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Some months ago I rooted my Vibrant, and realized that was all I had done...rooted it. I had no idea where I was going after that point, so I unrooted and went about my day. I am taking a new approach, I would like some advice in rooting. Pros and cons (other than by rooting I have the chance of REALLY messing things up...i know that thanks.)
I would like to know what exactly rooting does for me, and if there are any articles anyone can point me to I would greatly appreciate the links.
ALSO I am dipping my toes into app development. the best way I could think to do so was with Google Labs App Inventor, but I think ive read that it limits you as far as developing and then sharing through the market, if someone could set me straight on that I would appreciate it, but this also goes in hand with rooting, I have read that alot of people who develop have rooted their phones.
I appreciate any help that you can give me.
Gore
Pro : Access to all the amazing ROMs this community has to offer.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
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Shortbus-Driver said:
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well, that was helpful...thanks. next?
First off if u didnt want to deal with something u could tinker with u could of gotten a iphone but u didnt? Androids are open source so u can tweak it the way u want it to be, leave it stock or u can add themes to ur stock froyo and make it look like u want it to. But if u want to go all the way and realy make the phone live up to its potential u can root it and do so many amazing things with it once its opened to the power of the Superuser. U can make ur phone run so much faster and once it runs that fast and smooth ull wonder how u lived with that dull slowness of ur phone before. And dont forget all the cool colors u can add to ur phone that dont come with just stock, ginger red theme, high voltage blue and so many more. And then theres the mods that u get with ur phone that the brilliant developers port from other phones. Theres just too many reasons to root and none not to. now u know...LOL
Let me count the ways...
You can install applications that need root:
* AdFree - block in-application ads
* Titanium Backup - backup/restore applications AND their data, and with the paid version you can also backup to your dropbox account
* Root Explorer: Lets you manage files that aren't in your user partition, including the files for the annoyingly loud T-Mobile jingle that plays on boot. Sometimes you do need to start up your phone discreetly, without letting everyone in a 50m radius know you're a T-Mobile customer.
You can also UNinstall applications that you don't need. Don't want T-Mobile TV cluttering your applications list? Gone. Don't want Slacker Radio? Byebye.
Also, you can flash ROMs (or just kernels) that are much faster than the stock, unoptimized Samsung one. There is a thing called the Voodoo lagfix that makes your storage access cached, so applications aren't held up by slow writes when they need fast reads. Some also come with kernels that support Voodoo Sound which makes the audio output sound much better by increasing the sampling rate on the DAC and tying the DAC to the clock to reduce jitter. Definitely a must whether you're an audiophile with $10k cans or just plugging the phone into a sound system.
Let's see, what else. With root, you can also add on wifi tethering without having to shell out more money to use T-mobile's version. You can also install Clockwork Recovery and use it to make a complete backup of your phone, so in case you break it and get another one, just root it, install clockwork recovery, and restore the image and you're back to your old configuration.
So yeah... hopefully at least some of this stuff interests you. If not... well, yeah there's really no point in rooting.
Root becuse your mom told you not to
Not to be rude but if you don't know why you should root then you shouldn't.
OP, if you want an answer to your question, read my Vibrant Guide (why root) and then the Noob root (detailed steps) guide if you need help doing it.
If you read anything on this forum...and still cant figure it out...then give up...you'll never understand
OP, rooting is for those who are not 100% satisfied with there phones. Samsung has given us an amazing device, but fell short in delivering in some areas. Rooting helps us add more functionality & personalization options. If you are happy with the phone and no issues using the way Samsung gave you the phone. Then I do not see a reason for you to root. But if you are like one of us, Then you need to get on the Root train and follow the wonderful guide maintained by "s15274n".
Statutory Warning: Rooting & flashing an android device is a serious addiction. Might lead to serious domestic and or job related issues.
Why shouldn't you?
Unless you want to become a flash junkie with an obsessive need to mod, update, enhance or customize; jonesin’ to flash something every few days, suffering from withdrawals if you ever have to ODIN back to stock due to error (has yet to happen to me, though), scrounging XDA daily for your next hit, do not concern yourself with something like AOSP. Simply turn away and do not look back.
rooting your hpone basically gives you Admin privalages.
You can install custom apps and ROMs with awesome features!
nomadrider123 said:
Not to be rude but if you don't know why you should root then you shouldn't.
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not to be rude but if you didn't have anything helpful to say then why say anything at all?
Thanks to most!
I thanked those who gave me some helpful advice. I do appreciate the insight. I guess i'll give this another crack.
