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I recently purchased a Nordic Track 9500 Elite Pro. This bad boy has a 10" android tablet built in. They really don't want you messing with the android part much, but I am sure there are plenty of other users out there like me that want to do more!
This is my first post so I am unable to show the pictures via the link. Hopefully you can copy and past the text to view the images. I will try to repost on my website so it all flows.
I don't see where a post like this would go, I am not sure if at some point it would gain it's own device forum... That would be exciting. So for now I will post here. I will also post my initial findings for others in the community that may want to purchase this treadmill and can't find any information regarding the built in Android Tablet with WiFi.
This image shows the version information. From what I can tell it looks like they purchase an APAD from someone and then stick it inside of their device. They also must have wrote some special drivers and software to interface with the equipment and hardware. I was very happy to see a mainstream current android OS.
Android OS 2.2
hungrykzoo.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/IMAG0027.jpg
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Here are the pre-installed apps. Pretty basic. (note: I was able to find an APK and install Last.FM that wasn't included) Also a major bummer to see was that there wasn't a market application.
hungrykzoo.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/IMAG0026.jpg
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This is the typical workout screen you see.
hungrykzoo.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/IMAG0024.jpg
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I also noticed that the device doesn't have very much memory. This could be due to the built in applications taking up so much space. It only had about 57MB of internal memory free, but it had a built in 2GB SD Card. I have not gotten to the point where I have needed to take it apart yet to see if there is a replaceable SD card. I may wait another 5 years for my warranty to end to do that.
I have tried to install some apps but have not had very much luck. The only app that was I was able to install was the Last.FM.
I tried the follow apps, and they didn't install:
1. Market
2. Angry Birds
3. Pandora
Other disappointments:
1. Designed to not be in the Android Interface. They have an application that runs, and makes it tricky to get to the android desktop. It takes about 3 clicks to get from the main workout screen back to the Android Desktop.
2. The screen is not capacitive, it is resistive. I don't know how much more I need to say about that.
3. Only 3 buttons. Back, Menu, Home. Home takes you to their software not the android home screen. Long press on home does nothing.
4. When i go to the desktop the Time is all over the place. I have tried changing settings in every spot possible but something is telling it what time to think it is, occasionally it is correct... Just don't get it.
Even with the disappointments this thing is sweet. I wish i could install more apps, stream videos from a PC over the WiFi connection and stream music from a PC over the WiFi connection. Maybe with the help of the community we will figure some of these items out... Or I will be the only one who has this that knows about this website!
ntsteele,
How is your experience up to now with your 9500? I am looking at getting the c1250, which is the same as the 9500, but with a smaller motor and no decilne. Is the 10" screen worth it? The rep at Nordictrack told me the only differcence between the 7" screen is the web browser, the google maps display, and some basic apps. But overall the workout system is the same as the 7' display of the 1750 commercial and that you can view the google maps by logging in on ifit.com. Thanks for the info and screen shots.
iFit Android App
Have you or has anyone else been able to pull the apk files off of the NordicTrack Elite 9500 Treadmill. I would be interested to see if it works on any adroid phone to view the menu system.
I played with this today at Google IO. The rep said that the integrated tablet was rev 1 and that they wanted to eventually let users connect their own devices.
what do you need to press to get to the android home screen?
Where I work at there is a Proform Trailrunner 4.0 treadmill that has 10" Android tablet screen. From what I have been told nordic track and proform are made by the same manufacture or something. It was returned because of a broken display unit. Of course I wasn't going to let them throw the old one away so they let me keep it. I trashed the main display and now I have the 10" tablet but cannot power it because the treadmill doesn't operate without a magnetic key. How could I power this thing and see if it works?
I got the new incline trainer x9i which has the 10 inch android interface. I am interested to get in and try installing apps as you have but I am unable to even get to the android home screen. The only time I see it is when I turn the machine on and it is booting up, the screen comes up for a few seconds to where I can hit on the applications button and see what is on it. But within a second after I see the apps it automatically gets routed into the machine exercise interface and I have not figured how to get back to the android home screen from there. How did you do it? It would sure be nice to install a different browser. I hate the fact that I cannot create my own shortcuts. Anyway, love the machine.
How to get to the Android Home Screen
Any luck finding out how to get to the Android Home Screen? I am wanting to do that also. I was able to get to it one time accidentally, but haven't figure out how to stop the machine interface from loading since.
Home Screen
Ok, same question. I just got a C2150 which is a similar model to the 9500. Slightly smaller motor and belt, but same basic thing with the 10" tablet. I believe it's capacitive now, but still not great as far as that goes.
I too have hit the setup icon when it's booting and it goes to the Android setup screen for a second and then continues to boot into the Nordictrack IFit proprietary stuff.
So I can't believe the posts with the images and no explanation of how you got there? Please share with the rest of us.
Also, my console has a USB connector at the top of the thing. Any idea what if anything that'll let me do?
Thanks!
Anyone figure this out? Seems a shame to have a 10' screen and not be able to install apps on it. There must be some button combination that the Icon service team would use to stop the auto load of the iFit interface.
Internal Pictures
I took the tablet apart to see what information can be gathered. Apparently, HANNSTAR (TAIWAN) manufactures the board (HANNSTAR J MV-7); which uses a Samsung ARM8 CPU(5PV210AH-A0 1044); has 512MB; and a 4GB SANDISK FLASH (SDIN2C2-4G).
I haven't been able to find sufficient info to track a compatible ROM, yet I can't imagine for the life of me that HANNSTAR would design this just for Nordic. I am posting some pics hoping that someone might be able to id the hardware, which in turn might help point to a more fruitful search for a workable ROM.
Try to upload pics but not sure if it worked. It's late, and I can't figure out how to do it smoothly yet.
I'm gonna do another bump. I have a similar treadmill (or maybe the exact same one, I lost the the manual with product name). It is of the X9i series and when I saw it in the store, I had to go for it. I was a bit irritated to see that you are locked to the iFit application and you cannot return to the launcher. I need a male to male USB cable to see if I can get a bit of ADB on it.
From the (crappy) performance of it, I can tell it has about 512 MB RAM, a dated CPU clocked at around 600-800MHz, the screen looks like a crappy TFT display at 1280x700. Lastly, this thing runs Froyo. Mine features a full USB port and an Audio in port. Not much to screw around with. Downloads are disabled in the browser, and the Menu key does nothing.
I think something can be done though. The application that controls the treadmill can't crash as it is, and if it ever does FC, the motor shouldn't stop. NordicTrack doesn't have a recovery image up for some reason (thanks, NordicTrack -_-) so that's even less to work with.
Nevertheless, something can be done. It's not really a fun thing for an Android enthusiast to pick up an Android device with such dated hardware (the tredmill itself, as just tredmill is amazing).. Plus, it was $2,100 at Sears.
---------- Post added at 08:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:43 PM ----------
here is a video of the Treadmill and the board;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKyf6MHIefk
USB and Audio in is on the right side of the console.
I've had my Nordictrack 9500 Pro for about a year now. Still working well for the most part (I do have messed up deck tension adjuster that I need to call support about).
Would love to be able to unlock the Android device to at least install Netflix, Pandora, etc.
I have had one over the air firmware upgrade that went pretty smoothly. Was hoping more updates would come from Nordictrack, but it has been a long time since that one.
Has anyone else noticed that the Speed Calibration utility under the iFit controls says that it isn't enabled yet? Maybe there's hope for future updates.
fanVrARCHITECT
Greetings,
I have been following this thread as a 9500 owner as well, and looking at what has been posted and see if there is any follow up.
1.) like everyone else what startup combinations may have disabled Nordic Tracks proprietary software.
2.) the usb socket on the top of the console, has anyone had anyluck attempting a usb male to male connection on a laptop? If so what has been tried?
3.) any idea of maybe porting something over via the Ifit updates or account? I noticed the HDvideo inside of the program is pretty descent from what I've seen, and looks like the video plays in the center of main app..just a thought.
I'm looking at getting the male to male usb cable and trying to interface it with the below. .. at least curious if the cable will talk, and most likely this unit is not root so view only but maybe a start if it works.
//www*howtogeek*com/howto/42491/how-to-remote-view-and-control-your-android-phone/
Cheers,
devmo
Did anyone figure out how to get android home screen????
I read somebody was able to email themselves an apk and install it? The tablet enables sideloading? Ding ding ding! I'm going to try sideloading launcherpro or any other replacement launcher to attempt to hijack the home screen
Update: Didn't work on my c2150's tablet. Bastards.... I did however get my c2150's to boot into "safe mode" which I have no idea what that entails. While it was powering on, I held down home and back I believe was the combo.
Update: SUCESS!!! So by booting into "safe" mode, you can hit the preferences launcher while the device is booting to interrupt the ifit loading. From there, go enable unknown sources. Then launch the browser and google "z4 apk" and download it and run it. Did permanent root on mine and it worked.
ENJOY
I forgot. Once you get the device into safe mode, install "smart taskbar" by sideloading. It'll make you able to view a task bar over ifit.
EDIT: Since we don't have a custom recovery, or for that matter even a recovery at all it seems, I've not attempted gapps. Could anyone give a detailed response on how to install this? I assume just unzip it in the root directory? I'm worried about permissions, I always forget what to set there. Also, the device comes pre-bundled with busybox, fyi Another must have for this is adbWireless. I tried editing the init.rc but it seems those changes were for nothing. I'll keep people updated as I discover things etc. I'm by no means a dev, but do know a little.
jsteelm said:
I forgot. Once you get the device into safe mode, install "smart taskbar" by sideloading. It'll make you able to view a task bar over ifit.
EDIT: Since we don't have a custom recovery, or for that matter even a recovery at all it seems, I've not attempted gapps. Could anyone give a detailed response on how to install this? I assume just unzip it in the root directory? I'm worried about permissions, I always forget what to set there. Also, the device comes pre-bundled with busybox, fyi Another must have for this is adbWireless. I tried editing the init.rc but it seems those changes were for nothing. I'll keep people updated as I discover things etc. I'm by no means a dev, but do know a little.
