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DISCLAIMER:
This is totally academic, and I only pose the question as that of mere curiosity.
In no way do I mean to accuse any developer here or elsewhere of intentionally or otherwise installing malicious software in our ROMs. Not trying to start a flame war or anything.
What is the possibility that a rogue ROM creator would or could install malicious content on one of our devices? What kind of things would we look for to indicate that our device may be compromised? Perhaps packet sniffing for the extra paranoid.
I am the type that, when I see something that doesn't look normal, I question it. That said, I am a very experience Linux, *BSD, and Solaris administrator; but my experience with Android is just blooming. So I might not know where to look in the Android filesystem, or know which processes may be irregular.
I did some Googling but haven't found anything to indicate this has happened before (thank God). Are there self-checks in Android to prevent this from happening? Call me paranoid, but I just like to know what's going on.
Do the "anti-virus" softwares in the App market actually help with this?
Again just curious. I heard about some apps on the Market that Google had to remotely erase. And I believe I am correct in understanding that Google isn't as restrictive with its applications as Apple.
Any takes on this?
Antivirus and Task killers all that are garbage and slow your phone down. You won't have to worry about that happening on this site.
It depends if he/she is an asshole...
The first "viruses" for android were because people were downloading paid apps on the internet, from some site in china, that had viri put into those apps that people were downloading.
Just dont get on the bad side of a dev.
adrynalyne said:
Just dont get on the bad side of a dev.
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Click to collapse
LOL! I'll make sure not to do that!
I know that task-killers are BS. I figured the anti-virus was a gimmick, too. As far as for self-replicating viruses on the phones I doubt that will occur.
I'm more worried about malware in the form of a sleeper-trojan that calls home with my personal phone information, or gets added to some jack-asses botnet for DDoSing.
That was a worry of mine when I first came to this site, but the dev's I download from I find quit professional. I have since just started to dig into roms trying to port them to the tb, and compare the contents and begin to see what is normally packed in the zip. I have never found a dev on this site attempt to introduce malware. I have seen some intro warz but the site immediately banned them. The site has banned devs for not giving credit were credit is due, and opening multiple accounts in a way to circumvent the system.
This site is great for all, and they do their best to keep everyone honest.
I've been here and ppcgeeks for nearly 3 and 1/2 years, both with winmo and android, and I have never had an issue. It seems that these sites really do the best they can to catch things before they happen. Personally, I can't say enough about our devs. They're great, and they do a good bit of work for people who are honestly not thankful enough to them. I personally don't think you will ever have an issue, as I haven't. And I download tons of stuff from here and other places.
I think everyone is missing the OP's point. OP isn't asking if it's happning now or whether it's happening here.
Instead, the question concerns whether or not it's physicsally possible for malicious code to get executed after installing a custom ROM and/or kernel, assuming the developer of that ROM or Kernel was inclined to put some in there. Assuming it *is* possible, which I certainly believe it is, what if anything can be done by an experienced *NIX adminsitrator to be aware of it?
Is your only option to 'trust' the developer of the ROM or Kernel, or are there things we can do with a runnning android system to know how well the live code is behaving?
I've always been curious of this myself. I am no advanced Linux administrator (yet), just an aspiring IT student. I would think the best people to ask would be the developers themselves, though.
funkybside said:
I think everyone is missing the OP's point. OP isn't asking if it's happning now or whether it's happening here.
Instead, the question concerns whether or not it's physicsally possible for malicious code to get executed after installing a custom ROM and/or kernel, assuming the developer of that ROM or Kernel was inclined to put some in there. Assuming it *is* possible, which I certainly believe it is, what if anything can be done by an experienced *NIX adminsitrator to be aware of it?
Is your only option to 'trust' the developer of the ROM or Kernel, or are there things we can do with a runnning android system to know how well the live code is behaving?
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Click to collapse
No one is missing the point, the op asked if it can happen in roms/kernels/etc. Roms/kernels/etc for the phone are distributed here, therefore he is asking if it can happen here or anywhere that devs create these things for our phones.
BTW an experienced Linux admin should already know how to check for these things
Actually I believe it has happened at least twice. Once by accident, and once there may have been malicious code put into a rom that was set as bate for code thieves.
The first one was stupid, an update agent was left in the rom, and an update got pushed that loaded the phone browser to a certain site (it was not a bad site either). This effected a VERY minor few, as you had to have a certain version of a rom, and have rebooted over a very specific point in time.
The latter I will not go into as I do not know the specifics, or the validity of any of what happened.
g00s3y said:
No one is missing the point, the op asked if it can happen in roms/kernels/etc. Roms/kernels/etc for the phone are distributed here, therefore he is asking if it can happen here or anywhere that devs create these things for our phones.
BTW an experienced Linux admin should already know how to check for these things
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Click to collapse
Sorry if my post offended you and no disrespect intended, but I think you are mistaken. The question of whether or not something "can happen" is fundamentally different from the question of whether or not anyone is actually doing it. Also, saying that any "experienced Linux admin should already know how to check for these things" is in poor taste; it's a personal attack that adds no value to the discussion. The idea here is to address the OPs question as a purely acedemic thought experiment; there is no implict reference to the morality of the developers here...
Perhaps we should ask the same question in a differnet way:
If net-sec researcher working at SANS wanted to test expolitation vectors against their own personal HTC Thunderbolt. Is it physically possible for them to build a custom ROM and/or Kernel such that this custom module includes malicious code that executes automatically after installed on the device?
I'd be highly surprised if anyone claims the answer is no. If the kernel itself is custom, anything the hardware can do is fair game...
Concerning the question of how to know if anything is happening, since we're talking about the firmware itself, it would be difficult to do anything in userspace with confidence. To be really sure, you'd likely need to sniff traffic (both mobile and wifi) as well as physically monitor the hardware's debug output (and perhaps even the circuit traces themselves). With a comprimized kernel, you can't trust anything running throuh the operating system's APIs.
It's very doubtful that any reputable developer on XDA would do this. Impossible? No. But XDA is the kind of place where something like this would be discovered very quickly and spread like wildfire.
Now, some unknown developer, on a random website? While I havent come across this yet, I'd say: More likely.
The question isn't concerning the likelihood of it occuring on XDA or elsewhere, it's specifcally about whether or not it is technically possible to do it.
I think we can infrer from everyone who is answering the unrelated question, i.e. Is it happening on XDA or anywhere else?, that yes, it is possible to insert malicious code into a ROM or kernel.
funkybside said:
The question isn't concerning the likelihood of it occuring on XDA or elsewhere, it's specifcally about whether or not it is technically possible to do it.
I think we can infrer from everyone who is answering the unrelated question, i.e. Is it happening on XDA or anywhere else?, that yes, it is possible to insert malicious code into a ROM or kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you are right. As long as there is superuser access, then basically anyone with su can pretty much to anything to your phone.
At least that's my take on it.
I'm new to android in general and XDA in particular, so please forgive my ignroance (and yes I will try searching), but this makes me wonder: Do the established developers of custom ROMs and Kernels release their source code? I'd imagine the same terms of the GPL that require HTC to release their source would also require anyone building custom Kernels to do the same. Is this also true for ROMs?
I am an experienced *NIX administrator, and that's what makes me so paranoid. This kernel source isn't coming from a CVS tree that is being scrutinized by hundreds of developers, at least not to my knowledge.
I know how code can be injected into a kernel, into a module, pretty much anywhere. Should I run a diff on the kernel source tree to see what was changed? Could do that, but that may be time consuming. I've seen innocuous kernel modules altered to allow a gateway for elevating to UID 0 (and in fact, more often in Linux than in others.)
I'm pretty confident that the folks here on XDA aren't doing anything malicious: the following of these ROMs are too popular and very fluid, and I would expect something malicious to be found quickly.
Again this is just purely academic.
nerozehl said:
I am an experienced *NIX administrator, and that's what makes me so paranoid. This kernel source isn't coming from a CVS tree that is being scrutinized by hundreds of developers, at least not to my knowledge.
I know how code can be injected into a kernel, into a module, pretty much anywhere. Should I run a diff on the kernel source tree to see what was changed? Could do that, but that may be time consuming. I've seen innocuous kernel modules altered to allow a gateway for elevating to UID 0 (and in fact, more often in Linux than in others.)
