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Hello all,
let me present my self as a beginner in the world of Android.
It has come an Star A3 to my hands, with Android 4.0 and among all great things of IceCream, few Chinese apps I want to get rid of
the phone is rooted (well, one headache less)
I have flash the recovery 592zn.com_recovery_Star_A3_MT6573.img with Mobileuncle tools (included in the mobile originally) and done a Boot/System/Data/Cache Nandroid backup
Apps I want to eliminate :
Baidu input (and add the standard input keyboard)
own Chinese launcher (I have already install LauncherPro, but I would love to get rid of the Chinese one completely)
UC xxxxx (some Chinese browser)
Root Explorer (Chinese version, to be able to install the English one)
ICS 4.0 (also Chinese version)
a Chinese flash-light
a Chinese dark/light switch screen
a Chinese version of the configuration menu
so, basically to keep a clean Android
so, where I have to look for help on how to do that ??
what short of help / tutorial am I looking for ?
I have installed:
http://www.ltr-data.se/opencode.html/#ImDisk
to be able to mount the nandroid img files in windows7-x64
but I can't see anything, it ask me to format the unit (?)
similar with Daemon Tools .
any help will be greatly appreciated.
thanks in advance.
InTheater
My advice since you're rooted is install Titanium Backup and use it to uninstall everything you don't want. It's a root app that can get rid of virtually anything.
Seeing as you have a nandroid backup, in the unlikely case that the device won't boot at all without one or more of those apps, you can just restore the backup you have.
SifJar said:
My advice since you're rooted is install Titanium Backup and use it to uninstall everything you don't want. It's a root app that can get rid of virtually anything.
Seeing as you have a nandroid backup, in the unlikely case that the device won't boot at all without one or more of those apps, you can just restore the backup you have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Beautiful, it works like a charm !!
I have been able to get rid off all Chinese stuff
thanks
Star A3 for dummies
Hello
Ok I have searched for hours (as the video asked) and I cannot find an "android for dummies" guide. I dont know what a "root" is or what "titanium" is... so I may have found the correct forum - but I just don't understand it.
So the problem is this:
I bought a touch screen DualSim Android 2.3 GPS 3G MTK6573 Phone Star A3.
It arrived today BUT it has some chinese programmes on it (that I would like to clear) and I cannot seem to download any additional apps for it.
google.play wont work (apparently it doesnt support the device)
It has a few basic apps - but nothing wild or that I guess can't be re-downloaded again.
What would you recommend I do - do I wipe it and install something new or what. and if so please can someone explain it to me in small "for dummy" steps
I am not sure what else I need to tell you to give you abetter pic, but ideally I'd like this phone to work on the google apps system (or can you point me to where I can get similar apps)
On the "about phone" the
android version is 2.3.5
Kernel version is 2.6.35.7
I would really appreciate any help you can give me
Thanks
My first advice would be to try and achieve root on the phone. This should be relatively easy on a Chinese phone, most don't have great security.
Basically, "root" means to get increased permissions on the phone. There are certain files and actions on the phone that normally you can't do. With root, you can. Think of it as somewhat like logging into a computer as an Administrator rather than a standard user.
"getting root" basically means installing a hack to let apps on your phone do more than they could otherwise e.g. uninstall preinstalled apps.
To "root" your phone, you can use a tool like SuperOneClick or UnlockRoot. For both, you follow a few instructions, plug in your phone and click "Root" in the program, it'll work out the best way to do it for your phone and do it.
Once that is all done, there is a guide here for getting Google Apps (e.g. Play Store) working on unsupported devices: https://senk9.wordpress.com/2010/12...ogle-apps-gapps-on-your-android-device-phone/
Once you get Play Store working, Titanium Backup is an app you can install from there. Using root, it can uninstall any app you want.
Be careful with all this, if you're not you could break your phone.
educated dummy
Thank you so much! - and such a fast reply too!!!
I really apprecate your patience in explaining this all to me.
It sounds relatively straight forward - I will have a look at those progs and link you suggest tomorrow.
Obviously I dont want to break the phone either, then it would be more useless then it is already
Fingers crossed - will let you know how I get on.
Hi all,
Watched the video so I thought I would tag onto this thread instead of starting a new one.
Just bought a cheap star a3 dual sim android phone. This my foray into android phones and I am having some weird issues. Just a first note I have just rooted the phone but these issues where here before and after rooting. The A3 is a htc sensation clone i believe when my other half who has a htc desire tries to call the phone the phone goes straight into answer phone and rejects the call, she is on giff gaff in the uk and i have tried both a 3 network and orange sim and it happens on both. There is some weird chinese security software that I trying get remove but its seems very stubbon. Anyone any ideas. Ps battery life is awfull i only seem to get 6 hours from full to dead without hardly any use. Maybe I have loads running but unsure what I need to keep running.
Please help.
I have the star a3
Google play works perfectly. If you PM me, I am happy to send you the apk file for google play.
since you are rooted, I strongly suggest you get root explorer installed so you can go through and remove all the chinese apps.
Make sure you remove "himarket" its a big battery hog.
To the person who says their calls go straight to voicemail, remember this is a dual sim dual *standby* if you are using 2g or 3g cell data on one sim then the other sim cannot make or receive calls.
Also, there is no ICS for the Star A3, its just a skin on top of Gingerbread to make it look like ICS, if you go to settings, about phone and look, the version number will be 2.3.4 or 2.3.5 which means its gingerbread (if you really do have 4.0.1 ICS I would love to get a copy of the ROM for it!)
