Official update due soon. Is it worth it? - Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Ive rooted and have been running custom roms. I guess this question is aimed towards our american friends. Is the update worth it? Or are the custom roms available better and the emergance of cm7?
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium

Roms are better than the 2.3.4 update from Motorola. The best ROM is cm7. But the best everything working ROM in my opinion is Alien ROM which includes webtop and HDMI.
Sent from my Atrix XDA Premium App

We may really tell only when the update is out. I once read that Motorola is delaying Gingerbread for Europe because many modifications are needed. It seems that Atrix and Atrix 4G do really have differences.
I needed to install many tweaks for making Alien #4 perform well on my European, retail Atrix (1bar bug for 3G, A-GPS, a custom kernel, ..).
Moreover, radios out there are not suited for "Euro - retail" Atrix (not 4G) running custom Gingerbread ROMs. I found that the best radios for Italy (I suppose for Europe, too) are still N_01.95.00R (the one that comes with retail Atrix, designed for Froyo) and N_01.100.00R (Orange FR radio). The first performs better in terms of battery life, the second has great connectivity. Substitute N_01.95.00R with the radio that came with your Atrix, in case.
I tried N_01.100.00R but decided to switch back to N_01.95.00R. Currently I am using Cyanogenmod because it is the ROM less built around a specific carrier. I'm quite happy with that.
Probably, the best combination will be to use the radios that Motorola will release for European customers when GB is out here plus Cyanogenmod.
Hope that this helps clarifying.

Thanks. I have seen issues with the custom roms. Mainly lacking in signal when i know i usually have a full signal. How would you flash a radio on atrix...via sbf or is there flashable roms?
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium

Sexywacko said:
Thanks. I have seen issues with the custom roms. Mainly lacking in signal when i know i usually have a full signal. How would you flash a radio on atrix...via sbf or is there flashable roms?
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can do it both ways, they exist in SBF form and .zip
there is also a one bar fix that you may want to try, search for it in the dev section

Just a thought: I ended up rooting and installing CM7 within a couple of weeks of buying my Atrix. If you're not bothered about fingerprint scanner and webtop then I think it is a lot better than stock Froyo in terms of performance.
Of course, now Gingerbread is looking like it will be on European phones officially "soon" but think about it: when you've just installed gingerbread with that motoblur overlay, CM9 based on ICS will probably be making its way to devices and aren't you going to be real jealous?!
Come on, you'll probably end up with Cyanogenmod at some point so why not take the plunge now? I honestly believe if you follow the instructions and get everything installed correctly, you won't be disappointed... just happy in the knowledge you'll always be on the path to the next upgrade!

Sexywacko said:
Thanks. I have seen issues with the custom roms. Mainly lacking in signal when i know i usually have a full signal. How would you flash a radio on atrix...via sbf or is there flashable roms?
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As already posted both possibilities exist. I see from your avatar that you are a Linux user like me. Then beware that, if you will use sbf_flash for flashing sbf, never flash a radio that comes as a CWM file. sbf_flash will never overwrite it then and you will need to use Windows and RSD-Lite.
See more on a previous question posted by me. It started as a question on how to revert back to Froyo after Gingerbread update, but a very helpful user also told me about flashing radios, creating sbf radios/roms and about the sbf_flash bug

I can give or take cm7 yeah its awesome. But still too buggy. And unfortunately i hate the look of stock android. My signal is half what it should be.
So i have restored the original stock rom via cwm. Never realised how good the battery was. Heavy usage involving sat nav. Loads of wifi including facebook, market, xda and a few phone calls. 15 hours off charge and still 70%!!
Im waiting for the ota. Then maybe things may run smoother in regards radios and so on with other roms.
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium

I too am waiting on the official Gingerbread update for my UK Orange Atrix and fingers crossed, should be coming within the next week or two (Mid November has been quoted)
I'm still on Stock 2.2 having only had the Atrix for 1 week but am already feeling the custom Rom pull.
I guess it would be best to play with the official Gingerbread Rom for a week or two (when it comes haha) and if it's lacking then hit the custom's then - that's my plan anyways

Sexywacko said:
So i have restored the original stock rom via cwm. Never realised how good the battery was. Heavy usage involving sat nav. Loads of wifi including facebook, market, xda and a few phone calls. 15 hours off charge and still 70%!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please tell which radio and System are installed on your Atrix now? I would like to try them on mine. Your battery usage looks awesome! Are you also using 3G when wi-fi is not connected?

