[Q] Android ICS compatibility double-talk? - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

So i've been digging into android development hoping to do some work in porting to an LG Optimus C, and i feel like I'm getting conflicting information from Google:
from source.android.com/source/building-devices.html:
Starting with IceCreamSandwich, the Android Open-Source Project can't be used from pure source code only, and requires additional hardware-related proprietary libraries to run, specifically for hardware graphics acceleration.
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Click to collapse
and from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_version_history
Google's Gabe Cohen stated that Android 4.0 was "theoretically compatible" with any Android 2.3.x device in production at that time.
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Click to collapse
Does this mean that i need ICS specific, proprietary drivers from LG if I want to port it to my Opt C?
or do I simply (./sarcasm.sh) need to learn to write hardware drivers without any idea of specifications?
Thanks!

Related

[Q] Linux kernel 3.08 or 3.1 on Android possible?

After seeing that the Galaxy Nexus is so far running kernel 3.0.1, I was wondering if it is possible to update current kernels on existing devices to a 3.x kernel. I have a little experience in at least successfully upgrading Debian to 3.1 kernel, but compiling for android is a bit different it seems.
On my G2x, which is running 2.6.32.45, I attempted to compile a 3.1 kernel, and it refused to boot into CM7. I followed the CM kernel compilation guide, but to no avail. Would this most likely be due just to error on my part during compilation or configuration, or do I need to wait for LG to make their own 3.x kernel based ROM to derive the proper drivers?
Is it even possible at all to "upgrade" to a higher kernel version if the phone manufacturer has not done so themselves already? Thanks for any input!
Yes, you will have to wait until LG releases their version. No, its not possible to upgrade to a higher kernel version if the phone manufacturer has not done so themselves (you could try to compile one based on a higher version but that would have to be from some other manufacturer and most likely it will not work). To answer your title question, yes, it most likely will be done in higher versions of android.
Theonew said:
Yes, you will have to wait until LG releases their version. No, its not possible to upgrade to a higher kernel version if the phone manufacturer has not done so themselves (you could try to compile one based on a higher version but that would have to be from some other manufacturer and most likely it will not work). To answer your title question, yes, it most likely will be done in higher versions of android.
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Thank you for replying so quickly and concisely!
That is a bit disappointing, but realistic I suppose. In the 3.1 kernel changelog there were a ton of Tegra based changes/fixes, so I figured I'd try it out on the Tegra based G2X. What is it that the newer kernels are missing that severely hinders upgrades on android as oppose to desktop (x86?) platforms?
In more realistic terms, the most likely way of being able to jump up to a higher kernel would be say, using the 3.0.1 kernel from the Galaxy Nexus dump as the source and use a current 2.6.32 config with it? I might try it out if it's a little more likely!
hobbla said:
Thank you for replying so quickly and concisely!
That is a bit disappointing, but realistic I suppose. In the 3.1 kernel changelog there were a ton of Tegra based changes/fixes, so I figured I'd try it out on the Tegra based G2X. What is it that the newer kernels are missing that severely hinders upgrades on android as oppose to desktop (x86?) platforms?
In more realistic terms, the most likely way of being able to jump up to a higher kernel would be say, using the 3.0.1 kernel from the Galaxy Nexus dump as the source and use a current 2.6.32 config with it? I might try it out if it's a little more likely!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The newer kernels aren't missing anything. In fact, they have many more features, optimizations, and fixes which do not allow them to work on earlier versions of android.
More likely yes, but still, it most likely will not work (since these earlier version of android won't support all what higher kernels and android versions support).
hobbla said:
After seeing that the Galaxy Nexus is so far running kernel 3.0.1, I was wondering if it is possible to update current kernels on existing devices to a 3.x kernel. I have a little experience in at least successfully upgrading Debian to 3.1 kernel, but compiling for android is a bit different it seems.
On my G2x, which is running 2.6.32.45, I attempted to compile a 3.1 kernel, and it refused to boot into CM7. I followed the CM kernel compilation guide, but to no avail. Would this most likely be due just to error on my part during compilation or configuration, or do I need to wait for LG to make their own 3.x kernel based ROM to derive the proper drivers?
Is it even possible at all to "upgrade" to a higher kernel version if the phone manufacturer has not done so themselves already? Thanks for any input!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just ported this 3.1 kernel last night. I took the Linaro 3.1 Linux kernel, and integrated ashmem, pmem, binder, and lowmemorykiller.
http :// i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj141/landcruiserfjz80/kernel/2011-11-09_09-39-08_429.jpg
forcedinductionz said:
Just ported this 3.1 kernel last night. I took the Linaro 3.1 Linux kernel, and integrated ashmem, pmem, binder, and lowmemorykiller.
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Click to collapse
Care to upload it?
Theonew said:
Care to upload it?
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It's for an OMAP3 platform. If you are looking to port a Tegra 2 BSP to a 3.1 kernel i'd be willing to help get it going.
forcedinductionz said:
It's for an OMAP3 platform. If you are looking to port a Tegra 2 BSP to a 3.1 kernel i'd be willing to help get it going.
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Click to collapse
That would be great! I've never considered Linaro before. From reading up on it, it seems to be an optimized kernel for ARM (and other mobile CPUs)? You might have to make a tutorial on how to customize your own kernel
hobbla said:
That would be great! I've never considered Linaro before. From reading up on it, it seems to be an optimized kernel for ARM (and other mobile CPUs)? You might have to make a tutorial on how to customize your own kernel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm about to deliver some Android changes to this tree. If you are serious about supporting Tegra2 please point me to your current kernel's source code. I'll begin porting the BSP and drivers.
https :// github.com/EmbeddedAndroid/linaro-android-3.1
forcedinductionz said:
I'm about to deliver some Android changes to this tree. If you are serious about supporting Tegra2 please point me to your current kernel's source code. I'll begin porting the BSP and drivers.
https :// github.com/EmbeddedAndroid/linaro-android-3.1
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Click to collapse
This looks great! Would you be including the Tegra 2 BSP and drivers into the embedded kernel? I (and any other Tegra device owners) really appreciate the help!
Here's the source for the device I have; LG G2X (P999) with a Tegra 250 (sorry about mediafire, LG doesn't allow hotlinking):
http :// www.mediafire.com/?9zt7suw7nivbr7o
If we wanted this to work on a Cyanogenmod based kernel, I guess you'd have to look at the Cyanogen Git. Here's the the P999 cyanogen git:
https :// github.com/CyanogenMod/android_device_lge_p999
You can look at getting set up with it easily here, I believe:
http :// wiki.cyanogenmod.com/wiki/Building_Kernel_from_source
Thank you for helping! If there's anything else I can help with, or resources you could post that would allow me to help you better that'd be great.
I am pulling down the sources now. It's been a busy week getting ICS up and running but now I have some time to play. I'll keep you posted on my progress.
How it's goin'?
forcedinductionz said:
I am pulling down the sources now. It's been a busy week getting ICS up and running but now I have some time to play. I'll keep you posted on my progress.
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Sounds great! Again, if there's anything we can assist you with just let us know. Or, outlining the steps you're taking could allow us to help in the future
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
Is everything OK?

