[Q] Do I need A Custom rom - Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Do I really NEED a custom rom for the following.
I want to nuke all bloatware (short of moto blur I am actually interested in using that)
Make my phone look like something from these Custom Themes
Watch Movies on Netflix and Hulu
Potentially use a tethering app.
Playing angry birds until oblivion.
I guess my main worry is breaking my device and not being able to recover it from its damaged state.

The best way to properly get rid of bloatware (imo) is to install a custom ROM -- plus there are performance tweaks that the devs tend to include. Spend some time reading up the threads in the dev forum before you make you're decision though, because once you start there's no way of going back.

ertDeath said:
Do I really NEED a custom rom for the following.
I want to nuke all bloatware (short of moto blur I am actually interested in using that)
Make my phone look like something from these Custom Themes
Watch Movies on Netflix and Hulu
Potentially use a tethering app.
Playing angry birds until oblivion.
I guess my main worry is breaking my device and not being able to recover it from its damaged state.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, but you will need to make modifications to your phone.
Most of it you will just need root access (and root applications like Titanium backup to freeze some bloat, root explorer to modify/delete files, sqlite to modify db files, etc.
Netflix works standard, hulu requires some mods
tethering apps just mainly need root or the tethering apn mod
never played angry birds so can't help you there..
the only thing that's more complex is the custom themes - you can change around the launcher (launcher pro, go launcher) and use their themes, and make other widget modifications yourself.
BUT alot of atrix ported custom themes you see in our theme/app forum require a deodexed rom. Most custom roms are deodexed, stock is not but there are ways to deodex it without installing a custom rom.

mysticdrew said:
No, but you will need to make modifications to your phone.
Most of it you will just need root access (and root applications like Titanium backup to freeze some bloat, root explorer to modify/delete files, sqlite to modify db files, etc.
Netflix works standard, hulu requires some mods
tethering apps just mainly need root or the tethering apn mod
never played angry birds so can't help you there..
the only thing that's more complex is the custom themes - you can change around the launcher (launcher pro, go launcher) and use their themes, and make other widget modifications yourself.
BUT alot of atrix ported custom themes you see in our theme/app forum require a deodexed rom. Most custom roms are deodexed, stock is not but there are ways to deodex it without installing a custom rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Netflix is the one with issues....Hulu works perfect and works without being rooted.

rusreid said:
Netflix is the one with issues....Hulu works perfect and works without being rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, netflix works perfectly stock for GB. It only need a mod back in froyo, but even that has changed and now is supported fine. hulu plus is all good but hulu.com requires a mod to play it's videos.

ertDeath said:
Do I really NEED a custom rom for the following.
I want to nuke all bloatware (short of moto blur I am actually interested in using that)
Make my phone look like something from these Custom Themes
Watch Movies on Netflix and Hulu
Potentially use a tethering app.
Playing angry birds until oblivion.
I guess my main worry is breaking my device and not being able to recover it from its damaged state.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's nice to see women interested in Custom ROMS.

Its hard to individually freeze components without possibly breaking things, you might not find out you've broken something until later. Check the freezing thread its hilarious 'oh I froze yahoo now when I try to add a contact it force closes' etc.
IMO just go custom, say alien, as that has the bloat package (i.e. restore motoblur functinoality). They've done all the hard yards for you.

Related

I've rooted, ROM'd & OC'd...now what??