bodom_lx said:
Can you please tell which radio and System are installed on your Atrix now? I would like to try them on mine. Your battery usage looks awesome! Are you also using 3G when wi-fi is not connected?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These are what i am using....complete stock.
N_01.77.30P
4.4.35.MB860.retail.en.GB
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium

Interesting. I also am having the same base but a different stock radio. Mine Atrix came with N_01.95.00R. Wonder why
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium

I forgot i flashed a different radio. Lol the one you are using is my stock one. Which im back on now. Official Gingerbread this week!!!!!
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium

I installed it, the sbf for my Atrix was posted three days ago in the Firmwares Superthread. It is amazing.
It comes with N_01.100.00R radio, that perfectly works with this ROM. Great 3G connectivity, great WiFi stability, GPS gets the signal in a bunch of seconds and battery life is great: after 07hrs and 30minutes of light usage (3G on, Gmail + Twitter on and sporadic Internet browsing), the battery level is still between 90% and 80%. Best ROM I've ever used.

so have you installed the OTA gingerbread?
or have you gone custom? i'm still awaiting the official update coming this week???
i've just bought the work and play kit.....so im hoping for 2 things coming this week!!

bodom_lx said:
I installed it, the sbf for my Atrix was posted three days ago in the Firmwares Superthread. It is amazing.
It comes with N_01.100.00R radio, that perfectly works with this ROM. Great 3G connectivity, great WiFi stability, GPS gets the signal in a bunch of seconds and battery life is great: after 07hrs and 30minutes of light usage (3G on, Gmail + Twitter on and sporadic Internet browsing), the battery level is still between 90% and 80%. Best ROM I've ever used.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could i install that UK retail over the top of my Orange froyo firmware? I'm only rooted at the moment, haven't unlocked my BL yet
Sent from my Atrix

Hi there everyone! I am a total NOOB at rooting and flashing etc I was hoping that you guys could help me. I am British, and I have an Atrix that is a french retail version 4.2.11. Is it possible to root/flash this phone without bricking it? would really appreciate feedback as the official update is meant to be coming out soon and I heard that updating to gingerbread will make it unrootable. Many thanks in advance!

Adamhthe1st said:
Hi there everyone! I am a total NOOB at rooting and flashing etc I was hoping that you guys could help me. I am British, and I have an Atrix that is a french retail version 4.2.11. Is it possible to root/flash this phone without bricking it? would really appreciate feedback as the official update is meant to be coming out soon and I heard that updating to gingerbread will make it unrootable. Many thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
updating to gingerbread does not make it unrootable it just means you need to use a different method,
you can flash with RSD if you want to try out some other builds though, just do some reading first and figure out how to fix it if you get a soft brick

Sexywacko said:
so have you installed the OTA gingerbread?
or have you gone custom? i'm still awaiting the official update coming this week???
i've just bought the work and play kit.....so im hoping for 2 things coming this week!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Gingerbread OTA will lock the bootloader and probably install the malicious bootloader. We don't have info about the European OTA and the contained bootloader, so we assume that it is the same as the one contained in the USA OTA.
Therefore, I did not wait for the OTA. I indirectly installed the SBF mentioned before (it corresponds to the one I would have gotten with the OTA).
"Indirectly" means that I converted the SBF into moto-fastboot images and the radio into a radio-SBF image.
In this way I have the old, unlocked and not dangerous bootloader plus the new system, webtop and radio. It is safer in this way.
decker39 said:
Could i install that UK retail over the top of my Orange froyo firmware? I'm only rooted at the moment, haven't unlocked my BL yet
Sent from my Atrix
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes but first unlock the bootloader, then try the UK retail but don't flash the SBF! You should convert it to moto-fastboot images (plus the SBF-radio) and install them. It should work well in France, but try it by yourself
Adamhthe1st said:
Hi there everyone! I am a total NOOB at rooting and flashing etc I was hoping that you guys could help me. I am British, and I have an Atrix that is a french retail version 4.2.11. Is it possible to root/flash this phone without bricking it? would really appreciate feedback as the official update is meant to be coming out soon and I heard that updating to gingerbread will make it unrootable. Many thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regarding update to Gingerbread:
Never install the Gingerbread OTA if you want to hack your phone and you don't have experience doing it. The OTA may contain a malicious bootloader that hinders further hacking. Quite sure it contains it. For sure, if you install the GB OTA and flash a Froyo sbf, it will brick the phone. It is still possible to install custom ROMs after the GB OTA, but it is better to manually update your phone instead of doing the OTA.
I am not sure about what happens if you just flash the original Motorola Gingerbread over your official Motorola Froyo. Fur sure it will work but I think that it will install the malicious bootloader
Rooting is always possible, it will never brick your device. Since you're a beginner, give a read to the beginners guide. It also contains rooting/unlocking instructions

