i bought a samsung galaxy s2 just day before yesterday and i'm already in love! however, i'm having a hard time completely wrapping my head around the way this part of XDA works. i used to have an sl i9003, things were...simpler there. just a few doubts:
i see different custom roms using different stock roms as base (of course), but in the installation guides, none of them instruct you to flash the base rom first. for example, VillainROM 3.0 has KI3 as base, but it doesn't mention in the installation guide that i should have KI3 first (just put the zip in the sd card and flash in CWM). is having KI3 something i should know instinctively or can i just flash these exactly according to the instructions (i have JPKH1, which android 2.3.3, by the way)?
ditto for mods, themes, etc. except there, people often don't even mention what rom they were made for. so does that mean they'll work with any rom?
and finally, i was looking at cyanogenmod yesterday (i'll wait for the next stable release; until then, looking forward to flashing VillainROM) and one really helpful person told me that it would only work with the old bootloader. for my own convenience, how can i see what bootloader a rom has?
don't think of me as a noob, btw. like i said, i used to do all this stuff on the i9003 all the time. it's just that S2 devs seem to operate on a different wavelength
1. Once you are rooted, just go ahead and install the rom through cwm. It will take care of it's own base.
2. Rom's have different base's and some are deodexed and some not, so check before applying themes/tweaks as they will not all work on your chosen rom.
3. I don't think your friend knows a lot about CM. Just flash through cwm and make sure you are using a cm recommended kernel.
thanks! really appreciate it
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Related
Hello everyone,
most recently I have updated my Hero to the new ROM supplied by the fellows at HTC (the 2.73... I think). Then I remembered that on my HTC S710 I used to have a rom that came from here. So, I took a look. I have a couple of questions. Oh, let me also tell you that I have rooted my phone (I think, with Instant Root).
So these are my questions:
What do you think is the best rom available?
And why? What are its advantages to a 'normal' HTC Rom?
As a beginner, I can look over this forum for hours (I did!) but still miss out on this answer!
there is no answer to this question, that's why.
It's like asking which is better, up or down?
Everyone will prefer a different ROM for different reasons. get your device flashed to the new recovery image and then you can try all the ROMS and decide for yourself what the 'best' one is.
Personally i stick with the generic ROMs and haven't used the modaco custom ROMs yet as i am happy with the way the device works and not in need of all the hacks that other people want as i rarely use them.
you may be different.
try them all and decide for yourself.
Hm. Yes, I like the way you are thinking - and heck, it is the second time you've given me a great reply! I'll go out and tinker with the world, and more specific: with ROMs! Although I have no idea what flashing my device to a new recovery image means, I do remember having to do something similar with my S710. And I am sure I will find an explanation here! Who knows, pherhaps in a short while, I will answer my own questions!
There aren't many customised ROMs for the Hero yet, partly because the source code isn't available yet from HTC, so the ones that do exist are based on versions of the HTC ROMs.
Use Flashrec and install the awesome modified cyanogen recovery image, then you can flash one of the ROMs. I chose the stock UK ROM pre-rooted, from MoDaCo's site (not the MoDaCo customised ROM though).
It's convenient because it is pretty much the stock experience, except it's pre-rooted which makes some other things possible.
dekraan said:
Hm. Yes, I like the way you are thinking - and heck, it is the second time you've given me a great reply! I'll go out and tinker with the world, and more specific: with ROMs! Although I have no idea what flashing my device to a new recovery image means, I do remember having to do something similar with my S710. And I am sure I will find an explanation here! Who knows, pherhaps in a short while, I will answer my own questions!
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Hey, I upgraded from a S710 to a Hero as well. I'm very happy with having done that as the Hero is such a better phone!
Anyway. Flashing a new recovery image is one one of these 'tinkering' things you/we have to get used to when playing with ROMs. Essentially the recovery image is a very basic control on the phone that you can reboot into, from where you can update the ROM or do total system backups. You can read about how to do this in MoDaCo's custom ROM thread in the android development section. Flashing a new recovery image and new ROM isn't too hard really; took me at most a couple of hours.
Just thought i would put this hear as any newbie's like me might think they know about flashing roms etc but you gotta be more careful with the SGS than any other phone i've rooted before IME...