Hey all,
I've recently rooted and I'm loving it. Quick background, I've recently rooted using the erisuser1 tutorial at android forums (VERY VERY helpful thank you!). I demo'd a few different ROMs, and decided I really wanted to keep some SenseUI feel, so ended up with xtrSense 4.2. It's worked really well for me, but I may be trying more in the near future (recommendations are welcome!). After the load, I've also utilized SetCPU for OC'ing, which was the main impetus for rooting. Has that ever made a difference! However, the question remains, what next? First, there are a couple things I know I want to do...
1. Remove stock apps: xtrSense did a nice job of removing a lot of bloatware from the OS, but some still remain, i.e. Amazon MP3 and teeter. It seems the xtrSense ROM included scripts for use in GScript to remove these, but I have yet to get them to work when following the steps outlined in the xtrSense post here at XDA. Has anyone had success using this method? If not, shouldn't the mere fact that I have root give me access to removing these programs via another method? What other apps/processes are used to remove stock apps once root is achieved? Any help would be awesome.
2. A2SD, C2SD & C2C: Does anyone use these processes? If so, how has it been achieved? Again, it seems the xtrSense 4.2 ROM included scripts for use in GScript to added this functionality, but I have never seen an increase in internal memory after using the scripts. I have undertaken the prereq that is partitioning my SD card, and have yet to see any success. Have others been successful using this or another process to achieve A2SD, C2SD or C2C? If so, how? Also, are there any cons to doing any of these? Any help in this regard would be MUCH appreciated.
3. What have YOU done post-root? I'm very very happy with what root, ROM and OC has done for the speed and battery life of my phone. However, I'm certain there are a million more tweaks that can be done to improve the speed and user experience of this cool little device, and I would be love to hear what others have done to further enjoy using the Droid Eris. What are your recommendations? Feel free to let me know!
Ok, any help in these areas would be really appreciated. Thanks for reading through this long post, and know that I am also happy to share any knowledge in regards to the steps I have already taken to get to this point.
Thank you!
Make the rom your own! mess with the theme, install bootanimations, make your own boot.
Change the splash screen (skateboard screen) don't be afraid to mess with the system just make sure you do nandroid backups. Try to figure how to add the features by yourself, struggle with it a little, that's always fun. Follow a few tutorials, like when I was starting there wasn't much documentation on how to enable a2sd by changing the boot.img so I had fun figuring that out.
Hope this gives you a few ideas ;p
Edit: if you going to be messing with phone I would suggest adding a linux partition to your computer if you are a windows person. Makes your life easier no need to worry about drivers etc
Sent from my Eris using XDA App
Agree, wholeheartedly! I've been rooted since July, and have learned a lot using this forum. It's great to be able to change the boot logo screen, boot animations, etc. You can also improve battery life, increase speed, etc. After root, it's like having a new phone, and you have a greater sense of control over your device each time you learn something new. Have fun!
ckfalls said:
1. Remove stock apps: xtrSense did a nice job of removing a lot of bloatware from the OS, but some still remain, i.e. Amazon MP3 and teeter. It seems the xtrSense ROM included scripts for use in GScript to remove these, but I have yet to get them to work when following the steps outlined in the xtrSense post here at XDA. Has anyone had success using this method? If not, shouldn't the mere fact that I have root give me access to removing these programs via another method? What other apps/processes are used to remove stock apps once root is achieved? Any help would be awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know what to tell you, as removing stock applications with zach.xtr's Gscript process has always worked flawlessly for me. You may want to upgrade to the new xtrSENSE4.6 Beta that is out (you can find it by browser the more recent posts at the end of the xtrSENSE thread--Zach posted a link).
All I can say is that, when using Gscripts, make sure that you have "Needs SU?" checked. Aside from that, you just need to load Zach's scripts into Gscripts. After you load the scripts, have you pressed them? Just because you've loaded them into Gscripts doesn't mean they've run. You actually need to press on them to run them.
ckfalls said:
2. A2SD, C2SD & C2C: Does anyone use these processes? If so, how has it been achieved? Again, it seems the xtrSense 4.2 ROM included scripts for use in GScript to added this functionality, but I have never seen an increase in internal memory after using the scripts. I have undertaken the prereq that is partitioning my SD card, and have yet to see any success. Have others been successful using this or another process to achieve A2SD, C2SD or C2C? If so, how? Also, are there any cons to doing any of these? Any help in this regard would be MUCH appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used all of them at various points in time--I used to use A2SD and C2SD, but ever since C2C was developed I've had no need. In xtrSENSE4.2, I'm pretty sure C2C is enabled by default. So, you don't need to worry about it UNLESS you're running low on disk space. If you're running low, how many apps do you have installed (you should be able to store ~100 with C2C)?
ckfalls said:
3. What have YOU done post-root? I'm very very happy with what root, ROM and OC has done for the speed and battery life of my phone. However, I'm certain there are a million more tweaks that can be done to improve the speed and user experience of this cool little device, and I would be love to hear what others have done to further enjoy using the Droid Eris. What are your recommendations? Feel free to let me know!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My recommendation would be NOT to use SetCPU. I've found that running both of Zach's Gscripts for Max and Min CPU Speed has worked better--you won't need to wait for SetCPU to load up, be granted Superuser Permission, and then adjust your clock settings on boot. Plus, you'll have one less process running at all times, increasing performance.
Additionally, you may want to take a look at the xtrSENSE4.6 Beta that I mentioned previously. New, in that version, is the first ever inclusion of Collins_ph's Battery Tweak. Previously, it could only be used with Froyo ROMs. Enabling and configuring the utility will increase battery life because it gradually turns down the speed on your processor proportionally as your battery drains.
In terms of making the ROM "your own," I'd take a look in the Theme's thread. I can't provide you a list of everything that will work on xtrSENSE, but I can confirm that both the Minimal Matte Grey and Touch of Legend MetaMorph Themes do work for xtrSENSE. Also, you may want to check out LauncherPro (Plus), if you haven't already (www.launcherpro.com)... I absolutely love LauncherPro Plus, but I'm not "actively" using it. I'm really waiting on Fede to develop acceptable Photo and Music widgets to replace HTC's Sense Widgets (if anyone has suggestions on existing replacements, please let me know...). Having said that, I run a secondary "experimental" ROM on weekend--I run xtrROM with LauncherPro Plus. If you do decide to use LauncherPro, then I'd really recommend taking a look at xtrROM verses xtrSENSE.
Also, if you're a Sense fan, you might want to check out the newest version of KaosLegendary, V18. This is a port of a Tiawanese leaked version of HTC's forecoming Wildfire Sense UI. This is an Alpha Build at the moment and there are a few nagging issues, but it's neat just to use for half a day on the weekend to see how Froyo Sense will eventually pan out.
Finally, take a look at some of the Froyo ROMs that are built around CyanogenMod 6.0 (e.g. CELB Froyo; KaosFroyo; Tazz Froyo; and I think ShadowROM). Maybe you'll find that you like CyanogenMod better than Sense and stick with that?
Good luck!
P.S. In the future, you're probably better off posting something like this in the Q&A section.
I highly reccommend downloading Titanium and running a batch back up of all your apps and data. When you flash a new rom you can download Titanium again and restore your apps and settings (saves a lot of time if you become a flashaholic). Also grab Root Explorer. It's an app that allows you to access your sd card and your rom system. Wana change your boot animation? Save the file to your sd, open Root Explorer, copy it from the sd to data/local and reboot. Same goes for stock apps. Locate them and delete. Another valuable app is a terminal emulator. Open it up, type SU to obtain superuser permission, then a2sd check. This will tell you if a2sd is functioning correctly. Type a2sd help for a list of commands to use if it's not working.