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Sorry - can you tell me the exact steps involved here. How do I get to safe mode and then what? I tried Home Back while powering on and it still goes to the ifit screen
You know I'm really not sure what trick it is to make it stay. I had good luck getting it to stay in android rubbing home/back/menu while it booted and as soon as I saw the android home screen, hit the preferences launcher and then grabbed the top menubar and half pulled it down. All I know is that when you get it to stick in android, its always in safe mode which is triggered by some combination of those buttons on boot. Even then it will boot into iFit, but if you go to the settings first, in safe mode, it wont exit that screen.
Nordictrack commercial 2150 Android Safemode
Very simple folks. Turn treadmill on and once you see ANDROID appear in the center of the screen, begin pressing the dashes button that is between the home and back buttons on the console. Not sure if holding down works any better. An "unable to load widget" will be seen in middle of screen once the I-FIT software has stopped and safe mode will appear at the lower left hand corner. You'll then be able to check out the various Android options etc for your tablet. Be careful in editing anything unless you know what you are doing! Wouldn't want to brick your treadmill unnecessarily. It took awhile to find the key to safe mode access, due to limited info out there, but I hope users will continue to make some progress on exploiting this device and maybe we'll be able to use it to our liking. I would like to stream my dish television to the tablet like I do on my i phone or i pad. Being able to install the dish app via google app store is what I'm looking forward to. I want to be able to watch tv on my treadmill while exercising. Please keep this thread going! I'm sure that future software updates may allow for a better user interface. The challenge is certainly in the storage capabilities in the tablet itself and the sd card inside.
Topics Covered in this Thread So Far (or "potential areas for investigation/improvement")
USB modes confusion, CD-ROM mounting bug, and how to make it useful
Hunting for buried treasure in system apk's
EFS backups
GPS
Wifi
Stuff About CDROM/USB Device Protocols
More Stuff About CDROM/USB Device Protocols
Stuff On EFS
Stuff On Hidden Options
GPS power toggle from Drop Down Menu
EVRC-B Phone Voice Codec
Background Noise Cancellation during call
Disabling of debugging stuff and additional code checking
PNG/ogg optimization and Zipaligning
libdvm.so Optimization
Battery Service Polling
RAM management
Disk Scheduler
A more complete nandroid solution
A better voodoo implementation
About scripting
Sleep of Death
Phone.apk mods
More EFS partition info
Info about other partition backups (backing up kernel and others)
Wakelocks/Timekeeping issues and fixing it at the kernel level
Partition mounting tweaks (noatime and such), power management, vm writeback time
More VM tweaks
SD card cache tweak
Reclaiming the Preinstall partition
So I'm going to be out of town for a week or so, and I know that with hacking, that means I could come back and nothing will have changed... or I could come back and everything will have changed (source, anyone?)
EDIT: I'm back... and everyone got thunderbolts! I swear, I leave for one week...
Unfortunately, I myself am a jack-of-all-trades (king of none, sadly), so I've got about 50 different little things I've been working on researching, and won't make much progress on if I keep on trying to do them all at once, since every single project requires that I learn an entirely new set of principles that I never knew about before. Because of this, I have decided to do a brain dump. Hopefully this is welcomed. Some of it will be stuff you already know, some will be dead leads that don't apply, but I hope that there are some nuggets of goodness that will inspire someone to investigate further.
Basically, I go hunting for things that catch my eye, and mark them to investigate later. Unfortunately, later on, I can't find it, so I have to find it again. Therefore, I'll try to present the most I can re-find about a given topic. Also, my memory is very shoddy, so beware of inaccuracies. I am not stating this as a gospel truth, but as a jump off point to maybe catch your interest to go investigate something further. I welcome any discussion, but if you take an idea and make it your own, feel free to start a new thread about it.
Part I:
USB modes confusion, CD-ROM mounting bug, and how to make it useful
Samsung integrates several different USB devices into that one little plug. I count the following:
1. UMS - Mass Storage Mode (looks like a jump drive)
2. MTP - For use with media players to transfer music/videos/pics (looks like a media player)
3. CDFS - Mounts an image onto a virtual device (looks like CD-ROM drive)
4. DUN - Used for Dial-up-networking (looks like a modem)
5. COM port - Used for programming using low level tools like QPST (looks like a serial port)
6. ADB bridge - communicate over adb to the phones through a terminal
With the possibility of TV-out over usb, USB On The Go, or USB Host, then there are probably more.
There is a lot of weirdities that happen because there are different parts of the phone that activates different "modes" which are usually a combination of the above. Try rebooting into CWM and then select to mount the USB. Depending on your set up, you will probably find your SD-drive mounted to the virtual CD-ROM device. Is it the kernel or recovery that's not set to the right usb mode? I don't know.
There are so many different areas that can change the USB device, so it can be confusing to know why you are seeing a certain thing, even though you have it set as something else from the menu. Just a few examples: In the Settings, you have Debugging, which will turn on UMS, CDFS and the ADB. Depending on what Settings.apk you use, there is an accessible Dial-up networking option to enable the modem. There are dialer codes that affect the enabled devices(**usbii which accesses the PhoneUtil.apk, **debug which allows you to change the port map, and toggle DUN). There is a persistent ADB property that can be stored in "/data/property/persist.service.adb.enable". There are system settings that can be added to the .prop files that load on boot, or set by "setprop somepropertyhere" using a terminal or script.
Have you ever plugged in your phone and gotten an autorun prompt that says something about verizon? On the stock roms, there is an ISO that is stored at "/system/etc/verizon_i500.iso". It contains the samsung usb drivers and a couple other things. When it works properly, this would let you install everything you need to get your phone connected to a new computer, without going through the hassle of finding the files. This is especially helpful if you only have internet access through your phone and cannot obtain the drivers elsewhere. All this seems to be handled by the kies service manager, which does really weird quirky things. For instance, you can manually mount the iso onto this virtual cd-rom device, but kies will unmount it after 15 seconds or so. This is why sometimes, if your sdcard gets mounted as a cd-rom, you can actually read the contents for a little while before it disappears.
Why does this matter to anyone? Well for one thing, it explains a lot of the bugs. There are so many different devices, that sometimes they get mixed up in scripts. This is especially true when porting from other software, or mixing and matching kernels and OS's and recoveries. If they aren't all in agreement, weird things will happen.
Secondly, it opens up a cool built in feature that could easily be utilized: emulated cd-rom drives! I haven't isolated the properties (but it doesn't seem too hard to figure out using the logs and such), but I have successfully mounted the memtest boot iso to the virtual CD-rom drive. Think about it: you have a 16gb sdcard in there. Throw on a live-linux iso, and if the computer was made in the last 5-10 years, it should be able to boot from it (not tested yet).
Right now, you can quickly verify this works by making a symlink from /system/etc/verizon_i500.iso to the iso on your sd card. Then, if you know how, enable the virtual cd-rom (I can't remember the exact variable but its as easy as "setprop cdfs.something enable"). There you go! Instant Virtual CD-ROM drive. You can use it to install stuff on your netbook that didn't come with one, or turn your local library PC into a hacking command center (that's a joke... don't do that).
Now obviously, this could be easily packaged up into a neat little apk that would enable the right USB mode, and then allow you to pick the ISO you want to mount. This would be the ultimate goal, not this dirty little demo. Even easier to implement would be to call it from a script, using a script shortcut program.
Part II
Hunting for buried treasure
There are a lot of things hidden in the OS. Almost all of the APK's, if decompiled, have things that are hidden. Sometimes, the full code is there, but the ability to access it has been removed. To make it visible, you may only need to add the info to the layout xml, or remove a line of smali code (look for things like "removePreference" and such).
Other times, it's just a stub of the information. The great thing is, there are so many variations of our phone, almost anything missing can be inserted again if you can find it another device's code. Sometimes, this is a huge pain, because the dependencies can be spread over multiple files, requiring quite a bit of persistence and dedication. Other times, it's as simple as copy and pasting a line, or an entire method.
The i9000, Mesmerize, Captivate and Vibrant seem to have lots of our missing goodies, but a lot of them need to have the code adjusted, and I don't know what to work on first, since some of the easy stuff is worthless, and some of the valuable stuff is impossible. Here are just a few of the screen shots I've taken (yes, I realize a lot of them are probably not portable, but just showing you how much stuff can be hidden in an APK):
http://www.dropbox.com/gallery/22143517/1/Settings?h=7cc415
There are a lot of little APK's that can only be accessed by dialer codes or through a shortcut program. The useful features sometimes are very small and could either be hacked into the main Settings.apk, or called from it, or added into SpareParts.apk. There are a lot of dangerous things in there ("You want me to format your phone and your SD card?" "Nnnn-" "FORMATTIN YO SDCARD YEAAAAAY") so be careful exploring.
Which brings me to another big issue: EFS backups.
One night, before going to bed, I was poking around in a hidden menu (yep). I don't remember actually changing anything, but I lost a setting. Of course, I have no idea what the correct settings are, so I didn't know what to look for, and for 12 hours straight, my data connection would connect and disconnect every minute. I learned a lot about how poorly the os/radio/kernel/something handles the data connection, but I also learned about the EFS partition, and how this could have easily been fixed if I had a backup, and also how it could have been much, much worse.
If you wander through the i9000 forums, there are multiple warnings to backup your efs folder before messing with any settings. If you corrupt certain files, your phone will lose the ability to regenerate its EFS data, and you will lose your IMEI number. Meaning, your phone will not be activate-able. Meaning, your phone will have to be shipped to Samsung to get it fixed, so... good luck with that. If you think you are smart enough to avoid this, if I remember right, supercurio lost a device to this while trying to figure out the secret audio settings stuff.