I purchased a Trio Stealth Pro 7in Tablet with these specs
Dimensions- W7.5” x H4.8” x D0.4”
Operating System- Android™ 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
CPU – A10 Cortex A8 1.2 GHz
GPU – Dual Mali-400 2D/3D core
RAM – 512MB DDR3
Flash storage – 4GB Internal
Display – 7 inch TFT LCD
Native Resolution – 800×480 pix
Expansion – Micro SD card slot (up to 32GB), Mini HDMI Socket
Wireless LAN – Realtek 8188
Video Output – HDMI Ver 1.4 output
Native video support – AVI（H.264), DIVX, XVID, RM, RMVB, MKV, WMV (non encrypted), MP4（H.264, MPEG, DIVX, XVID), MPEG, MPG, FLV. HD 1080P max
Native Audio Support – MP3,WMA (non encrypted),MP2,OGG,M4A,MA4,FLAC,3GP,WAV
Battery – Li-Ion rechargeable, up to 6 hours playtime
In an attempt to root I have successfully installed and run cm10_a10_20120902.zip and gapps-ics-20120429-signed.zip. Each compatibility file I run errors out with the message 'E:signature verification failed'. Can you direct me to a comp file that might work with the cm and gapps files mentioned above?
Thanks in Avance
The device is already rooted.
YannaMariex said:
The device is already rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you clarify? I'm not sure what you mean. I don't find rooting instructions in a thread here.
Are you assuming the Trio Stealth Pro 7c and the Trio Stealth Pro 7 are the same thing, or do you know that they are?
Or do you mean it's already rooted out of the box, as the OP (a fellow newbie) reports here? (and what does that mean? That it even has a working Superuser.app and compatible su installed?
The manual (http://www.triomp3.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Droid-stealth-manual.pdf <sic; that's the link on the site, even though it's named "Droid-stealth-manual") for the Trio Stealth Pro 7 says that one can do this:
1) Tap the setting icon.
2) Tap About tablet.
3) Tap System update, follow the onscreen instructions.
4) Tap Install system update only if there is new version available and you have the update file saved to your SD card.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=30709653#post30709653 (newer posts especially) seems like a good place to start with custom ROMs.
YannaMariex said:
The device is already rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it's not!
Trio Stealth 7C is rooted
I've seen a number of posts questioning whether the trio stealth 7C is rooted or not. So I tried a couple of things on my new tablet.
Since receiving it, I have only put CWM recovery 6 on it, which AFAIK does not change anything about root access.
My conclusion is that my tablet is rooted.
1) Using "adb shell", type "su" and did not get an error
2) installed terminal emulator, and typed "su" and did not get an error and the prompt went to a "#" symbol
3) Installed Titanium Backup Root and did backups successfully.
For comparison, I tried the first item above on some other phone that is not rooted and got an error about no having permission.
I suppose its possible that I did something along the way to get it rooted, but it certainly was not on purpose!
Trio Stealth Lite
I bought the Trio Stealth Lite, the 4.3" mini tablet, for my 3 yr old daughter as a traveling tablet. It's a perfect size for her tiny hands to bring along everywhere. It's much more portable than her 10" Nabi 2, plus at just $50, I don't care if she drops and breaks or loses it.
I wanted to add that this tablet to my surprise did come per-rooted, straight out of the box! After charging it up, I wanted to see by any chance it was per-rooted, since another kids tablet she had, the Meep was also per-rooted. (Side note, the Meep is a horrible tablet, I don't recommend it, returned after 1 week. I won't go into details, it'd be it's own separate forum). So, I installed Aptoide onto it, then Titanium Backup, which will tell you right away after you install and open it, if you have root access and indeed it did, straight from the box. After that, I downloaded and installed SuperSU and Busy Box, with no problems, which adds to the fact it's fully rooted already. Then I downloaded Lucky Patcher, since it has an option to install the normal Google Play Store or the modded version of it, since this tablet only came with the Amazon Store for apps/games. The Play Store works great on it, haven't came across an app/game that can't be installed onto it yet.
The best thing I did probably was after installing Root Explorer, I changed the "void fastb" file to swap the internal/external SD cards, which had only 1.7GB originally for apps/games, to now with the externalSD, as the internalSD with 29.7GB (32GB microSD), for apps/games! At first using a class 4 sdcard I had laying around, it'd have glitches sometimes not recognizing the externalSD after rebooting, but then I popped in a class 10 sdcard, the Sandisk Ultra SDXC (red/gray color card), and have had no problems ever since and still has 23GB+ for more apps/games! I also tweaked a few things to make it faster and longer battery life, which helped a lot. Its definitely the best $50 toy she has, I think..
So since, this Trio tablet came pre-rooted, there's a good possibility the other Trio's come pre-rooted too, and to test of yours is pre-rooted or not, you can simply follow what I did with my smaller Trio, first downloading Aptoide, then it's repos (for more apps). Using Aptiode, search, download and install Titanium Backup, SuperSU and Busy Box to confirm root access. Lucky Patcher and Root Explorer can also be found in Aptiode.
Oh by the way, I only had to install the Play Store, using Lucky Patcher, the other Google Apps that usually accompany it, was already installed on the tablet.
I would like to install a custom recovery for it, in case it ever crashes or freezes, and install back the factory ROM. It does have its own recovery, but can only be accessed thru the settings menu, which is no good, if it was to ever freeze up or can't boot. I tried all the different combos with the power, volume, and reset button, but can't ever access the recovery menu that way. It just takes me to the Android guy, lying open with a red exclamation point sticking out of its belly. Using the recovery thru the settings menu, actually takes you to a regular recovery menu, where you can pick to reboot, factory wipe, upgrade from SD, ect..
