Hi,
I'm trying to get started on customizing devices. Since most manufacturers are obliged to release the Linux kernel of their Android devices, and these are often freely downloadable, what are the steps required to download, rebuild, and flash the rebuilt kernel to the device? Is there some tutorial for this, and how device dependent is this? Does this require a rooted device and an unlocked boot loader?
Thanks.
Anyone? Would really like to get started but not sure where to.
Nobody knows or cares?
I'd suggest starting here
http://source.android.com/source/building-kernels.html
Related
There have been many topics on which is the 'best' Android phone, but that's exactly what I'm looking for.
I'm looking to purchase an Android Phone for the purpose of building Android from source and install it on the device. So I want a device with minimal hacking before I can get started.
The Android Dev phones come to mind, but it seems every device can be rooted and the boot loader unlocked. So I'm not sure I see the advantage of getting one of these as opposed to other retail ones and modding those. The only difference to me, is how easy it is to find documentation in rooting and unlocking (NexusOne having a lot of information).
Does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks in advance.
Hello all. I'm about to bombard you with a few noob questions that I'm really hoping someone could help me out with.
I'm currently using a Galaxy S2, but after reading a bit about custom ROMs and the ability to possibly increase battery life among other features, I have decided to delve a bit deeper. I do have a few questions though.
- What is the difference between rooting and using a custom ROM?
- Do I need a specific Kernel version or build number in order to use a custom ROM on my Galaxy s2 or does none of that matter when installing a new ROM?
- It is to my understanding that custom ROMs cannot use Kies. So, in the event that Android 4.0 comes out, will I have any problems being able to get it onto my phone with a custom ROM? Will it cause any interferences between the ROM and the new operating system?
I'm very interested in trying this out, however with the firmware I am currently running, there is no replacement to be found. In the event that I want to revert back to factory, it probably will not be possible to find this specific firmware that I am using (already searched).
Thanks a ton in advance for the help
Rooting gives you access to aspects and features on the phone that you otherwise couldn't get to. Installing a custom ROM wipes out the software on your phone and replaces it with software someone other than the OEMs developed.
You need to unlock your bootloader in order to install a custom ROM, and the process for this differs from phone to phone. Other than the different steps, it doesn't really matter what your phone has to start out with.
I don't know anything about Kies.
Honestly, I would highly recommend rooting your phone... just make sure you maek a backup as soon as you get root access (but before you install a custom ROM) and you're good to go!
roboedar said:
Hello all. I'm about to bombard you with a few noob questions that I'm really hoping someone could help me out with.
I'm currently using a Galaxy S2, but after reading a bit about custom ROMs and the ability to possibly increase battery life among other features, I have decided to delve a bit deeper. I do have a few questions though.
- What is the difference between rooting and using a custom ROM?
- Do I need a specific Kernel version or build number in order to use a custom ROM on my Galaxy s2 or does none of that matter when installing a new ROM?
- It is to my understanding that custom ROMs cannot use Kies. So, in the event that Android 4.0 comes out, will I have any problems being able to get it onto my phone with a custom ROM? Will it cause any interferences between the ROM and the new operating system?
I'm very interested in trying this out, however with the firmware I am currently running, there is no replacement to be found. In the event that I want to revert back to factory, it probably will not be possible to find this specific firmware that I am using (already searched).
Thanks a ton in advance for the help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's probably a for for the GS2, where you can find details for your phone. Some methods of rooting on some devices do require a specific version of firmware. Give or take carrier issues I heard the GS2's were getting ICS in an update...
The main reasons to root your phone are to do things you can't do without root. For example using a VNC server you typically requires root, but it allows connecting to your phone via VNC. Custom ROMs are usually rooted; installing a custom ROM doesn't always need root (e.g. nvflash) but it helps eventually.
No idea what Kies is and I'm to cold to Google it. If it's in the market, check it in a browser to see what versions they support.
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Moving to Q&A
Hi from what i understand, my bootloader is automatically unlocked as my phone is unbranded and was bought sim-free. I ran a test through a terminal emulator on the device and it confirmed that my bootloader is unlocked (can't remember exactly the steps I took though).
basically, I really like the stock firmware but I hate the bloatware.
I would like to continue with the stock firmware but I wouldn't mind the benefits of getting root as well as some other minor tweaks. However, I would like to keep it as simple as possible so that the benefits of further unlocking my device definitely outweigh the effort it takes to get it there.
QUESTIONS:
Will I have to further unlock my device in some way in order to proceed with;
A- flashing a new kernel
B- flashing a new FW
Or is my device ready and good to go in its current state?
Is it possible to keep stock firmware and just flash a custom kernel for root access and other tweaks? (I am hoping that this is the case)
If so, which kernel would you recommend if the aim is to keep the experience simple and close to stock?
if not, which kernel and FW would you recommend?
How does installing a new kernel and/or firmware break the update process - could I still use PC companion when ICS comes out?
thanks for any advice - I'm no linux noob but this is my first android phone so some of the obvious stages are going a little over my head.
thanks for any help!
p.s. currently on 4.0.2.A.0.69
Basically what I'm trying to do is make an insecure/rooted kernel and a custom ICS ROM for the Samsung Galaxy Player 3.6. I don't have enough knowledge and experience to do this completely on my own, so if anyone's willing to help that would be great.
For rooting I know that because it's 2.3.6 there's no universal way to root. I've heard that the only way to root 2.3.6 is by flashing an insecure, or rooted kernel, while I'm savvy enough to flash the kernel and/or provide the files, I have no idea how to build one.
For a custom ICS ROM it's the same, I'm savvy enough to flash a ROM and provide files, but not even close to knowing how to build one. I'd like the ROM based off of CM10, if possible.
I'm willing to test out anything remotely stable that doesn't have a large chance of bricking my device. I know the amount of people who are interested in this is small, but we will all be very grateful.
I thought most custom roms automatically allowed the user root access. After all, managing users and permissions is a function of the kernel, which gets replaced when you flash a new rom, doesn't it?
Of course, there is a very good chance I'm mistaken or just wrong. Either way, this is a great chance to learn the how's and why's of droid development.
dstarfire said:
I thought most custom roms automatically allowed the user root access. After all, managing users and permissions is a function of the kernel, which gets replaced when you flash a new rom, doesn't it?
Of course, there is a very good chance I'm mistaken or just wrong. Either way, this is a great chance to learn the how's and why's of droid development.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry if it didn't seem clear, but in the end I'm wanting to create a custom ICS ROM, but right now I'm wanting to at least root.
Hello,
I just got a Droid Razr M off ebay and found it came with the OTA installed that permanently locks the bootloader... I was hoping to be able to run Cyanogenmod on it but there don't seem to be any current ROM's that are able to run on the stock motorola Kernel (i'm assuming this is the problem?)
I'm basically totally new to modding ROM's and android at this level, but I would be interested in trying to port Cyanogenmod for use with the stock kernel and then installing it through safestrap... I do have some experience with linux and programming so I may be able to get this to work. Anyone know any starting places or if this is an impossible project? Is this even possible? I've heard that Cyanodenmod requires an unlocked bootloader, but then I found an old CM rom that works with the stock kernel. If this is possible, will certain functionality be disabled or what will result from a not-fully-compatible kernel?
Any help or advice is appreciated!