It's simple to backup the entire partition using your favorite terminal command (I used dd to copy the efs dev/block device to the sdcard, don't know if this is the best method or not). However, it is virtually impossible to get it back once it is gone, if you don't have a backup. (There is someone charging for this service for i9000 phones).
My theory is that i9000's being used on different carriers causes lots of more people to play around with the EFS data, causing more people to corrupt it. Since the Fascinate is mostly only getting used on Verizon, then there aren't as many cases. However, one mistake in a mounting script in a recovery/kernel/os, and you're toast. Not only that, if you have a working backup and you go messing with the radio settings, then you will always have a backup that doesn't require you to activate another phone and then reactivate your's in order to get your phone working again. (All the while, watching in horror as your logcat fills with a continuous stream of data connection failures).
This is something I'd love to hear more from by someone who knows about it, and if it's as valid of a concern as it is on the i9000, then I'd really like to see more publicity about it's importance.
Part III
Is supposed to be about GPS and wifi, but dang, that is a crazy amount of stuff to write. I hope that a little bit of info, along with a link dump will be okay. And to be honest, I'm getting tired of typing now. I keep thinking of more stuff, but I haven't even fully fleshed out what I've posted so far. Hopefully, I'll be able to do some more later (and even more hopefully, there comes some good from it).
GPS
Most promising is the Captivate GPS work. This thread is a little bit old, but it contains good info. There might be newer information available as well:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=881941
The i9000 GPS dev has some good posts as well, explaining it very well. Again, there might be newer information, but this is what I have bookmarked:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=842694
It talks about using the "LbsTestMode.apk" for testing. I have no idea if it works for actually configuring the files (I was told it doesn't), but I am providing it here for the possible testing it can do:
LbsTestMode.apk
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/22143517/Android/LbsTestMode.apk
This is just a quick (and not very entertaining) video of setting up a shortcut to access it instead of using a dialer code, then running through the menus real quick so you can see what is available.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/22143517/Android/lbstestmodedemo.mp4
From a cold boot, in google maps, I can get a lock down to 2 meters in 3-5 seconds with wifi off and GPS standalone enabled when I'm outside. Inside, usually 10-20 meters at first, then drops to 5 after a few more seconds. So I don't know if it's something I've done, or if I just got lucky with a good chip, but I have a hard time testing GPS fixes because I don't have problems (but things can always be better, right?)
I highly recommend checking into the app "GPS aids" if you like the idea of assisted gps. I find that AGPS hinders my GPS performance, but after using GPS aids, it's about as good as normal. So for someone with bad standalone GPS performance, maybe it would help them out using AGPS.
Wifi
Oh boy... I don't know where to start with this. It completely ignores the system property wifi.supplicant_scan_interval. There are files spread across /system and /data that relate to wifi. The binary 'wpa_supplicant' is a source of hackery on other systems, but I don't know if anyone has attacked it on the Fascinate side of things. Want to see ad-hoc networks? This is the file that they usually hack to do that. Other devices have hacked the ability to enable infrastructure mode for wifi tethering. I don't know if this has been done yet for SF.
There are a lot of hidden wifi, wps, and tethering options in the Settings menu. Several system settings properties relating to wifi, several .conf files for the messing, wlan services for the playing, and a nice engineering mode when calling WlanTest.apk that says it's loading a different driver (I can't remember what all neat stuff is in that).
Stuff About CDROM/USB Device Protocols:
My thoughts exactly, the cdrom driver is useful, maybe more so.
The issue as to what starts when is configurable, Eclair had a hard limit of 2 usb modes at any given time, if I recall correctly Froyo supports 4 and that maybe a hard limit by the device. So what is running has to be carefully chosen, with mtp, virtcd, virtcom, ums, adb, acm, usb-otg, tvout, wired tether you hit 4 quick. This is an issue on my table but of low prority, as without a fully working kernel these amenities become mute.
I intend to make the cdrom driver configurable to select various isos from sd and switchable on command, I feel it would be more useful in that state, and I plan to give the user more control over what usb modes are selected using a sysfs setup, the defaults are in about 6 profiles that barely cover my needs without slowing me down.
Edit, More Stuff About CDROM/USB Device Protocols:
I have never tried to get all of the devices working simultaneously, but I do know that if you enable the virtual com port for EFS editing that DUN support is disabled, and that if you enable UMS(USB MassStorage)/SDcard that UMS/VirtCD is disabled, and if you enable UMS/VirtCD that UMS/SDcard is disabled, and I don't use MTP (think syncing your music from WindowsMediaPlayer to Android) so I'm not 100% sure about this one, but I think MTP is disabled if ADB is enabled. At least this is how stock is anyway.
Stuff On EFS:
The I9000 EFS stuff is a little out of my department, but I would love the ability to edit EFS reliably within the OS, unfortunately unlike with the I9000 our devices do not mount an EFS partition, and I have not ventured to attempt looking for it. I imagine it would be just as easy for us to edit it in device as it is for the I9000 people, however if it is due to the way the radios are handled this may not happen, as we are still trying to figure out where the Fascinate keeps it's modem, it would make sense that the EFS partition and the modem code would rest in the same area or partition, if we could only for certain identify it. I think the FSR and FSR_STL drivers obscure our view of it, no fear, I will be attempting to import Gingerbreads MTD work into the my WIP Froyo to hopefully solve this issue once I get the radio working reliably. If and once we do have access to EFS, we could technically copy and replace or edit our Verizon EFS information live, flash from one network to another, and update tower information possibly without even restarting the phone....that is IF we have access to the EFS partition, and logic says we should have access to it ( as every other CDMA Verizon and Alltel device I have used does have one ) and it is programmable from within the Samsung device setup APKs.
Stuff On Hidden Options:
As for the special hidden stuff....it just boggles my mind the amount of crap they hide (or did they forget about this stuff?!?) from us, most of it doesn't work, most of it has no warnings for the DANGEROUS stuff it can do without prompting for a confirmation (ie complete factory reset and yes sdcard formatting) I think this crap should have been jammed into a single engineering menu accessible via a fixed passcode rather than scattered from A to Z in 20 different APKs with little more indicator of what an option does than some cryptic function name and a report of what someone else may have experienced only after executing the command. At the very best it's an unorganized, inefficient, undocumented, unreliable, low level, factory device configuration menu set that even most experts do not know how to fully utilize.
SirGatez said:
My thoughts exactly, the cdrom driver is useful, maybe more so.
The issue as to what starts when is configurable, Eclair had a hard limit of 2 usb modes at any given time, if I recall correctly Froyo supports 4 and that maybe a hard limit by the device. So what is running has to be carefully chosen, with mtp, virtcd, virtcom, ums, adb, acm, usb-otg, tvout, wired tether you hit 4 quick. This is an issue on my table but of low prority, as without a fully working kernel these amenities become mute.
I intend to make the cdrom driver configurable to select various isos from sd and switchable on command, I feel it would be more useful in that state, and I plan to give the user more control over what usb modes are selected using a sysfs setup, the defaults are in about 6 profiles that barely cover my needs without slowing me down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to see you in here, as I think the whole issue is very much best implemented/fixed from the kernel with the OS just facilitating from there. Also interesting that someone else was thinking about this while I was. With the little amount of knowledge I have, trying to hack around the different usb profiles at the OS layer is a pain. ("let me mount this" "NO, STOP IT!" "come onnnn let me turn that on")
I know I personally have had UMS, CDFS, DUN, Serial, and ADB all showing up in windows device manager at the same time, by manually toggling them on. That was as far as my test went, so I have no idea if they were accessible at the same time. But it's interesting to watch the device ids change as it switches modes. I have very little driver knowledge, so actually doing much digging was over my head.
Ok, I think I'm done for the night. Sorry for the quality of info, I'll try to work on it more sometime soon.
I feel like we are all just holding our breath for froyo source, but a lot of profitable work can be done in the meantime. Really, a lot has already been done that we can just kang from other devices. We just need to look outward at our foreign cousins.
For instance, supercurio did a lot of work on hacking the sound before they had kernel access. Using his methods from back then might give us some improvements in the meantime.
Things like GPS and Wifi will probably continue to be an issue even after we have source, so they can be done without fear of being completely forgotten about as soon as source drops.
Lots of mods and tweaks that are widespread across other devices don't seem to be discussed. Build.prop hacks are cheap and easy things that don't get much action around here (though not all of them are applicable/or even helpful). Someone brought up the FuguTweaks thing the other day from the Captivate forum. More of these cross-device discussions would be awesome.
God, my brain just exploded.
This is actually quite interesting, though. Now, on Part II: certain Sammy .apk's have hidden usage? Could we combine that into a massive super-settings app?
Samsung Fascinate, Verizon
EB01 Superclean 2.4
Kenesis' TransMyst GBKB (EPIIIIIC)
Mob87's Honeycomb Theme
Stock Kernel
obsidianchao said:
God, my brain just exploded.
This is actually quite interesting, though. Now, on Part II: certain Sammy .apk's have hidden usage? Could we combine that into a massive super-settings app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the idea. CM has a lot of this kind of thing, but we aren't there yet. There are also a bunch of testing apks that I didn't mention built right into the stock ROM.
There are even some super mega apps (some available on the market) that are somewhat compatible (be careful with these, especially for low level stuff). "Sysinfo" reveals a lot of... system info that you normally have to go digging around for. So does "Under the Hood". "Tuxility" doesn't really have much, but could be an easy start for the basis of a SF compatible utility. "SuperPower" gives a lot of control over power options. "SpareParts" from other Galaxy variants have had lots of options added. There are some other SGS specific tools that half work, as well, but their names are slipping me now. One allows you to flash a kernel from the OS. Also, I wonder if Development.apk from the emulator might have some use?
There are tons of things that could easily be added to the SpareParts app too, if you didn't want to add it to the Settings app.
So much stuff to kang.... so little time.
