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ok, here i am... in the android world, after many years of winmo - and i must say wow, i was missing a lot! i just bought a thunderbolt as a replacement for my htc touch pro2 (which was running stock, only after i broke my old one and didnt take the time to re do it again)
what i could do on my tp2 was run hotspot app PROVIDED by HTC (not sure why or how that slipped through big red's net) but it was free, no tethering/hotspot fee needed.
i like my TB (but not the bloatware) and am currently refusing all updates till i make my mind up on rooting. right now - kernel 2.6.32.21.gb05544a dated march 1, 2011 and the software number is 1.13.605.7. my guess is that since i bought it from amazonwireless, big red hasnt updated it, and it sat on the shelf at amazon for a bit. either way, the hotspot app still works for free.
my questions:
1. if i continue to refuse, can i assume that one day i will wake up updated or find my phone automatically updating without my permission?
2. if i root (before this big scary update happens) will my phone automatically go back to a stock rom, only with superuser access where i can remove bloatware manually and install a wifi hotspot app, or will i have to flash to a rom?
i am familiar with flashing windows mobile phones, flashed my past 2 devices to the newest software (had my tp2 before 6.5 was released for that phone, so flashed to 6 before big red officially released it). but it didnt need constant 'attention' once it was flashed. i used to fool around with sat boxes that did need constant attention and monitoring and waiting for charlies next emp, then scrambling to reflash. that was a pain.
3. will my rooted TB need constant attention or will i be able to tootle around without a care, only flashing when someone releases a rom that i might want to try out or some big release <gingerbread> is ready for rooted phones?
thanks for your time!
PS: I have read that people cant use netflix app on TB - i downloaded it, and it works fine for me. i am stuck in 3g land until next winter, but i would think that 4g would rock... just FYI in case anyone cares.
good questions. i'd like to see these answered too
fxb141 said:
ok, here i am... in the android world, after many years of winmo - and i must say wow, i was missing a lot! i just bought a thunderbolt as a replacement for my htc touch pro2 (which was running stock, only after i broke my old one and didnt take the time to re do it again)
what i could do on my tp2 was run hotspot app PROVIDED by HTC (not sure why or how that slipped through big red's net) but it was free, no tethering/hotspot fee needed.
i like my TB (but not the bloatware) and am currently refusing all updates till i make my mind up on rooting. right now - kernel 2.6.32.21.gb05544a dated march 1, 2011 and the software number is 1.13.605.7. my guess is that since i bought it from amazonwireless, big red hasnt updated it, and it sat on the shelf at amazon for a bit. either way, the hotspot app still works for free.
my questions:
1. if i continue to refuse, can i assume that one day i will wake up updated or find my phone automatically updating without my permission?
2. if i root (before this big scary update happens) will my phone automatically go back to a stock rom, only with superuser access where i can remove bloatware manually and install a wifi hotspot app, or will i have to flash to a rom?
i am familiar with flashing windows mobile phones, flashed my past 2 devices to the newest software (had my tp2 before 6.5 was released for that phone, so flashed to 6 before big red officially released it). but it didnt need constant 'attention' once it was flashed. i used to fool around with sat boxes that did need constant attention and monitoring and waiting for charlies next emp, then scrambling to reflash. that was a pain.
3. will my rooted TB need constant attention or will i be able to tootle around without a care, only flashing when someone releases a rom that i might want to try out or some big release <gingerbread> is ready for rooted phones?
thanks for your time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to the world of Android! We hope you enjoy your stay ^__^. While I don't have a TBolt myself, I think any user opinion is good. Phone's auto updating is rare, like extremely rare, but I have seen it on some of the lesser model phones. I don't think you need to worry about it though. The free hotspot app however may be noticed and tagged as a tether as big red gets their chubby fingers around the few apps they are missing.
To root or not to root, that is the question.....or is it! The answer is up to you. If your comfortable with it than root it! All rooting will do is give you superuser ability, and the ability to flash custom roms/kernels/mods. If you want to keep the stock rom, than all you need to do is flash and nothing more. Rooting your phone doesn't auto flash some random rom. Roms are typically not built with an auto updater, so you only need to reflash a rom if you want to change roms or update to the newest version. I would say I flash at least an image a day on my Dinc. Once your rooted, regardless of the rom, I would suggest downloading some backup software (Titanium Backup or it's like for TBolt) and of course a tethering app, whether you want wired or wireless is up to you. Once you root, you lose your connection to big red's update servers and so you never have to worry about an update that returns you to stock like you do with i<anything's>.