I'm pretty confident that the folks here on XDA aren't doing anything malicious: the following of these ROMs are too popular and very fluid, and I would expect something malicious to be found quickly.
Again this is just purely academic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed that the liklihood of stuff here being questionable is low, but the simple fact that there is a non-zero risk certainly makes me think a little bit. You summed it up well and the examples are spot on - this is why I immediately wonderd if developers here are publishing the source code on their customized versions. Ignoring the GPL angle, its just good to know it's out there if it is, and by the same token, also good to know if it's not out there.
I have another question to add. I love miui, and to my understanding miui is made by Chinese developers and it is not open source, it is just translated and ported to our devices. If it is not open source, is there anyway to know for sure?
I am a little bit wary of the security, although I love the rom. I trust all of the credible devs on xda, however I don't know anything about the Chinese devs developing miui. Would the devs porting miui be able to see the malware if it isn't open source
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
It is definitely possible. I read a paper a while back that I've been referencing in my own research where some researchers compiled some kernel modules to do malicious tasks in the background without knowledge of the user, mind you this was on an open source linux based phone system similar to android. Basically compiled in root kits, which replacing your kernel/rom w/ a community developed system would result in possibilities of this occurring. The primary solution to preventing these things from ending up on your phone as well as keeping the Trojans and other malware on the android market come down to the same thing knowing your publisher and being careful what permissions you allow. Like stick to kernels/roms from reputable developers on XDA, and make sure your "movie player" doesn't have access to your SMS system and you'll be fine
Mind you my own research currently is in detection of malware/malicous code & anomalous behavior. As well as hopefully prevention techniques eventually.
or does anyone else feel like we dont have enough aosp love? I mean we have miui, cm7, had decks(went ghostbusters on us) and empiire(heard he got grounded for molesting his hard drive.) I understand theirs still kinks to be worked out but everything is Sense. Just wanted to see who else felt this way. PLEASE DONT COME IN AND START A PARAGRAPH WAR, I read enough in high school.
Temari x Shikamaru
Evervolv exists.
il Duce said:
Evervolv exists.
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Click to collapse
Link please. Ive been hunting it.
Temari x Shikamaru
Talked to shift on twitter yesterday, he said CM7 is being worked on. I honestly think what it is that people are happy with their phones just the way they are, so it brings less crowd. While it is smaller than the original Evo, there is still a pretty big following. Plus, this is just a US phone, so when comparing the Sensation with us is like apple and oranges. We just got mike and androidrevolution! Which is great.
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
PatrickHuey said:
Talked to shift on twitter yesterday, he said CM7 is being worked on. I honestly think what it is that people are happy with their phones just the way they are, so it brings less crowd. While it is smaller than the original Evo, there is still a pretty big following. Plus, this is just a US phone, so when comparing the Sensation with us is like apple and oranges. We just got mike and androidrevolution! Which is great.
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not just US. Theres gsm models for overseas.
Temari x Shikamaru
The problem is, most AOSP ROM's(99.99%) are based off CM kernel source, so with no update to CM, there's no update to other AOSP ROM's. Many devs might want to wait until a few more bugs are worked out of CM before they start kanging. Once we get an RC1 or a stable CM release, you may see more AOSP love.
Can the gsm users get some aosp love? Any roms?
Sent from my Evo 3D GSM...bring on the AOSP!!!
housry23 said:
The problem is, most AOSP ROM's(99.99%) are based off CM kernel source, so with no update to CM, there's no update to other AOSP ROM's. Many devs might want to wait until a few more bugs are worked out of CM before they start kanging. Once we get an RC1 or a stable CM release, you may see more AOSP love.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This man is right. Most AOSP is done by Cyanogenmod devs and kanged from there. I can guarantee you when they come out with a CM7 RC, there will magically be other AOSP roms.
housry23 said:
The problem is, most AOSP ROM's(99.99%) are based off CM kernel source, so with no update to CM, there's no update to other AOSP ROM's. Many devs might want to wait until a few more bugs are worked out of CM before they start kanging. Once we get an RC1 or a stable CM release, you may see more AOSP love.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your right. I forgot about that.
Temari x Shikamaru
housry23 said:
The problem is, most AOSP ROM's(99.99%) are based off CM kernel source, so with no update to CM, there's no update to other AOSP ROM's. Many devs might want to wait until a few more bugs are worked out of CM before they start kanging. Once we get an RC1 or a stable CM release, you may see more AOSP love.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have complained about this over and over, and will continue to complain in multiple threads until more people see the point I make and support that. Using someone else's kernel and/or ROM as a base for their "new" ROM isn't all bad all the time. It is analogous to game development on a PC using another developer's graphics/game engine (only with permission and proper credit of course!!). It saves time, and in some cases help that particular engine to advance, but it slows down new technological advancement in the industry as a whole.
Developers need to start honing their skills, start attempting to bring a ROM to the public that they built from the ground up, that includes a kernel build from the ground up too. Doing this eliminates such a large collection of ROMs that are all essentially the same, and because of the open source nature of Android it brings new technological advances to the public faster. It also raises the bar, the standard. The public will begin to expect more out of Android, and this in turn creates more motivation for a newer, better Android.
I think some developers have lost sight of the purpose and nature of open source information and products. Instead of hijacking someone's source code, and using it as a base for a new ROM with a new name, and small amount of new features, development should be done that conforms to the original intent and purpose of open source. Work together with a developer that has created a ROM [from the ground up] that is most similar to the product you want to create. Improve the ROM as a team, make bug fixes and enhancement to the existing ROM. That is what open source was meant to do. This will prevent a forum list of 32 half assed roms, and replace it with 10 really good yet unique roms.
If you can't find an existing ROM, a Dev team that has different ideas of what make a ROM good, or there is no ROM that exists that is similar enough to your vision of the product then, and only then should you develop something new.
I realize my views aren't going to match up with everyone else, but I am sure a happy medium could be found that produces a situation better than what we have now. Thanks for letting me rant, and for reading my thoughts!
Sad Panda said:
I have complained about this over and over, and will continue to complain in multiple threads until more people see the point I make and support that. Using someone else's kernel and/or ROM as a base for their "new" ROM isn't all bad all the time. It is analogous to game development on a PC using another developer's graphics/game engine (only with permission and proper credit of course!!). It saves time, and in some cases help that particular engine to advance, but it slows down new technological advancement in the industry as a whole.
Developers need to start honing their skills, start attempting to bring a ROM to the public that they built from the ground up, that includes a kernel build from the ground up too. Doing this eliminates such a large collection of ROMs that are all essentially the same, and because of the open source nature of Android it brings new technological advances to the public faster. It also raises the bar, the standard. The public will begin to expect more out of Android, and this in turn creates more motivation for a newer, better Android.
I think some developers have lost sight of the purpose and nature of open source information and products. Instead of hijacking someone's source code, and using it as a base for a new ROM with a new name, and small amount of new features, development should be done that conforms to the original intent and purpose of open source. Work together with a developer that has created a ROM [from the ground up] that is most similar to the product you want to create. Improve the ROM as a team, make bug fixes and enhancement to the existing ROM. That is what open source was meant to do. This will prevent a forum list of 32 half assed roms, and replace it with 10 really good yet unique roms.
If you can't find an existing ROM, a Dev team that has different ideas of what make a ROM good, or there is no ROM that exists that is similar enough to your vision of the product then, and only then should you develop something new.
I realize my views aren't going to match up with everyone else, but I am sure a happy medium could be found that produces a situation better than what we have now. Thanks for letting me rant, and for reading my thoughts!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn. Such a long read. It was good though.
Temari x Shikamaru
knowledge561 said:
Damn. Such a long read. It was good though.
Temari x Shikamaru
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry, I originally had hoped for a much shorter post. I always try to get the thoughts in my head out "on paper" in the shortest, most efficient and least complex manner. This is my vision of a more free, "open source" world though. I think the freedom of information could be applied to many facets of society that would create a better future for all of us, and still preserve the competition that drives a more peaceful, better, cheaper, faster world. Sorry again!
Sad Panda said:
I have complained about this over and over, and will continue to complain in multiple threads until more people see the point I make and support that. Using someone else's kernel and/or ROM as a base for their "new" ROM isn't all bad all the time. It is analogous to game development on a PC using another developer's graphics/game engine (only with permission and proper credit of course!!). It saves time, and in some cases help that particular engine to advance, but it slows down new technological advancement in the industry as a whole.