Dude. This is... amazing. Can you mentor me on this stuff? XD
Now, Spare Parts is that app in SC that shows the battery info and stuff, no?
Edit: and what all could you drag to spare parts? Could it access those hidden .apk's and utilize the secret functions?
This is so cool.
Samsung Fascinate, Verizon
EB01 Superclean 2.4
Kenesis' TransMyst GBKB (EPIIIIIC)
Mob87's Honeycomb Theme
Stock Kernel
Part 4
GPS power toggle from Drop Down Menu
The GPS option from the drop down menu is essentially broken and needs to be fixed. I recall a similar problem on a different device with the wifi. With that device, on observation, I noted that on powering up wifi from the settings menu, I would be connected within 5 seconds, but from the power widget, it would take a full minute. After doing some investigating, the power widget was basically trying to control the wifi device directly. I found a different widget that essentially emulated the same method used in the system settings menu, and it starting connecting immediately. My guess is that the GPS power code on the pull down menu could be modified using the same examination/modification needs to be adapted in the same way.
EVRC-B Phone Voice Codec
Switching to the EVRC-B codec improves call quality substantially, for both parties of the call. If anyone knows of a way to set it that doesn't involve going into service mode and manually changing it, then please let me know.
Background Noise Cancellation during call
Also, I'd love to find a fix for the mic during calling. It's a frequent occurrence for the person I'm calling to be like "Who are you talking to?" because they hear someone talking in the next room away from me. Or a very light sound on my end, elicits a response of "WHAT IS THAT NOOOISSSE??!" from the person I'm talking to. So obviously an issue of background noise cancellation. I'm hoping its a software fixable problem.
I've seen this build.prop edit to mess with the noise cancellation for disabling noise reduction for the voice recorder (Say you are trying to record something like music, or something at a concert, the noise filter would hinder your ability).
Code:
media.a1026.nsForVoiceRec=0
media.a1026.enableA1026=1
Two things about this:
1. I've only seen this kind of property on other devices that have two mics that work in combination for noise cancellation. I'm guessing the SF only has one, and any attempted noise cancellation is done at the hardware level or in software.
2. This would assume that the noise shield actually exists, but the stock Fascinate behavior is to not have it enabled for calling... which is pretty dumb. Given some of their other decisions, this may be true, but I have my doubts. If it's parameters are accessible, and it's merely only needing some tweaking, then I will be happy.
I wonder if supercurio knows much about the noise cancellation, since he's worked with so much of the sound stuff?
Disabling of debugging stuff and additional code checking
Debugging stuff is essential for figuring out problems, but for the 99% of the time, isn't it probably slowing us down? I don't know what would be the best way to easily disable any additional debugging routines that might be affect performance.
As for disabling code checking, I used to run these build.prop edits on an older device. I have no idea if they still apply:
Code:
ro.kernel.android.checkjni=0
dalvik.vm.checkjni=0
dalvik.vm.verify-bytecode=false
Maybe you are the kind of person that needs their phone fully stable at all times (no you're not, because you are on a forum that is made to push your device to the limits). I, however, keep everything backed up, so if disabling this extra "security" might slightly increase risk of data loss, then I'm okay with that (not saying that this is an actual danger, but just in general). The only problem I have is if the increase is negated by a large rise in errors that actually hinder performance, or if it becomes significantly more risky (doubt that's the case, but it's always a possibility).
Somewhat related, we currently keep the dalvik heapsize at 48mb's. Is this the best match for our device, or just the default?
PNG/ogg optimization and Zipaligning
I recently took a superclean rom, and dropped 16MB losslessly just from throwing the pngs through PNGOUTWIN and deflopt (didn't touch the *.9.png files). Free RAM right there. Not to mention that some of those APK's have ridiculous extra resources that can be reduced by cutting color depth or taken out entirely (giant HTML based tutorial files stored in the apk... why?) Also, all of the ogg files can be slammed down using a sox script or an equivalent.
In compression, it's also important to know when its a free and harmless, or when it will reduce stability. You can zip up an APK nice and tight... but aapt is a better method. The files might be bigger, but they will run better (also, learn how to treat *.9.png files, or don't touch them at all).
I've adapted the script from Bugless pete's automatic, on-phone zipaligning utility (just had to change a couple lines). A lot of times there are apk's that slip through the cracks in the ROM's that aren't zipaligned (especially in themes and patches). Again, just free performance that isn't hard to obtain.
libdvm.so Optimization
Has our libdvm.so been optimized to run on on our processor? I know this was a huge boon for older devices, but couldn't find any info on ours.
Battery Service Polling
Ever watched the logcat even when your device is nearly at idle? Ya... that battery is always updating. How do we change this habit? I often wonder how much extra juice would we gain by increasing the length in between battery polls.
GizmoDroid said:
Ok, I think I'm done for the night. Sorry for the quality of info, I'll try to work on it more sometime soon.
I feel like we are all just holding our breath for froyo source, but a lot of profitable work can be done in the meantime. Really, a lot has already been done that we can just kang from other devices. We just need to look outward at our foreign cousins.
For instance, supercurio did a lot of work on hacking the sound before they had kernel access. Using his methods from back then might give us some improvements in the meantime.
Things like GPS and Wifi will probably continue to be an issue even after we have source, so they can be done without fear of being completely forgotten about as soon as source drops.
Lots of mods and tweaks that are widespread across other devices don't seem to be discussed. Build.prop hacks are cheap and easy things that don't get much action around here (though not all of them are applicable/or even helpful). Someone brought up the FuguTweaks thing the other day from the Captivate forum. More of these cross-device discussions would be awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your gonna hold your breath a long time if you're waiting for froyo source.
If anyone needed proof that Quadrant scores aren't good indicators of real performance, this is a real, unedited screen shot from my phone running EB01:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
I dropped the link in IRC for giggles and a couple of people lost their minds, accusing me of lying. Sorry fellahs, I got better things to do.
You can boost your quadrant scores this high with a couple easy steps that provide absolutely no performance boost outside of quadrant (it's is similar to why voodoo enabled systems score so high, but only perform somewhat better). So for the hold-outs that still think that quadrant is a reliable benchmark... be aware of it's major flaw.
GizmoDroid said:
If anyone needed proof that Quadrant scores aren't good indicators of real performance, this is a real, unedited screen shot from my phone running EB01:
I dropped the link in IRC for giggles and a couple of people lost their minds, accusing me of lying. Sorry fellahs, I got better things to do.
You can boost your quadrant scores this high with a couple easy steps that provide absolutely no performance boost outside of quadrant (it's is similar to why voodoo enabled systems score so high, but only perform somewhat better). So for the hold-outs that still think that quadrant is a reliable benchmark... be aware of it's major flaw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been trying to convince people of this flawed benchmark app for months when using Blazed Eclair, it scores almost normal but runs the same voodoo other kernels do plus lots of other tweaks on kernel side. Very few believed me and switched from Blazed JUST for higher quadrant benchmark scores
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk
SirGatez said:
I have been trying to convince people of this flawed benchmark app for months when using Blazed Eclair, it scores almost normal but runs the same voodoo other kernels do plus lots of other tweaks on kernel side. Very few believed me and switched from Blazed JUST for higher quadrant benchmark scores
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe I should make a HOWTO tutorial on how to get ridiculously high quadrant scores on any OS/kernel, then people would be free from using it to influence their thinking and instead would base it on real world results.
The cynical side of me says that they would just find a new benchmark and do the same thing with it.
Meh, we know the truths, so sure make a howto, maybe quadrant will fix their flaws (yeah...i'm not sure about that one...) people on the otherhand will flock like you say without our intervention, but for the rest of us this could prove helpful in building roms/kernels that do not allow benchmarks to succumb to the same flaws that most current ones do
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk
SirGatez said:
Meh, we know the truths, so sure make a howto
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[HowTo] Release the most downloaded ROM of all time:
Take stock rom.
Insert the following line into a boot script:
Code:
mount -o rw -t tmpfs tmpfs /data/data/com.aurorasoftworks.quadrant.ui.standard
Upload ROM to host of your choice.
Post screenshots of Quadrant scores with download link.
Great Success.
There are lots of ways to inflate quadrant scores... but this is the funniest method because it makes it ridiculously obvious how voodoo can achieve inflated quadrant scores without gaining a similar amount of performance (they both write cache to memory, therefore inflating the I/O scores ridiculously high).
Adding more to the noise cancellation issue, I found some more info out tonight:
Jamezelle pointed out a property that is set in res/values/bool.xml in the Phone.apk "has_noise_suppression" and it's set to false. After digging around, I found that this shows up in the PhoneUtils class if you decompile Phone.apk. It reveals two options: "noise_suppression=auto" and "noise_suppression=off". Some realworld testing needs to be done, but if the fascinate has the noise surpression ability and its just turned off, then this could be turned on again by adding to build.prop, or by modding the options menu to have this show up as an option.
Its very possible that it's hidden because it's not implemented, but other Galaxy S phones have some type of noise cancellation, so it might just not be implemented in the software.
Don't know if you were still looking for how to change EVRC to EVRC-B, but dial **72, the spc code is 000000, press down on the directional button arrow until you see Svc mode nam 1 end of basic nam exit. Press the right directional key once, you will see EXIT change to more, hit enter, press down once and you will see HomePage VoiceSO and EVRC, push the right button to change to EVRC-B. Hit ok and phone will reboot. Sorry for the sloppiness, at work and trying to be quick.
Edit: Ah, nevermind, you didn't want service mode, sorry!
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA Premium App
Dread This Day said:
Don't know if you were still looking for how to change EVRC to EVRC-B, but dial **72, the spc code is 000000, press down on the directional button arrow until you see Svc mode nam 1 end of basic nam exit. Press the right directional key once, you will see EXIT change to more, hit enter, press down once and you will see HomePage VoiceSO and EVRC, push the right button to change to EVRC-B. Hit ok and phone will reboot. Sorry for the sloppiness, at work and trying to be quick.