Can anyone tell me if its possible to use US roms like the Alien ROM reviewed by a user called Zedomax on YouTube? I'm from the UK.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App

Related

[Q] Stock Vibrant rebooting and dropping signal

Hey fellow xda members,
I have to check out my sisters vibrant this weekend.... (she is so not tech friendly)
Its her 3rd vibrant and all had same issues... Rebooting, dropping signal and data and the whole not sending sms and mms messages.... She talked to tmobile and they had no clue and essentially gave up on her....
What are my options to trying to get this working for her. And/or what can/should say to T-mobile about resolving this issue... They offered her an exchange at one time but it was a very low end phone... Not a good deal if u ask me..
1. Tried rooting on her first phone-wasnt successful...(i didnt root it so not sure)
2. Possible bad kernel or radio causing these issues... Hard to believe that 3 phones .
3. Still running stock software as tmobile told her not to update phone to latest software . (she did that with her 2nd phone and same result)
4. Could rooting and a finished rom resolve some or most of her issues?
(I have had several android phones and all were rooted so i know)
5.... CLUELESS....
Well if your trying to update your phone to froyo id recomend you to flash a custom rom from the vibrant developement if you dont know how to root your fone download the vibrant toolbox on your pc and it has like 10 steps (all of them are in order so you wont get confused and since your phone its not rooted theres and option that says ROOT YOUR PHONE start from that step.. click on that box and it tells you the steps and what you should do but you must have usb debbugin ebabled
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App
Naw its all good I know how to root just not too sure if a custom rom would correct the issues she is having.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
Try it if its still the same go to SETTINGS, WIRELESS AND NETWORKS, MOBILE NETWORKS make sure that the USE PACKET DATA box is checked and if motbtry to contact one of the devs one of them could be WHITEHAWKS or somethin lik that... they are gona tell you what to do
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App
Odin to 2.1 then d/l rom manager then root then get Biwinning or Trigger or ZenDroid all are Froyo roms all will resolve you problems
The problem you are having is a result of human action......... the chances of 3 phones all having the same problem is like winning the Lotto.......
Human action I love it!!!! Lol will show my sister that. . Lol
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
I went over to my families house the other day and my sister said, "look its doing it again". When I looked over the phone was shutting down and rebooting. I asked her if it did that alot and she said it had just started in the past few days. She did not mention dropping data connection or having problems with sms or mms. A while back I rooted her phone and added MobileAP but that is all. Everything else is still stock and no official updates were applied either.
My plan is to backup all her stuff this weekend and flash something onto it. I told her we would find a good stable ROM for her and some theme options she would like and just do it all on sat or sun. I'm not sure if that is gonna fix her problem as I wanna believe its a hardware defect but she doesn't wanna exchange it just yet and I'm done arguing with her. If that doesn't werk I told her we would have to put it back to stock and call T-mobile. That's our plan, hope it helps on ur decision. Good luck!
@kawika thanks it didnt help lol
Im going to root her phone and install Iunno looking at a 2.2 rom maybe...Trigger rom.
I cant believe that three phones later she has same issues.. Specially since her hubby and daughter have a Cliq xt and have better reception then hers...
? do i need to install a new modem/radio as well as flashing rom? And how do I know which is the right one?
twiztidnutzzzzz said:
@kawika thanks it didnt help lol
Im going to root her phone and install Iunno looking at a 2.2 rom maybe...Trigger rom.
I cant believe that three phones later she has same issues.. Specially since her hubby and daughter have a Cliq xt and have better reception then hers...
? do i need to install a new modem/radio as well as flashing rom? And how do I know which is the right one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you stated in the OP, she is on stock software. For sure? The rebooting when signal dropped low was a bug in the services.jar of our initial i9000, android 2.2.1 ports. This was of course patched by Eugene373 with further work by birgertime (and some fumbling by myself) in the official ports of 2.2.1 for the Vibrant. If she is definitely on stock software with no mods though, then that doesn't apply, but was my first instinct.
Most roms we have out now, with the exception of GingerCloneR3, come bundled with modems. They are most likely the modem that the rom chef/dev likes the best, but you can always flash a new modem on top of a custom rom. Different users in different areas have different results with different modems. Gotta test them to see what works the best for her.
Flashable modems are all here, courtesy of scrizz: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=868774
Those can be flashed over any rom, just make sure you grab a 2.2 modem for froyo, or 2.1 for eclair respectively.
You might want to start with running Odin to flash her back to stock software, and then go from there. If you are going to do that, I recommend a modded Odin package by Eugene, available here: http://eb-productions.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=samsungsgs&action=display&thread=3 . Its stock-ish JK2 Froyo for the Vibrant, already rooted, with superuser and busybox, and modded 2e recovery so you can easily flash and install Clockwork Recovery if you choose to do so. That file is my go to, when all else fails and I need to get back to stock.
Good luck with your endeavors, hope some of this helps.
she is def on stock 2.1 for sure.!.
thanx... will keep yaz informed heading on the road now.. b there in 5plus hours
This sounds very familiar to problems my Vibrant was having. It turned out to be a flakey SIM card. I went to my local T-Mobile store and they swapped it for a new one at no charge. That fixed all of my SMS & connectivity issues. It might be worth a try, it definitely wouldn't hurt anything to get a new SIM card put in.
Lol she had one replaced as well and same issue..
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App