Happy flashing!
fxb141 said:
ok, here i am... in the android world, after many years of winmo - and i must say wow, i was missing a lot! i just bought a thunderbolt as a replacement for my htc touch pro2 (which was running stock, only after i broke my old one and didnt take the time to re do it again)
what i could do on my tp2 was run hotspot app PROVIDED by HTC (not sure why or how that slipped through big red's net) but it was free, no tethering/hotspot fee needed.
i like my TB (but not the bloatware) and am currently refusing all updates till i make my mind up on rooting. right now - kernel 2.6.32.21.gb05544a dated march 1, 2011 and the software number is 1.13.605.7. my guess is that since i bought it from amazonwireless, big red hasnt updated it, and it sat on the shelf at amazon for a bit. either way, the hotspot app still works for free.
my questions:
1. if i continue to refuse, can i assume that one day i will wake up updated or find my phone automatically updating without my permission?
2. if i root (before this big scary update happens) will my phone automatically go back to a stock rom, only with superuser access where i can remove bloatware manually and install a wifi hotspot app, or will i have to flash to a rom?
i am familiar with flashing windows mobile phones, flashed my past 2 devices to the newest software (had my tp2 before 6.5 was released for that phone, so flashed to 6 before big red officially released it). but it didnt need constant 'attention' once it was flashed. i used to fool around with sat boxes that did need constant attention and monitoring and waiting for charlies next emp, then scrambling to reflash. that was a pain.
3. will my rooted TB need constant attention or will i be able to tootle around without a care, only flashing when someone releases a rom that i might want to try out or some big release <gingerbread> is ready for rooted phones?
thanks for your time!
PS: I have read that people cant use netflix app on TB - i downloaded it, and it works fine for me. i am stuck in 3g land until next winter, but i would think that 4g would rock... just FYI in case anyone cares.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tbolt just got netflix last week for stock users.
Even if you are not going to flash a custom ROM right now, I would root.
Reason being that rooting requires you to flash old firmware so your phone gets wiped. Better to do it now, then that way you can use apps like Titanium backup.
fxb141 said:
ok, here i am... in the android world, after many years of winmo - and i must say wow, i was missing a lot! i just bought a thunderbolt as a replacement for my htc touch pro2 (which was running stock, only after i broke my old one and didnt take the time to re do it again)
what i could do on my tp2 was run hotspot app PROVIDED by HTC (not sure why or how that slipped through big red's net) but it was free, no tethering/hotspot fee needed.
i like my TB (but not the bloatware) and am currently refusing all updates till i make my mind up on rooting. right now - kernel 2.6.32.21.gb05544a dated march 1, 2011 and the software number is 1.13.605.7. my guess is that since i bought it from amazonwireless, big red hasnt updated it, and it sat on the shelf at amazon for a bit. either way, the hotspot app still works for free.
my questions:
1. if i continue to refuse, can i assume that one day i will wake up updated or find my phone automatically updating without my permission?
2. if i root (before this big scary update happens) will my phone automatically go back to a stock rom, only with superuser access where i can remove bloatware manually and install a wifi hotspot app, or will i have to flash to a rom?
i am familiar with flashing windows mobile phones, flashed my past 2 devices to the newest software (had my tp2 before 6.5 was released for that phone, so flashed to 6 before big red officially released it). but it didnt need constant 'attention' once it was flashed. i used to fool around with sat boxes that did need constant attention and monitoring and waiting for charlies next emp, then scrambling to reflash. that was a pain.
3. will my rooted TB need constant attention or will i be able to tootle around without a care, only flashing when someone releases a rom that i might want to try out or some big release <gingerbread> is ready for rooted phones?
thanks for your time!
PS: I have read that people cant use netflix app on TB - i downloaded it, and it works fine for me. i am stuck in 3g land until next winter, but i would think that 4g would rock... just FYI in case anyone cares.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but there are OTA's that can't be rooted.
What rooting your phone will do is install a new stock ROM which means it will wipe your whole phone. From there you can flash up to anything you want. Don't do rooting the lazy way. Use the ADB process and do it right. If you have a problem along the way, you'll be very glad you did it that way because you'd end up getting into ADB to fix any problem anyhow. Plus, jcase and other at andirc.net are very helpful.
If you root you will end up with whatever ROM is used during the root process. If you go to the development threads and to the stickied rooting instructions it will show you what RUU is used for the rooting process.