Edit: Ah, nevermind, you didn't want service mode, sorry!
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, this way does work, and I have used it multiple times. But it resets itself every time you reactivate, and its near dangerous settings, so its not something I would recommend to newbies.
If there was a less dangerous way to set it (say from a script or an apk) then this could lead to it being more widely recommended. It really does provide substantial improvement of call quality.
If my gf calls using her bluetooth headset, which has mediocre sound quality, the further compression of EVRC makes her very hard to understand. With EVRC-B, I can understand her plain as day.
Dread This Day said:
Don't know if you were still looking for how to change EVRC to EVRC-B, but dial **72, the spc code is 000000, press down on the directional button arrow until you see Svc mode nam 1 end of basic nam exit. Press the right directional key once, you will see EXIT change to more, hit enter, press down once and you will see HomePage VoiceSO and EVRC, push the right button to change to EVRC-B. Hit ok and phone will reboot. Sorry for the sloppiness, at work and trying to be quick.
Edit: Ah, nevermind, you didn't want service mode, sorry!
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, working great! But you posted incorrect dial code. Let me correct you. **772
Alright, So we've seen Firefox running on Android Wear, however we can't enter any menus due to no softkeys on the device. I have been trying to install apps such as "Virtual Button Bar" and SoftKeys for Root Users onto the watch and they install and run. But only the home button works. Neither the back or menu button seems to work in any application.
Has anyone else attempted to get some softkeys for controls in unsupported apps that may be able to enlighten me more on why these keypresses seem to be ignored by the OS..
ShadowEO said:
Alright, So we've seen Firefox running on Android Wear, however we can't enter any menus due to no softkeys on the device. I have been trying to install apps such as "Virtual Button Bar" and SoftKeys for Root Users onto the watch and they install and run. But only the home button works. Neither the back or menu button seems to work in any application.
Has anyone else attempted to get some softkeys for controls in unsupported apps that may be able to enlighten me more on why these keypresses seem to be ignored by the OS..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With LMT all the keys that can get on-screen are working just fine in apps that support them but the problem is the app can't be launched (FC-most probably because it has an action bar) so you can't edit the buttons or the size of them, they just work but are over sized.
Ranomez said:
With LMT all the keys that can get on-screen are working just fine in apps that support them but the problem is the app can't be launched (FC-most probably because it has an action bar) so you can't edit the buttons or the size of them, they just work but are over sized.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder if you can install LMT on your phone, customize it first, then go to /data/data/... or an appropriate location to grab the config and push it into the watch.
I'm also considering buying a GW, so if this somehow works, please let me know.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
AndyYan said:
I wonder if you can install LMT on your phone, customize it first, then go to /data/data/... or an appropriate location to grab the config and push it into the watch.
I'm also considering buying a GW, so if this somehow works, please let me know.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes ofc it will work but the problem with that is that it will take a lot of time to customize the settings right for the watch and each time you copy the files to data/data remember that you will need to set the right permissions, owner and SELinux context for each and every file and considering that currently SELinux contexts can differ from one device to an other and from one ROM to an other that will be really time consuming and hard as you will have to find an app on your watch that has the same types of files to see the SELinux contexts for each of them.
To say it short yes you can do that but it will probably take you at least 1 day and I don't have the time or patience to do that and I doubt many people on this forum will but ofc if you do buy a G Watch have a go at it and tell us just how much time you've wasted.
Ranomez said:
Yes ofc it will work but the problem with that is that it will take a lot of time to customize the settings right for the watch and each time you copy the files to data/data remember that you will need to set the right permissions, owner and SELinux context for each and every file and considering that currently SELinux contexts can differ from one device to an other and from one ROM to an other that will be really time consuming and hard as you will have to find an app on your watch that has the same types of files to see the SELinux contexts for each of them.
To say it short yes you can do that but it will probably take you at least 1 day and I don't have the time or patience to do that and I doubt many people on this forum will but ofc if you do buy a G Watch have a go at it and tell us just how much time you've wasted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, I doubt it would take that much effort, because I've tried manually moving config for some other apps without even touching the permissions, and they seem to fix that automatically. System apps don't like that way, though.
But seeing how Android Wear hates ActionBar, thus making many of my apps unavailable, I don't know if I'd still buy one. Yes I do want something Android on my wrist, but if it's just time-telling and Google Now (which is not even available here in China), then I'm not paying that chunk for it.
What apps do you have, then?
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
AndyYan said:
Hmm, I doubt it would take that much effort, because I've tried manually moving config for some other apps without even touching the permissions, and they seem to fix that automatically. System apps don't like that way, though.
But seeing how Android Wear hates ActionBar, thus making many of my apps unavailable, I don't know if I'd still buy one. Yes I do want something Android on my wrist, but if it's just time-telling and Google Now (which is not even available here in China), then I'm not paying that chunk for it.
What apps do you have, then?
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you are talking about moving configs to the same phone I guess? Also if not were you on android 5.x+ cause if yes SELinux has became really strict, to the point that if you mess up some contexts on any file in the data partition you could even get a bootloop (happened to me) or have all your apps disappear and be unable to install any app until you fix up the SELinux context (again happened to me), which you will have to do using adb in that state if you don't happen to have and file manager with root capabilities installed in /system/app or /system/priv-app.
Also to answer your question: yes most normal android apps don't work but there are some that do, even some games and some are even really playable, moreover there are enough useful android wear apps out there, I don't know what you plan to use your watch for but for me it does way more than enough, after all it's a watch, it's not like I'll ever want to spend a lot of time looking at it doing anything but I can do some fast reading on it when I need (not like I'll ever read a whole book on it, that's why I have an android e-book reader or even my phone in the worst case scenario), browsing the internet fast (ofc it needs to be connected to a phone with a data connection), receive and send messages, reject calls, even some light or not so light gaming, even things as Temple Run 2, can play music when I don't have my phone using a bluetooth headset/speaker), the only thing I miss is a full office suite, really, I am writing a novel at the moment and never know when I get some inspiration and have to write down what I have in my mind pretty fast so I don't forget, would love to just be able to write on the watch and not have to take out my phone for that.
Also I would suggest that if you have the money you should go with a watch that has wi-fi like the G Watch R or Urbane cause then you will be able to use the internet without a phone, also the screen of the G Watch is really bad in the sun, I had a Sony Smartwatch 2 before and that was way more limited software wise (and for that reason had a battery life of over 1 week) but the screen was miles ahead, I could see everything in powerful sun light without even setting the brightness to the maximum, on the G Watch I can barely see anything with the brightness at maximum in not so powerful sun light.
Does LMT contain the menu button by default? I could care less if it's a little oversized (as long as it's not to big for 150-175 DPI), but I'm about to reset my watch using the restore tools because I screwed up root while trying to get SoftKeyz (EDIT: I believe was the name of the softkey app I was trying to make work, can't remember and just finished resetting) to work correctly.
Ranomez said:
Well you are talking about moving configs to the same phone I guess? Also if not were you on android 5.x+ cause if yes SELinux has became really strict, to the point that if you mess up some contexts on any file in the data partition you could even get a bootloop (happened to me) or have all your apps disappear and be unable to install any app until you fix up the SELinux context (again happened to me), which you will have to do using adb in that state if you don't happen to have and file manager with root capabilities installed in /system/app or /system/priv-app.
Also to answer your question: yes most normal android apps don't work but there are some that do, even some games and some are even really playable, moreover there are enough useful android wear apps out there, I don't know what you plan to use your watch for but for me it does way more than enough, after all it's a watch, it's not like I'll ever want to spend a lot of time looking at it doing anything but I can do some fast reading on it when I need (not like I'll ever read a whole book on it, that's why I have an android e-book reader or even my phone in the worst case scenario), browsing the internet fast (ofc it needs to be connected to a phone with a data connection), receive and send messages, reject calls, even some light or not so light gaming, even things as Temple Run 2, can play music when I don't have my phone using a bluetooth headset/speaker), the only thing I miss is a full office suite, really, I am writing a novel at the moment and never know when I get some inspiration and have to write down what I have in my mind pretty fast so I don't forget, would love to just be able to write on the watch and not have to take out my phone for that.
Also I would suggest that if you have the money you should go with a watch that has wi-fi like the G Watch R or Urbane cause then you will be able to use the internet without a phone, also the screen of the G Watch is really bad in the sun, I had a Sony Smartwatch 2 before and that was way more limited software wise (and for that reason had a battery life of over 1 week) but the screen was miles ahead, I could see everything in powerful sun light without even setting the brightness to the maximum, on the G Watch I can barely see anything with the brightness at maximum in not so powerful sun light.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for compiling such a long response for me :thumbup:
As my signature says most of my devices are on 5.1. Moving some game saves across devices works nicely, though moving contacts database involves modifying owner and permission, but not SEL context - to be honest, I don't even know that ever matters.
Sure I don't have many things in mind when it comes to "what to do with GW"... Back when I was using the Gear, I had quite some apps on it, but most of the time I use it as a timekeeper. But not being compatible with ActionBar is so shocking - I can't imagine how many apps I've used on the Gear so nicely won't work with GW, the most important of which are Greenify, LMT and Root Explorer. Looks like I still have to do much research before I decide on a purchase.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
AndyYan said:
Thanks for compiling such a long response for me :thumbup:
As my signature says most of my devices are on 5.1. Moving some game saves across devices works nicely, though moving contacts database involves modifying owner and permission, but not SEL context - to be honest, I don't even know that ever matters.