[Q] New stock Atrix, do I update to Gingerbread?

What should I do? Do I update it over the air? Should I learn how to flash/root/unlock and find a custom that would be good?
That's something you have to decide. Read the forums, there are plenty of reasons given as to why to root or flash custom rom. I recommend a update to stock 2.3.4 for starters.
It isn't the end of the world to update to gingerbread and not be able to downgrade. You can either do that OTA, or you can use a CWM based rom so that you could have the ability to downgrade in the future.
It comes down to this, are you comfortable with unlocking, flashing cwm, then installing roms? Do you think you will be soon? Do you have a desire or need for these things? If your answer is no to both questions then just OTA update. It doesn't cripple your phone and you can always adjust the phone to any release using CWM when you are comfortable with it.
I can tell you this. If you value having a reliable bluetooth connection I'd think twice about upgrading to Gingerbread. Google it...
I'm this the process now of searching this forum to figure out a safe way to get my Gingerbread update back to Froyo.
CM7!
I'd learn how to flash CM7 onto your Atrix! I was in the same boat as you (I got an Atrix on 2.2 about a month ago and didn't know how to do anything at all) and really, it's not that difficult -- just follow the instructions and you'll be fine
CM7 is so nice!
landoftherich said:
I can tell you this. If you value having a reliable bluetooth connection I'd think twice about upgrading to Gingerbread. Google it...
I'm this the process now of searching this forum to figure out a safe way to get my Gingerbread update back to Froyo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you talking about "in car" Bluetooth, or regular Bluetooth?...
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
ccrows said:
Are you talking about "in car" Bluetooth, or regular Bluetooth?...
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both. I've tried it using the in car systems in an Acura TL and Ford Focus. Also tried Plantronics Voyager Pro, Discovery 975 and an old LG headset. I get the same results for all. I'm able to successfully pair without any problems. But about half the time I'm in a phone call the bluetooth connection becomes unstable and audio reverts to the phone.
I'm surprised the inability to use bluetooth hasn't garnered more uproar. It's really a safety issue. Maybe there aren't enough users on Gingerbread yet?