Developers need to start honing their skills, start attempting to bring a ROM to the public that they built from the ground up, that includes a kernel build from the ground up too. Doing this eliminates such a large collection of ROMs that are all essentially the same, and because of the open source nature of Android it brings new technological advances to the public faster. It also raises the bar, the standard. The public will begin to expect more out of Android, and this in turn creates more motivation for a newer, better Android.
I think some developers have lost sight of the purpose and nature of open source information and products. Instead of hijacking someone's source code, and using it as a base for a new ROM with a new name, and small amount of new features, development should be done that conforms to the original intent and purpose of open source. Work together with a developer that has created a ROM [from the ground up] that is most similar to the product you want to create. Improve the ROM as a team, make bug fixes and enhancement to the existing ROM. That is what open source was meant to do. This will prevent a forum list of 32 half assed roms, and replace it with 10 really good yet unique roms.
If you can't find an existing ROM, a Dev team that has different ideas of what make a ROM good, or there is no ROM that exists that is similar enough to your vision of the product then, and only then should you develop something new.
I realize my views aren't going to match up with everyone else, but I am sure a happy medium could be found that produces a situation better than what we have now. Thanks for letting me rant, and for reading my thoughts!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is that people don't always give credit where credit is due, which is one of the reasons some people don't like sharing stuff. I mean, let's say I made this awesome mod and let everybody use it. Then some kitchen dev comes along, kangs the **** out of it, doesn't mention me in his rom, and slaps a gigantic DONATE button at the bottom of his signature. It's frustrating.
Now I'm all about open source. I won't use a rom that doesn't post the source. That's the exact reason I won't use MIUI.
SolsticeZero said:
The problem is that people don't always give credit where credit is due, which is one of the reasons some people don't like sharing stuff. I mean, let's say I made this awesome mod and let everybody use it. Then some kitchen dev comes along, kangs the **** out of it, doesn't mention me in his rom, and slaps a gigantic DONATE button at the bottom of his signature. It's frustrating.
Now I'm all about open source. I won't use a rom that doesn't post the source. That's the exact reason I won't use MIUI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I fully understand your frustration. I am a software engineer too so I know what you are going through. I have not yet begun developing for Android, but will. There is a little bit of a problem here that could easily be solved, and the community has a responsibility to protect the intellectual property rights that you and every other developer like you is entitled to. In fact it is a right that is protected by the integrity of the constitution of the united states, and many other countries and law enforcement around the world. This is a failure that not just developers, mods, and admins have, but a responsibility and failure that every user at xda shares no matter who they are.
First off; not to offend any MIUI developers that may be watching, but if you are developing for Android you need to be using a license that is open, and your source needs to be open too. This is especially true if you are using xda as a distribution medium, but sadly while xda has said they encourage, and want every development to be open source they are not forcing the matter. This is a failure I think. It also makes MIUI look suspicious too, as there isn't a way to verify if their source is uniquely theirs'. I personally believe xda should not allow software that is not open source to be distributed. If google didn't keep the open source principle when they acquired Android roms like MIUI would NOT exist! It is highly unethical to take the base ROM from google because it is open source, and then close the source. That is wrong wrong wrong! It is also illegal! You can not redistribute the Android OS even if you have made changes and then close the source and not maintain the software license google has on place.
Second; I believe as a user of xda it is your duty to maintain the integrity of the principles of xda, and Android. Don't support closed source works, voice your disgust so that xda sees the will of its users, that the over whelming majority wants things to remain open source. Tattle your ass off if someone has broke the copyright law and used someone's work without permission and credit.
It is important to keep both xda and Android running on the same principles it started with. Don't let this keep happening guys! This is very serious, a lot of developers are breaking the law doing what they are doing!
Sad Panda said:
I have complained about this over and over, and will continue to complain in multiple threads until more people see the point I make and support that. Using someone else's kernel and/or ROM as a base for their "new" ROM isn't all bad all the time. It is analogous to game development on a PC using another developer's graphics/game engine (only with permission and proper credit of course!!). It saves time, and in some cases help that particular engine to advance, but it slows down new technological advancement in the industry as a whole.
Developers need to start honing their skills, start attempting to bring a ROM to the public that they built from the ground up, that includes a kernel build from the ground up too. Doing this eliminates such a large collection of ROMs that are all essentially the same, and because of the open source nature of Android it brings new technological advances to the public faster. It also raises the bar, the standard. The public will begin to expect more out of Android, and this in turn creates more motivation for a newer, better Android.
I think some developers have lost sight of the purpose and nature of open source information and products. Instead of hijacking someone's source code, and using it as a base for a new ROM with a new name, and small amount of new features, development should be done that conforms to the original intent and purpose of open source. Work together with a developer that has created a ROM [from the ground up] that is most similar to the product you want to create. Improve the ROM as a team, make bug fixes and enhancement to the existing ROM. That is what open source was meant to do. This will prevent a forum list of 32 half assed roms, and replace it with 10 really good yet unique roms.
If you can't find an existing ROM, a Dev team that has different ideas of what make a ROM good, or there is no ROM that exists that is similar enough to your vision of the product then, and only then should you develop something new.
I realize my views aren't going to match up with everyone else, but I am sure a happy medium could be found that produces a situation better than what we have now. Thanks for letting me rant, and for reading my thoughts!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or learn to code yourself and create roms from the ground up. Most devs do what they do for themselves first, and allow us to ride on their coattails. Not a bad ride if your like me and have no coding skills. Otherwise, I doubt your plea is going to convince a dev to do anything more or less then they do now, unless it interest them personally.
I do agree with you though. I'm coming from Android on the Touch Pro 2 where a small group of devs are building EVERYTHING from scratch. From the modems to the light sensor. It's a huge job done out of love for the hardware, for fun, and a passion for coding.
knowledge561 said:
Link please. Ive been hunting it.
Temari x Shikamaru
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
he links only via twitter posts and in his IRC, send him a tweet. iirc still in beta, but he does some nice ROMs
Serren said:
Or learn to code yourself and create roms from the ground up. Most devs do what they do for themselves first, and allow us to ride on their coattails. Not a bad ride if your like me and have no coding skills. Otherwise, I doubt your plea is going to convince a dev to do anything more or less then they do now, unless it interest them personally.
I do agree with you though. I'm coming from Android on the Touch Pro 2 where a small group of devs are building EVERYTHING from scratch. From the modems to the light sensor. It's a huge job done out of love for the hardware, for fun, and a passion for coding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your comment and support. I don't disagree with you. If you steal a loaf of bread to feed yourself, is it any less of a crime than to steal a loaf of bread to feed you and your family and friends? Or is it the same or worse?
I think either way it isn't ethical. People need to think less about themselves I think. I must reiterate and clarify so I am not misunderstood. I don't think it is inherently bad to be using a ROM as your base, but it is wrong to then close the source of a previously open piece of work and/or not maintain the original license, and give credit in every spot it should be given in. That would include its distribution, the license, the source code itself, and any where else that you put your own version, app info, and copyright notice. Am I wrong?
Sad Panda said:
I fully understand your frustration. I am a software engineer too so I know what you are going through. I have not yet begun developing for Android, but will. There is a little bit of a problem here that could easily be solved, and the community has a responsibility to protect the intellectual property rights that you and every other developer like you is entitled to. In fact it is a right that is protected by the integrity of the constitution of the united states, and many other countries and law enforcement around the world. This is a failure that not just developers, mods, and admins have, but a responsibility and failure that every user at xda shares no matter who they are.
First off; not to offend any MIUI developers that may be watching, but if you are developing for Android you need to be using a license that is open, and your source needs to be open too. This is especially true if you are using xda as a distribution medium, but sadly while xda has said they encourage, and want every development to be open source they are not forcing the matter. This is a failure I think. It also makes MIUI look suspicious too, as there isn't a way to verify if their source is uniquely theirs'. I personally believe xda should not allow software that is not open source to be distributed. If google didn't keep the open source principle when they acquired Android roms like MIUI would NOT exist! It is highly unethical to take the base ROM from google because it is open source, and then close the source. That is wrong wrong wrong! It is also illegal! You can not redistribute the Android OS even if you have made changes and then close the source and not maintain the software license google has on place.
