What makes Android ROM development so challenging? - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I know this is kind of a noob question, but what are the challenges that need to be overcome to make a quality ROM? For example, I have a T-Mobile G2x, and all of the ICS roms are still a little unstable, I assume because the T-Mobile version hasn't been released yet. Is it just trying to reverse engineer drivers that makes it take so long?
What makes installing Android different from installing Windows or Linux on a PC? Again, is it just the drivers, or something else?
Sorry if this has been posted before, I couldn't find anything in the search.

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Stupid noob needs help

Hey guys !
I've been around here for many years but have allways been using Windows Mobile phones. I've had a Hero for about a year and i must say that i am very pleased with it. It works so damn good ! I've been flashing roms on windows mobile phones and even created roms my self.
However this Android / Linux world is so new to me that i have no idea what i need to do in order to simply flash a rom on my Hero!
What i get is that i need to root my device. There are some few guides for this in the wiki but i still do not know if my Hero is a Virgin og a Telus. How can i see this?
Also i see a lot of Linux based talk and commands (i presume) that i do not understand anything of. Do we have any desciption of the most common used commands and such stuff so new people like me can get a better understanding of what you guys are actually talking about?
When i learn all this i will edit the wiki with the information. And as i am new it is easier for me to fill in what is missing if you understand
.. And yes i have searched!
Da9L said:
Hey guys !
I've been around here for many years but have allways been using Windows Mobile phones. I've had a Hero for about a year and i must say that i am very pleased with it. It works so damn good ! I've been flashing roms on windows mobile phones and even created roms my self.
However this Android / Linux world is so new to me that i have no idea what i need to do in order to simply flash a rom on my Hero!
What i get is that i need to root my device. There are some few guides for this in the wiki but i still do not know if my Hero is a Virgin og a Telus. How can i see this?
Also i see a lot of Linux based talk and commands (i presume) that i do not understand anything of. Do we have any desciption of the most common used commands and such stuff so new people like me can get a better understanding of what you guys are actually talking about?
When i learn all this i will edit the wiki with the information. And as i am new it is easier for me to fill in what is missing if you understand
.. And yes i have searched!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Theunlockr.com is an excellent source of information on rooting/flashing your Hero.
nprussell said:
Theunlockr.com is an excellent source of information on rooting/flashing your Hero.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seconded.
And when you're unlocked, check out Villain and Vanillain ROM's (check out previous post), definitely two of the best
if you want to know if your phone is rooted download and install "Super user" and run it,you will then know if your phone is rooted or not.
I,like you,was a WM user and found android to be more complicated,but in fact it´s not...once you root your phone and install Amon-RA recovery ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=4549551&postcount=1 ) its much easier and simple to do things.
theres a sticky in this sub-forum with wiki-guides,read it!
Branwen said:
Seconded.
And when you're unlocked, check out Villain and Vanillain ROM's (check out previous post), definitely two of the best
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True used a lot those roms.
Waiting patiently for a Vanillain rom based in eris dump.
Right now im still using AychTeeSee's just to be able to use the Buuf Theme
I'm in the exact same situation as Da9L . Could you please let me know if flashing a new ROM will also change the Firmware version?
Currently my firmware is 1.5. I've seen on a friend's G1 the voice search widget and I'm dying to get that on my device. From what I've been told, i need to get a newer firmware, but I've got no idea on how to do this.
Any help would be appreciated ^_^
Some questions:
So the short line of the process of flashing a custom rom is when using unbranded htc hero:
1. Downgrade my software to 1.76, as iam using the newest
2. Root the device acording to _this_ guide
3. Perform a backup
4. Flash the custom rom as i flash a stock rom?
Is that it? It leads me to some more questions
What is this "recovery image" and is there any reason to flash a new one?
And why is there any reason to change this at all ?
How do i get danish xt9 for sms?
And please i have a feeling that i am getting this wrong.. Can you please explain to me the procedure of doing all this ?
Is there any benefit by flashing a rom?
I mean the stock rom actually runs pretty good and is stable. A custom rom is likely to be a little more unstable than a stock rom, but often give you more speed and newer features. This is when we are talking Windows Mobile, but is it the same here? What are the pros and cons by flashing a custom rom over the stock rom?
Da9L said:
Is there any benefit by flashing a rom?
I mean the stock rom actually runs pretty good and is stable. A custom rom is likely to be a little more unstable than a stock rom, but often give you more speed and newer features. This is when we are talking Windows Mobile, but is it the same here? What are the pros and cons by flashing a custom rom over the stock rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It varies depending on the ROM tbh. It's a bit like the high-tech version of 'how long's a piece of string'?
Really, you're likely to get improved performance, root permissions, user interface tweaks, different versions of applications that are better than the default ones, maybe a custom kernel (if it's a 1.5 release you're looking at).
The custom kernels can have better performance due to optimisations in them. Not sure how much of this is like winmo (never had a winmo phone, all I know is that you are able to install alternative ROMs on them), but with android the core OS is open source, so you get more performance boosts under the hood.
Anyone able to add to that?
anon2122 said:
It varies depending on the ROM tbh. It's a bit like the high-tech version of 'how long's a piece of string'?
Really, you're likely to get improved performance, root permissions, user interface tweaks, different versions of applications that are better than the default ones, maybe a custom kernel (if it's a 1.5 release you're looking at).
The custom kernels can have better performance due to optimisations in them. Not sure how much of this is like winmo (never had a winmo phone, all I know is that you are able to install alternative ROMs on them), but with android the core OS is open source, so you get more performance boosts under the hood.
Anyone able to add to that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds great. However, since this is so new to me i do not know what new tweaks and apps i will be able to use and get if you follow me? When i have flashed a new custom rom, propably android 2.1, i do not know what new things it has and therefore where and how to use these new functions. And does the real advantage in a custom rom also get to a normal user or is the advantages more directed at the developers or?