If you havent updated your phone you might even find that the ROM you get after rooting might be a newer version of the one you are using. If you want to stick with that ROM you can and just debloat it yourself or find another debloated ROM out there.
Once rooted you can use it similar to how you used your stock phone with no extra maintenance steps needed. If you start flashing nightlies or alpha/beta ROMs then you will start needing to monitor your phone for behavioral problems more.
There are no OTA's that cant be rooted. When an OTA comes out and you are rooted you should wait on flashing it as you would loose root if you did but in just a few days the dev's will create a rooted version to flash. Those OTA's will then be started to be used as the base for new ROMs.
Root! Root! Root!
As far as requiring tinkering as has been mentioned just rooting alone won't change a whole lot for your regular experience. The fun comes in trying out new ROMs. Some of the ROMs out there are very stable and once installed shouldn't need a whole lot of tinkering either (unless you get the FLASH habit that so many seem to develop and decide to flash a new one every day *wink*).
I rooted and installed Thundersense 1.5 onto mine, it's pretty nice. While I am running into some problems with bluetooth audio, having root capability means I can actually tinker with the phone's settings to try to fix issues instead of waiting forever for Verizon/HTC to push out another update that may or may not resolve whatever issue I have.
Not rooting is like driving around in a sports car with a parachute tied to the back.
Just do it.
When you root following Jcases method in the dev section you end up with a bone stock 1.13.605.7 with root. You might still get prompted for updates if you stay on the stock build but DO NOT ACCEPT if rooted. It will just cause problems and you might lose root or worse. I havent heard of Thunderbolts updating themselves but I have heard of Evos, I belive, that did. (according to users posts) So you never know but I belive something to do with Clockwork Mod Recovery(A custom recovery for android that you install after rooting.) will cause the update to fail anyway. As I understand it right now all OTAs can be rooted BUT the Gingerbread update will apparently close all known exploits to get root when it is released. There will always be rooted versions of the stock OTAs posted in the dev section you can flash if you want the newest updates and to be rooted. Of course there are lots of custom ROMs for the Thunderbolt to try out that are fast and stable. So I say root. It takes some reading and learning if you are new to it but its will worth it.
Sent from my HTC Thunderbolt
rooted and reloaded software
Thanks all for your advice! I successfully rooted my TB and it only took a few minutes to reload my apps and get it into working order. netflix is jumpy now, but could be the connection - going to mess with that some. not a big loss anyway - more of a 'wow, thats cool' than useful.
appbrain and HTC Sync with outlook contacts worked great for quick 'restore'
another question though - i am trying to remove the bloat and things like vcast and vznav will not let me uninstall. what is the best way to do this? i know i am rooted - barnicle works and has superuser access.
also, any good cooked sense roms that someone can recommend? not looking for one that constantly needs attention, just some cool things like cpu under/over clocking ability, and if SOMEONE would get a ford sync app that i could use voice command to text over sync - that would rock too!
Synergy ROM is my ROM of choice. It's based on the newest GB leak for the Tbolt, and has Sense 2.1 with Sense 3.0 features, so I find it less laggy than full on Sense 3.0 ROMs, and Ziggy's kernel (included in the ROM) works great with no SetCPU needed. It's worth a try. You can find a link to the download in my sig.
Happy flashing!
that's awesome. i was think this very thing. I'm sold, I'm rooting.
orkillakilla said:
Synergy ROM is my ROM of choice. It's based on the newest GB leak for the Tbolt, and has Sense 2.1 with Sense 3.0 features, so I find it less laggy than full on Sense 3.0 ROMs, and Ziggy's kernel (included in the ROM) works great with no SetCPU needed. It's worth a try. You can find a link to the download in my sig.
Happy flashing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I would probably try this ROM - Is there anything i would need to change on my stock everything, no updates, no frills TB - like, will i have to update the radio before flashing?
I must say, i love the synergy rom! it seems fast and really rocks! I did have to update my stock base version radio MR1 to MR2.5 so i had service. flashing went great. many kudos to each and every post i read with regard to rooting, flashing, radios and roms!!! yes, i am a lurker, but thanks all around!
fxb141 said:
I must say, i love the synergy rom! it seems fast and really rocks! I did have to update my stock base version radio MR1 to MR2.5 so i had service. flashing went great. many kudos to each and every post i read with regard to rooting, flashing, radios and roms!!! yes, i am a lurker, but thanks all around!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad everything worked out and that you are enjoying Synergy. Don't be afraid to try other ROMs though. I've flashed almost every rom out there and decided to keep synergy.