[Q] Poor signal quality using KaosFroyo v39

I recently acquired a Droid Eris on Verizon since my Blackberry had been stolen and I didn't want to renew my contract or pay an ETF. I have flashed KaosFroyo v39 and have been experiencing poor signal quality with the device since then. Wherever I go, I never seem to get above 1 bar, even when my Blackberry got full bars at the same location. Is this a known problem and are there any fixes? Would downgrading the radio potentially solve the problem, and if so, where could I get the previous radio version? Thanks for your help!
First: What radio are you running?
Second: KF39? Why not try something newer?
I'm running 2.42.01.04.27
As for KF39, when I googled how to root my Eris, it's the first thing that came up and many people recommended it. What would you recommend for a newer version? I assume newer versions will provide better performance?
greenythebeast said:
I'm running 2.42.01.04.27
As for KF39, when I googled how to root my Eris, it's the first thing that came up and many people recommended it. What would you recommend for a newer version? I assume newer versions will provide better performance?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running 2.42.02.10.29
KF is probably one of the best Froyo roms out there, but isn't being developed any more. I'd recommend GSB or one of the other Gingerbread roms.
Oh, where can I find that radio and does it work with KF? If I were to upgrade to a Gingerbread ROM, is there any way to back up all of my apps and what not? Sorry for the stupid questions, I'm new to all of this Android stuff
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=853868
Sprint Hero's have mostly the same hardware as the Eris and the radios are interchangeable.
Just flash the radio from the recovery menu.
Thanks! I'll try this out and see what happens.
Upgraded radio and it stays the same, but data speeds improved. Whatever lol!
Oh, I also flashed GSB and it's working well so thanks!

[Q] Newest radio and base...

Hey guys,
Havent been on in a while, now im confused and need some help. Ive been running Shiftsense 1.4X since it was released months ago before DroidTheory vanished. i feel my radio is starting to act up now that big red flipped the 4g switch in my area. i came to look for an update rom to run, but now everything is different. It appears the radios are separated now and ive never flashed them that way and i just need a little advice on getting my phone back up to date. Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance!
bking_soda said:
Hey guys,
Havent been on in a while, now im confused and need some help. Ive been running Shiftsense 1.4X since it was released months ago before DroidTheory vanished. i feel my radio is starting to act up now that big red flipped the 4g switch in my area. i came to look for an update rom to run, but now everything is different. It appears the radios are separated now and ive never flashed them that way and i just need a little advice on getting my phone back up to date. Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can still find them together if you search hard. If you cant, just flash them one at a time after renaming, thru bootloader. Its really pretty simple. Several good roms out thsre. Eternity is fantastic with sense 3.5 and beats, shiftsense is awesome also, gingerbread rock is the latest leak stripped down and rooted, i keep it on my sd card for when i need that basic rom. Make sure you update your radios first. The mr4 3.0 leak and thunderstick fullblown are also great roms. Good luck dude.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
Does anyone happen to have a link to the most recent radios paired up as one flash through bootloader? I can't seem to find one. I'd really prefer flashing them separately last resort. Just a comfort thing I guess.
bking_soda said:
Does anyone happen to have a link to the most recent radios paired up as one flash through bootloader? I can't seem to find one. I'd really prefer flashing them separately last resort. Just a comfort thing I guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont, but there just as easy to flash seperatly.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1048128
There is a newer radio than what is shown in that thread, look for the 2.11.605.9 radios.

Going from stock to the new leak..

Curious to hear from the people that are still s-on and flashed the new ICS leak, how is your phone running? Are there any problems youve run into?
v36sedan said:
Curious to hear from the people that are still s-on and flashed the new ICS leak, how is your phone running? Are there any problems youve run into?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried it. Major change was an updated kernel. Reverted back to BAMF 2.1 with the previous kernel, as it didnt play well with the change. I'm just waiting for the roms to either be rebased or the OTA to be released. No radio changes only an updated hboot and a few fixes in the rom itself.
Would you run it over the gb rom the phone comes with as a daily driver?
v36sedan said:
Would you run it over the gb rom the phone comes with as a daily driver?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine loves the new radios, so yes. For most users; they have experienced issues with the radios. My suggestion; s-off before flashing either the old or new leak. That way if you do experience said issues, you will be able to rollback. Also, brings up the thought of being OTA compliant, but that shouldn't matter much as most of the devs here would hve a working rom based off the OTA shortly after.
v36sedan said:
Would you run it over the gb rom the phone comes with as a daily driver?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quite honestly, I don't notice a difference one way or another. This leak was played better with my phone regarding mounting and recovery issues I had on the first ICS leak, but that is more an individual issue I had. As far as signal and reception , I think it is just the fact where I live all of the radios have been the same for me. I am in a rural area of wisconsin with just 3G, so haven't benefitted from 4g or difference in signal strength.
In my opinion, it's easier to s off than to flash the new firmware using the s on method and relocking bootloader and then upgrading then reunlocking and installing recovery and a rooted rom. Also, I've helped about the same amount of people with both. For some crazy reason even though the software seems a breeze to me, people get confused with so many steps I guess, and people who are performing s off and ask me to watch over their shoulder are having much better results than upgrading the firmware.

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