Always Nand back up and you can flash any rom you want, play with it, screw it up, who cares....nand restore and you're back to point A. I highly reccommend trying a few Froyo roms. You'll need to partition your sd back to all fat32 or it wont recognize it. Froyo is faster than 2.1 and has a stock (somewhat different) a2sd. KaosLegendary is the only current Froyo rom with sense but it's fun to play with. WARNING - many users have bricked their phones using Clockwork. Some people love it but I'm afraid of it.
If you haven't already, try ADW or Launcher Pro. Once you decide you hate one and love the other (this will happen), you wont even miss sense.
Also download Metamorph and Busybox. You'll need these to theme your rom of choice (unless you find a flashable theme).
Now, put your phone down, get back to work, and for God's sake tell your wife you love her. You haven't even talked to her in weeks!!
Sent from my nonsensikal froyo using XDA App
joshw0000 said:
I highly reccommend downloading Titanium and running a batch back up of all your apps and data. When you flash a new rom you can download Titanium again and restore your apps and settings (saves a lot of time if you become a flashaholic).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great post! +1 on Titantium Backup and Root Explorer--I use both.
Just a note: With Titanium Backup, I recommend scheduling it to backup both Apps + System Data and syncing it with Dropbox. This way, if something should happen, like your SD Card becomes corrupt and you can't Nand Restore, you'll be able to reflash your current ROM and Restore all Apps + System Data, since you're having a scheduled backup taken and stored in your Dropbox folder as well.
Having said that, when flashing a NEW ROM or UPGRADING, remember to Restore "Apps + Data" but NOT to do the "Restore Apps + System Data." This will ensure that if the developer of your ROM has changed any system files, they won't be messed up. Sure, it'll take you 10-15 minutes to get your ROM the way you want (e.g. Home Screens, Systems Sounds, Notifications, etc.) but it's worth it to know that everything will work properly. Since your applications and their set up have nothing to do with the ROM, you can rest easily knowing that at least they'll come back configured as you left them for the most part.
KarateExplosion6 said:
Great post! +1 on Titantium Backup and Root Explorer--I use both.
Just a note: With Titanium Backup, I recommend scheduling it to backup both Apps + System Data and syncing it with Dropbox. This way, if something should happen, like your SD Card becomes corrupt and you can't Nand Restore, you'll be able to reflash your current ROM and Restore all Apps + System Data, since you're having a scheduled backup taken and stored in your Dropbox folder as well.
Having said that, when flashing a NEW ROM or UPGRADING, remember to Restore "Apps + Data" but NOT to do the "Restore Apps + System Data." This will ensure that if the developer of your ROM has changed any system files, they won't be messed up. Sure, it'll take you 10-15 minutes to get your ROM the way you want (e.g. Home Screens, Systems Sounds, Notifications, etc.) but it's worth it to know that everything will work properly. Since your applications and their set up have nothing to do with the ROM, you can rest easily knowing that at least they'll come back configured as you left them for the most part.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perfectly explained, nice job sir. This should be in the rollup!! Too many people make the mistake of restoring sys data from a older rom to newer, have to watch that. Rollup
My article at http://jonsuh.com/2010/09/make-your-droid-eris-faster-smoother-and-increase-battery-life-how-to/ will give you a whole mess of ideas of what you can do post-root. Hope this article helps!
Remember, these are just my suggestions, they are not necessarily the law. Some may disagree with my suggestions, some may work well for you, other may not as well as one may think. They are just pointers to get you in the right direction
KarateExplosion6 said:
I don't know what to tell you, as removing stock applications with zach.xtr's Gscript process has always worked flawlessly for me. You may want to upgrade to the new xtrSENSE4.6 Beta that is out (you can find it by browser the more recent posts at the end of the xtrSENSE thread--Zach posted a link).
All I can say is that, when using Gscripts, make sure that you have "Needs SU?" checked. Aside from that, you just need to load Zach's scripts into Gscripts. After you load the scripts, have you pressed them? Just because you've loaded them into Gscripts doesn't mean they've run. You actually need to press on them to run them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, the tapping!! That did it. Also messed around (again) with titanium to get it to work, fig'd that out as well. Rookie mistakes...
KarateExplosion6 said:
I've used all of them at various points in time--I used to use A2SD and C2SD, but ever since C2C was developed I've had no need. In xtrSENSE4.2, I'm pretty sure C2C is enabled by default. So, you don't need to worry about it UNLESS you're running low on disk space. If you're running low, how many apps do you have installed (you should be able to store ~100 with C2C)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you're right C2C is default, I guess I'm just not certain if it's working. Apparently, there are two blocks on internal storage being used for apps in 4.2: /data/ and /cache/. I have 56mb free according to internal memory settings (/data/??) and 87.7 of 130mb used in /cache/ according to the report setting gscript Zach made. According to AppBrain I currently have 33 apps installed. 33 apps, ~100mb used already? Average of 3mb per app?? That just didn't seem right to me...maybe I'm just plain wrong. Opinions welcome!!
KarateExplosion6 said:
My recommendation would be NOT to use SetCPU. I've found that running both of Zach's Gscripts for Max and Min CPU Speed has worked better--you won't need to wait for SetCPU to load up, be granted Superuser Permission, and then adjust your clock settings on boot. Plus, you'll have one less process running at all times, increasing performance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I may try that, although in full disclosure, my main reason for rooting and OC'ing was for running game console emulators. They run SO much better since OC'ing. I did try Zach's max out of the box (710 max?), but I find that my SetCPU main setting of 768,528 during normal usage makes operation even more smooth and especially works best when emulating. I want to OC even when battery is lowering until it gets to the condition threshold i set in SetCPU (amount or temp). But I still may try his scripts and lose SetCPU, thanks for the idea.
KarateExplosion6 said:
In terms of making the ROM "your own," I'd take a look in the Theme's thread. I can't provide you a list of everything that will work on xtrSENSE, but I can confirm that both the Minimal Matte Grey and Touch of Legend MetaMorph Themes do work for xtrSENSE. Also, you may want to check out LauncherPro (Plus), if you haven't already I absolutely love LauncherPro Plus, but I'm not "actively" using it. I'm really waiting on Fede to develop acceptable Photo and Music widgets to replace HTC's Sense Widgets (if anyone has suggestions on existing replacements, please let me know...). Having said that, I run a secondary "experimental" ROM on weekend--I run xtrROM with LauncherPro Plus. If you do decide to use LauncherPro, then I'd really recommend taking a look at xtrROM verses xtrSENSE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So here's my questions with this: Don't apps like MetaMorph and Launcher run on top of everything that the ROM already has going on, thus adding another cumbersome running process to the already limited hardware? Wouldn't running this be akin to having two GUI's on the phone, or am I looking at this the wrong way? I'm assuming that's why you recommend switching to the more vanilla xtrROM, but maybe I'm off.
I also do badly want to try some additional ROM's once I have the time. The leaked Froyo with Sense ROM does sound intriguing and I may pursue that next.
Thanks for all the help, really appreciate the replies!
Will go the Q&A route next time too, thanks.
KarateExplosion6 said:
Great post! +1 on Titantium Backup and Root Explorer--I use both.
Just a note: With Titanium Backup, I recommend scheduling it to backup both Apps + System Data and syncing it with Dropbox. This way, if something should happen, like your SD Card becomes corrupt and you can't Nand Restore, you'll be able to reflash your current ROM and Restore all Apps + System Data, since you're having a scheduled backup taken and stored in your Dropbox folder as well.
Having said that, when flashing a NEW ROM or UPGRADING, remember to Restore "Apps + Data" but NOT to do the "Restore Apps + System Data." This will ensure that if the developer of your ROM has changed any system files, they won't be messed up. Sure, it'll take you 10-15 minutes to get your ROM the way you want (e.g. Home Screens, Systems Sounds, Notifications, etc.) but it's worth it to know that everything will work properly. Since your applications and their set up have nothing to do with the ROM, you can rest easily knowing that at least they'll come back configured as you left them for the most part.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great thank you both! I will take both of these posts into account when using Titanium before I go further down the ROM rabbit hole.