Second; I believe as a user of xda it is your duty to maintain the integrity of the principles of xda, and Android. Don't support closed source works, voice your disgust so that xda sees the will of its users, that the over whelming majority wants things to remain open source. Tattle your ass off if someone has broke the copyright law and used someone's work without permission and credit.
It is important to keep both xda and Android running on the same principles it started with. Don't let this keep happening guys! This is very serious, a lot of developers are breaking the law doing what they are doing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me preface this by saying that I agree with you..
However android is meant to be open source, the license that they use (Apache) does not require it.. The reason they chose the Apache license was to give people the freedom to choose (their words). So technically people like miui don't have to post source for anything other than kernel (which is GPL).
This link has some good info on it.
http://source.android.com/source/licenses.html
But even CM doesn't have to provide source, which in recent history they haven't while starting builds.. We can't demand source, when the licensing doesn't demand, but that doesn't mean we still can't prove direct kang. The reason I have android over anything else is the freedom it gives and the open nature of it.
Edit: and you should always credit someone if you are using their work, and also have their permission. I was referring to general source from android itself, not from each other.
_______________________
No d3rp left behind - ranger61878
The problem is, nobody wants to start a ROM from the ground up, and the people that do are already involved into team projects (CM/MIUI). It takes a long time to create a ROM from the ground up that utilizes all of a phone's hardware properly. Look how long it took CM to get 4G onto the EVO 4G, and that was a team of highly skilled individuals practically reverse engineering code to do it.
Now imagine all of the copy and paste kitchen users here trying to accomplish that. It just won't happen lol.
That's why we have pretty much the same thing in different colors. It kind of sucks, but hey, HTC did the majority of the work, and if something already works good enough, the average person will be fine with and use that.
Yeah, it does slow down the evolution and innovation of Android as a whole, but you have to put some of the blame on OEMs for pushing out 45 different phones a year. Nobody is going to be encouraged to create something from the ground up for a phone that will be replaced and obsolete by the time they're finished.
The G1 is the prime example of a great phone that got tons of developer support, tons of new things, and tons of unique ROMs. But that was the beginning, and I doubt that's ever going to happen again.
HTC all but pushed this EVO 3D out, and forgot about it. They've released a good 19 phones since then at the rate they're going, most of us will have moved on to the next one in a few months. Sad but true.
That is why I have stuck with and will probably continue to use a Stock ROM, modified to my liking and stripped. There isn't much else you can hope for. 3D has failed to really take off like HTC and the rest of us wanted. There is no motivation for any of the teams out there to focus on reverse engineering their ROMs to use 3D. MIUI to this day hasn't bothered with WiMAX and with good reason. Sprint all about blatantly announced its slow death in favor of LTE. It would have been a waste of time for the MIUI team to implement it. Kudos to Team Win and CM for gracing us with it on the EVO 4G. But, hindsight has probably made people mad that all of their time and energy went into something that's getting canned.
Alot of good points freeza. These are paragraphs I like to read.
Temari x Shikamaru
Well, there are only two kernel developers here in the P500 forum, franco and fserve. There is no doubt that the work both of you have done is off the charts, tweaking every little thing that can be tweaked to such an extent that there hardly is anything left to tweak. And there is no doubt that most, if not all, of the people using your kernels love the work you guys put out.
With that in mind, however, there are a couple of things (specifically bugs) that we request, not demand, to be fixed. As we all know, our phone is affected by two things that I, as well as many other users, believe are two major bugs: the cpu spiking to 100% when touching the screen and the axis inversion bugs. Even with both of your kernels as good as they are now, these bugs hinder their true capability, thus hindering the phone's true capability. Both of you might just be thinking, "Well, there is paolo's kernel, go use that." And as kernel developers, you have every right to think that and decline this request. But seeing how good both of your kernels are, why not make it better?
Please consider this, as many of us believe both of your kernels can be made better with these bugfixes.
The poll is there as an estimate and measure of how many users believe that these bugfixes will make your kernels better.
sweetnsour said:
Well, there are only two kernel developers here in the P500 forum, franco and fserve. There is no doubt that the work both of you have done is off the charts, tweaking every little thing that can be tweaked to such an extent that there hardly is anything left to tweak. And there is no doubt that most, if not all, of the people using your kernels love the work you guys put out.
With that in mind, however, there are a couple of things (specifically bugs) that we request, not demand, to be fixed. As we all know, our phone is affected by two things that I, as well as many other users, believe are two big bugs: the cpu spiking to 100% when touching the screen and the axis inversion bugs. Even with both of your kernels as good as they are now, these bugs hinder their true capability. Both of you might just be thinking, "Well, there is paolo's kernel, go use that." And as kernel developers, you have every right to think that and decline this request. But seeing how good both of your kernels are, why not make it better?
Please consider this, as many of us believe both of your kernels can be made better with these bugfixes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed
PES2012 is hard to play with the lags but suprisingly Pes2011 does not have lag...I read once that Sippolo said its a 2 minute fix for the cpu spike bug
i think its ok to fix bugs even when most users can profit.
but, what about users who have new/other phones now?
i know from franco he's not developing on .35 currently because he has a new phone
and the P500 is used by his father - no way to develop on every day. the next reason is as we
all know, the P500 is a nice device for android beginners but most of us have seen
the new things like Nexus S, Galaxy S-2, HTC devices or other high end phones. I'm sorry
to say that but the P500 is some old and almost used in countries where such high end
devices cant be payed for, or, in most cases too - most users who bought this device
are very young (when i think how old i'm) - and, good developers have a real job to get
enough money for high end devices ... so, these developers cant support such low budget
devices all the time.
For me this means, i'm developing on P500 because its most funny for me to see all these
**** LG hardware bugs, but decided too that there is no way to develop on P500 the next year
too, so the next phoenix-android gingerbread will be the last release for the P500 device too.
I dont know what mik_os is doing, i think he has a real job too and no time to develop all
the time for this device ...
But, ok, these words sounds very sad for most users - i think, there are other ways or users
who take the developers work and can support such devices for a few months. for me it
doesnt matter if users are coming to me and asking how they can develop on my code.
Android should be open source, that means for me there is a community who want to develop
on - and not everybody is a real developer but can learn something, and that can only be reached
with help and understanding each other. Everybody can say "I want Gingerbread on my phone, i want
ICS on my phone, i want a hell kernel on my phone" - but these work cant be developed by google,
its the task for the community, so lets start here and now and stop crying for franco, fserve, mik or
others! Learn to help your self! Be a part of a real community!
I understand what you are trying to say andy, and after reading your post, i must say that i have to agree with you.
As much as I want to start developing myself, I have no idea where to begin. Just a question, which language must I learn to start android development? (is it java or c++? ive seen both languages mentioned but i do not know which one. is there one specific for roms and one specific for kernels? because i think i might give kernel development a try once i learn the appropriate language)
sweetnsour said:
Ah, this thread was short-lived
I understand what you are trying to say andy, and after reading your post, i must say that i have to agree with you.
As much as I want to start developing myself, I have no idea where to begin. Just a question, which language must I learn to start android development? (is it java or c++? ive seen both languages mentioned but i do not know which one. is there one specific for roms and one specific for kernels? because i think i might give kernel development a try once i learn the appropriate language)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Developing on android doesnt mean you have to write code by yourself all the time.
Sure, its good to know about C/C++, Java, Shell scripting, makefile reading/writing and other things
but in most time we can copy or integrate existing patches. So, you only know about the bug and
where to fix it with what programming language. For the first time, search for the bug on google
and/or github - with some luck users can find a fix that needs only to copied in the local code.
To start developing on android, its a good choice to understand in details how android is working
and even a good thing is to know about Linux. On windows, you cant develop on Android OS so
you need at least a small Ubuntu/Linux Mint/RedHat or SuSE system with compilers and Java installed.
The next required knowledge is to know how Android is interacting with files:
What is Java for, what is C/C++ for, how Android is booting and what are JNI libraries.
We can open a thread so we can explain something or users can ask for specific things there.
andy572 said:
Developing on android doesnt mean you have to write code by yourself all the time.
Sure, its good to know about C/C++, Java, Shell scripting, makefile reading/writing and other things
but in most time we can copy or integrate existing patches. So, you only know about the bug and
where to fix it with what programming language. For the first time, search for the bug on google
and/or github - with some luck users can find a fix that needs only to copied in the local code.