I tried installing CWM thru Rom Manager but it didn't have a recovery specific to this tablet and I wasn't sure if I could install a different tablets recovery onto this one..
If anyone happens to know how or where I can find one for this tablet, please let me know, I'd greatly appreciate it! :fingers-crossed:
Thanks in advanced!
trio stealth lite
Talysdaddy said:
I bought the Trio Stealth Lite, the 4.3" mini tablet, for my 3 yr old daughter as a traveling tablet. It's a perfect size for her tiny hands to bring along everywhere. It's much more portable than her 10" Nabi 2, plus at just $50, I don't care if she drops and breaks or loses it.
I wanted to add that this tablet to my surprise did come per-rooted, straight out of the box! After charging it up, I wanted to see by any chance it was per-rooted, since another kids tablet she had, the Meep was also per-rooted. (Side note, the Meep is a horrible tablet, I don't recommend it, returned after 1 week. I won't go into details, it'd be it's own separate forum). So, I installed Aptoide onto it, then Titanium Backup, which will tell you right away after you install and open it, if you have root access and indeed it did, straight from the box. After that, I downloaded and installed SuperSU and Busy Box, with no problems, which adds to the fact it's fully rooted already. Then I downloaded Lucky Patcher, since it has an option to install the normal Google Play Store or the modded version of it, since this tablet only came with the Amazon Store for apps/games. The Play Store works great on it, haven't came across an app/game that can't be installed onto it yet.
The best thing I did probably was after installing Root Explorer, I changed the "void fastb" file to swap the internal/external SD cards, which had only 1.7GB originally for apps/games, to now with the externalSD, as the internalSD with 29.7GB (32GB microSD), for apps/games! At first using a class 4 sdcard I had laying around, it'd have glitches sometimes not recognizing the externalSD after rebooting, but then I popped in a class 10 sdcard, the Sandisk Ultra SDXC (red/gray color card), and have had no problems ever since and still has 23GB+ for more apps/games! I also tweaked a few things to make it faster and longer battery life, which helped a lot. Its definitely the best $50 toy she has, I think..
So since, this Trio tablet came pre-rooted, there's a good possibility the other Trio's come pre-rooted too, and to test of yours is pre-rooted or not, you can simply follow what I did with my smaller Trio, first downloading Aptoide, then it's repos (for more apps). Using Aptiode, search, download and install Titanium Backup, SuperSU and Busy Box to confirm root access. Lucky Patcher and Root Explorer can also be found in Aptiode.
Oh by the way, I only had to install the Play Store, using Lucky Patcher, the other Google Apps that usually accompany it, was already installed on the tablet.
I would like to install a custom recovery for it, in case it ever crashes or freezes, and install back the factory ROM. It does have its own recovery, but can only be accessed thru the settings menu, which is no good, if it was to ever freeze up or can't boot. I tried all the different combos with the power, volume, and reset button, but can't ever access the recovery menu that way. It just takes me to the Android guy, lying open with a red exclamation point sticking out of its belly. Using the recovery thru the settings menu, actually takes you to a regular recovery menu, where you can pick to reboot, factory wipe, upgrade from SD, ect..
I tried installing CWM thru Rom Manager but it didn't have a recovery specific to this tablet and I wasn't sure if I could install a different tablets recovery onto this one..
If anyone happens to know how or where I can find one for this tablet, please let me know, I'd greatly appreciate it! :fingers-crossed:
Thanks in advanced!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Greetings, had a quick question for you. This was a great post, as I was having issues rooting this and had heard this device is aleady rooted. I was able to install Aptoid onto it with no issue, but when I tried Titanium Backup, it said the device was NOT rooted..? Do I need to install SuperSU first, then titanium backup? Thanks in advance if you get a chance to respond. I was able to get this device for $20 with a giftcard and was stoked to see how you got it setup.
Thanks!
Trio Stealth Lite Flixster problem
Hi,
I got the Trio Stealth Lite 4.5 inch screen and got a problem. I cannot play videos from my flixster account. I downloaded a ota root keeper and it did not help. So, can someone help me on how to root the device so I can use this device better, I don't want to mess it up. Thanks
Tried and thought i got it, but...
I have a Trio Stealth Pro 7c that I have been working on for over a week now to get Google play. It came rooted out of the box so I followed the above post with success. I downloaded Aptiode market, Titanium Backup, Busy Box, and all the rest suggested in that order. I loaded a mod version of Play that worked and I was playing games and loving it!! Then I powered down and went to bed. Next power on it had done a system reset and taken out all old markets and left only google play which was great except it seemed to add a partition to the internal memory which now wont allow me to download any apps and has erased all previous apps i loaded. It will fully function and I can use other app programs but if I download a google play app it says no room ( i now have have 2 internal storage menus 1 showing full with 35.44 mb apps and the second showing 1.71 gb total space with 1.65gb available.) Any thoughts on how I can either undo the partition so i can change to the original settings and start over or how to just undo the system restore that some how takes place at each power off? Not sure how I did it either! Thanks!
Hey Guys,
I have a couple questions about this android box I purchased that's had me somewhat puzzled.