Sent from my HTC GingerBolt powered by the lastest Synergy ROM
Too many horror stories for me to root just yet. However I get multiple update demands from verizon every day which is driving me crazy, and today was the first time it actually tried to update itself without permission. I just happened to open my phone at work and saw it trying to download the update on its own. There was no way to cancel it either, I had to reboot the phone immediately to make it stop. It has yet to reappear, but we'll see what happens.
Rooting isn't worth it. Most of the ROM's out now are just plain awful (some people have no taste).
What are these horror stories you speak of?? I haven't heard of one person brick their phone rooting and that's the only horror story I can think of involving rooting. It's actually a pretty easy process if you just read up on what you are doing first.
As for the claim all the ROMs suck...well everyone if entitled to their opinion but there are Froyo sense and de-sensed ROMs, Gingerbread sense and de-sensed ROMs, and AOSP ROMs. You can have sense 2.1, 3.0, or no sense. Lots of themes to choose from if you want them. I don't see how that list is any different from any other HTC phone. That is not even including the fact that a lot of them greatly improve performance and batery life.
Sent from my HTC Thunderbolt
Well I'm getting a Galaxy Tab 10.1 4G soon from my carrier, Rogers. I have absolutely no experience with Android so this will all be new to me. I am curious about a couple of things.
I heard that it'll come pre-installed with TouchWiz. How could I change it so that I have the pure Honeycomb experience (custom ROM?) while maintaining the ability to connect to my carrier (Rogers)?
I'm aware of how to root it after reading this thread,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1239185
Is there any difference in rooting a device from Rogers and what should I look out for?
I was also told that the tablet has a flash counter that would allow Samsung to know if I rooted my tablet voiding my warranty. Is there any way to bypass it?
Do you have suggestions for apps to install?
Any other general tips?
Thanks!
Honestly touhwiz is not that bad on honecomb. Try it out.
But only way to get a pure android is experience with honeycomb experience is rooting, but that i am aware im not to sure if there is a pure honeycomb rom out there. They're mainly based on the samsung updates.
Like i said try touchwiz out, if you don't like wait until cm9 comes out and try ics.
Yep; dont worry about Touchwizz; it is far form being as much intrusive as most other UI; it is really light.
In fact, it is barely like 3-4 homescreen-disposable widgets plus 6 more embedded in the system bar that you wont probably ever trigger (or remember) after the first couple of days..
Rogers GTab10.1 "faux-G" ; after a couple days of use; it is really great. It never let me down nor gave me any "force close" of any kind.
Now, if you can live with only 16gb, not expendable, and you dont mind 'bout HDMI-Out either (adapters exists, but are expensive), it is really a good choice.
Regarding battery life; it is a tank.
And 3/3.5/faux-G speed is more than enough;
Unless you plan to rely on this for your next Battlefield 3 tournament, LTE is a luxury you can afford to skip.
im also wondering about the flash counter...
where and how can you check it to see if its more than 0?
what will make it go up to 1, is it flashing anything other than samsung files through Odin? or can you still flash anything through odin such as ROM's and needed files to get root but as long as they are based on stock kernel the flash counter wont go up to 1?
Dear community,
I've rooted my TFP using the guide from xda. To be honest, I didn't mean to, I read the guide and got carried away with it . Finally the root is good now. As a windows guy and with slight understanding of linux I'm pretty new to android.
My question is, now that my tablet is rooted, how can I take advantage of it? What are the recommended apps? Any known tweaks?
Please enlighten me
Search 'root' on android market.
Titanium Backup is useful, Ghost Commander or EZ file, there are also apps to remote control your tablet, you can use new launchers - trebuchet launcher or nova launcher on rooted devices.
You can also delete system files, so be careful.
The biggest bonus to rooting is being able to flash different roms like many of us do with our android smartphones. Flashing roms is currently not an option on the Prime but should or could be available in the future. Right now I don't think there's a whole lot to do with a rooted Prime.