[RELEASE] Blackhole 0.6 Custom Rom Beta 11/9 update *Extra Apps Link*

This is my first Custom Rom guys, so all feedback is appreciated, even if you think it sucks. which you might....
PRESENTING:
BLACKHOLE CUSTOM ROM
*Disclaimer*
I am not responsible for any damage you do to your phone, any issues you have with this ROM, or anything in general. This is provided as is and I will do my best to support this, but make no promises. This rom SHOULD WORK on any kernel or flashed over any other custom rom, or even stock, but has not been tested on all. If you flash this without wiping data all of your downloaded apps will still be on the phone, this will only remove the stock apps. If you flash any themes without these enhancements through clockworkmod recovery you will most likely remove the 15 second backlight and power button options, however metamorph themes may or may not remove these enhancements.
*End of disclaimer*
This is a project of mine because even the cleanest custom rom was never clean enough for me. I want my device to be fully customized and this was the best way I saw to do it, so I wanted to share.
This rom has almost nothing built into it. the easiest way to tell you what I removed is actually to tell you what is left...
Remaining apps:
Camera
Gmail
Market
Phone
Settings
Superuser
Task Manager
Voice Search
Swype
LauncherPro
Features:
15 Second softkey backlight
Reboot, Recovery, and Download options in the power button menu
Ultralite rom built for ultimate customization
Thats it. Once you install this as a barebones custom rom, I make it easy to install the apps that you want. I do this so that people like me can have only what they want. All you have to do is create a folder called "apps" (case sensitive) on your sdcard and copy all the .apk files you want installed as System apps into it. Then just unzip the attached folder anywhere, and run the <InstallApps.bat> file inside it.
Due to Facebook, Myspace and Twitter Sync requiring too much extra programs to run properly I will not be supporting it for the current versions of Blackhole. Once our great Devs figure out how to get AOSP running on this phone then you will be able to sync them all with their own downloaded apps, until then, it will not be a feature of this ROM. Sorry if this puts anyone off, but the point of this rom is space, speed, and battery life. SNS is just too bulky to be included.
You can get the app files from other custom roms, by unzipping them and looking in the /system/app directory or just around on the board.
Please let me know if you have any questions, or chat me up in IRC channel #samsung-fascinate on freenode.
If you need any app suggestions to replace the ones missing from this ROM please post and I will reply as soon as I can.
Changelog:
v0.3 - Standard download is Stock Theme, and the Blackmod Enhanced theme is a seperate clockwork zip. I also removed a few extra background apps.
v0.4 - Removed A LOT of background apps, including all DRM apps, and the Media Sync(MTP) mode (because, lets face it, no one who uses a custom rom is going to sync DRM tracks from windows media player)
Do not turn on Google Location Services, it will force close. This doesn't affect your GPS accuracy or lock time.
Removed accessibility aps (Kickback, Talkback, Soundback) they are all available in the market.
v0.4.1 - Added default MMS app back to fix issues with MMS not being delivered.
v0.5 - Removed several more background apps.
v0.6 - Removed even more background apps. My phone is still running fine but please let me know if you have issues. I have added the TouchWizCalendarProvider.apk into my Extra Apps link because it is required to reinstall the calendar properly.
This is still very much a Beta Rom, you may have force close issues, and if you try to access something that has been removed, you WILL get a force close. If there is something removed that you wish was still there i'm sorry, i'm working really hard to get this ready as a base for my Rom Manager Build-Your-Own-Rom idea, and that means removing everything possible. I will be glad to provide app names if something you want isn't working. please reply to this thread with any issues you have and I will try my best to work them out.
Download
Version 0.2
Version 0.3
Version 0.4.1
Version 0.5
Version 0.6
Theme:
Blackmod Enhanced
Extra Apps:
https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B7pPUTbhkF4RZDg1ZjI4ZTMtYTA3My00ZmExLWJkODEtNDUyMWU5MzQyZDU5&hl=en
I take no credit for these, I simply put them all together in an easy to access space, for people not quite savvy enough to pull them from a system dump themselves. The AOSP apps and Stock Deodexed Apps can be installed using the installer method above, the custom apps need to be installed through Clockwork Mod Recovery just like the ROM. If i'm missing something you want added let me know and I will add it to the extra apps link if I can find it.
Thanks:
Jt1134 for script help and the Super Clean rom series that inspired me
Deodexed for the custom boot and shutdown animations
Nintendo and Square-Enix for the boot and shutdown audio
tigers4life and utermensh for their work on the extra power button options
wasupwithuman for the extended softkey backlight mod
stanrc for the BlackmodF metamorph theme
Frost for his help with integrating the mods into the theme
DlongB13 for initial testing
PhoenixPath for frequent testing, troubleshooting, and feedback.
and everyone else who helped me along the way
__________________
If you like my work, please consider donating a little to help cover my hosting costs. Thanks.
Does it still have the built in messaging app?
Nice job! However, may I suggest a different name for this ROM? When I see Barebones 0.2 I thought it would be an update to the existing ROM that birdman made, this is pretty different.
it does not. the rom is not meant to be used as is, but to be customized by each person who downloads it. you can download chomp sms or handcent sms from the market, or get the stock messaging app from frostman's deodexed rom or the aosp messaging app from JT's Super Clean .04 rom and install it using the instructions in the first post.
aphelion02 said:
Nice job! However, may I suggest a different name for this ROM? When I see Barebones 0.2 I thought it would be an update to the existing ROM that birdman made, this is pretty different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh yeah, that's what he named his TEST20 kernel isn't it. hmm. any suggestions anyone?
I suggest something like "skeleton" or "minimalist" or just "simple ROM". I like the sound of "Simple Rom" myself.
Clarification
I really like the idea you have. The only suggestion I would make is, for those not savvy enough to dig up system dumps, etc to find the needed .apks, maybe adding a folder called "Apks" to the rom (in which you would find all the stock removed apks), so you just copy/paste into the "sdcard" folder you create. Again, kudos to your idea of a 'build-your-own-rom' rom you have here.
ludionis said:
I really like the idea you have. The only suggestion I would make is, for those not savvy enough to dig up system dumps, etc to find the needed .apks, maybe adding a folder called "Apks" to the rom (in which you would find all the stock removed apks), so you just copy/paste into the "sdcard" folder you create. Again, kudos to your idea of a 'build-your-own-rom' rom you have here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, I appreciate that. And we are actually somewhat on the same page. this is the first dev work i've ever done and i'm learning as I go. my goal is to have this rom in Rom Manager, with custom download options like some roms have on other phones. for example you pick the Blackhole Rom, then select your version, and then it asks you which launcher you want, then which messaging app, then which contacts app, etc. that way you can choose from a list when you download it, or choose "no thanks" and get a different one yourself.
Not a fan of the theme but thanks!
I will release a stock theme update tomorrow.
Sent from my fascinate running Blackhole Custom ROM http://db.tt/oFaeWb0
love the idea but a bit too bare for me. FC's when opening contacts through phone and no stock mms. maybe ill give it a try when i have time to customize it myself
sonofskywalker3 said:
Thank you, I appreciate that. And we are actually somewhat on the same page. this is the first dev work i've ever done and i'm learning as I go. my goal is to have this rom in Rom Manager, with custom download options like some roms have on other phones. for example you pick the Blackhole Rom, then select your version, and then it asks you which launcher you want, then which messaging app, then which contacts app, etc. that way you can choose from a list when you download it, or choose "no thanks" and get a different one yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like the idea!
Sent from my de-binged fascinate!
Rom has been updated and I will be requesting Rom Manager access today.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Great idea in my opinion.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
It has a lot of potential, still would like to see original mms app as well as the original contacts app.
ryude said:
It has a lot of potential, still would like to see original mms app as well as the original contacts app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All of that will be available soon after I get listed on Rom manager. it's much easier that way than trying to post apk files on this topic. If you can't wait that long JT has the stock mms app already in rom manager and the mesmerize contacts app is in a topic on the forums here. it's the same as stock except a few new features.
Sorry, probably a dumb question, but am I correct in assuming that because there's no mention of TouchWiz, you've replaced it with LP?
Sent from my Clean Voodoo Fascinate using XDA App
iceman1183 said:
Sorry, probably a dumb question, but am I correct in assuming that because there's no mention of TouchWiz, you've replaced it with LP?
Sent from my Clean Voodoo Fascinate using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes that's correct. A little while after it's up on Rom manager I'll set it up to let you choose between LauncherPro, ADW, and Touchwiz. For starters.
I read over on other GalaxyS phones about DRM services that run in the background that take a decent toll on battery life.. Have you looked into getting them removed to further clean the system up and improve on this cleanliness?
Diversion said:
I read over on other GalaxyS phones about DRM services that run in the background that take a decent toll on battery life.. Have you looked into getting them removed to further clean the system up and improve on this cleanliness?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will certainly try it out. i've been slowly removing an app or 2 every couple of hours to see if it crashes my phone, then if all is good i'll release an update tomorrow. I'll check those out this evening.