I've always had HTC's before this first the HD2 then a Desire HD with both of those phones pretty much you can use whatever rom is on the appropriate XDA forum once you've read how to root and flash CWM...
My findings with the SGS are totally different...
I presume because there seem to be so many different versions around...
My example
Had my phone back from repair yesterday pretty keen to flash a custom rom on it, so firstly using odin i flashed Clockwork Mod Recovery 5.0.2.3 which after reading for a while i thought was a suitable Clockwork mod...
After installing this which seemed to work i had the CWM menu etc i flashed Checkrom V4 but had issue's with the display quality grey's/blue's are really sort of washed out colours...
Tried changing the kernel with the kitchen pro but that didn't make any difference...
Also i noticed messages in recovery saying "can't mount e:" on a few lines
Rom seemed to install fine too but as mentioned above had screen colour quality issue's...
So i re-installed the vodafone original rom that came with the phone and the colours were back as they should be i then did some more reading etc and found...
CF-Root-SGS2_XW_OXA_KK5_v5.0_CWM5
and this seemed to install properly i've put this time a Miui rom on and everything so far seems fine....
I gather though you need to select the correct CWM to suit the correct version of your phone ?
And even if it looks like its installed if you get the "Can't mount" messages when you try to wipe data its not installed correctly...
Sorry if this all seems obvious to the guys in the know but coming from a different brand where every rom and kernel pretty much seems to work with each version (provided you use a miui kernel with miui etc)
you really do need to be more cautious with the SGS 2 and get the correct rom/CWM or you can cause issue's i'm wondering if sometimes physical issue's as my phone's been off for repair 3 times... fingers crossed its sorted now...
I personally found it much easier!!
You just need to follow the instructions to the t... I personally recommend noobs to use the zerg rush exploit until they are comfortable with the phone and they have increased their knowledge. And then to flash with odin etc...
wakers said:
Just thought i would put this hear as any newbie's like me might think they know about flashing roms etc but you gotta be more careful with the SGS than any other phone i've rooted before IME...
I've always had HTC's before this first the HD2 then a Desire HD with both of those phones pretty much you can use whatever rom is on the appropriate XDA forum once you've read how to root and flash CWM...
My findings with the SGS are totally different...
I presume because there seem to be so many different versions around...
My example
Had my phone back from repair yesterday pretty keen to flash a custom rom on it, so firstly using odin i flashed Clockwork Mod Recovery 5.0.2.3 which after reading for a while i thought was a suitable Clockwork mod...
After installing this which seemed to work i had the CWM menu etc i flashed Checkrom V4 but had issue's with the display quality grey's/blue's are really sort of washed out colours...
Tried changing the kernel with the kitchen pro but that didn't make any difference...
Also i noticed messages in recovery saying "can't mount e:" on a few lines
Rom seemed to install fine too but as mentioned above had screen colour quality issue's...
So i re-installed the vodafone original rom that came with the phone and the colours were back as they should be i then did some more reading etc and found...
CF-Root-SGS2_XW_OXA_KK5_v5.0_CWM5
and this seemed to install properly i've put this time a Miui rom on and everything so far seems fine....
I gather though you need to select the correct CWM to suit the correct version of your phone ?
And even if it looks like its installed if you get the "Can't mount" messages when you try to wipe data its not installed correctly...
Sorry if this all seems obvious to the guys in the know but coming from a different brand where every rom and kernel pretty much seems to work with each version (provided you use a miui kernel with miui etc)
you really do need to be more cautious with the SGS 2 and get the correct rom/CWM or you can cause issue's i'm wondering if sometimes physical issue's as my phone's been off for repair 3 times... fingers crossed its sorted now...
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Click to collapse
The problem is that Samsung marketed over a half dozen completely different phones as the "Galaxy SII". Many have completely different hardware by necessity due to running on different carriers. Some firmwares can kinda work with other phones (GT-I9100 with SGH-I777 with some minor tweaks), but for the most part, you have to stick with your model number. It's not exactly rocket science, but it can get easily confusing.
I have the HTC Desire as well and the difference is that that Samsung don't lock down their bootloaders like HTC (at least the SGSII is open). Therefore you might be looking for additional instructions which aren't there, as they aren't needed. Check out the many threads that discuss rooting.
but for the most part, you have to stick with your model number.