To start developing on android, its a good choice to understand in details how android is working
and even a good thing is to know about Linux. On windows, you cant develop on Android OS so
you need at least a small Ubuntu/Linux Mint/RedHat or SuSE system with compilers and Java installed.
The next required knowledge is to know how Android is interacting with files:
What is Java for, what is C/C++ for, how Android is booting and what are JNI libraries.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info! I will keep this in mind.
andy572 said:
We can open a thread so we can explain something or users can ask for specific things there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
good idea (this sounds like sticky material)! would you like to open it? it would not make sense for me to open it since I'm not a developer
First of all i would like to thank andy, mik_os, franciscofranco, fserve, ciaox,knzo, docotornotor and many others who i may have forgotten for their impeccable work towards this community and for working their asses off. You'll are invaluable assets to the community and i could'nt imagine using my phone without you'll.
Reading andy's post i must have to agree with him because you devs have worked so hard towards our phone even though many of you''ll don't own one. Also you bared with the many spams, useless comments on your threads without saying a word. Also many of you have jobs in RL for which you have to work hard, and developing for a phone which you don't even own/primitive phone would seem to you as a waste of time and i can thoroughly understand that. Even though i dunno scat about developing, i do know that it is highly time consuming and resource oriented.
So as you'll probably know that the 2 most irritating bugs on our phone are the touchscreen driver lags, and the axis inversion bugs. Me, as well as thousands of p500 users can't thank franciscofranco and fserve for their dedicated work towards our phone and for developing two awesome kernels which made our p500 superfast. Any p500 user could match his phone's performance to our higher end phones and show its capablities off even though it being a low-ish end phone. I think i am speaking for the thousands of p500 owners all around the world and i would like to take this opportunity to request you kernel developers to fix these bugs and include them in your fanstastic kernels. India itself has the largest number of p500 owners all around the world and this phone is still popular as of today and if you'll didn;t know it is THE BEST SELLING SMARTPHONE phone in India. Therfore tons of us users would love if u fixed these two final bugs as they in my opinion are the biggest performance drainers all credits to ******y LG developers. As sweetnsour said, you devs have every right to decline this request as there is already the paulos kernel and plus you devs have worked your asses off to tweak our phones to its fullest extent and i don't think there may be any more tweaking left to do
However i do believe you devs collaborate in this one final project. Me, as well as every member of this community can't thank you enough for your hard work! We also have many talented devs [ciaox is 13 wtf? ] who can continue development of this phone. Looking at the dev section, many new roms have come up since mik's cm7 port and each rom outperforms the other[no disrespect to mik_os, he started the cm7 era!].
I hope fserve and franciscofranco take this post in regard and work towards fixing these bugs !
Thank you.
ps. sorry for my bad english.
@ andy572
Open ur own website and tell us more! I wanna build my own ROMs but i kinda fail it... With ur small free time? Can u exxplain?? It would be grateful to others!
Sent from my Nexus One using Tapatalk
Uhm... Fserve has already patched his Goldenleaf Kernel with Der_Caveman + Waleedq + Sippolo's workaround to fix axes inversion and cpu spikes.
The related Fserve's kernels are Goldenleaf 111107 and 111108 (I prefer this one). Cheers!
if u didnt know, axis inversion is not possible to fix 100% because it is a hardware issue.........
there is only little you can do about it in the coding part
Yes, I know it's an hardware problem, however a workaround is better than nothing!
Sent from my LG-P500 using XDA App
for me it
doesnt matter if users are coming to me and asking how they can develop on my code.
Android should be open source, that means for me there is a community who want to develop
on - and not everybody is a real developer but can learn something, and that can only be reached
with help and understanding each other. Everybody can say "I want Gingerbread on my phone, i want
ICS on my phone, i want a hell kernel on my phone" - but these work cant be developed by google,
its the task for the community, so lets start here and now and stop crying for franco, fserve, mik or
others! Learn to help your self! Be a part of a real community!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well said~
fserve's goldenleaf has added Sippolo's workaround
For me as a user, i would say THANK YOU to you guys for bringing this community alive. Thank you for your hardwork and effort that you put in. I would say that my p500 runs fastest than galaxy s stock 2.3.3. Im not joking as my phone is smooth thanks to you guys. no bugs for most of the roms i tested. I may not be a dev but i understand a lil bit. So once again thank you guys
Sent from my LG-P500 using XDA App
I agree with most of what Andy said, except the part that our phone is obsolete.
I'm not a dev but I found plenty of tutorials available that explained how to successfully compile a kernel from source and extract a .config from an existing kernel. I never found a perfect how to but by meshing various methods together I was eventually successful. After reading francos github commits I discovered the toolchain he was using which was the final ingredient.
From there I used a diff tool to compare franco and Paulos sources, this is how I found the camera flicker fix. When I saw big differences in the source I googled it and/or copied it over then compiled and tested it. It took about 5 tries before I found the flicker fix. This learning process took more than just a couple of hours, it was frustrating but eventually rewarding. I still don't know anything about C or Java, so Andy is right, read/research, copy/paste, trial and error actually works.
Considering that Paulos kernel has resolved these issues and franco hasn't means you should be able to use the same technique. These bugs seem to affect gaming the most, which I don't do, so I haven't had the motivation to look into it.
franco and fserve are more than willing to include fixes. fserve posted a test kernel that included my find within a day. Within a week franco had released a new version that included it.
Open a discussion thread, I think it's a great idea! This is a developers forum after all. Thousands of noobs should be able to combine their efforts to fix these issues. Let's make it happen instead of waiting for it to happen.
Thank You !!!
Suggestion : Why dont Fserve or Franco use and edit Paulo's V6 Kernel'?
is it possible'?
OT.. .
Mistakes are the PORTALS of DISCOVERY .. .
so Cmon.. . Lets commit mistakes
Why don't ask them yourself?
Btw: PaoloM70's 2.6.35.14 V6 Kernel source:
http://www.multiupload.com/18Y712HS9G
so there is no multitouch bug and screen touch lag in paolao kernel?
@sweetnsour . I feel like Ciao X would be a good person to ask about this one. He is young so I feel will continue to work on our p500. I could be wrong. But I also think you could learn much about your goal( which by the way I think it's WONDERFUL you want to learn to develope ) I KNOW I'm not cut out for it, and so I can be honest while I am no actually HELP to this community when it comes to developing. I AM. A HUGE fan, supporter and appreciate of all the passion and art and great works that come out of this wonderful community!!! Anyway, I digress CIAO CAN YOU WEIGH IN ON THIS???
Optimus T
OpenOptimus (froyo)
latest franco kernal
748/480
Interactive X
Jonny Green
"im not a Dev but I flash alot"
TL;DR
If you want to help me, post on MY thread about my kernel bugs. --REALLY--
(or dev something, lol)
(or donate me, i really love that )
FOR NOW, i need people to tell me which is the WORST game to play on p500 using gbs v19 kernel, AND it need to be free (or not if you give me the money).
So i can test this touchscreen bug.
Please, post, on my thread for .32 kernels and on franco thread for .35 kernel.
Thanks
fserve said:
TL;DR
If you want to help me, post on MY thread about my kernel bugs. --REALLY--
(or dev something, lol)
(or donate me, i really love that )
FOR NOW, i need people to tell me which is the WORST game to play on p500 using gbs v19 kernel, AND it need to be free (or not if you give me the money).
So i can test this touchscreen bug.
Please, post, on my thread for .32 kernels and on franco thread for .35 kernel.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for weighing in! There are two apps you can try using:
For a game, try playing glow hockey (use the two player mode). When your fingers cross, you will be controlling the opposite puck.
To see what is really going on, check out the app "multitouch vis test". You will see the bug when you cross your finger either horizontally or vertically.
Sent from my LG-P509 using xda premium
EDIT: I was talking about the axis inversion bug, not the CPU lag bug. Not sure what the worst free game for that would be, but neocore would be good for testing this bug.
Theres something that was pointed out to me by a new friend, that I had to vent about.. so HERE IT IS!!1
Why are some people too good to hang out in their threads and answer questions about the builds they post???
It seems to me that it builds credibility, to help the people using your build, so why not hang out and answer questions, address issues, help finding solutions, offer advice... BE HUMAN
Sure its great that new builds are being pushed out constantly... BUT IF YOURE NOT TALKING TO THE PEOPLE RUNNING THE CURRENT ONE AND EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WHAT GOOD IS IT????