[Q] First Android

Hi. The LG Optimus One form Koodo will be my first Android phone. I am upgrading from a Samsung Intensity. I am wondering what things I should do to it other then root it, install the milk_os thing to fix the touch screen, overclock it, and find a custom rom I like for it. Any app Suggestions? Or any rom suggestions.
Thanks
I suggest the app that has SuperOneClick forum, the rooms would not know friend.
I was just going to use z4root
I suggest you test the waters first. Just root it for now. Don't flash a custom recovery unless you feel the urge to do something more. It's much better than going straight into the world of custom ROMs and stuff
Optimus is my first Android phone too. I stuck with the stock rom and only rooted and flashed the overclock touchscreen fix kernel like it has been suggested to you. I wasnt up for custom roms since it was my first Android and I didnt know yet what I like and what not. I did some of the tweaks mentioned in the forum here like enable the jit compiler and hardware acceleration.
Apps that I installed and which i use:
Titanium backup --- Easy way to uninstall some of the bloatware apps and have backup just in case. I removed facebook, twitter, lg app advisor, lg notification, google feedback (com.google.android.feedback) and some which are in the german rom (studivz,xing).
Barcode scanner --- for all the QR codes and barcodes
Brightness level --- since optimus has no auto brightness that widget is a nice way to quickly change the brightness without digging in the settings menu
Skype --- no explanation needed i guess
root explorer and es file explorer --- for the exploration needs and sd card clean up on the run
K-9 mail --- email client for all your non google mail needs
netcounter --- to have an overview how much data was used ( i get throttled after a certain amount if you have real unlimited data it is useless)
SiMi Clock Widget ---- clock widget which also does weather and shows battery status in percentage
browsers --- I mostly use the Miren browser but do have Opera mini installed if reception is bad or i want to save bandwith and Skyfire if i desperately need to see a flash vid
I'm not in a position that i miss anything that i read about the custom roms.
I ended up getting this phone since it was the most feasible but on Telus. It's a great phone overall and i started out just rooting the phone since it was just one click using z4root. Later on I installed void's rom which was a great rom to go with.
Most people tend to stay with 2.2 for stability and also speed while 2.3.3 is for people that are really keen on using Gingerbread. Like said use nandroid & Titanium backup to test out different roms and just figure out what you like best.
Thanks everyone for the help. Can't wait to get it . Just wish it had flash support but one of my friends will help me try something. Its working on his ARMv6 cpu so ill let you all know if it works.