By the By, with the exception of the handful of mildly entertaining comments, if you didnt have anything helpful to say, why say it? No one should discourage anybody from trying anything. Weighing my pros and cons was just a way to decide if its something I really wanted to mess with again.
SO again, thanks to all who did help, and thanks was given
^ I can't vouch for everyone, but the one you quoted I am confident didn't mean it negatively. Way too hard to decipher words on the Internet.
If you want additional features, you should root. If you are content, do not.
gorealmighty said:
not to be rude but if you didn't have anything helpful to say then why say anything at all?
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Thing was, nomad had a point. If you genuinely don't know why you should root--and a Vibrant, of all phones--you probably shouldn't. You mention the con of messing up the phone in your original post, and if you don't know the advantages of applying custom ROMs and kernels to the Vibrant, there's a decent chance you may well brick the device.
The Vibrant is a great phone, but tends to be so only after it's rooted and customized. Without the rooting and customization, there are problems with lag, gps, battery life, and myriad other functions.
By rooting and customizing, you're essentially updating the software in various ways that will help ameliorate those issues. My Vibrant was unusable to the point that I upgraded to a Nexus S. However, with the Nexus S, I got comfortable with rooting, unlocking bootloaders, adb, and flashing ROMs and kernels. It became rather routine.
It became routine enough, in fact, that I ended up going back to my Vibrant, because I was comfortable enough to experiment and attempt to make it better than it had been.
But if you don't know that you have to root to correct the lag, say, you may well be better off getting a more midrange Android phone that's more feature than super. You don't want to bork anything, after all.
Just do yourself a favor--understand that rooting and customizing are individual things, and that the forum is great for technical help but less so when you want to know things like which ROM is "best"; there's no such thing. If you root, play with the device, and play with the different ROMs. Give yourself a week where every day you use a different one so you can get a feel for which one's your favorite.
willentrekin said:
Thing was, nomad had a point. If you genuinely don't know why you should root--and a Vibrant, of all phones--you probably shouldn't. You mention the con of messing up the phone in your original post, and if you don't know the advantages of applying custom ROMs and kernels to the Vibrant, there's a decent chance you may well brick the device.
The Vibrant is a great phone, but tends to be so only after it's rooted and customized. Without the rooting and customization, there are problems with lag, gps, battery life, and myriad other functions.
By rooting and customizing, you're essentially updating the software in various ways that will help ameliorate those issues. My Vibrant was unusable to the point that I upgraded to a Nexus S. However, with the Nexus S, I got comfortable with rooting, unlocking bootloaders, adb, and flashing ROMs and kernels. It became rather routine.
It became routine enough, in fact, that I ended up going back to my Vibrant, because I was comfortable enough to experiment and attempt to make it better than it had been.
But if you don't know that you have to root to correct the lag, say, you may well be better off getting a more midrange Android phone that's more feature than super. You don't want to bork anything, after all.
Just do yourself a favor--understand that rooting and customizing are individual things, and that the forum is great for technical help but less so when you want to know things like which ROM is "best"; there's no such thing. If you root, play with the device, and play with the different ROMs. Give yourself a week where every day you use a different one so you can get a feel for which one's your favorite.
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with the initial quote in mind, I understand. But thank you just the same because this is in fact the kind of feedback I was looking for. DID get my phone rooted btw, now im just fighting with rom manager. I'm on my way though
gorealmighty said:
with the initial quote in mind, I understand. But thank you just the same because this is in fact the kind of feedback I was looking for. DID get my phone rooted btw, now im just fighting with rom manager. I'm on my way though
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Well good luck with it. It's a totally fun, very empowering process. And XDA is the Android equivalent of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy; the users here are so knowledgeable and helpful, there's no reason to panic, ever. Pretty much everything you do to your phone will be mostly harmless.
Hello All,
I want to start off with a very big thank you to everyone in this community, everyone here has been very helpful to someone who is a general noob to HTC-Android devices (last HTC I owned was a TPII).
With that out of the way, I've had my Rezound for about a week and I love this phone. It feels great in the hand, has a gorgeous screen that is second to none, and an amazing camera that I'm happy to walk around with in case I need to grab a quick picture of something. Truly, this is a top notch device.
The problem I'm having is that after a week of owning this phone, I'm ready to leave stock. I was settled on CleanROM ICS for the time being until CM9 came out, but then I did some reading looking into CM9 which brought up a few questions.
1) What is S-Off and why is it important? Coming from a Droid X, I thought the important thing was an unlocked Bootloader. Why are other HTC Phones "S-Offed" and this one isn't? How does this affect ROM Development? Does this hurt the chances of CM9 making it to the Rezond (very hard to tell because they have not announced CM9 device support other than the G-Nex)?