Install Android ROMs

Hey all!
I apologise if I have missed the thread, however, I was wondering where the thread is on how to get android ROMs/builds on to the HD2. It will be a brand new phone from O2.
I'm coming from the HTC Desire but will sorting the HD2 out for the Mrs.
Will I need root, etc?
The Desire thread has a sticky on rooting and installing custom ROMs? Is it worth somebody doing one here?
Cheers
definitely worth it, but there's a guide in here to follow the steps.. look for it
I searched a few threads and found this for you http://everythinghd2.blogspot.com/2010/09/android-on-htc-hd2.html step three should give you the latest FroyoStone build.
Also once you have installed the winmo rom you will be able to then choose another rom that is lighter.
Good Luck
Adition: http://ip208-100-42-21.static.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=772289
Android threads are usually found in the android section........
wait a minute no they're not, they're everywhere........
is the HD2 worth learning how to flash/hack/blahblahblah? yes, especially if the person who has it has seen android os or the iphone os. The windows 6.5 os simply does not compare, I didn't even look at my HD2 as if it was "nice" until I got it on android 2.2

[Q] New to S2/Android... coming from WebOS

Hi guys,
I plan to buy on June 14th the Galaxy S2 on Bell Canada network, it will replace my Pre2.
I was wondering if you can recommend me a specific ROM that will get rid of TouchWiz and allow me to run Gingerbread stock. I'm not familiar at all with Android, as I never use it before. That is the main reason why I rather ask the question here instead of searching, as I would not know what to search for.
A little about myself: I'm a Linux head (Redhat advanced + Ubuntu).
Thank you for your your help.
If you realy want to delete touch wiz, you'll have to root your phone otherwise you can't get rid of touch wiz, however you can run a different launcher and having touch wiz on your phone.
Hi Viletung. In WebOS, it takes me about 30 seconds to root the phone.
Yet that retains all the phone settings unchanged, while allowing me to install packages, manipulate data, etc. Is it the same thing with SGS2?
I guess my question is: is it recommended to root the phone? I'm curious if most of Android users root their phone. I know I rooted my Palm Pre/Pre2 phones 5min after I got them. I read on the Internet that certain ROM's are built on stock Gingerbread (without TouchWiz), allowing the phone to save on battery and run much smoother with less used resources. Obviously, if you install a new ROM it will void the warranty.
I'm at a point where I'm learning the basics, so any advice is appreciated.
Hello!
I've installed Lite'ning rom 1.5, which has root access. And to flash it takes about one minute!
When I got this phone, I knew it was possible to root my phone, but I was scared that I would screw something up and break the device.
Now, it's about one month after I got this phone and I must say after rooting the device, deleting some standard Samsung **** (Social Hubs etc..), my SGSII isn't draining battery as it used to do before I deleted some stuff. (Including TouchWiz)
But I have also a JIG, to reset the custom kernel counter, just incase I need my warranty back.
So my final conclusion is; I can't life without root! I like to edit the system icons (battery-, wifi icon and much more).
If you have any questions, I'll try to help you
Rooting, yes do it. It's easy, does no harm, and opens up neat options.
Just get Villainrom which is updated to version 2.0. It's built on android 2.3.4, fixing the 2.3.3 battery drain bug (which occured on all phones running 2.3.3).
If you want your stock gingerbread experience, there is a rom out there which tries to replicate this, but I recommend using a 'better' rom with a custom launcher mimicking Gingerbread. Since there's not a lot of difference than just a different launcher (home-menu).
Most dont root but most are not on XDA and dont know anything bar stock . I would guess most XDA users root .
I'm at a point where I'm learning the basics, so any advice is appreciated.
To a certain extent its been a learning curve for the devs as SGS 2 is different to SGS1 .Expect even more development as the days go by .
jje
Thanks a lot guys for the info.
prodygee said:
Rooting, yes do it. It's easy, does no harm, and opens up neat options.
Just get Villainrom which is updated to version 2.0. It's built on android 2.3.4, fixing the 2.3.3 battery drain bug (which occured on all phones running 2.3.3).
If you want your stock gingerbread experience, there is a rom out there which tries to replicate this, but I recommend using a 'better' rom with a custom launcher mimicking Gingerbread. Since there's not a lot of difference than just a different launcher (home-menu).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. I want to have the latest version of Android, I don't really care about Gingerbread. How do updates work on Android (i.e. updating to Ice Cream Sandwich eventually)? On WebOS, updates are done automatically from your carrier or Palm/HP (if you had an unlocked phone like myself). Even if I rooted my phone, I would be able to update the phone firmware with a simple download and retain the rooted aspect of the phone.
About rooting, what did you used? I'm looking at Odin and SuperOneClick... is there something better/safer? One more time, thank you.