[Q] Android Porting. Why device specific?

Hello all!!
I'm new to Android and i'm interested in learning a bit and maybe get involved with it but there are some things that i don't get about android and can't find the answers.
My main question is why Android which is based on Linux is so hard to get updates for all devices at once?
For example we got ICS lately why it's only available for Nexus S and not for all devices that support android?
In pcs if there is a new Ubuntu version every pc can get it no matter the hardware it uses as there are drivers for it.
Is it so hard to have drivers for all the android devices?
Why do we need to wait forever for the X company that makes the phone to build a new kernel?
Is it about the libaries?The drivers?
Say i got a device that is not supported by ICS what would i need to make it supported? I got my libs from 2.3.5 can i toss them to overlay compile and works? If not y not?
Thanks in advance for your answers and sorry if my questions are too noobish, everyone has to start from somewhere
Serafym said:
Hello all!!
I'm new to Android and i'm interested in learning a bit and maybe get involved with it but there are some things that i don't get about android and can't find the answers.
1. My main question is why Android which is based on Linux is so hard to get updates for all devices at once?
2. For example we got ICS lately why it's only available for Nexus S and not for all devices that support android?
- In pcs if there is a new Ubuntu version every pc can get it no matter the hardware it uses as there are drivers for it.
3. Is it so hard to have drivers for all the android devices?
4. Why do we need to wait forever for the X company that makes the phone to build a new kernel?
5. Is it about the libaries?The drivers?
6. Say i got a device that is not supported by ICS what would i need to make it supported? I got my libs from 2.3.5 can i toss them to overlay compile and works? If not y not?
Thanks in advance for your answers and sorry if my questions are too noobish, everyone has to start from somewhere
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Manufacturers don't release updates for all their devices all at once (some not at all).
2. It's ready (most stable so far) for that device (SDK ports; (almost) official update)
- Not true. If you tried to place Ubuntu 12.04 LTS on a PC with a 368 MHz and 32mb ram, it would not run .
3. Yes. Android is on devices from many different manufacturers with many different designs and hardware.
4. See here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_kernel (to know what it is). Different hardware will require different commands, etc. If the manufacturer doesn't release the kernel source, development cannot be done on that device (properly).
5. Yes and yes (much more too).
6. Create a working port from some other device (with similar hardware) which is supported. Sometimes. Some versions of android have backward compatibility of those files but ICS isn't really backward compatible which is why many ports of ICS (for various devices) don't have a working camera, etc. See the 2nd paragraph here: http://www.cyanogenmod.com/blog/cm9-progress-update.

