I want to share the versions of the Market and various Gapps that work for me on Sam's HC EMMC v4.0, 2nd ed. build {Huge props to him, deeper-blue, and others who got HC working on the NC. Without their heroic efforts, I'd be working 4 jobs right now trying to save up to buy a Xoom}
This script is the first one I run after doing a fresh build of HC EMMC, but you should also be able to do it on a stale version of HC as well.
Maps is version 5.0
While I am confident that these files will work for you as well, please remember, individual results may vary---use at your own discretion.
NOTE: The 'GoogleServicesFramework.apk' file in the attached .zip will remove the blue wi-fi icon from Sam's initial build. If you prefer the blue icon over a working Market (My Apps), then DO NOT proceed with the installation!
That being said, please do the following before trudging ahead:
+ Perform a full backup using your bootable CWR SD card [see samuelhalff's thread for instructions on this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=947071]
+ Backup each of the original files on your NC that will be replaced by the script
+ See #1 & #2 above...you've been warned
Instructions for Installation:
Extract the files contained within the attached .zip into the same directory as your ADB directory (where your 'adb.exe' file lives). Mine was located here on my computer: C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools
Connect your NC to your computer, ensuring ADB is working properly ahead of time
Double-click on the file 'HoneyGAppInstall.cmd' and the script to install the new apps will run
The script will reboot your NC upon completion
Once your NC comes backup from the reboot, you can then login to the Market, select "My Apps" and they should show up right away.
I have also attached the 'build.prop' file I use. This modified file allows me to see tablet apps (NY Times Tablet, More Good News Tablet) and also I can see/download/install both Angry Birds games.
NOTE: The ro.sf.lcd_density is set to 140 in my file. This is not friendly to Zeam and needs to be set to at least 150 for that launcher to work without Force Closing in Portrait mode.
Good luck and let me know if any issues.
EDIT: For those running a build that is not new and already has the original Market setup, would be best to do the following steps after running the Gapps script:
1.) Settings > Manage Applications > All > Market: Clear Cache then Force Stop -- DO NOT Clear Data2.) Settings > Manage Applications > All > Google Services Framework: Clear Data3.) Reboot
~ Razir
Would it be possible to flash the market zip through recovery? Looks like it would work in theory.
I can see all the installed apps on My Apps. Thanks for these files. But I have one problem. My Nook no longer shows up on market.android.com. Anyone else have this problem?
Is Youtube working?
JaysFreaky said:
Is Youtube working?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HQ videos don't work. If you disable HQ it works.
Vasanth said:
I can see all the installed apps on My Apps. Thanks for these files. But I have one problem. My Nook no longer shows up on market.android.com. Anyone else have this problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't use that site much, but I did just check it out of curiosity.
I verified it was working by going into: My Market Account > Settings tab. I can see "LogicPDZoom2" with last access of today's date.
bdcrim said:
Would it be possible to flash the market zip through recovery? Looks like it would work in theory.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not being a dev, I don't know how to compile the files I attached and make them flashable.
However, I can tell you that I do have a black-themed Market by Darkslide for my DroidX that is flashable via CWR, but sadly, it did not work for me. I tried it by booting to the CWR SD card. Would have been nice to have the black-themed version.
I also have a flashable version of Zeam, but again, did not work for me.
Now, I have not tried it by going into CWR using Sam's method with his built-in utility. This is because I have not really been able to get that to work 100% of the time and also because it is just so easy to get to CWR via the bootable SD card that I have not really messed with it too much.
I can post the black-themed Market if someone smarter than me wants to take a look at it...might prove useful. I am just not sure if a DX file can be used on the NC
Just let me know and maybe we can figure it out together.
Vasanth said:
HQ videos don't work. If you disable HQ it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you have to be pretty fast at disabling that little "HQ" icon in the top-right corner of the screen. From my experience, has to be almost instantaneous by the time it appears on the screen or the video won't load.
360Razir said:
I don't use that site much, but I did just check it out of curiosity.
I verified it was working by going into: My Market Account > Settings tab. I can see "LogicPDZoom2" with last access of today's date.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for checking. I did mess around with the build.prop you provided. I think I messed something up. I will use the file you provided without any changes.
Thanks.
Not being dev minded, I don't know how much help I would be. I was able to extract the apks from the zip file and move them with root explorer, changed permissions and it appears to be holding. Have rebooted twice and still good. Your script in the zip file would not work with cwr since it is windows based, I think. I don't know if the apks would install in recovery without a script, seems like it would not. Anyway, thanks for putting this together. Market works with the apks and the build. prop seems to have helped as well. Thanks again.
360Razir said:
Not being a dev, I don't know how to compile the files I attached and make them flashable.
However, I can tell you that I do have a black-themed Market by Darkslide for my DroidX that is flashable via CWR, but sadly, it did not work for me. I tried it by booting to the CWR SD card. Would have been nice to have the black-themed version.
I also have a flashable version of Zeam, but again, did not work for me.
Now, I have not tried it by going into CWR using Sam's method with his built-in utility. This is because I have not really been able to get that to work 100% of the time and also because it is just so easy to get to CWR via the bootable SD card that I have not really messed with it too much.