Official updates via Kies over PC only .
Rooting is usually lost on update .
Rooting via Chainfire
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
jje
yqed said:
I was wondering if you can recommend me a specific ROM that will get rid of TouchWiz and allow me to run Gingerbread stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why don't you use it for a least a few seconds before ditching it, there's no aosp gingerbread anyway so you're stuck with it until cm7 comes along.
I want to root the phone and replace the ROM mainly because I heard that TouchWiz is running on top of current OS. I could disable TouchWiz, indeed. The issue is: I do not know how upgrades are performed into phone. From the above posts, I have to do it myself is not an automated download/install like WebOS does it.
So, if a new Android version is released, I have to download it myself? For example, my phone comes with 2.3.3 installed but 2.3.4 is released already. Will my phone ask me to download the latest version automatically upon release? I presume not, I have to download and install it myself. Using logic, that is done by either installing a ROM or getting the upgrade from mobile provider.
Correct me if I'm wrong.
yqed said:
So, if a new Android version is released, I have to download it myself? For example, my phone comes with 2.3.3 installed but 2.3.4 is released already. Will my phone ask me to download the latest version automatically upon release? I presume not, I have to download and install it myself. Using logic, that is done by either installing a ROM or getting the upgrade from mobile provider.
Correct me if I'm wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's correct, and is one of the main reasons people root their Androids so that when a new version comes out we can download it straight away and don't have to wait for the carrier to officially release it, which usually takes a lot longer than it does for the devs here to put something together. E.g. there are a few ROMs already in the dev forum based on 2.3.4, but there is not yet any official update.
Thanks guys much appreciated. I will probably have more questions, once I have the phone on hand.
yqed said:
I want to root the phone and replace the ROM mainly because I heard that TouchWiz is running on top of current OS. I could disable TouchWiz, indeed. The issue is: I do not know how upgrades are performed into phone. From the above posts, I have to do it myself is not an automated download/install like WebOS does it.
So, if a new Android version is released, I have to download it myself? For example, my phone comes with 2.3.3 installed but 2.3.4 is released already. Will my phone ask me to download the latest version automatically upon release? I presume not, I have to download and install it myself. Using logic, that is done by either installing a ROM or getting the upgrade from mobile provider.
Correct me if I'm wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android phones get new updates over the air when available, just like web os. Only Samsung does their own thing which is different on the sgs2 than on normal android devices. .
Which is, providing updates through an unnecessary software suite called KIES. You won't see an update available message on your phone.
yqed said:
Hi guys,
I plan to buy on June 14th the Galaxy S2 on Bell Canada network, it will replace my Pre2.
I was wondering if you can recommend me a specific ROM that will get rid of TouchWiz and allow me to run Gingerbread stock. I'm not familiar at all with Android, as I never use it before. That is the main reason why I rather ask the question here instead of searching, as I would not know what to search for.
A little about myself: I'm a Linux head (Redhat advanced + Ubuntu).
Thank you for your your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just install a launcher fromthe Android Store. There's plenty of good ones like LauncherPro, GX Launcher, 7 launcher. Their all relatively good and fully functional.
OK, I got the phone (16GB model) today from FutureShop and played with it a bit. It is a great phone indeed...
Phone Info (might be useful for devs)
Network: Bell Canada
Model: GT-I9100M
Android Version: 2.3.3
Baseband Version: I9100MUGKG2
Kernel Version: 2.6.35.7-I9100MUGKG2-CL371789 [email protected] #2
Build Number: GINGERBREAD.UGKG2
Now, on with the usual:
Bell bundled the phone with several crap apps like Self Serve, TeleNav GPS (how stupid is that on an Android), Remote PVR, etc.
I will follow your advice and use the phone for now as is, without any fancy stuff done to it (like a new ROM). I would like to get rid of the Bell proprietary apps (physical delete), let me know if is possible. I guess if the phone is rooted it should be easy, the trick is to know how to delete the apps from the phone.
Another question: How do I install the Samsung drivers, without installing the blotted KIES?
I looked for a clean package with SGS2 drivers only but I could not find anything... All I want is to go to Device Manager and point a directory.
I must admit that Android is a totally new experience, coming from WebOS. I'm pretty much lost, heh. I know I sound like a noob, so please forgive me if I ask some simple questions that I can get the answer with a search or just by reading the phone instructions (haven't had the time to read the documentation).