Sure I don't have many things in mind when it comes to "what to do with GW"... Back when I was using the Gear, I had quite some apps on it, but most of the time I use it as a timekeeper. But not being compatible with ActionBar is so shocking - I can't imagine how many apps I've used on the Gear so nicely won't work with GW, the most important of which are Greenify, LMT and Root Explorer. Looks like I still have to do much research before I decide on a purchase.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just looked at your signature and now I know why you had no problem with moving data from one device to an other: all your devices are running CM so they will all use the same security contexts but CM's security contexts are different from normal stock AOSP's contexts and both are different from the contexts used in Samsung TW ROM's, I can bet that if you try to move the data to a stock nexus or some other device running a manufacturer ROM or an other custom ROM than CM (most do use the same contexts but some don't) you will get into problems. SELinux contexts seem to be now just as important as permissions, sometimes you can get around with the wrong owner but if you have wrong Permissions or SELinux contexts you might mess up more than what you were changing.
Also about the app compatibility thing....I don't really miss many apps that I run on my normal devices, the only one I can actually think of is Titanium Backup (and an office app as I said), I found a good replacement for root explorer in MiXplorer, greenify is totally un-needed and wouldn't be too useful even if it worked (I'm actually not sure if it does or not, to me that layout looked like the action bar is either a non-default implementation so it might work without it) because the xposed installer doesn't work (FC-same reason, action bar) but I think xposed could work if someone adapted the installer (doesn't seem to me that the OS-level differences are so big, it's more of the framework), didn't yet try but just for a lol will flash the xposed lollipop zip and see if I can still boot.
An other option for you might be to buy a Gear S, as far as I can see there is some development going on towards running (initially) android wear on it and further afterwards full android.
Ranomez said:
I just looked at your signature and now I know why you had no problem with moving data from one device to an other: all your devices are running CM so they will all use the same security contexts but CM's security contexts are different from normal stock AOSP's contexts and both are different from the contexts used in Samsung TW ROM's, I can bet that if you try to move the data to a stock nexus or some other device running a manufacturer ROM or an other custom ROM than CM (most do use the same contexts but some don't) you will get into problems. SELinux contexts seem to be now just as important as permissions, sometimes you can get around with the wrong owner but if you have wrong Permissions or SELinux contexts you might mess up more than what you were changing.
Also about the app compatibility thing....I don't really miss many apps that I run on my normal devices, the only one I can actually think of is Titanium Backup (and an office app as I said), I found a good replacement for root explorer in MiXplorer, greenify is totally un-needed and wouldn't be too useful even if it worked (I'm actually not sure if it does or not, to me that layout looked like the action bar is either a non-default implementation so it might work without it) because the xposed installer doesn't work (FC-same reason, action bar) but I think xposed could work if someone adapted the installer (doesn't seem to me that the OS-level differences are so big, it's more of the framework), didn't yet try but just for a lol will flash the xposed lollipop zip and see if I can still boot.
An other option for you might be to buy a Gear S, as far as I can see there is some development going on towards running (initially) android wear on it and further afterwards full android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, you got a good point there. I also move data between one of the CM phones and the TF300TL tablet, but SEL is nonexistent in Android 4.2, so I guess you're right.
Gear S is way out of my reach - if I had that cash I'd buy a ZenWatch, a 360 or even an Omate TrueSmart without hesitation. But thanks for letting me know all this anyway - I choose not to look at GW and Android Wear at this moment.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
AndyYan said:
Hmm, you got a good point there. I also move data between one of the CM phones and the TF300TL tablet, but SEL is nonexistent in Android 4.2, so I guess you're right.
Gear S is way out of my reach - if I had that cash I'd buy a ZenWatch, a 360 or even an Omate TrueSmart without hesitation. But thanks for letting me know all this anyway - I choose not to look at GW and Android Wear at this moment.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could instead look at a Gear Live then, it at least has a heart rate sensor and a way better screen for outdoors and at least in my country it is in the same price range as the G Watch (actually cheaper) but yes, I can't totally recommend android wear as it is right now, it's good enough (at least for me) but I can also see why a normal pure android watch could be way better yet I have faith that this will change.
Also I really can't recommend the Omate or any other MediaTek smart watch as 1st most of them have no resistance to water whatsoever, 2nd they have no support from and 3rd the firmware on them has so many security holes and other flaws it looks like a schweizer.
EDIT: I forgot to say that if you want full android you could search for a SmartQ Z-watch, as far as I know that is a pretty good one and also pretty cheap (on pandawill when it was on "last time sale" it was sold for 30$ and I am talking about the normal not the lite one, the lite one isn't worth it) but I don't think it will be updated anymore, yet android 4.4 is pretty good compared to other android smart watches.
Ranomez said:
You could instead look at a Gear Live then, it at least has a heart rate sensor and a way better screen for outdoors and at least in my country it is in the same price range as the G Watch (actually cheaper) but yes, I can't totally recommend android wear as it is right now, it's good enough (at least for me) but I can also see why a normal pure android watch could be way better yet I have faith that this will change.
Also I really can't recommend the Omate or any other MediaTek smart watch as 1st most of them have no resistance to water whatsoever, 2nd they have no support from and 3rd the firmware on them has so many security holes and other flaws it looks like a schweizer.
EDIT: I forgot to say that if you want full android you could search for a SmartQ Z-watch, as far as I know that is a pretty good one and also pretty cheap (on pandawill when it was on "last time sale" it was sold for 30$ and I am talking about the normal not the lite one, the lite one isn't worth it) but I don't think it will be updated anymore, yet android 4.4 is pretty good compared to other android smart watches.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Z Watch? No thanks, I've tried that *before* the Gear, and I sold it within a week and lost $15 in the process - crappy 1GHz MIPS which is not only slow but also lacks compatibility for almost everything I throw at it - not even a custom launcher or a weather app would work. Omate's MTK is indeed unfavorable, and that's why I haven't already got one. And there aren't many people who sell Gear Live here. Which leaves me zero feasible choice.
I guess I could call it an end to my hunt of smartwatches, until something like Neptune Pine (but thinner and lighter) shows up. Thanks for helping me analyze the situation all this time!
AndyYan said:
Z Watch? No thanks, I've tried that *before* the Gear, and I sold it within a week and lost $15 in the process - crappy 1GHz MIPS which is not only slow but also lacks compatibility for almost everything I throw at it - not even a custom launcher or a weather app would work. Omate's MTK is indeed unfavorable, and that's why I haven't already got one. And there aren't many people who sell Gear Live here. Which leaves me zero feasible choice.
I guess I could call it an end to my hunt of smartwatches, until something like Neptune Pine (but thinner and lighter) shows up. Thanks for helping me analyze the situation all this time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the compatibility thing has changed as ingenic released a compatibility layer (something like libhoudini for intel CPU's) so as far as I can see from a friend's Z Watch it can run almost anything one would throw at it (ok, anything a bit rational, only apps that can actually be useful on a watch) but yes that CPU is not the fastest and the firmware is not really optimized enough so you would need a custom ROM and perhaps some RAM management script like L Speed to get it lag-free yet I can say my friend's z watch behaves pretty well on Dj Droid, it wasn't really lag-free the 2 weeks time we exchanged watches so I could test it but that's just cause I was using xposed and quite a few modules and also had about 100 apps installed, the lag wasn't really the problem for me, the annoying thing for me was the app load times, it would take me up to 1 minute to launch a 3d game.
This being said I would still recommend you to wait for something better, smartwatches right now are good but I see a lot more potential and I am sure in a few years we will see amazing ones, perhaps as good as our older phones in regards to app compatibility and flexibility, who knows, perhaps they'll even be as powerful as our current phones (as far as it goes phones in 1 year will probably be much powerful than our current phones so anything's possible).
EDIT: I also forgot to say that many apps have been adapted for MIPS since then so even without the compatibility layer there are enough apps working on the Z Watch.
Hey, so I posted this in general, but think it may have been the wrong spot.
Anyway, I recently acquired a Will.i.am iAm+ Puls, and want to see if I can load full android on it (it's currently running a forked version of 4.1). It's an awful product, but heck figured it might be fun to try to load full android on it or even android wear and see what I can do. Problem is, it does not look like it has any USB connectivity, so would need some suggestion on how to load it on another way. If anyone knows of any way to that would be great! I'm debating trying to open up the device too (need to get a jewelers screwdriver) and see if there is some form of internal access.
If anyone could provide any guidance that would be great.
For the curious here's some specs (I assume I'd have to make custom build too?):
1.7-inch PMOLED Display
dual core 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon
1GB RAM
16GB of storage
GSM 3G
WiFi
Bluetooth 4.0
GPS
pedometer/accelerometer (not actually sure if it has it.. isn't surfaced in UI)
Did you get anywhere with this? I have a Dial+ which I think is quite similar. They seem to have turned off the map service and Aneeda doesn't seem to do much anymore. I was hoping someone knows how to add some functionality back or even add new apps. I've contacted Iam+ support about getting some developer tools but haven't heard anything back yet.
I was able to use adb to get different apps and launchers onto it, but could never get the functionality I wanted. Screen size is too small, I think this would be best if you could get androidwear on it, but I am not sure how.
You're right, Android Wear would be awesome, the Dial+ is 4G and has 32Gb of internal storage.
If anyone is interested, on the Dial+ to get the developer options menu you first have to go to "About dial" and tap on the kernel version 7 times. After that you can go back up a level in the menu and you'll see the developer options menu is available.
After looking at the Index thread, it seems as if Lollipop 5.1 is the latest version of Android that is safe for an HP Touchpad. Am I understanding this correctly?
Also, if I install that one, does it wipe out WebOS? I guess it doesn't matter if so because from what I'm reading, it's completely outdated and no longer supported. Also, I'm locked out and cannot remember the passcode anyway.
No version of Android is supported on the TouchPad, therefore there isn't a 'safe' version. You'd have most success updating to current (7.1.2+) firmwares. As a TouchPad modder, these versions are the fastest and most supported by Play Store. The initial process of installing 'moboot' for the first time can be daunting, so look into using which ever version of Android is used in jcullins' Toolbox tutorial. Once moboot and TWRP are installed, you can pretty much try whichever rom you want, as this device is near impossible to brick.