I can post the black-themed Market if someone smarter than me wants to take a look at it...might prove useful. I am just not sure if a DX file can be used on the NC
Just let me know and maybe we can figure it out together.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bdcrim said:
Not being dev minded, I don't know how much help I would be. I was able to extract the apks from the zip file and move them with root explorer, changed permissions and it appears to be holding. Have rebooted twice and still good. Your script in the zip file would not work with cwr since it is windows based, I think. I don't know if the apks would install in recovery without a script, seems like it would not. Anyway, thanks for putting this together. Market works with the apks and the build. prop seems to have helped as well. Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are most welcome and yes, the .zip is not flashable for CWR. XDA will only allow for certain types of files to be uploaded and .zip is one of them, so easier for me to go that route.
Files in the .zip are meant to be extracted into the folder where ADB.exe exists in order for the script to work correctly. As stated in the OP, I have only tested this on a Win7 box, as that is the only platform I have access to at the moment.
Root Explorer will also work, as you already know. So, for those who want to go that route, it is certainly an option. Glad things are working well for you at this point. Thanks for your feedback!
I'm just checking. These are the Android 3.0 gapps from the XOOM, not the 2.3 gapps? (Sorry I'm a little tired and don't have the emmc version installed, I run the SD card version, so I can't test ATM)
kdb424 said:
I'm just checking. These are the Android 3.0 gapps from the XOOM, not the 2.3 gapps? (Sorry I'm a little tired and don't have the emmc version installed, I run the SD card version, so I can't test ATM)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2.3, not 3.0.
Just transferred all the apps and the build.prop to a stale build of eMMC 2nd (3 days of use) and other than using root explorer followed the instructions to a T. My apps seemed to work but not thinking I updated maps in the market and now it doesnt work. Tried to uninstall updates in market (didnt seem to even finish the process), replace with my original apk, replace with apk from your zip here, clearing cache and data. Nothing seems to bring it back to life. Anyone else have this problem?
P.S. I think the white wifi icon looks nice.
Sent from my LogicPD Zoom2 using Tapatalk
Just used a combination of Root Explorer and ADB (for the chmod) to use your mod and everything is working great. Thanks a ton for posting this!
Only change I had to make was the LCD Density in the build.prop since I want to use Zeam. I tried using the default launcher but it is so laggy, I just can't.
lospulpo said:
Just transferred all the apps and the build.prop to a stale build of eMMC 2nd (3 days of use) and other than using root explorer followed the instructions to a T. My apps seemed to work but not thinking I updated maps in the market and now it doesnt work. Tried to uninstall updates in market (didnt seem to even finish the process), replace with my original apk, replace with apk from your zip here, clearing cache and data. Nothing seems to bring it back to life. Anyone else have this problem?
P.S. I think the white wifi icon looks nice.
Sent from my LogicPD Zoom2 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you get your Maps back and working yet? If not, PM me and we can work on it together, offline. And if we can get it to work, we can post the "method to our madness" here in case others have done the same.
911jason said:
Just used a combination of Root Explorer and ADB (for the chmod) to use your mod and everything is working great. Thanks a ton for posting this!
Only change I had to make was the LCD Density in the build.prop since I want to use Zeam. I tried using the default launcher but it is so laggy, I just can't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad all is working for you and that is a good point...I will update the OP to let folks know the build.prop has the LCD Density set at 160, which is not Zeam portrait-mode friendly.
Thanks for the feedback!
Okay, just downloaded the new Amazon Appstore and installed Angry Birds Rio (the first Free App of the Day). Force Close... so I tried both 140 and 160 LCD Densities and still no luck. Tried both of the other Angry Birds (original & seasons) and they force close on all three densities as well.
Any thoughts on why you are able to run them but I can't using the same build.prop? The only thing I had changed from your build.prop was the LCD density, but as I said, even changing it back to match your original setting doesn't make Angry Birds work.
Angry Birds and Angry Birds Seasons work for me. I had to move them to the internal memory. I already tried moving Rio to internal memory, however it still FC's. I can get the game to almost start, but when it's time to start shooting, it FC's. I haven't tried changing the LCD density.
Same issue here with Rio. Tried internal and no dice. Doesn't run at all when on SD.
I installed vegantab and followed the directions to get the full marketplace on my gtab. However when i search for certain app they do not show up. At first i just thought they were apps that weren't compatible with android tablets but this does not seem to be the case. A couple of the apps are facebook and twitdroid. I know facebook came preinstalled on tap n tap so it should not be a compatability issue. Can someone please tell me what may be causing this?
Thanks in advance
Have you tried this post? It worked for me when I thought I had the full market.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865245
This happened to me too. Even after I did the market fix as described in the ROM install thread. The previous poster has pointed you in the right direction, but more specifically these are the exact steps that fixed me. I take no credit for this other than finding it and passing it along.
Step 4.
Go into Settings - Applications - Manage Applications - Market - Clear CACHE - Force Stop
(For TnT/TnT Lite... Settings - Applications - System Applications)
Step 5.
Press back once - Google Services Framework - Clear DATA - Force Stop
Step 6.
Go back to your home screen and open up the market. You should get an error. If not, redo steps 4 and 5 until you do.
Step 7.
Reboot your device. After it starts back up let it sit for a minute or two to let things in the operating system normalize. Open the Market. Reboot your device.
Step 8.
Open the market again and enjoy. You should now have Flash and the Android Market.
I've always thought that "Full Market" didn't mean everything available in the market, but everything that the market believes it can install on your device. I've always double-checked by going to the web market and trying to "push" the app to my device to see if it is compatible.