2) What is the RIL and why is it important? This seems to be a problem amongst developers.
The main reason I bought this phone over the G-Nex was the SD-Card slot, the camera, and the screen. If development of an AOSP or AOKP is going to be lackluster because of the issues above, I still have one week to return the device and go back to my X for the time being. I will admit, I'm loving 4G, but I'm going to have this device for 2 years; I need to make sure I can get as much as I can out of this device.
Thank you as always for your answers!
EtherBoo said:
1) What is S-Off and why is it important? Coming from a Droid X, I thought the important thing was an unlocked Bootloader. Why are other HTC Phones "S-Offed" and this one isn't? How does this affect ROM Development? Does this hurt the chances of CM9 making it to the Rezond (very hard to tell because they have not announced CM9 device support other than the G-Nex)?
2) What is the RIL and why is it important? This seems to be a problem amongst developers.
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The 2 questions you have are very related. What it means, from what I understand, is custom radio developments. Also referring to your first question and your concern, that's what we are waiting on. To not rely on a leak for custom roms and to get an official OTA to base the roms off of, which refers back to your 2nd question if this device can't get s-off capability. We already have a way to flash custom kernels & roms, so at this time, s-off would just add the functionality of creating a custom radio.
Snuzzo said:
The 2 questions you have are very related. What it means, from what I understand, is custom radio developments. Also referring to your first question and your concern, that's what we are waiting on. To not rely on a leak for custom roms and to get an official OTA to base the roms off of, which refers back to your 2nd question if this device can't get s-off capability. We already have a way to flash custom kernels & roms, so at this time, s-off would just add the functionality of creating a custom radio.
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So what makes custom radios important?
EtherBoo said:
So what makes custom radios important?
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it's more of nodding radios and not creating them. the only advantage is possibly better signal(depending on location,prl and tower) which leads to better voice quality but since this is high end as it is it might not even make a better difference even with possible data speed increases.
dyetheskin said:
it's more of nodding radios and not creating them. the only advantage is possibly better signal(depending on location,prl and tower) which leads to better voice quality but since this is high end as it is it might not even make a better difference even with possible data speed increases.
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It sounds to me like an excuse not to develop on this device if this is really something stopping us from a solid AOSP or AOKP build.
I'm really torn. I want a Sense-less ICS ROM, but I really love this phone. I have a week left before I can return it. I suppose worst case I could steal my wife's upgrade in May and give her this phone if we don't see development start picking up.
Unrelated, I'm starting to think this device will never see a solid 5.0 build. CM9 isn't even out of beta and official device support is still showing CM7 devices.
I guess it's a tough decision. At least my wife is willing to take this phone.
The radio isn't the issue. The RIL in android is. I don't know of any android devices that have needed modded radios in order to get AOSP working. There is a working build of MIUI with 4G working... but it seems like the dev wants to get it perfect before he releases it. Once that is done we should be able to get CM9.
But by all means though, if you don't like sense, get a nexus. It is possible nothing will ever be released though so don't hinge your plans on it.
con247 said:
The radio isn't the issue. The RIL in android is. I don't know of any android devices that have needed modded radios in order to get AOSP working. There is a working build of MIUI with 4G working... but it seems like the dev wants to get it perfect before he releases it. Once that is done we should be able to get CM9.
But by all means though, if you don't like sense, get a nexus. It is possible nothing will ever be released though so don't hinge your plans on it.
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So con247- Do you think there is a chance that an ASOP ril will never be developed?
I guess my question is- how is the rezound>RIL>sense different than rezound>RIL>ASOP? If that makes sense?
It is possible it won't ever happen, but I have 99% faith it will be completed soonish.
EtherBoo said:
It sounds to me like an excuse not to develop on this device if this is really something stopping us from a solid AOSP or AOKP build.
I'm really torn. I want a Sense-less ICS ROM, but I really love this phone. I have a week left before I can return it. I suppose worst case I could steal my wife's upgrade in May and give her this phone if we don't see development start picking up.
Unrelated, I'm starting to think this device will never see a solid 5.0 build. CM9 isn't even out of beta and official device support is still showing CM7 devices.
I guess it's a tough decision. At least my wife is willing to take this phone.
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Seems like an odd thing to buy a phone on the expectation of AOSP. I'm pretty sure we will see a solid AOSP ROM before long though. Not sure how development is going to pick up much more than it is. We have a ton of great ROMs that these awesome devs have been working on tirelessly since before the unlock was even announced. It's only been four months since the phone came out. The development has been moving at breakneck speed! The lack of flashing unsigned radios has no bearing on ROM developing. Con is dead on. Patience folks.