While I haven't rooted my Prime yet, I'm only in day 6 and waiting until the "send it back" period elapses I rooted my moto Atrix2 almost immediately. I installed Titanium Backup as well as System Tuner, and a couple other root only apps. The primary reason for rooting the Atrix2 was to freeze Carrier ID as I don't care for ATT snooping on me with without so much as a by your leave. In any case I'll probably root the Prime just to get more control over what the device is doing when it's in standby. For instance I am hoping to be able to use Tasker to shut off the wifi after 5 or 10 minutes in standby in order to save battery power and turn it back on,when I wake up the tablet. Maybe find a way to create different, more detailed power profiles for different activities. I've done a lot of this on the Atrix2 and seen some significant increases in battery life because of it.
Q
coogrrr94 said:
The biggest bonus to rooting is being able to flash different roms like many of us do with our android smartphones. Flashing roms is currently not an option on the Prime but should or could be available in the future. Right now I don't think there's a whole lot to do with a rooted Prime.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Incorrect, Rooting has nothing to do with flashing ROMs. Unlocking the bootloader on the other hand, has everything to do with flashing ROMs.
Swiftks said:
Incorrect, Rooting has nothing to do with flashing ROMs. Unlocking the bootloader on the other hand, has everything to do with flashing ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
right. i don't think that any ROM can improve the already very good existing one from ASUS.
I haven't rooted my TFP, but I'm seriously considering doing so. The main reason is that most of (good) adbockers require root access. Loading all this rubbish adds, many of them being large flash animations, slows down browsing experience significantly. I want to get rid of them and the only way I know is by rooting Android.
For me about the biggest thing is "AdAway" or any other app for updating host file.
Never see one single ad on your device again. Less anoyance, faster loading times in browser, less data consumption ...
Neter67 said:
right. i don't think that any ROM can improve the already very good existing one from ASUS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You've never used CM7 then... soon to be CM9.
Sent from my CM7 Atrix 4G
Wanted to get an idea from the group on options here:
Have seen quite a few postings on the issues with JB on the TF201 and how limited that makes things. Currently have a Gnexus phone running cyanogenmod 10 and really like it; started wondering what interesting features that rom might bring to the TF201.
So, first question is can any roms such as the CY10 even be installed given the JB limitations?
If so, are the benefits gained from custom roms worth whatever headaches are involved with the currently upgrade processes.
I am heading out on a deployment in about 6 days so access to pull down upgrade files will obviously be limited. Won't be returning to the US until the Sept timeframe, so definitely a needed decision on if anything can/should be done for improvements (to play with of course!) during the deployment.
I have the weekend to tinker but wanted to ask whether I'm better off just keeping the device as-is or putting in the time for possible upgrade steps.
Thanks!
militarymedic23 said:
Wanted to get an idea from the group on options here:
Have seen quite a few postings on the issues with JB on the TF201 and how limited that makes things. Currently have a Gnexus phone running cyanogenmod 10 and really like it; started wondering what interesting features that rom might bring to the TF201.
So, first question is can any roms such as the CY10 even be installed given the JB limitations?
If so, are the benefits gained from custom roms worth whatever headaches are involved with the currently upgrade processes.
I am heading out on a deployment in about 6 days so access to pull down upgrade files will obviously be limited. Won't be returning to the US until the Sept timeframe, so definitely a needed decision on if anything can/should be done for improvements (to play with of course!) during the deployment.
I have the weekend to tinker but wanted to ask whether I'm better off just keeping the device as-is or putting in the time for possible upgrade steps.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey militarymedic23,
There are definitely ROMs that can be installed currently, however most are unofficial ports from either a different device (TF700) or ported to the JellyBean bootloader (current OFFICIAL CM10 runs on ICS bootloader and will fail on updated JellyBean bootloader).
After experimenting with unofficial ports of CM10 (4.1), CM10.1 and JellyBeer (Android 4.2), I honestly recommend sticking to stock JellyBean as of right now. These ROMs, although offering a lot of customizations, are not "done" yet. There are many little bugs on each (ex: JellyBeer rom doesn't show dock battery, uses mobile mode aka. single pane, for play store, etc etc.) and although by itself doesn't take too much away from the experience, does tend to bother me over time.
It is these small bugs that I wouldn't recommend changing over from stock. A lot of the Asus features also missing (I really enjoy being able to change CPU modes from navigation menu-- which is a missing feature, for example). Also, assuming you already upgraded to the JellyBean bootloader, official CM10 ports DO NOT work, so you're getting unofficial ports.
Overall, I don't mind stock, and as long as you ROOT, you can go ahead and remove all the ASUS bloatware to get a pretty clean tablet experience. I also didn't find any performance enhancements after upgrading from stock (which I expected). I can include some pictures of stock vs unofficial CM10 benchmarks upon request.