Or is there something on the device that identifies itself on the market as to what it can have installed?
I wish there was a tablet market separate from phones. It would make things much easier.
MechAniX.one said:
I wish there was a tablet market separate from phones. It would make things much easier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but then you wouldn't be able to see the phone apps that work well on tablets. I would assume that most widgets are cross compatible. Even when going to iTunes from an iPad, they have the 'iphone apps available for you.
in the infancy of android tablets, if we could ONLY see tablet only apps, we'd all be limited to about 50-100 apps, most of which not all of us would have a purpose for.
I'm having a similar problem, even after following the steps outlined in the Clockwork/ROM thread. Not sure if it varies with the rom as I was able to get Zeam Launcher with the Adam rom, but not with TNT lite.
Following along to see if there are other suggestions...
So I had followed the steps when I originally flashed Vegan 5.1.1 and the Market didn't show up Apps, like Facebook for example.
For the heck of it I tried it again just now, after I've been using my tablet for a while, and now the Market works fully! I still can't see tablet Apps like the CNN one, but now I have access to lots of Apps I didn't before.
Another resource you could check would be 4shared.com. Search for cnn.apk or just .apk and you will see lots of other apps, not sure if they will all work, but its worth a shot.
FWIW... I ran the steps again last night (for the second time since flashing TNT lite) and got access to more apps. I was able to find zeam, but I still can't find ADW. Might try it again tonight just to see what happens.
Seems odd, but that's been my experience so far.
jacksonpt said:
FWIW... I ran the steps again last night (for the second time since flashing TNT lite) and got access to more apps. I was able to find zeam, but I still can't find ADW. Might try it again tonight just to see what happens.
Seems odd, but that's been my experience so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From my experience with three/four different ROMs is that it shows up for certain ROMs(like VeganGinger and not for others like VeganTab)
couchmonkey said:
From my experience with three/four different ROMs is that it shows up for certain ROMs(like VeganGinger and not for others like VeganTab)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm noticing that as well as I flip back and forth between adam and TNT lite.
Is there any setting that can be changed without switching ROMs that will fool the market into thinking the device is compatible with more applications?
sedrikk said:
Is there any setting that can be changed without switching ROMs that will fool the market into thinking the device is compatible with more applications?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have Root Explorer you can alter your build.prop file to set your device as olympus and that gives you a full market, or at least the fullest I've seen. The following apps show up with this change:
firefox, adw, facebook, cnn, zeam, launcher pro, dolphin hd, flash 10.2, samurai vengeance, etc.
This has worked on Vegan 5.1.1, TNT Lite 4.4, G-Harmony 2.3.3, CM7, & Calkulin's v1.1 for me.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1020130
I used astro file manager to change that file and then reapply the market fix. Still no apps like google docs on the market. Would this be an immediate fix or will it take some time for the market to register the change?
nvm: astro didnt actually save the modified file after editing it
Using root explorer now i guess the correct procedures would be
1) change the mount to r/w from r/o
2) modify the permissions of the build.prop to allow write access
3) modify build.prop
4) restore original permisions
5) change mount back to r/o from r/w
6) rerun market fix
Am i missing anything?
Read through the linked thread a bit more and seems that is all that is needed. Thanks for the point in the right direction.
This is what I do. Using Root Explorer I change the mount from R/W to R/O then alter the build.prop from Vega to olympus on that one line & then switch back to R/W. I don't change permissions. Then I go to settings>applications>market to clear market cache & then force stop. Next I go to settings>applications>google services framework to clear data & then force stop. Reboot. Then have full market. Always works for me.
Updated and revised, 11-29-20
In this post I am presenting a way to slightly extend the practical range of the 8 gb Nook Tablet by using microG for Google Services Framework spoofing rather than the resource-hogging GApps. Although I have tested these ROMs thoroughly on the BNTV250a, they would all likely run just fine with GApps on the 16 gb model (I currently run AOSP 7.0 with microG on my 16 gb tablet), while only CM 11 runs acceptably on the 8 gb model with GApps. Let's get that simple setup out of the way first.
I selected the unofficial CM 11 ROM with the final security patches by Chris Hoffmann [https://www.mediafire.com/?gq1y21uz11lr1c0]. It is serviceable for me. The main drawback is the old WebView (which cannot be updated) resulting in the inability of browsers to display many sites properly, including the current default skin for XDA. Despite this, I've come to feel that it's perhaps the best option, with or without GApps. Installing this ROM is easy. Flash with the recovery listed in post #2, reboot, then flash a pico GApps package from Open GApps. To run the ROM without GApps, read on.
I made a quick tour of CM 12.1, CM 13, AOSP 6.0 and AOSP 7.0, and Lineage 14.1. In the following post I'll lay out some pros, cons and hints based on my experiences. I flashed each ROM several times, trying different things, building the system from scratch each time rather than restoring apps from backup. That gave me a chance to work with each OS and see how it would perform not only during setup, but also during a shakedown/tweaking phase. What I can say about all of these ROMs is that GApps effectively kills each and every one on the BNTV250a.
Life without GApps
I, of course, tried side-loading apps without GApps. Easy, right? I thought so until I came to a few that whined about requiring Google Play Services to run. Even mundane things like the NPR News app, my local newspaper and MX Player are "GSF dependent" (Google Services Framework). Then I tried another app that would not install at all. Turns out it did a license verification check (it's free!) and saw no Google anything, so forget it. This was sort of news to me I suppose because even my lowly NST had GApps installed once upon a time, so I never encountered this issue before. You can hunt around for apps elsewhere but if you pick up an app that happens to be featured in the PlayStore, you may be out of luck no matter where you got it from. Or maybe not.
