[Q] Question: Debranding Vs Using a Different ROM - Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 Mini

Before I begin, apologies and forgiveness all around
My question is quite simple. Debranding the device means, you get to use a ROM that does not have operator customizations within the user interface. It does not change the core features of the OS itself. Here is where my question(s) comes in
1) My phone is a UAE version and SEUS or OTA can't find any updates. I'd like to get to the latest of what Sony has to offer for this device though. (Currently stuck with 1.1.A.0.8)
2) My phone does not have a market app. (Apparently UAE editions don't have them yet). So, will using the debranding method bring in the built in market feature.
3) Completely unrelated, but something I'm trying to fix. The PICO TTS feature doesn't work. When I try to install Voice Data, it crashes and I have to force close.
Any inputs, suggestion, free beer is truly appreciated! Thanks All.

Assuming it's a u20i version then flashing the uk generic firmware with omnius is probably going to be the simplest way to debrand (free for the moment), if it's a u20a the 3/AU software is clean other than a "Planet 3" icon in apps that opens the browser on three au's homepage, this is easily uninstalled if the phone is rooted. There should also be a U20a generic fw for the Americas but I'm yet to come across it.
I'm not sure what the keyboard layout on the UAE version is like, if it differs from the firmware you're flashing you'll need to root the phone and import new keyboard info, there's some info regarding that in the debrand thread.
Debranding will change the preinstalled apps depending on what the firmware you use includes, so things like android market, games etc. vary across carrier and region versions of the handset.
Haven't played with PICO TTS but I'd be hopeful that a newer firmware release will solve the issue.

Okay. . . . Being the lazy man I am, I decided to rely on Omnius for the debranding. It worked well. The phone now runs the debranded UK Generic ROM. The good news for me is, I now run 1.1.A.0.12 instead of 1.1.A.0.08. The other good news is the Market App now shows.
aPaullyG: The keyboard settings currently work. I tested witin the native messaging app and it maps fine....
All in all, it appears that I have been rather lucky in up to this point.
Market is working. I am currently updating Google Maps as a test.
Everything is a success so
SpeechSynthesis data also installed itself and works now! So PICO TTS is up and running too
Free Beer For Everybody!

