DevTiles: Quick Settings Tiles for ADB & Developer Options.
The Android platform offers a plethora of settings and options, many of which are buried deep within the settings menu. This can be a significant inconvenience, particularly for those who need quick access to critical features like Android Debug Bridge (ADB) and Developer Options. That’s where DevTiles comes in — an app designed to simplify the Android development experience by providing quick access to these essential settings.
The Genesis of DevTiles
The idea for DevTiles originated from a personal frustration. Like many developers, I use my Android device for both work and personal use. However, my banking app required Developer Options to be turned off for security reasons. On the other hand, I needed ADB enabled for my development work. Constantly toggling these settings in the Android settings menu became a time-consuming hassle.
Moreover, keeping ADB enabled can pose security risks when using your primary device for development. ADB provides extensive access to your device, and leaving it on can expose your data to potential threats. Manually turning ADB on and off wasn’t a viable long-term solution.
Some of the screenshots of DevTiles:
How DevTiles Works
DevTiles tackles these challenges by simplifying the process of managing ADB and Developer Options. Here’s how it works:
- Accessing System Settings: Android stores various system settings in a database known as
Settings.Global, including those related to ADB and Developer Options. - WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS Permission: To modify these settings, an app must have the
WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGSpermission. However, this permission is restricted for security reasons. - User-Granted Permission via ADB: DevTiles requests users to grant it the
WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGSpermission via the Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This is done by executing a simple command:
adb shell pm grant com.dev.tiles android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS4. Quick Access Toggles: Once the permission is granted, users can add ADB and Developer Options toggles to their Quick Settings menu. These toggles allow users to effortlessly switch these settings on and off, bypassing the need to navigate through the device’s settings menu each time.
Experience the Convenience
DevTiles offers a streamlined solution to the challenges faced by Android developers. It simplifies the process of managing ADB and Developer Options, making it easier and more convenient to switch between development tasks and everyday smartphone usage.
If you’re an Android developer or someone who frequently needs to toggle ADB and Developer Options, DevTiles is a must-have app. It enhances your workflow, saving you time and effort, while also ensuring that your device remains secure.
You can download DevTiles from the Google Play Store from here and experience the benefits of quick access toggles for ADB and Developer Options. Say goodbye to the complexities of navigating through settings menus and hello to a more efficient and secure Android development experience.