My personal recommendation, due to the fact you will be deployed (so not sure if you'll have all the time to always flash the newest upgrades) is to continue with stock for now. The last thing you want is to be stuck with a buggy firmware without any way to update and restore. This way you can still receive OTA updates from Asus, which from my experience has been pretty timely (If you are out of the country, using an app like Hotspot Shield may help you get an OTA update if it isn't accessible from your current region).
Hope this helps.
Hi trophx, thanks for the input on this. I do agree that overall the stock software isn't actually that bad. In comparison to my phone, CM10 does give a nice assortment of features over the stock so I was thinking it might also do the same for the tablet. But for all of what I plan to be using the tablet for while deployed, keeping a stable release would eliminate one possible headache!
On a last note; I have seen other posts that mention some tablets have dropped by the wayside in terms of developers focusing on them vs the latest and greatest fresh meat hitting the market. Do you think the TF201 is among those tablets that probably won't be having things like CM written specifically for them?
Thanks again
militarymedic23 said:
Hi trophx, thanks for the input on this. I do agree that overall the stock software isn't actually that bad. In comparison to my phone, CM10 does give a nice assortment of features over the stock so I was thinking it might also do the same for the tablet. But for all of what I plan to be using the tablet for while deployed, keeping a stable release would eliminate one possible headache!
On a last note; I have seen other posts that mention some tablets have dropped by the wayside in terms of developers focusing on them vs the latest and greatest fresh meat hitting the market. Do you think the TF201 is among those tablets that probably won't be having things like CM written specifically for them?
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The difference between the phone and THIS particular tablet is that the added dock functionality which is built into ASUS' stock firmware (which means support for a all dock keys-- screenshot, volume, brightness, lock, etc.--, USB, SDslot, etc.). This makes it different from almost all other tablets/phones in terms of how to get the best user experience. To address your point, the added functionality of CM10, for example, isn't THIS tablet specific, thus not as appealing in my opinion (just because of the instability of the build as of now). Although there definitely are a lot of added features-- very similar to all your phone features. But as I said before, I'd probably prefer stability over extra functionality at this time.
To your second point, I'm not sure. I certainly hope that development continues. On the plus side the similarity of this device to its siblings (tf300t and tf700) makes porting software across each device easier (One of the CM10 dev threads is a port from tf700). Currently CM does officially support the tf201, however, they haven't worked out the issues with the new JB bootloader, and doesn't seem to be too high on their priorities list. On another plus note, ASUS has been pretty quick about shipping out new firmware updates.
Hope this helps
I'd suggest Androwook 1.51. It's stock based so you get all the Asus compatibility with tweaks and performance out the @$$. It's definitely a lot better than stock and more stable/faster than AOSP based roms like CyanogenMod unofficial ports.
hmm, that androwook does look interesting. And you say that it pretty much adds to the base functionality without taking away any of the prime/keyboard specifics? I did a bit of searching on it and saw that many people like it and are awaiting 4.2 to be pushed out so the 1.51 -> 2.0 can go forward. Any rough timeline floating around on that?
Also, considering I will be overseas and on a limited connectivity basis, can anyone point out issues with 1.51 that would be a problem in this scenario?
Since my prime is completely untouched in the sense of no unlocking or rooting, is there a specific guide recommended, start to finish, for getting this loaded? Some of the articles I read seemed to expect a few steps to be done already. Messed around with my phone without too much problem but I get a bit edgy with wanting the exact process for the tf201. I bought it over a year ago now so the unlocking shouldn't be an issue with the one year warranty now expired, but I guess I'm more concerned on making sure I don't brick it!!! Currently use TWRP for my phone, and if that is installed on the tf201 would that allow a full restore back to the current image that is running right now (in case of whatever issue rendering it problematic)?
Thanks!
militarymedic23 said:
hmm, that androwook does look interesting. And you say that it pretty much adds to the base functionality without taking away any of the prime/keyboard specifics? I did a bit of searching on it and saw that many people like it and are awaiting 4.2 to be pushed out so the 1.51 -> 2.0 can go forward. Any rough timeline floating around on that?
Also, considering I will be overseas and on a limited connectivity basis, can anyone point out issues with 1.51 that would be a problem in this scenario?