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Click to collapse
Thats what i thought but i've had issue's using I9100 CWM on my I9100 phone...
I need to specifically use the later version i posted as the 1st version that i thought would work wouldn't properly, dunno if maybe later phone's are slightly different mine is 6wks old...
Dunno thats what i found confusing.
I agree with the method of rooting the phone using Odin is easier than rooting the HTC's whats confusing for a newbie is matching up the correct roms, kernels,CWM that are 100% compatible with your phone, i presumed if i go to this section of the XDA forum "I9100 android development" that all the roms would work, but i'm finding most are making my phone's screen go funny, or at least the CWM might be not sure if the rom or the CWM bad install was to blame...
wakers said:
Thats what i thought but i've had issue's using I9100 CWM on my I9100 phone...
I need to specifically use the later version i posted as the 1st version that i thought would work wouldn't properly, dunno if maybe later phone's are slightly different mine is 6wks old...
Dunno thats what i found confusing.
I agree with the method of rooting the phone using Odin is easier than rooting the HTC's whats confusing for a newbie is matching up the correct roms, kernels,CWM that are 100% compatible with your phone, i presumed if i go to this section of the XDA forum "I9100 android development" that all the roms would work, but i'm finding most are making my phone's screen go funny, or at least the CWM might be not sure if the rom or the CWM bad install was to blame...
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Click to collapse
To add to the confusion, not all I9100 models are equal, either.
There are the standard I9100 models.
Then there are I9100G models, which have completely different processors (Tegra instead of Exynos) and GPUs (PowerVR SGX540 instead of ARM Mali-400). Firmwares for I9100 and I9100G are NOT compatible with each other for this reason.
There are also I9100T models, which for the most part, are simply Telstra branded I9100 models, as far as I know.
There are also I9100P models, which is the same as I9100, but with NFC added. MOSTLY the same, I9100 firmwares work, but I9100 firmwares will blow NFC support away. (but there's a re-enabler out there somewhere)
So when I say "stick to your model number", I mean, your FULL model number.
wakers said:
Sorry if this all seems obvious to the guys in the know but coming from a different brand where every rom and kernel pretty much seems to work with each version (provided you use a miui kernel with miui etc)
you really do need to be more cautious with the SGS 2 and get the correct rom/CWM or you can cause issue's i'm wondering if sometimes physical issue's as my phone's been off for repair 3 times... fingers crossed its sorted now.
You either have a non SGSi9100 or one of the obscure variations or you are doing something wrong .
CWM roms kernels modems mix and match
i have yet to find a kernel that has not worked on any rom likewise all variations of CWM . Their are only two potential problems one wrong CSC and you may need to enter network settings yourself ,CWM a backup on CWM4 may not restore on CWM 5 . Modems are interchangeable .
At present i have three modems and five kernels all flashed within the last two weeks on existing rom .
jje
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Click to collapse
i am from galaxy mini forum so get a galaxy s2 but how to know if it is S2 or S2 GT-i9100 o and what the diffirence?? and can you gays pleas link me to a tut aboug instaling costome recovery, which ODIN to use and so on .... last thing which is the best stable rom to use .....thanks in advance
1) Check the sticker on the phone chassis under the battery.
2) Differences between SGS2 variants ? Wikipedia.
3) Just about everything you need to know to get you started is in the Stickies.
4) There's no such thing as the "best stable rom to use". There are a heap of custom roms for the SGS2, it's an individual preference thing. And because no two people use their phone the same way or have it setup the same, and because component-wise no two phones come out of the factory exactly the same, your experience with a particular rom will most likely vary from mine.
The best thing to do is to get your phone rooted, preferably with CWM installed. This will enable you to backup, restore & flash roms/kernels in a matter of minutes. You can than try a bunch of roms for yourself. If you find you don't like a rom you try, it's easy to go back to your previous setup easily by restoring a backup; recommended regularly/before you flash anything to your phone.
ok so by flashing cwm and then a costom rom the divise will root by it self and do i have to flash a stock ics rom to install a costom ics rom??????