[Q] Thinking of rooting - need comments

So I have done some searching here, and really haven't found the information I am looking for.
I used to run an old HTC Imagio, and unlocked it. Wife was pissed because it pretty much never worked right after that.
Now I am runnning the Thunderbolt, have been since its release. I have also gotten the OTA update to 2.3.4. and now I am thinking whether I should or should not root.
All I keep hearing is tethering is now free, and its faster. So what I am asking is more of a sales pitch. I would love for someone to tell me really the advantages to rooting, how easy it really is, what I must have in order to properly use a rooted phone, which ROMs offer what customization, etc.
I currently use GoLauncher, and its pretty smooth for me. I like customization, changing screens, changing how the launcher looks (icons, screen transitions, etc). I also like to switch launchers from time to time, and have a cracked one that I can only use if rooted.
So as someone that is on the fence of rooting, I would like a good discussion on the pros and cons of rooting, especially on what really needs to be done (superuser, etc), I hear I have to install custom radios for both CDMA and the other, really? Those are the things I need to know before going into this, because the wife doesn't need to call me and it doesn't work, or text me and I never get or can send texts.
So hope I am not asking for too much.
Thanks!
Rooting the ThunderBolt is really easy. I used revolutionary www.revolutionary.io be sure to read everything before trying that method.
As for functionality, pretty much all the ROMs for the thunderbolt are very stable and have little to no bugs.
There are many different types of ROMs to choose from. You have Sense 2.1, sense 3.0, sense 3.5, miui, and aosp. Just browse the forums and see which you might like better. Also be aware that sense ROMs need sense kernels, and aosp and miui need aosp kernels.
I will tell you that tethering seems to work best on sense ROMs.
Since you have the 2.3.4 ota, you shouldn't need to flash any radios.
Hope this helps with your choice.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
Guys, another question regarding the "revolutionary" root method. There is a video and it shows that data (apps) are not deleted. Does that include contacts and other twitter and FB data?
Also, it indicates that you have to uninstall HTC Sync. When I reinstall it, will I have to reestablish connection to Outlook, or will it think nothing has happened to my phone?
I want this root to be as seamless as possible, so sync with outlook must be without a flaw.
And finally, if I do go this route, can anyone describe the different ROMS that are out there, what they offer, in terms of preinstalled apps, custimization, relative speed and ease of use, and level of bugginess or lack of bugginess.
Thanks again guys.
jerrya said:
Guys, another question regarding the "revolutionary" root method. There is a video and it shows that data (apps) are not deleted. Does that include contacts and other twitter and FB data?
Also, it indicates that you have to uninstall HTC Sync. When I reinstall it, will I have to reestablish connection to Outlook, or will it think nothing has happened to my phone?
I want this root to be as seamless as possible, so sync with outlook must be without a flaw.
And finally, if I do go this route, can anyone describe the different ROMS that are out there, what they offer, in terms of preinstalled apps, custimization, relative speed and ease of use, and level of bugginess or lack of bugginess.
Thanks again guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Revolutionary does not root. All it does is give you S-OFF (disables rom signature checking by the bootloader. After using revolutionary you flash a small rom update (.zip file) that gives you the su binary and the superuser application (which controls the apps allowed to have root access, without it any app could call su without having to ask first). It might also install busybox. Note that installing a different ROM will delete all your data which is why after you root the first thing you should do is install Titanium Backup so you can back up everything (app data, system data such as contacts, installed apps, and even system apps). Btw, the Pro version of Titanium Backup is definitely worth the money. The ROM I use (Ginger_BreadRock_V2.6_(2.11.605.5)) is a deodexed and semi-debloated version of the latest official rom with visual voicemail and backup assistant manually added back in (I have the deodexed BA and VVM .apk files if you want them).
Other apps you might want after rooting: LBE Privacy Guard (lets you block apps from accessing private stuff like SMS Messages, contacts, IMEI/serial number, and GPS location), SetCPU or similar app (underclocking to 300MHz while the screen is off really helps battery life) and imoseyon's leankernel (be sure to get the gb sense one). With leankernel and that underclocking option set I can get three days of very light usage (a few bluetooth phone calls a day) before dropping below 15% power.
nl3142 said:
Revolutionary does not root. All it does is give you S-OFF (disables rom signature checking by the bootloader. After using revolutionary you flash a small rom update (.zip file) that gives you the su binary and the superuser application (which controls the apps allowed to have root access, without it any app could call su without having to ask first). It might also install busybox. Note that installing a different ROM will delete all your data which is why after you root the first thing you should do is install Titanium Backup so you can back up everything (app data, system data such as contacts, installed apps, and even system apps). Btw, the Pro version of Titanium Backup is definitely worth the money. The ROM I use (Ginger_BreadRock_V2.6_(2.11.605.5)) is a deodexed and semi-debloated version of the latest official rom with visual voicemail and backup assistant manually added back in (I have the deodexed BA and VVM .apk files if you want them).
Other apps you might want after rooting: LBE Privacy Guard (lets you block apps from accessing private stuff like SMS Messages, contacts, IMEI/serial number, and GPS location), SetCPU or similar app (underclocking to 300MHz while the screen is off really helps battery life) and imoseyon's leankernel (be sure to get the gb sense one). With leankernel and that underclocking option set I can get three days of very light usage (a few bluetooth phone calls a day) before dropping below 15% power.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know what that deodex thing is, but I have heard that alot. I understand the debloated thing, thats always nice. I may have to wait until next december when my contract is up and I can renew. Might use that as a way to get the wife to let me root instead of buying a new phone.