There is a project called microG by XDA member @MaR-V-iN. It consists of a lightweight set of apps (two at minimum, a third if you want location services) which provide the needed authentication to Google servers and/or inquisitive apps. There is a catch: the ROM must support "signature spoofing".
These ROMs do not have that option. You can Google "signature spoofing" to read the pros and cons. This is just information. Caveat emptor, etc. There is an Xposed module called FakeGapps which enables signature spoofing. I tried this on a few ROMs and found it worked fine. At the time I started this there was no official Xposed update for Android 7.0 and as that was one of my targets, I started looking for something else [note: Xposed has since been updated to include Android 7.0 and beyond]. That led me to Tingle by XDA member @ale5000. This is a Python/ADB based method of automatically patching framework.jar to enable signature spoofing. This seemed to me a more direct and elegant approach. Although I was intimidated by it at first, I eventually just dove in. The only thing I didn't already have was Python and that was easy enough to install. The process is basically automatic once it gets going. Unfortunately it does not work for ROMs that are odexed or deodexed. The AOSP 7.0 ROM turned out to fall in that category. Xposed must be used there.
OK, what can all this do for you? It can get you a spoof of Google Services Framework without GApps. Period. There are a few simple additions to allow for location services. It used to be that you could also enable Calendar and Contacts syncing. No more. As for PlayStore access, this is possible running microG with CM 11, but not beyond. It's just too resource intensive. For ROMs beyond CM 11 I found the Aurora Store (F-Droid) to work OK, although not always in the same way. On some ROMs you can use the anonymous Aurora Store login, on others you need to supply a Google account (email). Trial and error.
The General Process
If you have never "flashed" anything before that you can talk about at work, then you need some basic instructions for creating an SD card that will allow you to try out these procedures. The excellent instructions by @digixmax here will get you started with the SD card. You need to follow steps 1-2 to prepare the card, although the version of TWRP you use will depend on the ROM you want to try out (see second post for links). Also, the ROM itself will vary (see second post for links) and you will not want GApps (unless you are just installing CM 11 with GApps). The remainder of the steps (3-10, skipping 9) also describe the general process of flashing a ROM (or other "flashable" files like Xposed, etc.) using the SD card.
1. Flash the ROM using an appropriate recovery (I have listed the ones I used in the following post)
2. First boot, enable root, USB debugging and ADB
EITHER
3. Connect tablet to PC via USB and access via ADB ("adb devices"--some of these ROMs require that you approve PC access to the tablet via ADB, so check the tablet screen to approve that option if needed)
4. Open a command window on the PC and navigate to your Python installation directory. Because I was not sure what I was doing I just dumped the entire contents of Tingle into the Python directory. That simplified path issues for me. Type "python main.py" and select option 1. Wait for the "all done", hit CTRL-c and kill ADB server. Disconnect tablet from USB and reboot.
OR
3. Flash appropriate Xposed for the OS; reboot
4. Install Xposed installer app and FakeGApps.apk; use Xposed installer app to enable FakeGapps (signature spoofing); reboot
5. Install root file manager of choice if desired (the CM stock file managers are totally capable of the following operations if given root access; the stock file explorers of the AOSP and Lineage ROMs may allow the same, although I have had mixed results. You can always install a root file manager via ADB before continuing if all else fails) A copy of ES File Explorer is attached below.
for CM 11 without GApps but with the PlayStore:
6. Move Phonesky.apk--i.e. the PlayStore-- (old, lightweight version from a KitKat ROM: http://www.mediafire.com/file/1c2f0n3k3cwsln7/Phonesky.apk/file) into /system/priv-app; set apk file permissions to rwx-r-r.
7. Move microG component apks into /system/priv-app; set apk file permissions to rw-r-r (you need a minimum of Services Core, Services Framework Proxy for this step)
8. Reboot
9. Check microG Settings to be sure spoofing is enabled and other permissions are given; set to enable Google device registration; add an account. This process can be slow. Be patient. If you end up at a black screen, reboot and try again or see if the account is already established.
10. Open the PlayStore. Do some searching. You want to give it time to auto-update (this process may be completely silent). Exit. Check Settings>Apps>Downloaded to see if PlayStore has shown up there. If it has, then it may be updated. You can check yourself to see if the version number is higher. If there is no update, access the PlayStore again and check again. Once you have an update, you're good to go.
OR, for ROMs beyond CM 11:
6. Use root file manager to create the folder "Phonesky" in /system/priv-app. Set folder permissions to rwx-rx-rx. Use root file manager to move "FakeStore" apk into /system/priv-app/Phonesky and set apk file permissions to rw-r-r.
7. Move microG component apks into /system/priv-app; set apk file permissions to rw-r-r (you need a minimum of Services Core, Services Framework Proxy for this step)
8. Reboot
9. Check microG Settings to be sure spoofing is enabled and other permissions are given.
It's a lot, but if I could do it many times over you could do it once
In the end you'll have a tablet spoofing Google Services Framework so most apps will run without whining, but without the crushing weight of the PlayStore or the full GApps.