Lackchoo,
Flash one of Chainfire's kernels. His instructions are very clear. That will give you root and CWM, and possibly also a yellow triangle at startup which you shouldn't worry about at all.
You don't need to flash a stock ICS ROM to flash a custom ROM. After rooted, in CWM, just install the downloaded ZIP ROM file of the custom ROM. You will keep root and triangle will go away.
Ditto what the above person said about ROM's. However, you can try Cyanogen (Do a 'stable' release, not a 'nightly'), its the most 'popular' ROM in terms of numbers. One can't and shouldn't say which one is best. But for a newbie, I think Cyanogen is a good place to start. Perhaps it will give you the least issues and the most 'oohs!' for your initial newbie effort
I don't have the links with me from the smart phone, but just search 'chainfire kernel root galaxy s2' and 'cyanogen galaxy s2' and you should find the relevant thread. Read it slowly and repeatedly! I know I had to
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
Hello everyone, I'm trying to do a buddy of mine a favor by upgrading his Vibrant to something a lot better (he's on stock) but I'm a bit unclear on a few things. First of all let me get out of the way that I'm a Fascinate (Verizon) owner that recently modded my own phone to run AOKP ICS Milestone 6 with great results, so I figured since he pretty much had the exact same phone I could do it for him. The problem I'm running into is the procedure I used to flash my phone doesn't seem to apply to the Vibrant (or at least what I was searching for) so I just wanted to clear up a few steps before I try to flash his phone.
He's not a very tech savvy guy, so he won't be updating ROMs on the bleeding edge or anything, he just wants his phone to run better so I figure ICZen is the way to go right, considering it's based off of what I'm using now (AOKP M6)? Everything needs to work, so that pretty much rules out any JB right now because of the GPS issues. Okay now onto the specific flashing questions:
1) This thread seems to be the go to thread for flashing the Vibrant, but it hasn't been updated since Dec '11, so would I just follow the same procedure for the newer ICS roms?
2) Here is the guide I used for my Fascinate (see section 4), which has a few extra steps that I notice are lacking for the Vibrant... namely installing cwm4 fixed for cm7 first, then installing THS Build 2, then flash over that with whatever ICS Rom you need.
3) Devil Kernel is what's considered best on my phone running AOKP M6... is that true as well for ICZen?
4) Since the Vibrant never got 2.3, what is the best modem to be using? On the Fascinate the EH03 (GB) stock modem is best, but I'm unsure what the deal is for the Vibrant since they never got an official GB update. Also along the same topic, Verizon has a code you can input that updates your PRL and improves reception... does T-Mobile have such a code or not?
I appreciate any and all input, as I want this to go as smoothly as possible. Thanks
You seem to have a pretty good grasp on what your doing.
From stock, install gingerbread bootloaders then go to recovery via volume rocker down and hold power button, until the logo. Might have to practice it a couple times.
Once in recovery click reinstall packages, might have to do it s couple of times. This installs your update.zip
From here I always perform wipes and flash a custom Froyo ROM. Maybe overkill but, only takes a second and I don't mind.
From here I flashed the latest CM9 nightly and on to Helly Bean.
Do your wipes in between flashes, and you should be fine.
I haven't ever heard about a T-Mobile code for tower updates, I think its automatic.
Well I didn't have to worry about bootloaders on my Fascinate since I was already on GB, so that's a bit new to me... but doing a quick google search I found this guide. Is that an accurate guide to follow? Alright so basically what you're saying is before I root at all I need to do this?
Also like I was saying earlier, he wants everything to work so I think Helly Bean is out of the question because of GPS, right? I was thinking ICZen looks the cleanest, with everything working nicely, and it's based on what I'm currently using on mine.
Can you clarify on why you're flashing a custom froyo rom? I won't mind to do that either, if it has any benefit.
Also, I checked his phone last night and it's on stock 2.2, not 2.1 if that makes any sort of difference. Thanks again
First root and get cwm recovery then flash bootloaders. The vibe never got an official GB, so that's why boot loaders are recommended. The guide you have is fine. Second the GPS on the vibrant has been notoriously hit or miss. I have a captivate, the GPS works great but my vibe couldn't get a lock to save my life.
