
• added ability to only install the SDK Tools by running install with /sdk switch
• sdk install mode checks if DE is installed, if not, it switches to full install mode
• bart plugin now also checks the sd-ext mount point for the license.
• added the sd-ext app paths as valid application paths
• added sd-ext app paths to the application backup plugin
• removed anda.pk plugin as the site is dead.
• screencast plugin changed to pull the jnlp file directly from the trunk of the project. If there is an error, it falls back to a "local" file
• fixed issues with spaces in folder names
• motorola backflip icon added for attached devices - thanks to zibiza for identifying the device
• new screenshot app that handles all resolutions. Uses new methods to get the framebuffer data
• adjusted the RGB565 class to better handle other devices for screenshots
• started to implement communicating with adb over TCP like ddms does. – This will wind up being part of the Managed Android Debug Bridge.
• acer liquid icon added for attached devices - thanks to fyodor0218 for identifying the device
• started working on the ability to use existing sdk (not yet an option, but soon)

One of the biggest changes is the communicating with adb over TCP. I started to port the code that the ddmslib uses to directly communicate with adb. This is done over a TCP socket. The current reason for this was specifically for the screenshot plugin. Previous versions only took screenshots of devices that had a screen resolution of 320x480. It, like all the other screenshot applications for android pulled the data from the framebuffer located at /dev/graphics/fb0. The problem with pulling this file with adb pull /dev/graphics/fb0 ./fb0 is the framebuffer contains 2+ frames of data because android implements double buffering. So to display 1 image, applications pull down data for 2+ images. This takes some time to perform, not to mention the time it takes to then render the image from the data. Also a problem is you have to know the screen resolution of the device your reading the buffer for, otherwise you will end up with a garbled image.

Using the TCP method eliminates these problems. First, it only sends one frame of data, so we are not pulling extra, unused bytes, so it speeds up the transfer time. It also sends back the screen resolution of the image, plus other information like the bpp, argb lengths and offsets.

My plan is to move everything that Droid Explorer uses the adb.exe commands for over to TCP eventually. The SDK is still required to be on the machine, but it gives more control to Droid Explorer, and in this case, speeds things up.