Since my prime is completely untouched in the sense of no unlocking or rooting, is there a specific guide recommended, start to finish, for getting this loaded? Some of the articles I read seemed to expect a few steps to be done already. Messed around with my phone without too much problem but I get a bit edgy with wanting the exact process for the tf201. I bought it over a year ago now so the unlocking shouldn't be an issue with the one year warranty now expired, but I guess I'm more concerned on making sure I don't brick it!!! Currently use TWRP for my phone, and if that is installed on the tf201 would that allow a full restore back to the current image that is running right now (in case of whatever issue rendering it problematic)?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep-- for the most part. Since I don't believe you can use NVFlash (this can recover almost all bricks) on already Asus's OTA jelly bean bootloader, TWRP is next best option. I've been flashing and restoring and such for a few months now and no issues. Just be sure to READ very very carefully because the JB bootloader is very different from the ICS one, and (Cyanogenmod for example) some only support one-- installing the wrong one can brick your device permanently.
Ps. I don't want to seem like I'm recommending Stock over other roms in most scenarios, just in yours with limited connectivity, and I don't know how much time you'll have to mess around with a comp, and backing up your device and what not. I just think OTA updates from Asus is the easiest way to go.
**Androwook is extremely stable and super fast. It is exactly as McJesus15 said, based off Asus's rom-- I didn't know if you were asking about those too, because it doesn't offer the same tweaking and system settings CM10 or AOKP offer.
Hi guys, I'll throw in my 2 cents ... Mr medic u should unlock and flash Androwook. The McJesus poster above wrote a newbie guide that I followed and had success with, glitch free. I had been fully stock and read heaps before taking the plunge. You seem the type to read 1st act 2nd so ... no drawbacks. All Asus stock options remain available and Androwook uses an installer that gives you choices every step of the way.
Good luck.
Thanks for the additional feedback. Certainly am interested in the wooky version, but have a few questions on the process McJesus wrote.
An Unlocked Transformer Prime with a custom recovery and updated to the official JB bootloader..
NVflash installed if you want to go back to any other ROM not built on official JB. This is more a recommendation
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The first would be an obvious download and run the unlocker (warranty buster) from Asus, and the second; that is more of an optional?
And per the instructions it seems once unlocked then doing the pwr_volume combo will allow the bootloader to see the SDcard contents of the wooky image?
Might be bordering on the paranoid level of doublechecking, but definitely can't afford to accidently brick this a day before shipping out!
Thanks!
militarymedic23 said:
Thanks for the additional feedback. Certainly am interested in the wooky version, but have a few questions on the process McJesus wrote.
The first would be an obvious download and run the unlocker (warranty buster) from Asus, and the second; that is more of an optional?
And per the instructions it seems once unlocked then doing the pwr_volume combo will allow the bootloader to see the SDcard contents of the wooky image?
Might be bordering on the paranoid level of doublechecking, but definitely can't afford to accidently brick this a day before shipping out!
Thanks!
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Click to collapse
Alright I'll take care of ya before you ship out. Good luck and God bless you.
NVflash is a utility that can only be used while you are on Ice Cream Sandwich. Since you are on Jelly Bean there is currently no way to do the process.
Unlocking your Prime is easy. Just use the app provided on the Asus website. Understand that your warranty is now void (not like Asus intended to do much for you anyways). Once you are unlocked use the automated utility in my guide to easily flash TWRP. It's not the latest version but I haven't had time to update my post. It's perfectly fine for your uses.
Once that's done just flash Androwook either by putting the .zip file on an external SD card or the internal storage of the Prime. Once you begin the process and start selecting options the rom is basically totally customizable for you. One suggestion I will make is when selecting the kernel go with Clemsyn's 1.7ghz custom kernel as it literally is the biggest performance boost you could possibly do for your Transformer Prime. If you need any help you can message me privately or ask in the Androwook thread. The guys there are genius's. Hope we helped you get your Prime in working order before you deploy.
Oh, also, when you first boot into recovery I suggest making a back up immediately. Always have a back up handy and I personally keep 2-3 rom zips on my Prime for the SHTF moment.
Thank you!
I actually started tinkering around with the unlocker just before you posted. Unlocked it fine, and put TWRP on it and did a full backup of stock. I did pull down the 1.51 wooky image and put it on. I guess after working with CM10 I was expecting all the fancy changes but so far I can't tell the difference between stock and androwook.
I did also try and put the Wooky Prime 2.1 image but the tablet would just sit on the asus logo and not go anywhere. Can you advise what major differences should be noticed between 1.51 and prime 2.1?
Thanks
militarymedic23 said:
Thank you!