Good luck!
mrlaugh01 said:
No version of Android is supported on the TouchPad, therefore there isn't a 'safe' version. You'd have most success updating to current (7.1.2+) firmwares. As a TouchPad modder, these versions are the fastest and most supported by Play Store. The initial process of installing 'moboot' for the first time can be daunting, so look into using which ever version of Android is used in jcullins' Toolbox tutorial. Once moboot and TWRP are installed, you can pretty much try whichever rom you want, as this device is near impossible to brick.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please link me to a/the tutorial for the version you suggested?
ashleyquicik said:
Can you please link me to a/the tutorial for the version you suggested?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try the below link which points to the updated guide on how to install Android on the HP Touchpad.
If you are a newbie on this stuff, you would be a good test on how well this guide is written and if it needs any tweaks to help people follow it with accuracy.
I mean I tested it myself, but I am a "seasoned veteran" LOL, I installed KitKat from this guide and also Nougat the version that was recommend to you. Its all there.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/hp...-guide-alternative-method-to-install-t3575861
DoubleStuff said:
Try the below link which points to the updated guide on how to install Android on the HP Touchpad.
If you are a newbie on this stuff, you would be a good test on how well this guide is written and if it needs any tweaks to help people follow it with accuracy.
I mean I tested it myself, but I am a "seasoned veteran" LOL, I installed KitKat from this guide and also Nougat the version that was recommend to you. Its all there.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/hp...-guide-alternative-method-to-install-t3575861
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) So I got it to install (Evervolv Nougat) and my feedback on the tutorial is that it's a bit of information overload. Not sure how easy it would be to simply it though.
2) I could not find a link for Boost (what is that?) or the Keyboard fix. Can you assist (assuming they can be installed retroactively)? The keyboard, for instance, works in Chrome but does not appear on the home screen when tapping the Google Search Bar.
3) And maybe this should be #1...but this Nougat seems to slow things down considerably. I tried installing the game Run Race 3D for instance and it was unplayable. Would an older Android version speed things up or am I just dealing with old hardware that can't keep up?
ashleyquicik said:
1) So I got it to install (Evervolv Nougat) and my feedback on the tutorial is that it's a bit of information overload. Not sure how easy it would be to simply it though.
2) I could not find a link for Boost (what is that?) or the Keyboard fix. Can you assist (assuming they can be installed retroactively)? The keyboard, for instance, works in Chrome but does not appear on the home screen when tapping the Google Search Bar.
3) And maybe this should be #1...but this Nougat seems to slow things down considerably. I tried installing the game Run Race 3D for instance and it was unplayable. Would an older Android version speed things up or am I just dealing with old hardware that can't keep up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello AshleyQ,
Well along with the step by step, I added a bit of instruction. For example you said, "I could not find a link for Boost (what is that?) or the Keyboard fix." So I will add a little more "overload" of instruction for what Boost Optimized settings are, in my OP at a later date.
But as per your performance. The reason its slow is because you did not load the following ZIP's in the exact sequence the instructions say. I realize its because you could not find the links for boost and keyboard. If you go to HP_TOUCHPAD's "Master List of ZIPs" in the OP of the guide, or I put it below for convenience, you will see the green list below for Nougat 7.1.2, and find the links you were missing earlier.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/hp-touchpad/general/hp-touchpad-optimize-android-swap-t3901773
and once you click link, hit "page down" 3 times and it will get you to the "Master List of Zips"
Evervolv 7.1.2 Android Nougat
1.Click Here to Download the ROM
2.Click Here to Download the Boost Optimized settings with preset CPU Frequency
3.Click here to download Google Open Apps
Select Platform ARM, Android 7.1 and the Variant you want, Pico is recommended
4.Click Here to Download the Keyboard Fix
As per the Boost Settings always start with 1728, and after that is working good, you can try to flash a higher frequency for speed, and you don't have to re-flash everything just the Boost Zip ( like 1782, or 1836 ) file from TWRP recovery. If it freezes screen just go back and flash lower frequency.
So click each link in the OP, and download the said 4 ZIP files, and follow the Original Post again, with these 4 ZIP's ready to go!!! Do not do this retroactively, but start again from scratch.
And you will be able to play the "Run Race 3D" game!!
Look at this link below, a non-gamer like user HP_TOUCHPAD from Florida, played the game Hearthstone!!! I believe you will be able to play "Run Race 3D", but we would love to hear how your results go, and we will be here to help you get a smooth running touchpad that is 100% Android, with SWAP!!!
https://forum.xda-developers.com/hp-touchpad/general/how-to-play-hearthstone-blizzard-t3924170
@HP_TOUCHPAD
Using these downloads from your Master List of Zips, and running my install method.
AshleyQ the OP'er wants to play Run Race 3D game. Now I am not a gamer at all, but you tried with Hearthstone so I will try now, when I download Run Race 3D game I get the attached errors. But I can run YouTube fine, everything seems fine until I run that game ( Run Race 3D ). What are these errors telling you? I waited till SWAP was over 400 Mb, and I used various boost files, first 1782, 1836 and 1728, but with no luck.
I should point out that I had about 10 minutes where I was running the game with smoothness and doing the jumps and winning the races, but then HP Touchpad started to get sluggish with little mini freezes and it threw my timing of the jumps off and I started to lose, then the error came.
Evervolv 7.1.2 Android Nougat
1.Click Here to Download the ROM
2.Click Here to Download the Boost Optimized settings with preset CPU Frequency
3.Click here to download Google Open Apps
Select Platform ARM, Android 7.1 and the Variant you want, Pico is recommended
4.Click Here to Download the Keyboard Fix
p.s. the 2nd pic is kind of hard to read, I just wanted to show that I ran "running services" and it shows 558 MB of SWAP.
DoubleStuff said:
@HP_TOUCHPAD
Using these downloads from your Master List of Zips, and running my install method.
AshleyQ the OP'er wants to play Run Race 3D game. Now I am not a gamer at all, but you tried with Hearthstone so I will try now, when I download Run Race 3D game I get the attached errors. But I can run YouTube fine, everything seems fine until I run that game ( Run Race 3D ). What are these errors telling you? I waited till SWAP was over 400 Mb, and I used various boost files, first 1782, 1836 and 1728, but with no luck.
In the Developers options --.>> Running Services shows Device Memory been use but does not show the swap.
The FREE in gray color shows the available free RAM, but is not the size of the swap file, for example the system can report 485 MB Free RAM and only use 60 MB of swap.
The best way to see how much swap is been use is by connecting the Tablet to PC using usb, open a terminal window and using adb shell then type
free -h
I should point out that I had about 10 minutes where I was running the game with smoothness and doing the jumps and winning the races, but then HP Touchpad started to get sluggish with little mini freezes and it threw my timing of the jumps off and I started to lose, then the error came.
Keep in mind that the free version of this game have Ads, that is a service that is running in the background and when is time to display the ads is another process getting activated. Android is constantly launching background process it does not seem to care if the device is been use, it will take priority.
Evervolv 7.1.2 Android Nougat
1.Click Here to Download the ROM
2.Click Here to Download the Boost Optimized settings with preset CPU Frequency
3.Click here to download Google Open Apps
Select Platform ARM, Android 7.1 and the Variant you want, Pico is recommended
4.Click Here to Download the Keyboard Fix
p.s. the 2nd pic is kind of hard to read, I just wanted to show that I ran "running services" and it shows 558 MB of SWAP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason that I mentioned to wait until it shows 400 MB of free RAM (is not swap) is that Android finishes launching all process and the system is finally "IDLE", it takes that long for Android to finally settle and the Tablet ready to be use..
I just installed the Game, it only took about 73 MB of swap space, but I am testing on DU 9 using completely different settings. I am not a gamer, but it looks very simple, graphics are minimal, it does shows a lot of ads and even launching the Play store to install more games. The issues that I am having is that there is no minimal specification for any App, it only shows the Android version and it will depend on the Device. It will help if an App shows the minimal RAM requirement to run, then the settings can be apply to provide that amount, but is all about guessing. I am not done testing my next settings, I will use this game as a tester.
I applied some settings and tried the game and I won! is very easy to play on the Tablet with a bigger screen but it could be a real challenge on smartphone.
Attached is the screenshot of my victory.
Is work in progress, but the game should play with no issues once I finish the settings.
So what do you guys recommend that I do? I just used Run Race 3d as an example of the sluggishness and really just want an Android version and setup that will give me the best overall (meaning fastest) performance...with games/browsing/etc.
HP_TOUCHPAD said:
I applied some settings and tried the game and I won! is very easy to play on the Tablet with a bigger screen but it could be a real challenge on smartphone.
Attached is the screenshot of my victory.
Is work in progress, but the game should play with no issues once I finish the settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congratulations on the RR3D win! I won a few times myself and the man did a little dance on the screen, but then my HPTP got sluggish and I kept crashing into the walls because when I pressed the screen the man would not jump like I told it too. In fact my setup got to the point I could not even take a screenshot it was too sluggish.
But if @ashleyquicik is reading this, please be patient it seems like HP_TOUCHPAD is working on some Universal performance settings that will work for all ROMs, past present and future. In the meantime you could load JC Sullins KitKat 4.4 ROM you will find that link in the 2nd Master List of zips ( RolandD's ) on below install method. I find for YouTube and Podcast apps this current version of Nougat is fine, but once I start playing "Run Race 3D" it gets sluggish. Be sure to follow directions in flashing the ZIP's in order.
HP_TOUCHPAD is now using the Run Race 3D game as a testing app, so you can be sure sooner or later this game will be working, not to win at the game, but to win and beat the sluggishness!!