She is very careful with her outlook, her contacts and calendar are her babies so to speak, so screwing that up is a big no no for me.
Thanks again for the information.
Revolutionary itself doesn't root our phone, by if you look, it gives you everything you need to root.
Deodex means there are no odex files, and in simple terms, it means the Rom is themable.
Sent from my HTC Thunderbolt powered by KillaSense 3.5.0
If tethering is a major bonus and one of the main reasons you would like to root all you need to do is run revolutionary and install wifi tether. Running revo will not delete anything from your phone or change any of your currently set up applications. Your contacts will remain, twitter and facebook as well. It merely gains S-off and installs superuser so you can run rooted apps.
It is really hard to explain what the different roms have to offer since they all offer so much over stock. I hate verizons back up assistant so I just made sure all of my stuff is sync'd with google so once you sign back into your phone it will automatically reload calendar, contacts, wifi settings, etc...
Personally I enjoy sense based ROMs, others love AOSP. Currently I'm running Infectedrom.coms Eternity Sense 3.5 and absolutely love it.
Customization on most roms is the biggest reason I chose to root. Sick of my phone looking like everyone elses. It is nice to have another tbolt owner notice your sceen and get jealous
Just curious how would your phone mess up your wifes outlook contacts?
Stratejaket said:
If tethering is a major bonus and one of the main reasons you would like to root all you need to do is run revolutionary and install wifi tether. Running revo will not delete anything from your phone or change any of your currently set up applications. Your contacts will remain, twitter and facebook as well. It merely gains S-off and installs superuser so you can run rooted apps.
It is really hard to explain what the different roms have to offer since they all offer so much over stock. I hate verizons back up assistant so I just made sure all of my stuff is sync'd with google so once you sign back into your phone it will automatically reload calendar, contacts, wifi settings, etc...
Personally I enjoy sense based ROMs, others love AOSP. Currently I'm running Infectedrom.coms Eternity Sense 3.5 and absolutely love it.
Customization on most roms is the biggest reason I chose to root. Sick of my phone looking like everyone elses. It is nice to have another tbolt owner notice your sceen and get jealous
Just curious how would your phone mess up your wifes outlook contacts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have a way of forcing your contacts and such to sync with google without having to re-enter your data from scratch?
Do this. Go to YouTube and search "how to root thunderbolt revolutionary". There's a few good follow-along-as-you-do-it-yourself vids with all the links to all you need to dl to use the revolutionary method.
If you go to gmail on a pc, go to contacts, and check them. If your phone contacts are there (they will be), they load when you log into your phone.
Sent from my Eternity Infected TB
everyone here has great advice tips, the only other GREAT thing i can add is that after you ROOT you can use Titanium backup. save all your data on your apps so you can transfer to another device and pick up where you left off.
This is one of the biggest reason to root your phone. you'll learn other GREAT tricks the app can do but i'll let you figure that on your own.
Stratejaket said:
If tethering is a major bonus and one of the main reasons you would like to root all you need to do is run revolutionary and install wifi tether. Running revo will not delete anything from your phone or change any of your currently set up applications. Your contacts will remain, twitter and facebook as well. It merely gains S-off and installs superuser so you can run rooted apps.
It is really hard to explain what the different roms have to offer since they all offer so much over stock. I hate verizons back up assistant so I just made sure all of my stuff is sync'd with google so once you sign back into your phone it will automatically reload calendar, contacts, wifi settings, etc...
Personally I enjoy sense based ROMs, others love AOSP. Currently I'm running Infectedrom.coms Eternity Sense 3.5 and absolutely love it.
Customization on most roms is the biggest reason I chose to root. Sick of my phone looking like everyone elses. It is nice to have another tbolt owner notice your sceen and get jealous
Just curious how would your phone mess up your wifes outlook contacts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because, last time I unlocked a phone, I had used microsoft backup. So when I hard reset my phone after unlocking, it replaced everything on my phone like it should, but then when I synced with the desktop, it doubled everything on the desktop, contacts and calendar items. We had to remove the doubled items one at a time to get everything back to normal. I know she will kill me if that happens again with rooting this.
paigow said:
everyone here has great advice tips, the only other GREAT thing i can add is that after you ROOT you can use Titanium backup. save all your data on your apps so you can transfer to another device and pick up where you left off.
This is one of the biggest reason to root your phone. you'll learn other GREAT tricks the app can do but i'll let you figure that on your own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely TRUE! You have no idea how much hassle and time you will save by using this app!!!
jerrya said:
Because, last time I unlocked a phone, I had used microsoft backup. So when I hard reset my phone after unlocking, it replaced everything on my phone like it should, but then when I synced with the desktop, it doubled everything on the desktop, contacts and calendar items. We had to remove the doubled items one at a time to get everything back to normal. I know she will kill me if that happens again with rooting this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it did happen google can clean duplicated contacts for you from the people app.
Do it. Sorry had to spam a thread to get to 10. Need to post in ROM sections.