Contacts and Location
Life without GApps doesn't mean you have to give up these services. Just keep in mind that running background services can compromise a system that is already on the edge.
I tested the instructions that follow on a BNTV250a, using the stock Contacts and Calendar apps.
1. Contacts
There are some places in "on-line land" that describe a method for enabling contacts sync. I have not found the various methods to work any longer. It is possible to sync Contacts using DavDroid. There is only one version that will run on CM 11 and the same app will run on the other ROMs as well (attached below). However, you are adding more overhead to a device that is already pushing the limits. In the end I opted to export my contacts in vcard format and read them in as a local file. The more socially active may find this unacceptable, but it works for me.
2. Location
To enable location you will need to install an app which coordinates WiFi triangulation (something usually handled by GApps). There are two possibilities. You can get a Unified NLP apk from the microG download page. After installing the app you can check your microG settings to see if everything is OK. Then you can check Settings>Location and set it up the way you want.
If you want to use Maps you will also need to flash a maps.zip file from microG. This contains a couple of library files for Maps. As far as the Maps app itself, I have never had good performance from any version of Google Maps on my devices--until now. That's because I went fishing for an older, less bloated version that would run on the BNTV250a. It works beautifully on all my devices from KitKat to Nougat and allows pre-cache of map areas which don't expire. I've attached a copy of the apk file below.
Email
The stock Email client works great (at least for GMail accounts) and looks a lot like GMail (no surprise there). If you have your heart set on GMail, version 4.5.2--from GApps for Jellybean--seems to run just fine with a footprint of about 11 MB. I've attached a copy below.
The ROMs
Updated and revised 2-5-23
Generally I disabled any stock stuff I could that I would not use. Anything past CM 11 has a maddening issue I call "peek-a-boo keyboard", most noticeable when using the browsers. The keyboard drops out while you are typing or simply refuses to open without a struggle. You can solve this problem in CM 12 and minimize it in CM 13 by installing Simple Keyboard.
CM 11 is beginning to show expired certificates and SSL issues. You can try replacing or adding new certificates, but it's not easy and you're left with warning artifacts in the status bar. Ditto with CM 12 and CM 13, but they are not nearly as bad--for now. The stock browsers, fortunately, allow you to "ignore" security warnings which makes browsing more pleasant. You may not feel that's a great idea, but the reality is that browsing is the Achilles Heel for all these ROMS, and it's worse the higher you go. The stock browsers may give the best overall performance, whatever their shortcomings.
Because of the SSL issues, I don't recommend CM 11 any longer unless you are not going to do much in the way of internet stuff.
Note: I have noticed that both my Nook Tablets (8 and 16 GB) run better if they've been on for a bit. If yours is cranky when it gets up in the morning, pouring coffee on it won't help, but a little siesta after boot may be just the thing
CM 11 (but with issues as described above)
https://www.mediafire.com/?gq1y21uz11lr1c0
Flashed with SD-based TWRP 2.8.6.0, enabled signature spoofing with Tingle
This is arguably the best choice for the BNTV250a if you want something other than the stock B&N ROM. It runs smoothly enough that you could even keep the PlayStore app on it and it would still behave reasonably. It's even better without it. The only drawback with this ROM is that Android Webview cannot be updated. This means that some websites will not display properly or may simply crash, regardless of what browser you choose to use. I found the antique stock browser to be surprisingly good, but Via also works well. Also, the SSL is in need of updating, so you will run into issues with some websites and apps like OverDrive.
The lesson that this ROM taught me is that these tablets are for casual use. You can't just load them up with apps and expect them to run well. Think about what you really would like to use the tablet for. Consider older versions of apps that will probably still have more features than you will ever want but are less taxing to the system. You can see from the attached screenshot how I eventually pared my choices down. I should probably pare it down even more. Most of the apps are older versions and I've kept the total count low, certainly less than on my 16 GB tablet and other devices. You don't want to exceed about half of the internal storage capacity.
CM 12.1 (potential WiFi issue as described below)
http://www.mediafire.com/file/7zxc2e...K6-acclaim.zip
Flashed with SD-based TWRP 2.8.6.0, enabled signature spoofing with Tingle
Edit 9-30-22: I recently booted this up to find that it would no longer connect to my fairly new ATT router. Puzzled, I took the tablet to my local library and had no difficulty connecting there (open network, though). Next I started restoring backups of each of the other ROMs in this list and each one had no trouble with WiFi at home. I installed a fresh copy of the CM 12.1 ROM. It also refused to connect to the router. I scrounged around the web and found two more versions of CM 12.1. Neither would connect to my router. So...I'm not sure if there is some additional security ATT has built into their WPA2 authentication or what, but I mention this just to alert you that this might be a problem. I was even able to connect to a mobile hotspot generated by my Windows 10 machine (password needed). Why this new(?) problem for the 12.1 ROM only, I have no idea.
Before you start installing apps the behavior is sprightly, even on the BNTV250a. As the internal space decreases and RAM use increases, it becomes a little less so. Even so, when running well I think it comes close to CM 11 (with GApps), albeit with more lag.
The stock browser seems like the best bet (I tried many), though it can be slow.