I actually started tinkering around with the unlocker just before you posted. Unlocked it fine, and put TWRP on it and did a full backup of stock. I did pull down the 1.51 wooky image and put it on. I guess after working with CM10 I was expecting all the fancy changes but so far I can't tell the difference between stock and androwook.
I did also try and put the Wooky Prime 2.1 image but the tablet would just sit on the asus logo and not go anywhere. Can you advise what major differences should be noticed between 1.51 and prime 2.1?
Thanks
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Wooky Prime 2.1???
oh I have to laugh at myself sometimes
Androwook Prime 2.1
militarymedic23 said:
oh I have to laugh at myself sometimes
Androwook Prime 2.1
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I'm still not getting where you are seeing 2.1. Can you link me please.
it was buried fairly well, but here is the link:
http://www.teambamf.net/topic/3986-rom040712-androwook-prime-v21-complete-rom-customization/
militarymedic23 said:
it was buried fairly well, but here is the link:
http://www.teambamf.net/topic/3986-rom040712-androwook-prime-v21-complete-rom-customization/
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Ahh, sorry mate but that is really old. That was when the rom was based on ICS. When it turned to jellybean it became hairybean and went back to version 1.
1.51 is the latest.
oh, no worries though. Since it was hanging at startup I went back to 1.51.
Is there a rough rumor when JB 4.2 might be coming out and HB goes up a version? It will of course be while I'm away but if I know a general date then I can try and watch for it.
militarymedic23 said:
oh, no worries though. Since it was hanging at startup I went back to 1.51.
Is there a rough rumor when JB 4.2 might be coming out and HB goes up a version? It will of course be while I'm away but if I know a general date then I can try and watch for it.
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Click to collapse
Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the AndroWook rom is based of OTA releases from Asus, so it probably won't have JB 4.2 unless something along those lines comes out.
of course but I was just curious if anyone has heard if a major version change or new version of android scheduled to be released in the next 6 months.
militarymedic23 said:
of course but I was just curious if anyone has heard if a major version change or new version of android scheduled to be released in the next 6 months.
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Oh no idea-- Asus said they would be supporting 4.2 back in November, but it'll probably take a bit. It isn't a Nexus after all. But so far I've been pretty satisfied with their software updates in terms of speed of release and quantity.
Just a dumb question, but what makes an OTA update different from a ROM? More specifically, why can OTAs flash fine while retaining user data while installing a ROM generally requires data to be wiped?
Thanks
It's never required, but is recommended. It can cause issues with a new ROM and it's also been known to sometimes cause issues with ota updates as well. Some people would have to wipe data after doing an update to fix strange issues.
I know in the past when coming from a 4.0 ROM and going to 4.1 or higher almost always needed data wipes. Some data gets associated with an older os and when that data is copied to a newer one, that app may not be compatible with the newer os version, causing issues.
prshosting.org
I've only got my S4 four days ago, but I've been ROMing before then for years. Things are a LOT tighter here in S4 land, as you can read all over. ROMing started in the old non-locked down phone days, and is still heavy on Nexus devices. Nexus devices are the ones that are first out the door with a new Android OS. The 'Nexus 5' by LG is out now to introduce KitKat (4.4). As soon as the new Android OS is released on Google's Open Source servers, ROM devs grab it and adapt it to a zillion other phones. Up until last Friday I had a custom ROM 4.4 KitKat on my Galaxy Nexus (got it from VZW on day1 Dec 2011) using full CWM recovery mode to swap ROMS in and out any time.
Answer to your question... an OTA OS is what they want you to have, with all the Samsung/VZW add-ons, a nice safe for them package. A custom ROM you load can be anything else, super clean AOSP Android, or heavily modified with all sorts of cool add-ons various developers have created. Since these S4's are so locked down, devs are really restricted in what they can do to a ROM, and it a real headache to get them loaded after that.
My phone came with MI1 and I rooted it an hour after getting home with it last weekend. I played with Safestrap, but decided there wasn't anything worth ROMing out there for an S4 compared to what I knew on my old open phone. I took the MK7 load 2 days ago, still rooted thanks to the write-ups here. The Samsung/VZW 4.3 is actually pretty nice in my opinion (once you 'Turn OFF' some things or 'Freeze' them with Titanium Backup). I don't plan on any ROMS for the S4. I'm actually relieved with that. ROMing becomes an addiction. My dog is happier with the new phone too, as we get to go on more walks with my new found non-ROMing time.