Hey guys I've had my DNA since launch weekend. I've become interested now that I've seen there are methods for S-OFF and then now return to stock methods.
I am fully stock with the most recent OTA update. So I need help in figuring out which methods of S-OFF are easiest as I know I've seen different requirements for each one and it seems they keep changing so I can't keep up with them.
Also with the ROM's, are there any fully complete ones that work 99.9999% with the phones features. I have used CM 10 on my Incredible 2. Any thoughts as to which ROM's to start out with?
I know I could search the $hit out of this, but I read into things too much and then just get frustrated when trying to find a ROM or a method and never pick something.
**********Update**********
I moonshined my phone this weekend, so now it's time to look at each of the ROM's that you guys mentioned! Thanks again for the help in this!!
I really would appreciate any help on the matter and I thank you in advance!!
NOS7 seems to be my most fav all around so far. Very complete
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk 4 Beta
like viper Dna the best no bugs at all very smooth and you can have tweaks and customize it to your liking. Moonshine to achieve s off worked flawlessly for me and it can now be run on windows so it's very simple.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda premium[/QUOTE]
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda premium
I personally think Revone method is the easiest way to get S-off .
If you want 99% bug free I would recommend NOS7
Moonshine -> TWRP -> Carbon -> Win
Sent from my Carbonized DNA
I'd probably suggest PAC or carbon. I'm on PAC right now, but next time I clean flash a rom, carbon is going on my phone.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
I'd suggest not asking users as you will get a different answer from every single one of them. Research each ROM and make a decision based on what you want.
As for S-Off, both methods are insanely easy. Pick one and go with it.
Phaded said:
I'd suggest not asking users as you will get a different answer from every single one of them. Research each ROM and make a decision based on what you want.
As for S-Off, both methods are insanely easy. Pick one and go with it.
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I understand that different people will like different ROM's, but their suggestions do help with making a starting choice in figuring out which ones to give a shot first. I just tend to over research stuff and never making a choice as I can't decide which to pick. Sometimes it's easier to just start off with suggestions from others who have already done what I was trying to do.
Again thanks everyone for your inputs and suggestions! I'm going to research the methods for getting S-Off and pick one. I will most likely get this done this weekend.
If you are a fan of Sense 5 and okay with using android 4.1, then go for newt's NOS7 rom, it's essentially bug-free and super smooth.
If you're an AOSP kind of guy, I would highly suggest flyhalf's CM10.1 build paired with crpalmer's aosp kernel. Keep in mind that it is a WIP, so there is plenty of room for optimization, and some features (such as bluetooth audio) may not be working.. it is android 4.2.2, so you do have some features over 4.1, but it's whatever you prefer. There are more updates on CM based roms for the DNA because it is still generally new, and the developers are active on their respective roms.
I definitely would go with a Sense 5 Rom. I had nothing with problems with CyanogenMod on this phone. I take a lot of the talk of good things about it on this phone as circle jerking. I really had quite a few problems, even on the later versions that came out earlier this month.
Switched to NOS M7 and have had no problems what-so-ever.
mracrawford said:
I definitely would go with a Sense 5 Rom. I had nothing with problems with CyanogenMod on this phone. I take a lot of the talk of good things about it on this phone as circle jerking. I really had quite a few problems, even on the later versions that came out earlier this month.
Switched to NOS M7 and have had no problems what-so-ever.
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As offensive as your post can be to developers, I do agree that a sense 5 ROM is most likely what the OP will enjoy using the most, and personally I also enjoyed NOS M7 quite a bit.
Tapatalked from my HTC DNA - Carbon
pio_masaki said:
As offensive as your post can be to developers, I do agree that a sense 5 ROM is most likely what the OP will enjoy using the most, and personally I also enjoyed NOS M7 quite a bit.
Tapatalked from my HTC DNA - Carbon
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I wasnt trying to be offensive by any means. I understand the work that goes in to these roms and I appreciate it immensely. BUT I wanted to give this guy my most honest opinion from my experience. I don't want him to end up Rom swapping like mad if he doesn't have to, I've had zero problems with NOS M7. On Cyanogen I had force quits, bluetooth cutting in and out, wireless tether dropping constantly, now I have none of that.
mracrawford said:
I wasnt trying to be offensive by any means. I understand the work that goes in to these roms and I appreciate it immensely.
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No, you don't or you wouldn't call it circle jerking. Given the OPs requirements a sense 5 ROM, NOS M7 in particular would seem to best fit his requirements, which also seems to fit yours, no reason to talk like that about our work OR the users that support and enjoy it enough to recommend another user give it a try, even though they really don't meet the OPs stated needs in a ROM. Everyone has their opinion, especially on XDA, there's no reason to be insulting because you disagree with their ROM choice.