Step down from the clouds, and walk barefoot on the grass with the rest of us.. its cool and refreshing on your feet
WOW Man..
pitbull8265 said:
Theres something that was pointed out to me by a new friend, that I had to vent about.. so HERE IT IS!!1
Why are some people too good to hang out in their threads and answer questions about the builds they post???
It seems to me that it builds credibility, to help the people using your build, so why not hang out and answer questions, address issues, help finding solutions, offer advice... BE HUMAN
Sure its great that new builds are being pushed out constantly... BUT IF YOURE NOT TALKING TO THE PEOPLE RUNNING THE CURRENT ONE AND EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WHAT GOOD IS IT????
Step down from the clouds, and walk barefoot on the grass with the rest of us.. its cool and refreshing on your feet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could not have said it better.... You hit the nail right on the head.. People respect those who back their work with support:good::good::good:
This DOES seem to be in SHORT reserve.. WELL STATED
Impressive
I have noticed this too.. Its like these people are too GOOD for Q&A and sometimes even respond to questions like they are PETTY and an inconvenience.. There ARE some who DO help, and those people deserve to know they are appreciated.. You in particular, have helped me a ton, so thanks.. Maybe you'll start a movement, and more people will start doing their part to help their followers...
+1
There is a SERIOUS shortage of helpers and an overage of shovelers
All these builds keep coming, and still the same problems on the one they put out before with a different NAME for the ROM.. Its like they change the name and recycled it..
I read through threads now, and if the OP doesn't hang out and help their users, I wont use their builds anymore.
Couldn't agree more!! Nicely said too
Be proud of your work.. Stick around and make sure people can..ya know, enjoy it too..
It's quality not quantity that matters. Stepping on other teams and developers to rush something out just to say "FIRST" will get you no where.. So while timely updates are important, if that's the only thing you post in your own thread.. "New build is up" when there's been 10 pages of people asking questions... I'll never support you, both publicly or financially.
I understand new enthusiast can be quite frustrating or maybe you just aren't a people type of person.. team up with someone that is... pass the q&a on to them, but do fricking something, people want support for YOUR roms and if you put out 20..that means all 20.
Exactly, how dare these developers not spend any time in the forums answering the same useless non-informative questions over and over. How dare they spend countless hours building a ROMs for free and then share it for others to use. How dare they spend time with their families and go to their actual job and have a life. How dare they….. (/sarcasm)
mapatton82 said:
Exactly, how dare these developers not spend any time in the forums answering the same useless non-informative questions over and over. How dare they spend countless hours building a ROMs for free and then share it for others to use. How dare they spend time with their families and go to their actual job and have a life. How dare they….. (/sarcasm)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, I'm somewhere between this and the op. They shouldn't be 100% absent, but on the same note, some consideration for the above quote is in order too.
While were venting, its possible the devs haven't figured out how to fix some of these issues, but it doesn't do a dam bit of good for 50 people to complain about the same thing and no one is posting logcats. So don't complain about things not getting fixed, if your not attaching logs to every post about issues.
Just my 2c, add 97c more and go buy a cheeseburger.
Sent from my G3, Unlocked by Team Codefire
mapatton82 said:
Exactly, how dare these developers not spend any time in the forums answering the same useless non-informative questions over and over. How dare they spend countless hours building a ROMs for free and then share it for others to use. How dare they spend time with their families and go to their actual job and have a life. How dare they….. (/sarcasm)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then why put out 20 instead of 1 that they can handle is the point!!
Variety is the spice of life. I'd rather have 20 that will get fixed eventually than just 1 that works perfectly. If they are all too similar for you then just move on to another one, build your own, or just wait for fully featured lollipop which will be here soon enough. If a thread is maintained or not - I'm just happy to have a thread. A couple devs have walked away already and it'd suck if more left. Just be grateful for what we've got and be patient.
Kris Nelson said:
Then why put out 20 instead of 1 that they can handle is the point!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The same person is not releasing 20 different versions. Also, most are all based off of the AOSP core source, but each dev might add their own touch/flare to it. But, since each one is based off of AOSP, then more than likely, they will all have the same issues, unless the dev has made some changes.
I'd rather have a lot of choices than none. Believe me, when there is NO dev support (that is, a lot of ROMs being release), then you get even MORE whining of "Why isn't there any ROMs/dev support for this?"
Maybe you're not a dev, but I am (not for ROMs but that is my full-time job). Development takes a lot of time. I do it at work and to do it at home as well, especially for something that is free, takes a lot of time and dedication. Especially, ROM development is NOT an easy task. Rebuilding ROMs takes at least 90 minutes or more, depending on the speed of your machine, the size of the source code, etc. Heck, I've pulled down the git for CM12 and it's 12gb in size (source code only, not compiled) and it took hours to download over my high-speed internet connection at home.
I can understand wanting support if you PAID for it, but this is free, people. Free. They don't ask for anything in return monetarily, and yet, we see people demanding support as if they paid for it. You get what you pay for, and in this case, it's free. But I feel the support most devs give is very good, considering it's free. Also, for things like CM, it's usually not just one dev, but several who have responsibilities for different parts of the Android code base. So, just because one guy posts about it, doesn't mean he's the only dev on it. He might be sending your findings back to the other devs.
Also, you DON'T have to flash these custom ROMs. They all have disclaimers that the dev is not responsible for any damages that may occur to your phone. They don't guarantee support, but it's there for you to use. However, who is to say they aren't monitoring the forums? Just because they don't respond, doesn't mean they aren't looking into the issues you report.
Yes, I understand how you want a response from them, but in the end, it is your choice whether you want to flash or not. They didn't twist your arm to do it.
Keep posting your defects. Most devs, the good ones, do monitor the forums and take note of the issues. However, they know about other major issues that they are probably trying to work on. Again, for most, it is done in their spare time.
I myself would like to build and release ROMs, but right now, I don't have the time. it's not just "make a change, compile, release". There is a lot of researching, debugging, etc that must go on. Those that are programmers understand this. And, once you fix a bug, you don't just go and release it (under normal circumstances). You have to go through a complete testing cycle, retesting previous tests along with any new tests to ensure you didn't break something else. It's not that simple.
However, with these free releases, WE are the testers. WE are the ones that report back the issues so they can be addressed. Post them here, or even some devs have Twitter pages where you can post defects. Not all, but some.
In the end, be thankful you have so many choices. Yes, it may seem as if they are all the same, and in some cases they are and some are from people who just want to say "look I released a ROM" and then you never hear from them again. But, in the case of XDA, to post about a ROM in the dev forum, I believe you have to be an identified developer, so they do have to go through some vetting process. So, more than likely, they are legit developers, not a fly-by-night person.
Just wanted to get that off my chest. I understand what people feel, but you have to understand, this is not an easy thing to do. Maybe a lot of you understand that, but I find that a lot don't. Or, they say they understand, when they really don't. They just "think" they understand.
Wow. Off the soapbox. It just burns me as a developer when I see things like this. Yes, I understand where you are coming from, but sometimes, I think you need to hear it from the other side as well.
Ciao!
If you're a good parent, when you bring a child into this world, you raise it, and nurture it... creating it is not enough...
noun
1.
the act or process of developing; growth; progress:
iBolski said:
The same person is not releasing 20 different versions. Also, most are all based off of the AOSP core source, but each dev might add their own touch/flare to it. But, since each one is based off of AOSP, then more than likely, they will all have the same issues, unless the dev has made some changes.
I'd rather have a lot of choices than none. Believe me, when there is NO dev support (that is, a lot of ROMs being release), then you get even MORE whining of "Why isn't there any ROMs/dev support for this?"
Maybe you're not a dev, but I am (not for ROMs but that is my full-time job). Development takes a lot of time. I do it at work and to do it at home as well, especially for something that is free, takes a lot of time and dedication. Especially, ROM development is NOT an easy task. Rebuilding ROMs takes at least 90 minutes or more, depending on the speed of your machine, the size of the source code, etc. Heck, I've pulled down the git for CM12 and it's 12gb in size (source code only, not compiled) and it took hours to download over my high-speed internet connection at home.
I can understand wanting support if you PAID for it, but this is free, people. Free. They don't ask for anything in return monetarily, and yet, we see people demanding support as if they paid for it. You get what you pay for, and in this case, it's free. But I feel the support most devs give is very good, considering it's free. Also, for things like CM, it's usually not just one dev, but several who have responsibilities for different parts of the Android code base. So, just because one guy posts about it, doesn't mean he's the only dev on it. He might be sending your findings back to the other devs.