This is the classic case of MAN vs. MACHINE!!!
https://forum.xda-developers.com/hp...-guide-alternative-method-to-install-t3575861
DoubleStuff said:
Congratulations on the RR3D win! I won a few times myself and the man did a little dance on the screen, but then my HPTP got sluggish and I kept crashing into the walls because when I pressed the screen the man would not jump like I told it too. In fact my setup got to the point I could not even take a screenshot it was too sluggish.
After the first stage of the game was over and I selected to play again, then what seems to be an Advertisement came up, but it was only a black screen, then the image show trying to trick me on touching to install another game, there was no way of getting out of it, then the Play store got launch by itself and then I had to close both. There is a difference when you the user open many apps and place them on the background and when two apps are running at same time, is too much to ask for a 1GB RAM device.
But if @ashleyquicik is reading this, please be patient it seems like HP_TOUCHPAD is working on some Universal performance settings that will work for all ROMs, past present and future. In the meantime you could load JC Sullins KitKat 4.4 ROM you will find that link in the 2nd Master List of zips ( RolandD's ) on below install method. I find for YouTube and Podcast apps this current version of Nougat is fine, but once I start playing "Run Race 3D" it gets sluggish. Be sure to follow directions in flashing the ZIP's in order.
I will provide the settings but I do not want to send the wrong signal as it will allow for any apps, specially games to play. Android's apps are extremely buggy even on the stock devices, just search for an issue and you will find how many users are experiencing the problem and none are related to the HP TP, just regular devices.
HP_TOUCHPAD is now using the Run Race 3D game as a testing app, so you can be sure sooner or later this game will be working, not to win at the game, but to win and beat the sluggishness!!
As you have tested yourself the game will play, you won. It is a very basic game with low graphics., but it provides HUGE Ads and also any other apps that you have installed on the Tablet will impact performance. The sluggishness comes as background services that becomes active, that is why as soon as you connect the Tablet to WiFi, it will slow down, just check Running Services and you see them all, opening and closing plus the google apps updates, it will happen even if the CPU is at full capacity and low ram available, is the way Android works.
This is the classic case of MAN vs. MACHINE!!!
I will call it MAN vs Google!
Here is the explanation for that, I will try to keep it short.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/hp...-guide-alternative-method-to-install-t3575861
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android Apps are written in Java, Google does not want to pay license feeds as is offering the OS for free and making revenue on the data it collect from the devices for Ads placement, each device is a Digital Billboard that Google charge for displaying time to companies promoting their services or products.
If you have experience running a Virtual Machine on the Desktop, then it should be easy to understand the concept. Android apps are running inside an open source virtual machine " Dalvik" to run the java code and be display on the screen. To virtualize an OS on the desktop if the PC has 6 GB of RAM, and the guess OS requires a minimum of 4 GB to run, then it must be configure and there will only be 2GB left on the Host OS. Then the speed will degrade for low RAM resources and the HOST can not be use for nothing else. Once the Guess OS has done its job, it can be close down and the Host OS will function normally. But if the correct amount of RAM is not allocated to the Guess it will not boot, or shutdown. That is the same that happen in HP TP with Android, and those settings are apply manually in the build.prop by the manufacture. Everything in Android must be configure manually as the OS is too basic and primitive all settings are device specific according to screen resolution, size and amount of RAM ( Memory ).
Hopefully I explained it or compare it, easy to understand.
HP_TOUCHPAD said:
Android Apps are written in Java, Google does not want to pay license feeds as is offering the OS for free and making revenue on the data it collect from the devices for Ads placement, each device is a Digital Billboard that Google charge for displaying time to companies promoting their services or products.
If you have experience running a Virtual Machine on the Desktop, then it should be easy to understand the concept. Android apps are running inside an open source virtual machine " Dalvik" to run the java code and be display on the screen. To virtualize an OS on the desktop if the PC has 6 GB of RAM, and the guess OS requires a minimum of 4 GB to run, then it must be configure and there will only be 2GB left on the Host OS. Then the speed will degrade for low RAM resources and the HOST can not be use for nothing else. Once the Guess OS has done its job, it can be close down and the Host OS will function normally. But if the correct amount of RAM is not allocated to the Guess it will not boot, or shutdown. That is the same that happen in HP TP with Android, and those settings are apply manually in the build.prop by the manufacture. Everything in Android must be configure manually as the OS is too basic and primitive all settings are device specific according to screen resolution, size and amount of RAM ( Memory ).
Hopefully I explained it or compare it, easy to understand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So having said that...and to sort of reiterate some of what I wrote in my last post, what is arguably the best ROM/procedure to have the best overall performance?
ashleyquicik said:
So having said that...and to sort of reiterate some of what I wrote in my last post, what is arguably the best ROM/procedure to have the best overall performance?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It all depends of the intended use from the user.
Does it needs to have a working:
Bluetooth ?
Reliable WiFi ?
Camera ?
Android compatibility with a special App ?
Android Versions are different and that sets the ROM apart, it will not be comparing Apples to Apples from different versions.
If you check my guide I have optimized 7.1.2, 8.1 and 9 to use swap and all those three versions works very similar.
One of the reason that I will be doing an Universal Setting and retro-fit older ROM, is to show that the Tablet will work similar with different ROMs.
I should probably make a version that is completely optimized only for games, that will required to delete unnecessary Android system process and RAM could be about 600 MB Free.
Does it needs to have a working:
Bluetooth ? Yes
Reliable WiFi ? YES
Camera ? Yes
Games really aren't necessary because I'm giving this tablet to someone that won't be gaming.
ashleyquicik said:
Does it needs to have a working:
Bluetooth ? Yes
Reliable WiFi ? YES
Camera ? Yes
Games really aren't necessary because I'm giving this tablet to someone that won't be gaming.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I started reading your thread from the beginning as I though that it was all about the 3d racer game.
You have a Tablet that would like to give to someone that has WebOS installed and also another Android version on it, which is 7.1.2 and you found it to be slow.
My recommendations for a newest ROM is the same as everyone on here recommended Evervolv 7.1.2 Android Nougat. You could use older ROMs but some basic apps may not work.
Previously @DoubleStuff provided the information on how to installed Evervolv 7.1.2 and also provided the link to my guide that with instructions.
If you flashed the Automatic_Wipe_All, then the Tablet is 100 % Android with swap and WebOS is gone, which will provide more storage space on the Tablet.
As per my guide the proper way to flash all the zip files provided is as follow:
Evervolv 7.1.2 Android Nougat
1.Click Here to Download the ROM
2.Click Here to Download the Boost Optimized settings with preset CPU Frequency
3.Click here to download Google Open Apps
Select Platform ARM, Android 7.1 and the Variant you want, Pico is recommended
4.Click Here to Download the Keyboard Fix​
The Boost optimized settings link (2) will give you the option to download 5 different CPU frequency, start with 1728 after you set up the tablet then try a higher speed, the fastest is 1836, if the Tablet boot into Android after flashing 1836 and use some apps and does not freeze then keep using it, if it reboots or freeze then flash 1782 if still not stable keep flashing lower frequencies.
To have a properly working camera, install this app:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.sourceforge.opencamera&hl=en_US
If you have any issues just ask.
ashleyquicik said:
Does it needs to have a working:
Bluetooth ? Yes
Reliable WiFi ? YES
Camera ? Yes
Games really aren't necessary because I'm giving this tablet to someone that won't be gaming.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well as I talked about in another thread where HP_TOUCHPAD wants to start retrofitting old ROM's with SWAP and Universal boost settings, there is a ROM that most agree is the "greatest ROM of all time", but its an old version of Android called KitKat 4.4.4 by JC Sullins and you can find the link here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2712680
Now one version later Lollipop 5.1 ( or 12.1 CM ) this same developer JC Sullins created a Lollipop ROM, that HP_TOUCHPAD is working on retrofitting: As @HP_TOUCHPAD said in a previous thread about this retrofit.
"...I Applied all optimization to CM 12.1, but testing. The only problem that I am experiencing is if I open about 8 to 9 apps and then press the square, next to home, it will reboot. I do not know if is the ROM or my settings.
But overall works great with swap. Will be posting new optimized settings, soon...." -HP_TOUCHPAD
And if I am not mistaken he may have finished it, but its not posted yet in his MASTER ZIP's list
What I recommend you do AshelyQ because its so easy and quick to install ROMs with our install methods, I would install KitKat above and test it for a day or two, then install another one maybe 7.1.2 and again test it, and maybe even another. And then you can pick the one you think meets you or your friends needs the best and stick with that ROM.
I am going to install HP_TOUCHPAD's retrofitted Lollipop ROM ( when HP_TOUCHPAD posts the settings ) and try to run "Run Race 3D" on it....I will report back with my findings.
HP_TOUCHPAD said:
<-SNIP->
To have a properly working camera, install this app:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.sourceforge.opencamera&hl=en_US
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Click to collapse
Hmm ... I still get critical camera errors, even with the Open Camera app, even after a couple of reboots.
Do Not Touch said:
Hmm ... I still get critical camera errors, even with the Open Camera app, even after a couple of reboots.
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The stock camera App of 7.1.2 works, but colors and orientation shows incorrectly, but it works on Open Camera.
DoubleStuff said:
...snip....
I am going to install HP_TOUCHPAD's retrofitted Lollipop ROM ( when HP_TOUCHPAD posts the settings ) and try to run "Run Race 3D" on it....I will report back with my findings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I have not tested JC Sullins Lollipop ROM with Universal settings yet, but I just installed JC Sullins 4.4 without swap or any special settings, just the ROM and the GApps, and I am happy to report the "Run Race 3d" game went well, I made it to the BONUS Level and earned 146 coins with lots pomp and circumstance, and was getting adds everytime I completed a race, but I waited 5 seconds then pressed the "X" and things went well. So now I am very curious how these old "great" Android versions will work with HP TOUCHPAD'S Universal settings.
3 days ago I was not a gamer, but I guess I am now!!! LOL The HP Touchpad even had enough memory to take a screen shot.