Now as far as iczen or hellybean, you have to weigh the options:
Iczen is a great ROM and might have a better chance getting a GPS lock. IMO if you can get a lock with ICS you will probably get a lock with JB. But with ICS you have to be concerned with the EU bug. What's that you ask:
There has been an issue with people randomly looking at phone and a message saying encryption unsuccessful press to reset. If you press the button you have basically just locked up your internal SD card. If you don't press you MIGHT be able to recover it. There is a workaround if this happens, to use ext SD only but your friend will not like that.
I'm currently running hellybean on both of my devices and I love it. Like I said, cappy gps works great and my vibrant not so much. If you really want stable go with bionix as toast recommended or one of moped Ryder's ROMs . If you want to be wowed, go with hellybean.
There are some things you can try with it to get a GPS lock. The general consensus is turn on GPS, reboot, wait it out till you get an initial lock. After that locks will be quicker. I hope this helped in some way, if so hit thanks. As far as the guides etc you are good to go.
its peanut butter jelly(bean) time
That did help quite a bit, thank you. I have never even heard of that bug, do you know if that's Vibrant specific or can that happen on any of the others? I have been wanting to try Helly Bean on my Fascinate, but unfortunately my sdcard isn't very stable and I don't trust to flash anything until I can buy a new one. Honestly, I don't even think he cares much about the GPS, my original point was more along the lines of that I wanted to give him as much of a glitch-free experience as possible, so my fault for not being more specific. If Helly Bean is as stable as you're saying, then maybe I'll just do that instead then, especially after you explained that glitch. Also, since I don't have any Helly Bean experience myself, does it offer as much customization as AOKP? I've grown quite fond of all the little tweaks they include
Hellybean is pretty stable. When I did my vibrant I didn't have to use a boot loader I went straight to ICS then jellybean. If you want ICS then you may want to try aokp for his vibe its nice. If you end up trying aokp milestone 6 and have unknown baseband let me know and I'll link you to a linario build that should fix that
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda app-developers app
I have a complete guide to install ICS ROMs in my signature if you feel so inclined. PM me if you need any of the files or I may just host them on my Dev-Host account. I'll be out most of the day, but I can upload them later on tonight.
When I need to go back to stock and root and flash cwm I use the AIO toolbox. I just put the rom on the internal flash and then use AIO to get cwm on it from the flash custom rom option. Then cancel the file and the phone will reboot into recovery where you install packages twice and should end up in cwm.
The EU bug has hit vibrant and captivates that I know of. It seems rare though, if you think about the number of users compared to the reported number of cases of the EU bug, its a small percentage.Hellybean doesn't have nearly as much customization but it does offer theming and some launcher/lock screen tweaks. You could always use a custom launcher. There are a few other jellybean ROMs you could try. Honestly any way you go will be better than stock!
*I forgot to tell you, you will need to Odin back to stock 2.1!
its peanut butter jelly(bean) time
Yeah.. I don't think root is actually necessary to do any of this. You'll be rooted when the process is complete however. The custom ROMs come with root access.
But to elaborate on Samsgun357's last post, if you are currently on Froyo 2.2 stock, you'll need to Odin back to stock 2.1 prior to starting, because Samsung fixed the bug that allows installation of custom recovery when they released 2.2
It's simple to do, search the forums and you'll find a guide on Odining back to JFD. That's stock Eclair. If I have time in a few I'll locate it for you and post it.
There are YouTube videos about it with links to the files as well. I think djeddie1west posted a good one with links to all files needed, if they are still working links.
Edit: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1117990
There's the link for installing GB bootloader.
Also, I am on my phone and haven't tested links, but as long as they work, near the bottom of the post you'll find the files needed to Odin the JFD files.
Eh, I just gave up and told him to go get an iPhone instead, to increase his hipster status.
Or... that's right, I'd rather be dead than own one of those ugly bricks.
You have all been extremely helpful, and I think I have more than enough to go on. I think for now I'll just throw ICZen on his phone since it's based on the rom I'm most familiar with... and when I have more experience with Helly Bean (I finally ordered a new sdcard that's on the way, so I can play with it on my own phone soon enough :good I'll just flash his again. He'll be okay with the risks mentioned so far in this post, and honestly his upgrade is coming up soon so I'm sure I'll be drooling over his S3 when that time comes.