Also, you DON'T have to flash these custom ROMs. They all have disclaimers that the dev is not responsible for any damages that may occur to your phone. They don't guarantee support, but it's there for you to use. However, who is to say they aren't monitoring the forums? Just because they don't respond, doesn't mean they aren't looking into the issues you report.
Yes, I understand how you want a response from them, but in the end, it is your choice whether you want to flash or not. They didn't twist your arm to do it.
Keep posting your defects. Most devs, the good ones, do monitor the forums and take note of the issues. However, they know about other major issues that they are probably trying to work on. Again, for most, it is done in their spare time.
I myself would like to build and release ROMs, but right now, I don't have the time. it's not just "make a change, compile, release". There is a lot of researching, debugging, etc that must go on. Those that are programmers understand this. And, once you fix a bug, you don't just go and release it (under normal circumstances). You have to go through a complete testing cycle, retesting previous tests along with any new tests to ensure you didn't break something else. It's not that simple.
However, with these free releases, WE are the testers. WE are the ones that report back the issues so they can be addressed. Post them here, or even some devs have Twitter pages where you can post defects. Not all, but some.
In the end, be thankful you have so many choices. Yes, it may seem as if they are all the same, and in some cases they are and some are from people who just want to say "look I released a ROM" and then you never hear from them again. But, in the case of XDA, to post about a ROM in the dev forum, I believe you have to be an identified developer, so they do have to go through some vetting process. So, more than likely, they are legit developers, not a fly-by-night person.
Just wanted to get that off my chest. I understand what people feel, but you have to understand, this is not an easy thing to do. Maybe a lot of you understand that, but I find that a lot don't. Or, they say they understand, when they really don't. They just "think" they understand.
Wow. Off the soapbox. It just burns me as a developer when I see things like this. Yes, I understand where you are coming from, but sometimes, I think you need to hear it from the other side as well.
Ciao!
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Thank you.. Just to correct you though.. There ARE the same persons that are putting out 20 different versions (1 developer. releasing 20 different roms.) That was just the point i was making..
I do personally research before i ever flash a rom or anything..and trust me i donate!! LOL
Kris Nelson said:
Thank you.. Just to correct you though.. There ARE the same persons that are putting out 20 different versions (1 developer. releasing 20 different roms.) That was just the point i was making..
I do personally research before i ever flash a rom or anything..and trust me i donate!! LOL
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I see who you are talking about. If you read the OP, at the bottom, he gives thanks to the devs on these ROMs. I don't think he's a developer at all. At least, his profile doesn't say so. I think he just finds all these ROMs and posts links to them. I could be wrong, and I apologize if I am if that person is reading this thread, but I don't see where the OP of the 5+ ROM threads is the actual developer for them. It's almost like he does the "announcing" for the devs of those ROMs.
And since it does appear that you do not have to be a developer to post in the standard DEV forum, then that makes even more sense.
I do know that in another forum I frequented a lot, you were given developer status and only developers could create new threads in the DEV/ROM forum. That was to prevent a lot of "spam" postings of ROMs.
Makes me wonder if that's what is happening here.
iBolski said:
I see who you are talking about. If you read the OP, at the bottom, he gives thanks to the devs on these ROMs. I don't think he's a developer at all. At least, his profile doesn't say so. I think he just finds all these ROMs and posts links to them. I could be wrong, and I apologize if I am if that person is reading this thread, but I don't see where the OP of the 5+ ROM threads is the actual developer for them. It's almost like he does the "announcing" for the devs of those ROMs.
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I wish you were correct but nope, he is the builder and maintainer. Trust me many more than 5+ when you include other carriers as well.. But not just the one, others have started as well... It's very frustrating that after 1 week, several messages of a very specific problem (not mine just someone i was helping) on different sites where they are posted.. I have to track down someone that i know can help but has NOTHING to do with any of these roms...and gets zippy cash.. Though he should..lol
Anyway, i truly value great developers and have learned who to support and who not to. I like to help people so the developers can build awesome stuff and its my way of keeping the simple crap of your plate so you can do just that..but when i can't even find the answer, the developer should be available.
Just saw your edit.. Yes i think that is happening too. I was always under the assumption that builders/maintainers did so for the actual devise and carriers they use.. I guess that's no longer the case.
Oadam11 is a builder of various roms for our G3's from source repositories available for anyone to build from, and anyone to commit to. He may or may not be doing any commits/merge requests - and even if he did those contributions might not be accepted into the various G3 forks.
In any case, he might not be in a position to contribute to feature requests or bug fixes. He might not be running his own builds of all these roms, past checking to see if they will boot and more or less work.
Say Team Vanir does a fork of their work for the G3, an official one. Ok, then you would ask for support from members of Team Vanir, sure, though you might not get much, depending on a lot of factors (including your attitude...) Then consider the possibility that someone just builds something like Commotio from publicly available sources, with just enough tweaks from somewhere to get it to compile and run, unofficially, on one or more G3 variants. I suspect that is where oadam11 is coming from. He doesn't create the roms, he builds them for G3's. He watches the repositories for each rom he has built for us, and when he sees that rom's devs have checked in and merged useful updates, then he rebuilds for us when he has time. Builds take a while. Then he makes them available for us users to download and install them, after some degree of testing.
The point is that he is in no way responsible for supporting the builds he produces of these team's work. It would be impossible for him to anyway. I am sure he gets permission and some degree of cooperation from any team project he builds from, but he is NOT a team member, or major contributor, for all of them. He is a noble builder and distributor, and you should expect nothing more from him than What he is already providing.
If you want to get a problem or new feature dealt with on any given rom, you must deal with the team's source contributers by raising issues on their gerrit or maybe working on an outstanding and team-prioritized bug as a contributor.
Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk
Thank you..you actually confirmed the point I was making. However, is the average person going to know all this? Of course not...should they do their research prior, of course but they don't... I see good teams being hurt by this as well.. Vanir just had an issue the other day.. Something is being lost in translation and by no means was i only referring to Adam.
I understand. It is interesting that in G+ just a little why ago someone asked David Kessler of Team Vanir who was their maintainer of the G3 Vanir and he replied that they don't have one.
There was also discussion about someone providing support, like answering questions. The idea of supporting a clueless user who had tried to flash TouchWiz onto a Vanir device, by beating the user over the head with an iPhone6+ was suggested. The devs have no patience with such users, generally.
That said, Holy Angel seems exceptional.
Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk
The problem I have, is that when a person POSTS a Rom, and are the OP, they need to support what they post, and help the people posting questions in the thread, or BOW OUT!!! There are people posting and dumping... DONT Post a ROM if you're not willing or able to help the team you are Posting links to... Dont post it and then say "Any problems, contact THEM"
THAT PERSON mentioned, has a lot of them, all as OP, none supported other than.."New build up"
Raising the age limit for COPPA
The amount of entitlement exhibited in this thread is phenomenal. Yes, by all means don't use a build if the developer (who has actually done some REAL WORK) won't support you to your liking.
That will really teach those mean developers a lesson.
Don't forget to complain about the slow speeds of free downloads as well.
It's also a good idea to stop using a build if the developer won't add features you want, and soon, too.
DeanGibson said:
The amount of entitlement exhibited in this thread is phenomenal. Yes, by all means don't use a build if the developer (who has actually done some REAL WORK) won't support you to his/her liking.
That will really teach those mean developers a lesson.
Don't forget to complain about the slow speeds of free downloads as well.
It's also a good idea to stop using a build if the developer won't add features you want, and soon, too.
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Just because you want a feature, doesn't mean it's a good feature to add. If you did that, you would end up with something that could eventually become impossible to maintain.
There are SO many bugs right now in the AOSP code that these devs are trying to fix to make it work on this phone. I would rather those get fixed first.
And, do you think you are the only one to ask for features?