Create your own android version

hey can we create our own version of android like, for example, (Android 4.3 dev by someone not in the google android company)....
Short answer: No
Think yourself if that would be possible then why would everyone stuck on jellybean.
Sent from my HTC Wildfire using xda app-developers app
You are a genius
Sent from my GT-S5830 using xda app-developers app
imda1 said:
hey can we create our own version of android like, for example, (Android 4.3 dev by someone not in the google android company)....
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Click to collapse
Technically there is no reason why not Android is open source and you could freely fork the code and start building your own modified version and then distribute as you see fit.
This is after all what the likes of Cyanogen Mod do, but at the end of the day you would still have to work off a current version and mod to your needs.
zacthespack said:
Technically there is no reason why not Android is open source and you could freely fork the code and start building your own modified version and then distribute as you see fit.
This is after all what the likes of Cyanogen Mod do, but at the end of the day you would still have to work off a current version and mod to your needs.
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Click to collapse
So, what you mean is that all ROMs actually are android version, right?
Then what does an android version exactly mean?
Does it define a unique -
ROM +kernel
ROM
Kernel
ROM +kernel + extra innovation
???
imda1 said:
So, what you mean is that all ROMs actually are android version, right?
Then what does an android version exactly mean?
Does it define a unique -
ROM +kernel
ROM
Kernel
ROM +kernel + extra innovation
???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, all ROMs which are released are based on Android Open Source Project's (AOSP) source. Initially Google have to release the source (Latest is Android 4.2) and then manufactures like Samsung, HTC, Sony, LG etc. works on their own to provide the updated Android version to their phones skinned with their proprietory UI's or themes.
Android version exactly means changes in features added by Google itself, which are incorporated by Manufactures when they push updates to their phones.
ROM is actually the term used for your Operating System. Kernel is complete different subject related to ROMs, it works as the medium of communication between your hardware and the operating System thus involving drivers and CPU controls.

[Q] Google Fast Touch 10" tablet

Does anyone know anything about this tablet? My wife just got one and wanted to see if porting KitKat was possible on this device?
It comes with Android 4.2.
dsreyes1014 said:
Does anyone know anything about this tablet? My wife just got one and wanted to see if porting KitKat was possible on this device?
It comes with Android 4.2.
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Click to collapse
The tablet appears to be just another no-name brand tablet , the Google in the branding name is misleading as the device has nothing to do with Google (It's not at all an official Google branded product) other then it runs Android. As far as porting KitKat is concerned, it is possible but it will unforutnately be difficult without an official kernel source from the manufacture or your own knowledge of compiling AOSP KitKat or say Cyanogenmod 11 for an unsupported device.
The tablet appears to be just another no-name brand tablet , the Google in the branding name is misleading as the device has nothing to do with Google (It's not at all an official Google branded product) other then it runs Android. As far as porting KitKat is concerned, it is possible but it will unforutnately be difficult without an official kernel source from the manufacture or your own knowledge of compiling AOSP KitKat or say Cyanogenmod 11 for an unsupported device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I was able to obtain kernel source would it be possible for you or anyone to build KitKat for it? How do I obtain kernel source?
dsreyes1014 said:
If I was able to obtain kernel source would it be possible for you or anyone to build KitKat for it? How do I obtain kernel source?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the case of your device you would have to contact the manufacture and ask them to provide you with the kernel source code, and even then if they did you would still have to undergo the process of extracting the files for your device and fixing any broken features that would likely arise during the KitKat building process.

Upgrading Android version of kernel

My phone vendor has released the kernel sources for Android 7.1.2 I want to upgrade it for use with higher Android versions. Any help will be appreciated
JayAware said:
My phone vendor has released the kernel sources for Android 7.1.2 I want to upgrade it for use with higher Android versions. Any help will be appreciated
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Click to collapse
Android's Linux kernel on a device is tied heavily to the version of the Android OS it's running.
My Suggestion: Don't try this stunt because you may end up with a kernel with miss matching drivers and also a boot-looped device as a bonus.
jwoegerbauer said:
Android's Linux kernel on a device is tied heavily to the version of the Android OS it's running.
My Suggestion: Don't try this stunt because you may end up with a kernel with miss matching drivers and also a boot-looped device as a bonus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But other developers of my device have already done so and their kernel works perfectly with my device
JayAware said:
But other developers of my device have already done so and their kernel works perfectly with my device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wondering why then you don't contact these developers to get helped?
Again:
Android - what is a stack of software components which is roughly divided into five sections and four main layers - is built on top of the Linux kernel, but it has always used a heavily-modified version with per-device changes from OEMs ( like Samsung & LG ), chip manufacturers like Qualcomm & MediaTek & Google.
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