@Woodrube That guide you made to install ICS was exactly what I was looking for, and I wish I had found it earlier so thank you for making such an excellent post.
I'll post back here with the results, thanks for all the help once again
Hello there!
I'm a complete noob when it comes to rooting and other related stuff so I could use some help. I want to install Cyanogenmod 10 (or 10.1 if it actually is usable and mostly stable / it is easier or more noobproof to install) for the first time and I would like to know what do I need to know before starting to follow any tutorials for flashing new kernels etc. There are just so so many tutorials for this and I don't know which one I should follow to not brick my phone as I just can't afford a new phone if I manage to brick this one and I just want to get everything out of this phone.
All this Clockworkmod, Odin, Rooting and everything just confuses me and I don't know where to start. If I've understood correct the first thing I should do is I should download some custom kernel as this is something which runs "under" the Android (kind of like bios for computers?) and allows me superuser access=rooting? Then after I got new rooted kernel done I should install Odin or ClockworkMod which acts like a "backup" if something goes wrong? And lastly I should flash in the Cyanogenmod 10 or 10.1 depending which is more hassle-free for everyday use (I'd like to get as much customization as possible for my phone) and has more features and more stable.
My phone model is GT-I9100 so it's the international one (I live in Finland so no Verizon or other model of it.. that much I understand at least) and my Android version is 4.0.4 the 100% stock version of it.
I'm tired of waiting for the slow Samsung people in Finland to get the official Jelly Bean release to be done and I want all that project butter goodness NOOOOOOW. So...
TLR: I have Samsung Galaxy S2 (GT-I9100).I want to get CM 10 or CM.10.1 the noobproofest way possible, can't afford to brick. Can you guide me to a good tutorial with easy to follow orders and up-to-date versions of Cyanogenmod as I don't want CM7, but the latest GOOD Jelly Bean version or just tell me how to do this? I will answer any questions you might have about my phone or anything. I'm not stupid when it comes to computers, but phones are totally new thing to me and I don't want to flash new jelly bean with some random tutorials from youtube as I'm afraid of getting a bricked phone (or missing out some great features from other Jelly Bean releases). I want the best for everyday use, most stable and the one with most customization options version of CyanogenMod Jelly Bean for my S2.
Thanks in advance! I will be monitoring this thread actively so I answer possible questions quick.
I think you're a bit confused at some points.. I assume you're on ICS now. First you have to root your phone by flashing a custom kernel (which gaines you root access) like Siyah WITH Odin. Steps are descriped in enough guides on xda.
When you've rooted your phone, it's best to make a Nandroid back up in Recovery Mode (CWM), you get CWM automatically with flashing Siyah, just in case anything goes wrong.
After this you may choose to flash a custom rom, mostly done with CWM recovery. Steps for this part are almost always written at the instructions on the first post of a rom thread, so read them carefully.
About Project Butter: this isn't fully implemented in CM, so flash the JB-leak from Samsung, or a rom based on it (or wait for the official release).
Sent from the Matrix
Donnie Sins said:
I think you're a bit confused at some points.. I assume you're on ICS now. First you have to root your phone by flashing a custom kernel (which gaines you root access) like Siyah WITH Odin. Steps are descriped in enough guides on xda.
When you've rooted your phone, it's best to make a Nandroid back up in Recovery Mode (CWM), you get CWM automatically with flashing Siyah, just in case anything goes wrong.
After this you may choose to flash a custom rom, mostly done with CWM recovery. Steps for this part are almost always written at the instructions on the first post of a rom thread, so read them carefully.
About Project Butter: this isn't fully implemented in CM, so flash the JB-leak from Samsung, or a rom based on it (or wait for the official release).
Sent from the Matrix
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Yes I'm running 4.0.4 forgot to add that sorry. That clears many things up thank you! Oh... I thought that Project Butter was fully implemented on every 4.1.X ROM. Now I'm having hard time deciding if I should flash CM10 or just wait for the official Jelly Bean release which is supposed to come next month in Finland... I just want my phone to be really, really fluid and I'm not really pleased with this current 4.0.4 and all these unneeded programs like all the Samsung Hub programs.