I'm a developer, not for android, but I write code for a living. And what you are asking for is what we call "scope creep". We have to weed out the "must haves" with the "wants". Must haves are the things that they user must have in order to perform their job. This is usually adding functionality that isn't there currently that is needed to complete their job. The "wants" are "I would like to have the ability to clear out all background apps with a single button or swipe". That is NOT needed on this phone, but it's a nice "to have" option, but it doesn't affect the overall performance of the OS itself. Yes, you might say it does because you can clear out the background apps, but in reality, those apps are NOT running. I don't want to get into the specifics of android app management, but those apps you see in the "recent apps" history are NOT running. They are suspended and not taking up ANY CPU cycles, what-so-ever. If they happen to be, then it's a poorly written app, and it means the dev knowingly circumvented the Android OS app management process which is a big no-no. In that case, you should go back to the dev of the app and demand they fix that.
But, you are free not to install the ROM. That's fine and that's your choice, but it just irks me when I see people make complaints like this who probably have no idea what the software development life cycle is all about. To me, fixing bugs right now is the main issue, not adding pretty enhancements to the OS.
And who's to say they aren't working on what you ask, especially if you ask for fixes to major issues (such as battery life, radio, etc)?
Remember, these are UNOFFICIAL releases. They are based off of AOSP source which is pretty much device-agnostic except when it comes to Nexus devices since those are Google devices and therefore, the AOSP source is built for those type of devices.
Android is completely different from iOS. iOS is built for a set of hardware that doesn't have much variance like Android does. Hence, that is why Apple controls both the software AND the hardware of iPhones. It means less fragmentation across devices, but it also means, they decide what is best and you have no way of getting the source.
Google releases the source for Android so you CAN have these custom ROMs built. But, because one Android device has a different hardware configuration from another (CPU and GPU's being the biggest ones), then anything that can take advantage of the hardware architecture for a particular phone means having to change the AOSP source to use any of those "advantages" from that hardware. Which then means, that source no longer works on other phones, only for the phone they modified it for.
So, give the devs some slack, please. They are working hard on it and it's not one dev. If it were, then give the guy even MORE slack. The source for Android is over 12gb along. That is where it's not even compiled. And, compiling the android source generally takes about 90 minutes. So, each "fix" they do requires recompiling (90 minutes) and then testing.
Then, more than likely, the "fix" either didn't work or it possibly broke something else. That means, going back, determining the issue, fixing it, recompiling (wait another 90 minutes) and test again.
That all takes time, people. We developers are NOT magicians, even though it might seem like it.
So, try to imagine trying to fix all the big bugs that you know about, then have to come here, read through ALL the posts and then log those requests down, prioritize them based on all the other work you have, make those changes, recompile, test, etc. It's not a easy and it gets frustrating. But believe me, when we do fix an issue or are able to give the users what they want, we get an extreme amount of satisfaction knowing that we were able to satisfy the "customer".
So please, be careful what you state about devs. Those that do read here usually have thick skins, but complain enough, and they might just quit and then you have nothing.
I understand where people are coming from, but you've been blaming the devs when it's not their fault. Again, the android source is huge and it takes more than one person to work on it. Especially if they are responsible for more than one device. Some devs are working on source for more than just this phone. So, add that to what I already stated and hopefully, you can begin to understand what the devs are going through.
can someone tell me why the developers have 2.3.4 rom in development, with bugs and little support ??? when it is better to devote time to a single good and seriously attended !!!!
Sent from my Redmi 3S using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Same question. There are a few devs who would work on one build then abandon the project completely, and make another build of a different ROM.
Because most of that So called Development is just copy paste job. those guys don't actually develop anything by themselves. otherwise they could have fixed it, instead they wait for actual developers to fix it and just copy from them. :silly:
kraatus90 said:
Because most of that So called Development is just copy paste job. those guys don't actually develop anything by themselves. otherwise they could have fixed it, instead they wait for actual developers to fix it and just copy from them. :silly:
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agreed
[email protected] said:
can someone tell me why the developers have 2.3.4 rom in development, with bugs and little support ??? when it is better to devote time to a single good and seriously attended !!!!
Sent from my Redmi 3S using XDA-Developers Legacy app
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kraatus90 said:
Because most of that So called Development is just copy paste job. those guys don't actually develop anything by themselves. otherwise they could have fixed it, instead they wait for actual developers to fix it and just copy from them. :silly:
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1. You will know then answer when you try to compile one ROM (Not developing).
2. Compiling a ROM is not just a Copy & Paste work. If it's so... Do yourself.... (its just copy & paste nah..?)
So here is a answer. I'm also started Android Development just 2 weeks ago. And i compiled 4 different ROMs : Lineage, Candy, Slim, Glaze. I'm not doing it for you. But for me. I wanted to learn, no one can start from "Coding Everything from Scratch" especially legacy softwares like kernel and other things. So we start from compiling.... When we successfully compiled a ROM by facing and fixing many Errors. We move on to a new ROM, Coz New ROM will give new errors and we can learn to fix them. You may ask "Why you cant learn from Improving a rom...?" and my answer is "NO ONE IS GONNA TEACH ME HOW TO IMPROVE A ROM". Self learning needs lots of trial and error. So we building many ROMs. If you don't like that or you are a cry baby who cries for "XXXXX is not working" or "Poor XXXX". Just stick with STOCK ROM. XDA is for Learning and Not Only for SERVING YOU A BUG FREE, FULLY OPTIMIZED, FULLY FEATURED CUSTOM ROM for FREE.
Sorry.... if anything hurts anyone... I mean it.
dineshthangavel47 said:
1. You will know then answer when you try to compile one ROM (Not developing).
2. Compiling a ROM is not just a Copy & Paste work. If it's so... Do yourself.... (its just copy & paste nah..?)
So here is a answer. I'm also started Android Development just 2 weeks ago. And i compiled 4 different ROMs : Lineage, Candy, Slim, Glaze. I'm not doing it for you. But for me. I wanted to learn, no one can start from "Coding Everything from Scratch" especially legacy softwares like kernel and other things. So we start from compiling.... When we successfully compiled a ROM by facing and fixing many Errors. We move on to a new ROM, Coz New ROM will give new errors and we can learn to fix them. You may ask "Why you cant learn from Improving a rom...?" and my answer is "NO ONE IS GONNA TEACH ME HOW TO IMPROVE A ROM". Self learning needs lots of trial and error. So we building many ROMs. If you don't like that or you are a cry baby who cries for "XXXXX is not working" or "Poor XXXX". Just stick with STOCK ROM. XDA is for Learning and Not Only for SERVING YOU A BUG FREE, FULLY OPTIMIZED, FULLY FEATURED CUSTOM ROM for FREE.
Sorry.... if anything hurts anyone... I mean it.
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Why did you took it personally lol? it was just an observation. yes there are people who want to learn and they have to start somewhere. nothing wrong in that. but when you see same people doing exactly same thing for a long time and not improving upon that. it becomes clear what they are doing.
and i never ask for fix this fix that, cuz i know who are actually developing and who are just waiting for fix to be developed by someone else. so no point asking. you sound like someone who wants to learn. but that doesn't mean everyone else is like you. there are people who as i said haven't learn anything but just copy paste cherry-pick for donation money. i rarely see anyone with their own piece of code. happens even more with kernel btw.
and yes i have compiled cm13 2 year ago that's the reason why i know this, and currently using my own (copy-paste haha) kernel for both MG5/nexus 5x. although i haven't released it. nor i'll. (source is on my git if you don't believe).
Anyway, best of luck for your learning, i hope you will learn a lot and will be able to fix problems by yourself instead of waiting for others. it's a long road ahead :good:
First of all, people always mistake ROM/Kernel etc development (not talking about app and other development which are indeed) as profession of devs, they do it in their FREE time because they like it, for example you play basketball because you like it.
Secondly, when there is shortage of ROMs, you yourself would complain about it, please correct me if I'm wrong. Different ROMs have different flavours, and everyone of us likes tasting different flavours. If you're worried about why a thread owner isn't updating it, you can migrate to other one instead of complaining about it.
Some guys have enough skills to compile ROMs, but not the ability to work on source code. So they wait for fixes by those who work on source, and update their ROMs as soon as bug is fixed. Also, compiling can be the start of learning development for guys.
Although I agree with @kraatus90 on some points, there are some things that I don't. First of all, there's no point of redoing the whole kernel, vendor, tree source stuff when you can use the available code with some modifications, obviously the one who uses it have to give proper credits to the bringup dev and other contributors. Also it should be moral duty of the forker to improve the forked code, be it in small or big ways. Simply forking, compiling and PUBLISHING is certainly disheartening and condemnable.