I have been an avid android user over the past many years. I am familiar with flashing tons of roms to all the phones I have had. Except my s6, it just sucks for roms. Anyways I have purchased the android box in this link (can't post links this new) I can't seem to fine a manufacturer website, I've Google a million things about the box and searched but I can't find anything. even in the instruction book there's no website or anything.
basically I'm looking to figure out how to at least update this box. there's no option in about device. also I don't like how the flash drive on the device is split into nand flash and regular storage. I would like to merge them all into one. I am also looking for custom roms that might enable me to achieve that, however nowhere I look has this box in their forums or anywhere. maybe it's a cloned box? there are other boxes that have the exact same components (or so they say) with custom firmware, however I don't want to chance it and rich bricking this device.
anyone that can offer any help or lead me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. thank you in advance!
CPU-Rockchip*3368*Octa-Core(1.5GHZ)
GPU-Quad-Core*Mail-T6X*series
Memory-DDRIII*2GB
Flash-EMMC*16GB*(Support*32GB)
WiFi*- 2.4GB+5GBIRInfra*
Remote*control
Bluetooth4.0*
PowerDC*input**
5V/2AAccessoriesgift*box
Power*charger*adapterHDM*cableIR*remote*controlAV*cableUser*ManualI/O1*HDM*2.0Up*to*2160P(2K*4K)2*USB*HOSTHost**USB port1*SPDIFCoaxial*1*TF*CARDSUPPORT*1~32GB1*RJ451000*BaseT1*Power*input5V/2ASoftwareOSAndroid*5.1 LollipopVideoMKV,WMV/VC-1*SP/MP/AP,MPG,MPEG,dat,avi,mov,iso,mp4,rm,H.264,H.265,realVideo*8/9/10,etc.*up*to*2160PAudioMP3,AAC,WMA,RM,FLAC,OGGPicturejpg,JPEG,MJPEG,PNGAdobe*FlashAdobe*Flash*10.1*support*or*aboveSupport*languageChinese*,*English*,Germany*,Japanese,*Korea**etc.**24*languagesDLNASupports Video and Music Playback over networkGoogleTV*RemoteThrough*wi-fi*network*to*realize*control*the*productLANThrough*the*LAN,*can*check*other*devices*to*share*information3D*moiveSupport*3D*movieMotivator*air-mouseSupport*the*body*feeling*game,*such*as*playing*tennis,*paper*planes,*shooting,*etcApplicationsOnlineBrowse*all**video*websitesAppsDownload games and applications from the Google play storeMediumLocal*Media*playback,support for HDD, SD*cardTalk*onlineSupport**SKYPE*video**call*,MSN*,*facebook*,twitter etcOthersSupports Wifi, has router network extender functionsSupports KODI,*Email*and more
Many roms / firmwares being updated for this device:
http://freaktab.com/forum/tv-player...y-x6-acemax-ak838-z4-rk3368-ekb368-custom-rom
http://chinagadgetsreviews.blogspot.ro/2016/01/download-latest-android-lollipop-511.html?m=1
This 1 used by me and referred in other posts. Fast and stable. 16gb unified storage. Kodi and the works.
Make sure you use restore in FactoryTool_v1.39 from archive:
http://download1691.mediafire.com/p...dating+instruction&Drivers&Flashing+Tools.zip
http://4pda.ru/forum/lofiversion/index.php?t702783-100.html
roland deschan said:
Many roms / firmwares being updated for this device:
http://freaktab.com/forum/tv-player...y-x6-acemax-ak838-z4-rk3368-ekb368-custom-rom
http://chinagadgetsreviews.blogspot.ro/2016/01/download-latest-android-lollipop-511.html?m=1
This 1 used by me and referred in other posts. Fast and stable. 16gb unified storage. Kodi and the works.
Make sure you use restore in FactoryTool_v1.39 from archive:
http://download1691.mediafire.com/p...dating+instruction&Drivers&Flashing+Tools.zip
http://4pda.ru/forum/lofiversion/index.php?t702783-100.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just picked up one of these about a week ago and found instructions to install TWRP and update SuperSU. The box had 'root' out of the box but it was some specialized root based on an old version of SuperSU (1.93 I believe).
I have successfully installed TWRP 2.8.7.0 and updated to SuperSU 2.46.
Since this is just an android tablet essentially, does anyone know if you can flash these ROMs through TWRP?
Not to my knowledge, just use above tool. It will go alive once you are in bootloader with usb otg cable connected to win (of course with driver pack etc. installed). Titanium or else can do that, instead of trying to press reset button while powering on. Of course recovery will go back to default.
roland deschan said:
Not to my knowledge, just use above tool. It will go alive once you are in bootloader with usb otg cable connected to win (of course with driver pack etc. installed). Titanium or else can do that, instead of trying to press reset button while powering on. Of course recovery will go back to default.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you running liamstears custom ROM or the 12/22 factory firmware?
The split internal storage is something I would like to do without, but I was wondering if it was changed on the 12/22 factory firmware?
12/22 firmware. Fast and stable.
Havent tried liamstears yet. Feedback if you do please.
awesome thanks! thats what I suspected when I was going through the firmwares for these devices. I just wasn't sure if the z4 rk3368 device would work on this one. I've seen a few brands with z4 and as I know with phones.. wrong brand and you're bricked lol. anyways.. I ended up buying a tronsmart vega s95 telos.. but it didn't come rooted. so I rooted it and now I'm getting play services force close and all sorts of bugs and errors.. maybe I'll just keep the z4. it seems to work better.
what link did you follow to get twrp installed?? same thing I'm guessing, punch z4 twrp in google and eventually come upon the right place.
12/22 factory firmware? mines stuck at Nov 10 I think.. it won't let me update using the rk settings app.. which is why I was fed up with it in the first place lol.
12/22 firmware. Unified 16gb App storage. More available with microsd card. Fully functional Kodi with channels, etc. 4k HEVC x265 movies. Youtube 1080p.