Related

[Q] e10a from 2.1(stock) to MiniCM7 (for Ant+) - your assistance requested

Need help with a x10 mini (e10a) from Rogers in Canada. Seems this is about the worst kind to work with but...
What I am trying to do is get this device to be used with my Ant+ heart monitor and other sensors. The version that it upgrades to via automatic upgrade is 2.0.1.A.47 which is not even found in the wiki stock ROM list and not compatible with Ant. Ideally getting to 2.3 with wifi hot spot would be nice too.
From what I gather after about 5 hours worth of reading the steps are:
1. Root: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=803682&page=2
2. Unlock boot loader: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1254225
3. Flash 2.1.1.A.0.6 firmware (and M76XX-TSNCJOLYM-53404015 base band - do they come together?)
- can't seem to find these anywhere. A link anyone? Does the x10 or the x8 version work?
4. Modify the build.prop so 3g works: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=15902809#post15902809
5. Flash miniCM7: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1068553
First off, does this sound right? Have I missed anything? Is the order right?
Secondly, after trying both Z4root and superoneclick (a couple of versions, and all exploit options in each version) I can't get this thing to root. The error I get to with S1C is:
After answer yes to "Automatic version detection failed - Is your version 2.0 or higher?" the result is:
"Getting manufacturer...
startIndex cannot be larger than length of string.
Parameter name: startIndex
FAILED"
Suggestions would be appreciated! I should note I have done some ROM updates to other Android phones, but am far from an expert (no coding capability). And have noticed each phone seems to be a bit different. This one seems to be a bit more difficult than others. Help would be appreciated.
Or, anyone want to sell me their X10 mini with working Ant+?
Cheers.
Today is your lucky day
e10a Firmware, baseband 15. no build.prop, no seus, no companion
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1294579
1. flash my firmware
2. root (this can be donde with flashtool too, is so much easier)
3. unlock bootloader
4. flash nAa kernel V5
5. install MiniCM & Google Apps
6. Enjoy the best rom ever
note: after you flash minicm your phone will be e10i again, bust is just info, you still have the e10a base
ChavitoArg said:
Today is your lucky day
e10a Firmware, baseband 15. no build.prop, no seus, no companion
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1294579
1. flash my firmware
2. root (this can be donde with flashtool too, is so much easier)
3. unlock bootloader
4. flash nAa kernel V5
5. install MiniCM & Google Apps
6. Enjoy the best rom ever
note: after you flash minicm your phone will be e10i again, bust is just info, you still have the e10a base
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Much appreciated ChavitoArg.
I did see your post on my search, but given I only speak English (bad I know) and didn't understand the conversation so I steered clear of it.
I will give this a try.
Thanks!
So the update is that yes thank you sir I was able to get your firmware flashed to the device. Flashtool worked great. Much appreciate your efforts and reply.
But at this point I tested the Ant+ functionality (my number 1 goal) and unfortunately while this version of the firmware is said to have ant+ support, and now the apps I have been testing with (my tracks and edomondo) at least see there is an ant+ sensor, both don't work. My tracks crashes and edomondo just goes into an eternal search for the sensors. I'm assuming this means a problem with the ant+ implementation in the firmware software from stock. I heard of problems like this.
If ant+ worked I would likely just stay here, but it doesn't so I'm pressing on try to root, unlock BL and flash miniCM7.
So the next step would be to use flashtool to root as recommended. Problem is it doesn't give that option (root tool greyed out). Have tried connecting, and reconnecting with no luck. Unknown sources and USB debugging are on). Have also tried oneclickagain, and same problem as before.
SO some progress, but could still use some help. Anyone?
Cheers.
Update...
As it turns out after a little more reading and testing the firmware here from ChavitoArg DOES support ant+.
It seems you need to add the Ant Radio Service (comes up in an android market search) and then ant+ apps work. Well at least most of them (Endomondo, Sporty Pal, ANT+ Bike Display Demo) My Tracks still crashes, but that now looks like a My Tracks problem.
So for now I am sticking with Android 2.1 and working Ant+ which was my main goal.
Still curious why I can't root this thing after trying 4 different solutions and 10 attempts. Have rooted 5+ other android phones with no issues. If anyone has any ideas I'm open to trying them.
Would eventually like to get this to at least 2.2 with wifi hotspot, but need past root it to get any farther.
Thanks again ChavitoArg, your firmware rocks.
paulheth said:
As it turns out after a little more reading and testing the firmware here from ChavitoArg DOES support ant+.
It seems you need to add the Ant Radio Service (comes up in an android market search) and then ant+ apps work. Well at least most of them (Endomondo, Sporty Pal, ANT+ Bike Display Demo) My Tracks still crashes, but that now looks like a My Tracks problem.
So for now I am sticking with Android 2.1 and working Ant+ which was my main goal.
Still curious why I can't root this thing after trying 4 different solutions and 10 attempts. Have rooted 5+ other android phones with no issues. If anyone has any ideas I'm open to trying them.
Would eventually like to get this to at least 2.2 with wifi hotspot, but need past root it to get any farther.
Thanks again ChavitoArg, your firmware rocks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tryied Flashtool 2.9.1 ? it has One click root option, is the best and easiest way to root.
Check the inbox, i sent you the link to download. I think the ant+ NATIVE support is provided by the rom MiniCM 2.1.3 and nAa kernel v5, you shoul try it. has NATIVE wifi hotspot too

I8552 Chinese - No Google Play Solution with Change of Stock ROM

Neewbie here,
Have a quick question. UK user, purchased a Chinese Samsung Galaxy Win (dual sim) GT-I8552. Unfortunately, I dont think its going to come with the Google Play app.
Im not interested in installing custom roms, custom recovery modules etc, all I desire is to be able to access the Play store to restore my purchased apps on old Android phone!
Is there any way I will be able to install a Stock from FROM A DIFFERENT REGION to the Phone, or am I stuck with no google play or having to install a custom rom (which I believe from searches, a stable version doesnt exist at present for the I8552!). I am planning on using the standard Samsung Tools to install the Stock ROM from a different region.
The phones specs and hardware are identical, apart from the Internal memory, which is 4Gb as opposed to 8Gb on the non Chinese model....
Thanks in advance, as a newb I couldnt post this to the Dev side, if any Android XDA developers could repost in dev if I dont get an answer on the general forum....
Thanks in advance!
Download it as APK
mbga9pgf said:
Neewbie here,
Have a quick question. UK user, purchased a Chinese Samsung Galaxy Win (dual sim) GT-I8552. Unfortunately, I dont think its going to come with the Google Play app.
Im not interested in installing custom roms, custom recovery modules etc, all I desire is to be able to access the Play store to restore my purchased apps on old Android phone!
Is there any way I will be able to install a Stock from FROM A DIFFERENT REGION to the Phone, or am I stuck with no google play or having to install a custom rom (which I believe from searches, a stable version doesnt exist at present for the I8552!). I am planning on using the standard Samsung Tools to install the Stock ROM from a different region.
The phones specs and hardware are identical, apart from the Internal memory, which is 4Gb as opposed to 8Gb on the non Chinese model....
Thanks in advance, as a newb I couldnt post this to the Dev side, if any Android XDA developers could repost in dev if I dont get an answer on the general forum....
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without installing any ROM or doing anything dangerous, you can get the APK of the Play Store.
Here is a link for the latest one as for today (4.6.16) : goo. gl/IF8SoA
Download it and open it from your phone and install it and it should work.
If it didn't work, you have other alternatives such as Aptoide.
If you don't have the Google Play store, then most probably you don't have the Google Play Services package. For this, you may need to root your device and install it as a zip, or google Gapps for your device and download each APK by itself.