What exactly will flashing a new ROM do to the user experience?

So i looked up a few ROMS from the sticky'd post on this forum and I am trying to decide which one is for me. Some provide a better description than others but at the end of the day I cannot figure out what I am really gaining and what I am losing.
I have a basic understanding of ROMs (or firmware or whatever people want to call them), but what it comes down to is a new operating system. My biggest question is what will I be losing? Right now my Nexus 10 is rooted but running google's standard os.What if I were to install Cyanogenmod 10 or any of the other roms. How does this affect my apps.
I have titanium back up installed so I can just back up all my apps and settings, but what user experience do I lose versus what is pre installed? How does Titanium back up work?
I know for cyanogenmod it says that there is no pre installed google related things. So I am assuming you will not be asked to set up your google account/wifi/language all that usual stuff google asks of you when you newly flash the memory, but what else do I lose?
Do some apps not work?
Does it mean I just simply have to reinstall everything?
Sorry I know this is a lot, but I am just questioning whether flashing a new rom is really worth it or is it intended more for older devices that do not receive the support of new firmware updates.
Newer ROM's and Kernels usually have more updated fixes and performance increases in comparison to stock. For example, franco.Kernel has a different throttling code, which helps out very nicely (goes to 1GHz in 1 step if the device is hot, and then down to 700MHz if it gets even hotter; no memory downclocking). Stock would downclock the CPU in increments of 100MHz, then spike it back to 1.7GHz, on top of also downing the clocks for GPU and memory. The difference in throttling can easily be seen in some high-end games like NFS:MW, which would slideshow on stock because of the aggressive throttling. franco.Kernel also has some fixes for the graphics and an updated WiFi driver.
But then again, what I just mentioned is mostly in relation to the kernel lol... I currently use rasbeanjelly because I like the dark theming (other ROM's have theming support though), but mostly because it's a stripped down AOSP build, that is very responsive I used to use CM10.1 nightlies before mostly because I liked being up-to-date (and nightlies come once a day with updates).
tyhe314 said:
So i looked up a few ROMS from the sticky'd post on this forum and I am trying to decide which one is for me. Some provide a better description than others but at the end of the day I cannot figure out what I am really gaining and what I am losing.
I have a basic understanding of ROMs (or firmware or whatever people want to call them), but what it comes down to is a new operating system. My biggest question is what will I be losing? Right now my Nexus 10 is rooted but running google's standard os.What if I were to install Cyanogenmod 10 or any of the other roms. How does this affect my apps.
I have titanium back up installed so I can just back up all my apps and settings, but what user experience do I lose versus what is pre installed? How does Titanium back up work?
I know for cyanogenmod it says that there is no pre installed google related things. So I am assuming you will not be asked to set up your google account/wifi/language all that usual stuff google asks of you when you newly flash the memory, but what else do I lose?
Do some apps not work?
Does it mean I just simply have to reinstall everything?
Sorry I know this is a lot, but I am just questioning whether flashing a new rom is really worth it or is it intended more for older devices that do not receive the support of new firmware updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Like you said you have titanium back up installed, so as long as you backup all your user apps before flashing your apps, they will not be effected. (I have no clue how titanium backup works but it does)
2.Because of (I think copy rights) no ASOP will come with google apps ( Like google maps) but each ROM thread will direct you to a GAPPS download (which stands for Goggle APPS). You will just need to flash that ZIP after you flash your rom and BOOM you have all your google apps. You can still log into your google account at the startup, which has all your saved wifi's all your apps that you purchased on the PLAY store, all info in the calendar, etc. All in all you will lose virtual nothing after you restore your apps via titanium backup
3. Will you have to re install everything. Short answer yes, long answer no. After you restore via titanium backup, your apps will be just like they were before you flashed your new shiny ROM. But you will have to reorganize your homescreen, and redo your settings.
4. What will you gain? Well that all depends on what ROM you decided to go with it. That's what so great about ROMS and the Developers here, they provide you with so many different features. Like the guy above said, a new kernel can help with lag issues, or a new ROM can actually give you a tablet UI. Some of the benefits will be "under the hood" and you might not even notice them. There are many different features ( I recommond trying all the ROMS!)
5. I never had an User app not work because of a ROM
If you have anymore questions just ask!
(If I got anything wrong on here please correct me!)
For homescreens
sorryihaveaids said:
3. Will you have to re install everything. Short answer yes, long answer no. After you restore via titanium backup, your apps will be just like they were before you flashed your new shiny ROM. But you will have to reorganize your homescreen, and redo your settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or you could use Nova launcher and just restore your backed up homescreens and settings.
Paranoidandroid to fix the dumb center buttons and move it back to the sides
That alone is worth an aftermarket rom
Sent from my SGH-I317M using xda app-developers app

Categories

Resources