Easiest method to update rom is to put extracted update.img from zip file
http://chinagadgetsreviews.blogspot.ro/2016/01/download-latest-android-lollipop-511.html?m=1
on a sdcard / usb and boot. After about a minute into the Android desktop, system will ask for update prompt. Only applicable to system still with default recovery.
If you have some stability issues or with different recovery, you can backup your apps / data with Titanium etc. and then use above Factory tool restore new rom.
These roms usually come with their own recovery, but some modded ones with TWRP/full root, supersu and all. But you dont really need them.
thanks a lot man! I'm downloading right now and will test it on my box tomorrow after work!
I've tried 100 times and it just keeps saying failed to mount /mnt/external_sd (no such device)
I'm using my USB flash drive.
this is becomming a huge pain in the just to update I'm starting to think why this company can make these products and not have any support or anything for it . and that flash tool is in mandarin and I can't even figure out how to work that. I put in the update.img and press go.. but whenever I try to boot to download mode like you mentioned in one of the posts it just turns off the box.. this thing is literally a piece of junk. and so is this tronsmart vega s95.. same thing. it's extremely frustrating. whoever developed this z4 box did a really chappy job on the firmware.. and I do not recommend it to anyone..
If you had gone through the instructions pdf, it clearly shows how to change into English by pressing the World icon. Remember in bootloader mode the tv screen would be black, if you are using the tool. The big red button will turn into green to show readiness.
For automatic update you dont even have to go into recovery as seen in attached image. Easiest.
Hi Roland,
love to see that there are already XDA-members looking at the Z4 TV box. I have just ordered one and hope to get it within a few weeks. Just some dumb questions, hoping you can provide me with some information:
- I see that there are several 'versions' of the Z4: for instance Acemax, but I have ordered the Andoer. Are those just different manufacturers?
- Are there any differences in model/content (installed app's) per manufacturer?
- If my Andoer turned out to have an older firmware than the 22/12, could I still use the Acemax 22/12 firmware you refered to in your link?
- Kodi will be preinstalled, I saw. I do not know what version of Kodi that will be, but can it just be updated to the most recent version in the Google Play Store?
- I do not know what other apps are installed, but is it possible to de-install apps you do not need, or are they part of the firmware and impossible to delete
I know, part of the answers I surely will discover once I got the Z4, but I just can't wait to start experimenting, even it is only in my mind
Thanks in advance!
Jos
hi Roland
I tried that batch tool first which is the one I couldn't change languages in lol. but the other tool with the red button I changed into English. however I did not know that it would remain blank when in download mode. I will have to give it one more go tonight with it. I figured that I loaded it into bootloader and the z4 box light turned red so I thought it was off and didn't load to bootloader.
I also did the USB update and it would just fail on me every time I used it. the update prompt did come up and I pressed install. perhaps I need to check if USB debugging is on. I think it is but it wouldn't hurt to check. but I think I will have to go through the factory tool to update way for sure.
thanks for your help roland, I will write back after I give it another go tonight!
i can't find the 22/12 update ! can anybody share the link direct to firmware ?
@DriftJos
l have got an Andoer too. Most of these brands come from the same hardware factory and thus have the same specs/apps.
Yes you will use the same firmware https://mega.nz/#!JBBXgDgC!VSra8Hc6KR77Pvdw67eDpjeT_ku-TXdYgYaInSAfyvU (direct link @prisim) or several user dev roms. Unified 16gb app storage etc and the works.
You can uninstall bundled Kodi (by Titanium free etc.) by official Kodi Jarvis 16.0 beta 5 & such with pass-through support test builds @ http://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=252852
Again you will be able to uninstall useless apps directly or through Titanium.
---------- Post added at 11:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:43 PM ----------
@mikekuel25
Always mention the firmware version you are having and which recovery? The automatic update should work if you still have the factory recovery.
Check the FactoryTool process in attached images.
I'm trying to flash the firmware that I downloaded from that China gadgets site that was mentioned on this thread. I think it's the stock 12/22 for the device. and I have stock recovery.
I extracted the update.exe file and saved it to my USB drive plugged it in and restarted. relieved the update prompt. chose install update and it rebooted into recovery and tried to apply the update but it fails. I'm not ready to give up yet with this device lol. it's just another platform I have to learn. it took me a bit with smartphones to figure it out back in the day.. perhaps it's the same thing now..
and I'm updated to 12/22.. awesome. those pictures really helped me man thanks.
now as for installing twrp and all that. you mentioned that it's not really needed? I'm assuming I can flash any rom given they are in .img format using factory tool. however the benefit of twrp would be an easier interface for creating nandroid backups and clearing cache/factory reset. perhaps I will install it. i might give leamstears rom a try. I will let you know how it is if I do.
thanks again!
so I updated to the new 12/22.. everything works fine except with Google play store.. I keep getting a can't retrieve source error with everything I try to download. I've refreshed and factory reset the firmware 5 times now and kept trying.
so I got fed up with the stock so I tried leamstears rom and it works great.. except sometimes it just becomes completely unresponsive. I'm starting to think there is something wrong with this box. even on stock firmware from the box I've been having issues with unresponsive freezing.
what do you think of the nvidia shield?
mikekuel25 said:
so I updated to the new 12/22.. everything works fine except with Google play store.. I keep getting a can't retrieve source error with everything I try to download. I've refreshed and factory reset the firmware 5 times now and kept trying.
so I got fed up with the stock so I tried leamstears rom and it works great.. except sometimes it just becomes completely unresponsive. I'm starting to think there is something wrong with this box. even on stock firmware from the box I've been having issues with unresponsive freezing.
what do you think of the nvidia shield?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The PlayStore error you were seeing is because the 12/22 firmware comes with a *very* old version (5.2.x). The PlayStore will eventually update everything to the latest version by itself but if you don't want to wait, go over to apkmirror.com and download PlayStore 6.0.5 and install it manually. Once you do, it should also update the Play Services to 8.4.x and your should be good to go. I had this issue as well but I had seen it before and knew I needed to update.
