FIX: Android device doesn't show up in Google Play Store device list

Somewhere along the way while flashing updates to the AOKP ROM to my Nexus 7 (2012), the Nexus stopped showing up in the device list on the web version of the Google Play store. But the Play store functioned properly on the Nexus: I could install new apps, got updates for existing apps, etc.

Since I saw the problem on the Play website and Play worked great on the Nexus itself, I thought the problem was "Google-wide". I cleared cache and data for Google Play services on the Nexus. No luck. I went to the Google dashboard and deleted the duplicate entries for my N7 (duplicates are a result of flashing ROMs to my device). Didn't work.

It turns out my assumption that the problem was Google-wide was wrong. The fix turned out to be easy.

This fixed the problem for me:

• Clear Play Store data. Go to Settings->Apps and scroll down until you see Google Play Store and tap it. Tap Clear Cache and then Clear Data. 
• Reboot device
• Wait a few minutes
• Check the Play store website
• Do a happy dance

After doing this, my Nexus 7 shows up again.

Android Google Services Data Usage is Huge

If you have a Nexus device running a custom ROM, you better check your data usage. A lot of people have noticed a huge spike in data usage on these platforms. The problem might not be limited to Nexus devices, but it is a problem with custom ROMs based on Android 4.2.2 and earlier. It seems to have started around the end of August. Some speculate that Google Services is downloading the Android 4.3 update, which fails since the ROM is custom, and then downloads the update again, etc.

I ran into this problem on my Nexus 7 (2012) running AOKP. This is how I fixed mine (hopefully, so far so good). Note that your device must be rooted, but if you're running a custom ROM, I assume it is.

• Download FOTAKill.apk from CyanogenMod or from XDA
• Move the APK to the /system/app folder (remember to remount /system read-write)
• Change owner/group to root/root and change permissions to 0644 (not sure if this is needed, but I did it to match existing apps)
• Reboot to recovery and wipe the cache
• Reboot and done

Hope this helps someone out there.

Two ICS ROMS for the LG Vortex (and other Optimus One phones)

I came across the Quattrimus site which has both CM9 and AOKP Ice Cream Sandwich ROMs for the LG Vortex and other LG Optimus One phones. The ROMs are in the beta stage so there are a few issues. Most notably, the sensors don't work (e.g. screen does not auto rotate) and there is a low mic/speakerphone issue. Also, international data roaming must be enabled for data to work. These seem to be the same issues that affected the CM7 ROM. More information can be found in this thread.

I loaded both ROMs on my Vortex and used them for a couple of days. While I only tested for a short time, the performance and functionality of both ROMs was very good. If the sensor and mic issues get resolved, I will definitely keep one of these installed.

The developer is also working on a Jelly Bean ROM. I'm keeping my fingers crossed,