For me this ROM has two major issues. When it is unhappy, it will simply shut down the tablet, literally turning it off. This used to sometimes happen when I ran it on my 16 GB model, so it's not the fault of the BNTV250a. The other issue is problems for apps writing to the external SD card. For a tablet with precious little internal space, you just don't want apps downloading into internal space or storing lots of data there. There is an edit to the file /system/etc/permissions/platform.xml which corrects this issue for some apps. Find the section of platform.xml below and add the last line:
Code:
<permission name=”android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE” >
<group gid=”sdcard_r” />
<group gid=”sdcard_rw” />
<group gid=”media_rw” />
This change enabled OverDrive and Kodi, for example, to download files to the external SD card. It might work for others.
Not as fluid as CM 11, but WebView issues are gone and you can access most up-to-date content (if slowly).
CM 13
https://archive.org/download/cmarchive_snapshots/cm-13.0-20160819-SNAPSHOT-ZNH5YAO0IN-acclaim.zip
Flashed with SD-based TWRP 2.8.6.0, enabled signature spoofing with Tingle
Never having tried this ROM on my 16 GB tablet, I was actually pleasantly surprised by its behavior on the BNTV250a. There's a funny WiFi thing where if you leave WiFi on when you shut down and then boot up again, it will not automatically connect (unless the lockscreen has come on, which is pretty fast after booting, so no biggie). Otherwise it's pretty much like CM 12 although maybe a little more stable--if you don't overdo it. The Sound Recorder app is somehow broken on the CM 13 ROM. If this is something you'd like, you can replace the broken version in /system/app/SoundRecorder with the one attached below. Make sure the permissions are rw-r-r and reboot.
Some apps can't write to the SD card (as portable storage). Kodi is an example, I'm sorry to say. I've tried many "solutions" to this problem but the only one that worked for me is to edit /data/system/packages.xml, adding the permission for each specific app you want. This is a long file and I did this using the editor from the CM File Manager. There are probably easier ways. After locating the app you want in the xml file, add this line anywhere between the <perms> and </perms> tags:
Code:
<item name="android.permission.WRITE_MEDIA_STORAGE" granted="true" flags="0" />
This change will be overwritten if the app updates, so you might want to keep that in mind.
This is the ROM I've settled on for my BNTV250a (screenshot of home screen below)
AOSP 6.01 "Marshmallow"
Box
notredame.app.box.com
(you want aosp_acclaim-ota-MOB30Z.160820.zip)
Flashed with emmc-based TWRP 3.0.2-0, enabled signature spoofing with Tingle
This is one of the ROMs built by @amaces. The AOSP builds are very lean compared to CM ROMs so I was hoping this might perform somewhat better than CM 13. But I don't think it does.
The first big hurdle is enabling root. My thanks to @digixmax for pointing out the right tool. After first boot (or maybe even before, but I did it after) you need to flash UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.46.zip. Works perfectly.
The stock launcher is, well, funky. I replaced it with Nova Launcher but after installing a few other apps it was clear the system was under great stress. Lots of black screens and crashes. Not a good option for the BNTV250a.
AOSP 7.0
https://www.mediafire.com/?5vcw8l603d3r5sc
Flashed with emmc-based TWRP 3.0.2-0, enabled signature spoofing with Xposed
This is another ROM by @amaces and what I run on my 16 GB tablet. On that device it is virtually flawless. I really wanted to say the same for the BNTV250a, but I can't.
Enabling root for the ROM is achieved with Magisk.
The ROM appears to be odexed to Tingle and so you must flash the correct Xposed (for 7.0 and Magisk) and install the installer app along with the FakeGapps app as described in the previous post.
The stock launcher is pitiful and you need to install a root file manager to get anything done. The system is laggy and video is not smooth. Not even a potential option for the BNTV250a.
Lineage 14.1
Box
notredame.app.box.com
(there are many versions of this ROM. The link takes you to the "obsolete" folder where you need to hunt down lnos_acclaim-ota-NJH47F.180211.zip. This seems to be the only version without the shut-down bug)
Edit 2-5-23: Well...no, it does not have the classic shut-down bug (tablet reboots right after it "shuts down"). Instead, it often shuts down just fine, but occasionally locks up during shut down and has to be forced off with the power button.
Flashed with emmc-based TWRP 3.0.2-0, enabled signature spoofing with Tingle
This is a third ROM built by @amaces (his most recent for the NT). I didn't have much hope for this because if 7.0 was an issue, I didn't expect 7.1 to perform well.
The only native root capability is for ADB. To enable full root, you need to flash addonsu-14.1-arm.zip (attached below). I did that after first boot but perhaps it can be done along with the ROM.
Not surprisingly the ROM has the feel of CM. There appears to be a file manager but it is only a partial reflection of the native file explorer and is useless for the manipulations that need to be done, so you need to adb install a root file manager as described in the previous post.
The stock browser is complete rubbish. It looks to be Gello(?) but it is the most infuriating collection of electrons I have ever encountered. There are no navigational buttons, no bookmark button--no buttons at all! I really tried. I used gestures (some rude), I tried magic words (many of which do not appear in children's books). Nada. When I finally managed to reach my test site it was like wading through, well, Jello! So....attached below is the nice lightweight stock browser from AOSP 7.0. Navigate to /system/app/Browser and there you will find Browser2.apk. Rename it to something else and copy in the Browser2.apk attached below, setting file permissions to rwx-r-r. Reboot. If you are successful, you can delete the old, useless browser apk. To enable bookmarks, navigate to /system/app/BookmarkProvider and inside you will find the apk file. Tap to install. I don't know why this needs to be done, but it does even on AOSP 7.0. Reboot and you've got a functioning browser (rife with "peek-a-boo keyboard")
The ROM hates Kodi, crashing constantly. Video from other apps is not smooth. Not a viable choice for the BNTV250a.