So far the 12/22 version has been great, and having the unified internal storage is a huge plus.
If you feel so inclined, knowing that some of the custom builds of Kodi take up a large amount of space... there is this trick that was introduced in Helix:
http://kodi.wiki/view/HOW-TO:Change data location for Android
This will allow you to have only the Kodi app on internal storage (~125 MB) and any data from addons/programs etc. in another location (such as an external SD).
I often
1. Install Kodi on internal storage
2. Zip up the contents of org.xbmc.com directory
3. Copy it to external storage
4. Unzip it in /external_sd/kodi_data
5. Create the xbmc_env.properties file that references my Kodi data location.
6. Delete the contents of /sdcard/Android/data/org.xbmc.com/
Voila! You have freed up internal storage.... You can also persist a Kodi setup this way or run multiple custom installs. If you re-image your media box, you can re-install Kodi and as long as the xbmc_env.properties points to your external_sd with your Kodi data, it will start right up back into your setup... :good:
This is my first attempt of creating any Android Rom myself, so don't expect too much.
Changes to the original OTA update which was the base for all:
Removed Superuser in favour for a fully integrated SuperSU by Chainfire.
Changed some root related settings in the kernel to allow a full root instead of factory default.
Keyboard bug fixed for all included keyboards and added a definition for those cheap wireless keyboards with touchpad you often get with the box.
This means pressing ENTER or OK really does just that instead of only producing unwanted characters.
Several versions for download (once I managed to test and upload all), all include a power menu for Kodi to shut down the box without the need for the IR remote.
General instructions:
Download the RAR archive of your choice and unpack the contents to a micro SD formatted in FAT32.
Insert SD into box and press the little button inside the AV port while you power the box up.
Once the logo appears release the button.
TWRP recovery will start and you should do a full backup of your box first!
I do recommend a full wipe after the backup to avoid conflicts after the firmware installation.
Install the ZIP and reboot once done.
Take your time as the initial boot will take quite some time, especially for the versions with more added programs.
Just the recovery image - for those who need it.
X96 stripped down...
In this version I removed all content from the OTA update that might be considered to be a concern in legal terms.
So no Kodi addons, no streaming apps, just a naked system with the standard Google apps and a modified Kodi.
The crappy file browser was replaced by the FX filebrowser.
For those with the need for more than the Media Box Launcher I added the ADW Launcher as well as the XMBC Launcher to have Kodi as the homescreen.
After the boot is finnished I strongly recommend to update the SuperSU binary.
I left this part manual as a confirmation that the first boot and setup really completed.
Only then can SuperSU update the binary in normal mode with success.
After that reboot to clear the memory and all leftovers.
Once you are done with all modifications and app installations you might need do a full backup trough TWRP again to safe you the time if something goes wrong.
Download RAR
After a lot of swearing, flashing, more swearing and flashing I finally managed to create a fully unbranded system that can be installed through TWRP.
If you still know how the original X96 looks with the original firmware you will be surprised
What has changed from the branded firmware:
Bootlogo original S905X.
Google bootanimation - that was the hardest part, allowing for a custom animation...
Media Box Launcher unbranded and with unbranded theme.
Unbranded Kodi completely removed so the rom will comply with all piracy laws and restrictions - more in the added apps section.
OTA updater removed.
All programs from the branded version removed, so no social media, Chrome, Netflix and so on.
Apart from the naked system with Google apps I included:
AdAway
ADW Launcher
XMBC Laucher for Kodi
File browser replaced by FX filemanager
Power Menu added - still requires to root the box! More under added apps.
Added apps and modifications:
Kodi was removed, but the install script for the addon packs is still valid.
The script no longer refers to the system folder but to /sdcard/apps
This means if you decide to install Kodi you can place the tar.gz archive for the addons in the apps folder of the internal SD.
Kodi itself is not included.
The additional apps I thought to be of use will be in the apps folder of the internal SD.
In FX file explorer it is called "Main Storage".
Here you will find:
Chrome
Facebook
Film On (from the branded firmware)
Lucky Patcher
Mobdro (from the branded firmware)
Netflix (from the branded firmware)
Showbox (from the branded firmware)
Skype
SuperSU by Chainfire
Twitter
VLC for Android
Three different Youtube apps to choose from, including a TV version.
How to install SuperSU:
All modifications to the boot image, scripts, libraries and so on are done and included.
This means the system is rooted except for the actual Superuser app.
Install from the apps folder and let the binary update, once done reboot and enjoy.
Ads...
Not all ads in programs or while surfing can be disabled by AdBlock.
For example everything coming from "trusted sources" like Google will still be allowed.
This is the only reason I included Lucky Patcher as it can be of use for some apps to enjoy without ads.
Install and use at your own risk!
Installation of the ROM:
As before wipe all through TWRP then install the ZIP file from extracted RAR archive - so unpack the RAR first to your SD card.
Installation through TWRP does take a few minutes due to the hash verification.
Since all included apps are integrated into the system the first boot is a bit faster compared to the above ROM.
And the additional apps land on the internal SD for everyone to choose or delete if not wanted.