Xgody X11 Custom Rom Possible.

Hi There,
I've just got one of these Chinese phones and the stock ROM is terrible, has anyone else had one and put a better version of Android on it? For some reason it is forcing me to install certain apps from some random website rather than the Google Play store, and also if I do manage to install an app it puts the icon in a little box rather than displaying the correct icon. It would be nice to get Cyanogen Mod on it but I can't find it in their supported devices list, I'm hoping that as with most of these Chinese devices it's just a generic device that has been re branded by Xgody and therefore compatible with Cyanogen.
Cheers
Steve Goral
Bump

Using Google Services on Chinese ROM in Europe

Hi,
I'm almost decided to order a Reno x10 Zoom, but I can't seem to find a "true" global/international version of the phone, and I've never had a chance to use any phone with Chinese ROM with pre-installed Google Services while from Europe (Poland, to be precise).
Could an Oppo Reno x10 Zoom user be so kind to explain me the following concerns/answer my questions, please:
1. What's the actual difference from daily-use perspective of Global ROM vs Chinese ROM "with pre-installed Google services"?
2. Do all Google services work on Chinese ROM device as if they were on a global version?
3. Can one use Google Assistant without problems?
Much appreciated for help!
kampiotrow said:
Hi,
I'm almost decided to order a Reno x10 Zoom, but I can't seem to find a "true" global/international version of the phone, and I've never had a chance to use any phone with Chinese ROM with pre-installed Google Services while from Europe (Poland, to be precise).
Could an Oppo Reno x10 Zoom user be so kind to explain me the following concerns/answer my questions, please:
1. What's the actual difference from daily-use perspective of Global ROM vs Chinese ROM "with pre-installed Google services"?
2. Do all Google services work on Chinese ROM device as if they were on a global version?
3. Can one use Google Assistant without problems?
Much appreciated for help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It comes with some sort o preinstalled apps but you don't have direct access until you install the store from some thirty partiies. (Disclaimer there is a lot of chines apps unable to uninstall. Regarding the model PCCM00)

Force Pie on G8343

I just purchased from eBay a Sony Xperia XZ1 (G8343). It appears to be a stock international model. I'm trying to update its stock ROM from 8.0.0 (47.1.A.2.313) to the latest Pie build available.
The phone itself reports there are no system updates available. Xperia Companion also reports I am running the latest available software.
Is there any way I can force an update to Pie without rooting the device?
liteon163 said:
I just purchased from eBay a Sony Xperia XZ1 (G8343). It appears to be a stock international model. I'm trying to update its stock ROM from 8.0.0 (47.1.A.2.313) to the latest Pie build available.
The phone itself reports there are no system updates available. Xperia Companion also reports I am running the latest available software.
Is there any way I can force an update to Pie without rooting the device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you need to do some searching though.
There is a program called xperifirm, that you can download the latest firmware (software), and another tool called newflasher, that you use to install it. Good luck, happy searching.
Hi,
My small contribution... Google "xpericheck" and you will access the full list of available updates based on your precise model.
I finally got around to this. After reading a few additional pages here and there, I eventually was able to download and install the latest Bell Mobility (CA) Pie firmware and am now setting up the phone to my preferences.
Thanks for the help!
Strange thing - the Bell Mobility firmware keeps re-enabling Google Chrome and Duo, even after I manually disable them. If this behavior continues, I guess I'll try the Freedom CA firmware to see if it's improved in this regard.

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