For a lark I tried it on the 16 GB model and it's actually not bad, but then I saw that embedded browser videos (like YouTube, for example) were funky colors, so... It may be that later versions corrected this, but those likely have the shut-down bug. In any event, a terrible choice for the 8 GB model.
Took a bit of trial and error to get the perfect version of playstore to not give an error, but I got it working. Thank you a lot for this write-up!
Yes I am breathing life back into a BN Nook in 2020 (quarantine will do funny things to a guy). Thanks for the comprehensive guide. I had installed CM11 years ago and it kinda sucks as is, so looking forward to seeing how this shakes out. I have to re-educate myself on all the various steps like adb, installing root file manager etc, it has been a long while since I played around with android's innards!
denmalley said:
Yes I am breathing life back into a BN Nook in 2020 (quarantine will do funny things to a guy). Thanks for the comprehensive guide. I had installed CM11 years ago and it kinda sucks as is, so looking forward to seeing how this shakes out. I have to re-educate myself on all the various steps like adb, installing root file manager etc, it has been a long while since I played around with android's innards!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While you're becoming familiar again with the procedures, give me a day or two to update the post. I recently redid my BNTV250a with CM 13 to try some things and then finally went back to CM 11 using the MicroG components rather than GApps. I'm really happy with it, but I have to say that the tablet (just like my BNTV250 with AOSP 7) behaves better if it's been on for awhile. It can be really cranky if you try to start using it right after boot.
So I'll update the post title to include CM 11 and add some details about CM 11 to the second post in a few days.
Hey thanks for keeping up with this thread! I installed CM11 as suggested but hitting a snag with tingle. I just dumped the tingl directory into the python folder as you did and ran main.py. This was the output.
C:\Python27>python main.py
MENU
1 - Patch file from a device (adb)
2 - Patch file from the input folder
> 1 adb
ERROR: Missing adb => ['adb']
NOTE: Only one binary per type is required
ERROR CODE: 65
Not sure what I'm doing wrong
denmalley said:
Hey thanks for keeping up with this thread! I installed CM11 as suggested but hitting a snag with tingle. I just dumped the tingl directory into the python folder as you did and ran main.py. This was the output.
C:\Python27>python main.py
MENU
1 - Patch file from a device (adb)
2 - Patch file from the input folder
> 1 adb
ERROR: Missing adb => ['adb']
NOTE: Only one binary per type is required
ERROR CODE: 65
Not sure what I'm doing wrong
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't remember seeing the "adb" after "> 1", but I may just not remember. So, just in case and to be really clear (in case I wasn't before):
1. I assume you have adb working on your PC or you wouldn't have gotten to the Python step. Did you ever set the PATH for adb? I confess I never bothered until I tried this procedure. But you have to be able to access adb from the Python folder for this to work. If you're not sure, just cd to the Python folder and try starting adb. If it doesn't work then the PATH needs to be set. Here's a good description for Windows (scroll down to "Step 2"): https://lifehacker.com/the-easiest-way-to-install-androids-adb-and-fastboot-to-1586992378
2. When I said I dumped the contents of Tingle into the Python folder, I meant that literally. There is no "Tingle" folder in my Python folder,but there are a bunch of extra files that are "Tingle". Just want to be sure.
Those are my only ideas at present. I hope one of them does the trick!
Ah yes path variable did the trick! On to the next steps, I'll keep you posted!
Ok, now i am at the play store step - keep getting error "unfortunately google play store has stopped." Over and over again when attempting to open. After reboot too.
denmalley said:
Ok, now i am at the play store step - keep getting error "unfortunately google play store has stopped." Over and over again when attempting to open. After reboot too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you
1. Check microG settings to be sure everything is OK?
2. Sign in to your Google account from the microG settings (add account)?
3. Then try the PlayStore (check permissions on Phonesky folder and app)
One part I'm not clear on. I placed all of the apks where you say to (steps 6-8), once I reboot, is play store supposed to just appear? When I do self-check in microg everything is checked except playstore and the bottom two (location). I got the impression from your instructions that I'm supposed to wait for some background processes to appear.
denmalley said:
One part I'm not clear on. I placed all of the apks where you say to (steps 6-8), once I reboot, is play store supposed to just appear? When I do self-check in microg everything is checked except playstore and the bottom two (location). I got the impression from your instructions that I'm supposed to wait for some background processes to appear.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the PlayStore icon should appear--admittedly a very old and funky one with this old version.
The Playstore automatically updates. I wish it did not, but there is no way to stop it. But to have that happen you have to access the Playstore at least once, maybe even download an app, and leave wifi on awhile.
On my main microG settings screen I show Google device registration ON. On the self-check screen, everything is checked except the last box. I have the location stuff installed.
So if PlayStore is unchecked, something is not right. Perhaps the app got corrupted when I uploaded it. I am shut down right now but can reup tomorrow. Or you can just get another app from Apkpure or similar. I used to use something around 8.02 to get started.
I am very much stuck at this point (unless I guess I continue with regular gapps which goes against the whole point of this approach). I tried nuking and redoing the whole process with the same result. Attached screenshots of all relevant screens to show permissions/settings/etc.