Please allow about 5 minutes after after the launcher selection appeared before you actually start using the apps - some things are still installing in the background!
Once you finnished the network and personal setup of accounts and such bott into TWRP and make a full backup in case you need it.
A factory reset will set you back to the point of the installation of the rom - so no SuperSU and the added apps folder might be gone too.
Known bugs:
Just noticed the WiFi is not available at first activation.
As the chipset is identified during activation you might have to select the network twice until you see WiFi available.
Watch the boot on Youtube
Download from Filefactory
Beta2 with shutdown using F12 on the Wifi Keyboard and some other fixes. - This is just with the most basic apps.
I finally found a neat way to use the WiFi remote to shut down the box the same way the power button on the IR does.
Just press F12 and you will be asked if you want to power down
Will upload the Beta2 with this fix soon.
What's left to do?
Well, now that there is an unbranded and working S905x system out there it means someone could use it to make a ROM that works on all S905X systems out there...
Just needs including WiFi and where existant BT drivers, libraries and calls....
And of course a recovery capable of working on all boxes but that should not be too hard actually
Update: 12/05/2017:
Beta 3 and a Fully Naked Rom is available now.
The Fully Naked Rom has the FX File Explorer and SuperSU included, apart from that it is a naked Android without any Google apps left - great if you want to play around with different GAPPS packages.
The Beta 3 has some minor fixes and most apps moved into the system area instead of the user space.
If you need more apps or launchers then please check the Playstore.
Both have a system partition inflated to 1536mb, which is the same size as the factory OTA update.
On the Fully Naked Rom you can only install apps through the filemanager as no store of any kind is included.
Update 17/07/2017:
A new firmware was released and finally we have a navbar and notification shade "out of the box".
Other changes include the launcher and Kodi, now you find KD Launcher and KD Player...
The OTA can be found here, just unpack to the SD and use as usual, either with the supplied original recovery or your favourite TWRP.
Only downside is we have a locked bootanimation again
A cleaned rom with the usual fixes for keyboard and root can be found here as my Beta 4.
All removed and some additional apps can be found in this archive, just unpack to your SD and install with FX.
Those with just 1GB system memory or wanting to customise all themself can try the Beta 5, which is made small enough to fit on 1GB systems.
Use the above archive to add the programs you need.
Libreelec for SD or USB install.
Unpack the archive to your PC and use Rufus to get the tar.gz image to your SD/USB stick - all existing data will be wiped.
Copy the dtb.img to the SD, overwriting the existing file.
Plug in the box and boot using a toothpick.
Once Libreelec is set up it will work with the SD/USB inserted without you boot the normal Android from the internal memory.
Videoboot
With this version you can use a MP4 video file instead of a bootanimation.
Works with sound of course and should support every MP4 video the normal video player can play.
For your own video simply replace the bootvideo.mp4 in the systems media folder.
Update 04/06/2017: Finally with Open GAPPS!
The X96 showed some real resistance to overcome the chinese limitations and to allow a working installation of updated Google Apps.
As I already spent a lot of days trying to get it to work I only focussed on Open GAPPS but no manual install or the XIAOMI Gapps installer.
With the troubles in the beginning I created a way of installing it all that worked with no errors for me - I suggest to follow it before you try other ways.
This Beta is right now considered to be in an experimental stage until users provided enough feedback to confirm it indeed works fine.
All is based on a naked and slightly modified Beta 5.
The system itself is pretty much naked except for the usual fixes, everything that could make troubles was removed, this includes:
Camera, video and music, wallpapers and so on - install what you want and need through the playstore once all is working.
Main reason for this was to avoid problems with the GAPPS package and to allow the use on 1GB systems as well.
How to install:
Unpack the RAR archive to your favourite SD card or USB stick.
Plug into the box and start with a toothpick - TWRP will show up.
Go to Wipe, Advanced Wipe and wipe Dalvik/Art cache, Data, Internal Storage and Cache.
Go back and install the X96-no-gapps archive and add the opend gapps archive into the line.
Upgrading the neural network takes a few minutes, once the AI is fully operational the GAPPS package will install.
Simply ignore the fact that some of the listed apps will not be available, like Faceunlock - this is due to the removed camera and other things but also because of our harware platform.
After that reboot.
If all goes well and the intial boot goes well you can simply follow the on screen instructions from the wizard.
In case after 10 minutes the Google animation is still going you have to try again but with a different approach (50/50 chance for the first to work).
Start over with a another wipe as above, then install only the X96-no-gapps firmware.
Reboot and do your usual setup of network and screen settings - don't start any apps or mess with SuperSu yet!
Once all is good reboot into the TWRP recovery and install the Open GAPPS package.
Reboot.
Now all should go according to plan.
Troubleshooting and additional infos:
If neither the first nor the second way of installing works for I suspect that your previous ROM was not based on mine or the OTA firmware.
In this case try one of my other beta firmwares if the included firmware itself already failed to boot.
The initial connection to Google can take 4-5 minutes instead of the advertised 2 minutes, so please allow 5 minutes before you panic.
The additional Google apps are not available at this stage and the loading will stay on the screen until you click next - simply add whatever Google app you need from the playstore.
This included Google Music and Google Play TV.
Again: no additional apps of any kind are included, I suggest to use VLC for audio and video or simply whatever you prefer.
Oh, before you ask: Navbar and notification shade are active and working.
Allow some time and check the notification shade for the updates once the system is running, I did not include all updated versions at this stage.
Download the new Beta 6 - Open Gapps version.
Update 15/11/2017:
They finally released another update, got available two days ago but file date is a bit older.