[Q] Port Android 2.2 to 2.3 Devices

I really think about it a lot, but i cant find an answer.
Is it possible to Port an Android 2.2 ROM to a Device that was delivered with Android 2.3 Gingerbread?
Please don´t ask why anybody would do that, because i have no idea
Possible? Sure. But if you cannot see a reason for doing so, why even suggest it? And seeing as actually porting a ROM is a LOT more effort than posting on a forum, no one will do such a thing, as it is completely pointless. If the device can run 2.3, run 2.3.
Maybe some Retro Fan would like it
If the device was shipped with 2.3, it probably has sufficient resources to run it. On older phones I can see why you'd install an older version.
But sure, everything is possible (ICS on dream).
I think Froyo on e.g Galaxy s Plus would be awesome.
Gonna try it
Sad that i dont have much experience :/

[Q] Motorola fire xt532 upgrade android?

Ii have a motorola fire xt532, with android 2.3.7 on it, i realize that some of the newer versions of the droid OS may not be compatible, so does anyone know what is the newest possible version i can install on my phone? i'm new to android, but have done this with blackberries before, so i have some basic knowledge, i just need a point in the right direction. also, where can i get the new andoid OS from? i have been unable to find android os for download via PC, and what other software will i need on my pc to complete this?
FYI: i read alot of posts and havent found anything related to the 532, and i see alot of people's answer to upgrading to newer versions of android is "go to about phone and upgrade software" well android 2.3.7 does NOT have that option, or i wouldnt be asking and searching thread after thread. I appreciate any help in the right direction, and your time for the help.

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