Also I can't find a "phonesky.apk" anywhere, only full-blown google store apks which are much larger than the phonesky.apk you provided and so I must assume are not the correct thing.
denmalley said:
I am very much stuck at this point (unless I guess I continue with regular gapps which goes against the whole point of this approach). I tried nuking and redoing the whole process with the same result. Attached screenshots of all relevant screens to show permissions/settings/etc.
Also I can't find a "phonesky.apk" anywhere, only full-blown google store apks which are much larger than the phonesky.apk you provided and so I must assume are not the correct thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Phonesky=PlayStore, just renamed--microG expects to see Phonesky
Something is not right with the app. I have to run, but here is a link to v. 8.02 which I have used in the past:
https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/google-play-store/google-play-store-8-0-23-release/
Rename to Phonesky before using. It will be a little more cranky but it will work to get you going. I hope.
Edit: or, if you prefer, go to OpenGapps and download a KitKat pico GApps. Extract from that zip the Phonesky app and use it.
Edit, Edit: yeah, I tried reupping a copy of the Phonesky app but when I downloaded it the file size did not match. So I changed the first post and inserted a link to a copy on my mediafire account. That downloads with the right file size.
Well, I think I'm giving up. I've redone the process three times now. I used your new Phonesky.apk this last time and I still can't get the play store to show up. Only other thing I can think to ask - if I add a google account through microg settings, is it supposed to change to indicate that account is now added? Because if I go in there it will still say "add acount" even though I can see in the regular settings under accounts that a google account is present.
edit
The only other thing I haven't yet tried is redownloading everything and maybe even using a different PC. Ah heck who am I kidding, like I've got anything better to do. I'll keep cracking at it.
denmalley said:
Well, I think I'm giving up. I've redone the process three times now. I used your new Phonesky.apk this last time and I still can't get the play store to show up. Only other thing I can think to ask - if I add a google account through microg settings, is it supposed to change to indicate that account is now added? Because if I go in there it will still say "add acount" even though I can see in the regular settings under accounts that a google account is present.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm really baffled by this behavior. When you add a Google account via microG nothing changes on the microG settings page, but the account should show up in the CM11 settings under "accounts".
When you prepare the system for flashing, do you do an Advanced Wipe? I'm a little AR about this sort of thing, especially as my devices have been flashed with different OS's many times. I start with an Advanced Wipe, clearing out everything except, of course, the microSD card, and then I follow that by a regular wipe. Then I start flashing.
If you are still having trouble, let me know and I'll wipe my current system (I have a backup) and start again from scratch, downloading copies of the files I have posted to see if I can duplicate what is happening to you. Maybe Google has changed something in the time since I did my newest configuration and the microG folks have not caught up with it yet. This appears to be true for Contacts because I cannot get them to sync up or even see my Google contacts. This was not the case in the past. There is chatter about it on the microG site, but none of the "solutions" go anything beyond what I have already related and some of the conclusions are like "and it just started working..."
I did not do the advanced wipe, so let me try that. I'm also going to redownload everything and give it another go. No need to wipe your device just yet - you've already done WAY more than I expected to help! I will do this over the next few days and keep you posted.
Well I tried six different ways, full wipe, change the "group" set for the group permissions to "root" (it had been set to sdcard), redownloaded every last bit of software used in this process, used a different computer, etc etc etc. Nothing is working. Still no play store. Everything else seems to be fine except that.
So anyway, I finally just did a full wipe, flashed the CM11 unofficial that you provided in second post, and grabbed a kk gapps package and flashed that. Switched from trebuchet to nova and I've got a tablet I can live with! Working much better then the cm10 rom I had on there before (like swipe to unlock screen, wait 5 seconds....touch app drawer, wait 5-10 seconds....touch an app, wait 30 seconds....slooooooow).
Thanks for pushing me along in this direction, before I started back into this process I had completely forgotten all the little intricacies which would have gotten me hung up and possibly bricked. And all the of the other guides out there have broken links, outdated info, etc. So I'm happy with where I landed and very much appreciate the help, even if we didn't quite get there with your proposed improvements! I now have a capable e-book, backup songbook for gigs, and a spare digital mixer controller that I can clean up the personal stuff from and hand off to an assistant.
denmalley said:
Thanks for pushing me along in this direction, before I started back into this process I had completely forgotten all the little intricacies which would have gotten me hung up and possibly bricked. And all the of the other guides out there have broken links, outdated info, etc. So I'm happy with where I landed and very much appreciate the help, even if we didn't quite get there with your proposed improvements! I now have a capable e-book, backup songbook for gigs, and a spare digital mixer controller that I can clean up the personal stuff from and hand off to an assistant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad you reached a point where you feel good about the outcome but sorry that you had to waste so much time.
I will run through the procedure again in the next few days. Maybe there's something that got garbled in the updating of the post. In any case I'd feel better if my instructions actually achieved the intended result.
nmyshkin said:
I will run through the procedure again in the next few days. Maybe there's something that got garbled in the updating of the post. In any case I'd feel better if my instructions actually achieved the intended result.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well.....I'm not sure how the error crept in, but it looks like the creation of the Phonesky folder was the issue. This is needed for ROMs beyond CM11, but there are no folders in /system/app or /system/priv-app for CM11. Thus for CM11 only, the files like Phonesky.apk are simply dropped into /system/priv-app and the permissions set as described, Then everything works as it should.
I've corrected the instructions. My apologies.