You can check on the Baidu servers yourself if you like Baidu X96 Downloads
Password there is: hp7u
Download as a RAR from Filefactory.
Once I find some time I will check if and what fixes are needed that I can do.
My new x96 arrived yesterday also I found this thread and instructables yesterday. I'm really glad that you take care of this little machine.:good:
Sent from my I9195I using XDA Labs
Guess I was just in the same boat as everyone else with these noname things.
Figured almost everything out I need, ecxept how to change the bootloader/kernel to allow for a custom bootanimation.
Main thing though was to have a working recovery to avoid weird UBS cables and manual flashing.
I wish I was 2 weeks further so I could test your build but I have to look through these things atm. Its interesting that the youtube tv app hasn't changed for a while.
Too many boxes available but I do think x96 is a solid little machine.
There's also opportunity to work with libreelec.
On my s4mini I have a dolby atmos app running modded by ahrion here on xda. Maybe it would be interesting.,wheather it runs on our little devices or not.
I am working on a fully unbranded firmware for the X96 atm.
The problem of converting USB burn images into flashable ZIP was one problem to get the "unbranded" original firmware to at least install another.
They really don't like you messing with their toys in china LOL
If I can't solve the bootanimation problem I will at least upload the otherwise unbranded version with a choice of launchers and updated apps.
Chinese toys. LOL.
Who has made the custom rom from February 16th. Rar @entertainmentbox?
No clue as I did not do it and did not check either.
But the fully unbranded firmware is on the way to upload
Finally custom bootanimations are possible
The pictures I've seen on instructables are awesome. Nice launcher.
Hope you're having fun tuning these Chinese toys.
Sent from my I9195I using XDA Labs
Congrats to your unbranded system. Hope there will be soon more users for testing and enjoying your work
Fixed the shutdown through WiFi remote problem
Is it possible to have look like the normal android tablet/phone?
Hey Downunder35m http://www.tvboxforum.com/archive/index.php?thread-671.html
Just curious is the remote working? I btw changed the keyboard layout so the annoying enter key is fix as well as added the F1 = Power function
Nevermind I fixed my issues with the remote too. Now it is 100% working.
Wasn't aware that the keyboard needs fixing as it works fine here, including powering down the box
I didn't upgrade to the Beta2
Hello!
I have the X96 box mentioned here. Exactly this 2GB model: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Hot...32779857015.html?spm=2114.13010608.0.0.dF9x4G
The problem is... No matter what i do, i get the error 7 in TWRP. I tried beta1 and beta2, but same error.
I have tried retrying, rebooting, but no effect.
Any suggestions?
What i did was;
-backup files (to internal memory)
-wipe all (byebye backup )
-try to install image from sd-card or usb-stick (both fat32)
-installed TWRP recovery (which caused SD card not to be recognized anymore)
The recovery is specifically for the X96, I had no time to make a generic recovery for all S905X boxes, but seems it should be the next step here.
The error 7 through TWRP is caused by two things (at least during all my tests):
a) The system is totally wiped and the updater script is unable to find the correct hardware info as the build.prop is no longer present.
For this problem and during my tests it just works if you flash again without a wipe.
So right after the error 7 go back and install the firmware again without any reboot or anything else and it should flash successfully.
b) Your system uses different space allocations for the boot, bootloader and recovery partitions.
For this problem the only real cure is to first use the OTA installer for the genuine firmware to get the system working again.
Then only wipe Dalvik, cache and data - the system partition will be overwritten once the update starts but then the installer can find the build prop and if compatible will continue.
If you have a download for the original firmware I will try to incule your system stuff into the next recovery I make.
Otherwise you can always try the hard way if the system is currently toast anyway:
Open the updater script in the META-INFO folder (down in the last subdirectory) and remove the device check for the X96.
That would be the first two lines of the script- everything before th OTA check.
Downside of this approach is that your entire system will be replaced by mine and if your hardware is differernt or the partition sizes won't match then it still won't boot.
Let me know how you go and I will see that by tomorrow evening I have a universal TWRP for all S905X ready.
Hi all, I've just purchased this box and I've had nothing but trouble with it.
Basically, I cannot download, install and update anything from the built in google play store (it appears to be a very old version v15 compared to my Android phone which is V24.9) I cannot even get it to update the version even though I click on version info and it says a new version will be downloaded - it never happens.
So I moved on to sideloading apps such as Firefox, aida64 etc as the version of chrome that comes on the box is ancient and I cannot update it due to the above google play store issue.
This box comes with a custom version of KODI called RKMC which is 18.2 Leia - Obviously we're on 19 Matrix now so I proceeded to uninstall this version and I installed the ARMV7 version of KODI 19 direct from the main KODI website. This installed fine but I was unable to install anything from any REPOs due to an error (the dependency on xbmc.python version 2.1.0 could not be satisfied)
I have now factory reset my box and I'm still encountering all the same issues as above so I've come to the conclusion that the firmware on the box is FUBAR'ED so I'd like to know if anyone can recommend a firmware that is compatible with this box that will allow me to use google play store without having to sideload apps etc
I intend to use this box as a EMUELEC console - I've got as far as booting up to EMUELEC using a micro SD card - however, whenever I reinsert the SD card back into my pc to move some ROMs on to it - it produces a BSOD - probably not the best place to talk about this here but thought I'd mention it as its just another issue in a long list of issues I'm having with this box.
Thanks
Not sure if bumping is allowed but I also have the same issues. It's the first box I've bought and it's kind of frustrating...
Here is the Fix attached for H6 Device for Google Paly store issue