Tapatalked from my HTC DNA - Carbon
Bad terminology, you're correct. It's been a looooooong day, and lots of work, lots of redditting, saw the term and used it. I should have re-read my post before I said I wasn't trying be insulting because that totally was. I'm sorry.
mracrawford said:
I wasnt trying to be offensive by any means. I understand the work that goes in to these roms and I appreciate it immensely. BUT I wanted to give this guy my most honest opinion from my experience. I don't want him to end up Rom swapping like mad if he doesn't have to, I've had zero problems with NOS M7. On Cyanogen I had force quits, bluetooth cutting in and out, wireless tether dropping constantly, now I have none of that.
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Carbon is my daily driver and I've had zero problems. Granted I don't use blue tooth or tether, but I haven't had a single force close. I had some connection issues, but due to a bad flash.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
I personally used the Moonshine method. It was very simple. I already use a Linux distribution so my PCs OS wasn't an issue. Just run the exploit and, for me at least, everything went very smoothly. I tried out CM10.1, Revolt, Carbon, Rootbox (one of the earlier more buggy builds), and Hatka Supreme. I'm currently running CarbonROM (the 6/11 build) with stock kernel and am loving it! I've considered trying the latest build of Rootbox, but not sure if I want to go through the setup process again. Its all a matter at personal opinion, just my $0.02 USD!
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
I just moonshined my phone, so now it's time to look at each of the ROM's that you guys mentioned! Thanks again for the help in this!!
+1 for NOS M7 haven't had a single issue with it. Only issues I have had are with mods or themes for it. Can't speak for an AOSP ROM as I haven't tried one yet. Also FYI I would recommend using crpalmer's kernel.
I'm in the same boat OP. I tried Viper's rom and it was too much of a change for me. I wasn't ready to ditch the stock (or a stock-like) interface yet. Been researching roms, but it's tough like mentioned earlier, b/c it's very subjective.
I just want everything to work, debloat, hotspot capabilities and some customization options. I like the stock look and I haven't had the phone long enough to tire of it just yet.
I've had a rooted phone before and I do get bored with things after a while, so I know I'll run through roms over the next time period before I buy a new phone. I want to get my mileage out of each one.
I tried to download Hatka (sp?) earlier today, but I guess it's unavailable atm.
Downloading Nos7 now. It's going EXTREMELY slow though. I even switched to wifi and still at 5% after 4 minutes.
natypes said:
I'm in the same boat OP. I tried Viper's rom and it was too much of a change for me. I wasn't ready to ditch the stock (or a stock-like) interface yet. Been researching roms, but it's tough like mentioned earlier, b/c it's very subjective.
I just want everything to work, debloat, hotspot capabilities and some customization options. I like the stock look and I haven't had the phone long enough to tire of it just yet.
I've had a rooted phone before and I do get bored with things after a while, so I know I'll run through roms over the next time period before I buy a new phone. I want to get my mileage out of each one.
I tried to download Hatka (sp?) earlier today, but I guess it's unavailable atm.
Downloading Nos7 now. It's going EXTREMELY slow though. I even switched to wifi and still at 5% after 4 minutes.
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Here is the Hatka download http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=22909751817929231
I run CM10 only
Droid DNA
what i've learned thus,
I don't like to see see apple, samsung, google monoplizing the smartphone biz. So we got try and keep Htc alive competativeIy. I recently sold a gnex and bought a Evo Lte with a broken camera. (I found out the ribbon gets unplugged and has taken apart and reasembled.)
So the stepsI I used to get unlocked/rooted/s-off are update all factory firmware/rom. Unlock/recovery via windy kids toolkit. 2.09 hboot 3.16-17 Then moonshine s-off. I got stuck with test 3 dots on windows. Managed to get it to work on lunbuntu linux. So when You get the twrp recovery save the stock 3.17 back it up so u can use it with #'s carrier settings, then you are free to try other roms.
As far as custom roms go to escape bloatware I've found 4.3 with gapps to be unstable. 4.2 builds are the way to go I got rootbox on now. Just with my screen was amoled instead of LCD to take advatage of the blackness. Going white wallpaper or maybe try Avatar 4.2.2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2360670
As far as kernels go, I finally got Golden Kernel on my Gnex after many trials and it greatly improved performance. I've heard of we have kernel switching problems and anykernel helps, but info is sparse. If somebody with skills can make this work for us it would awesome.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2175650
That was a Jeeko kernel. I like to stream adobe flash in a floating browser. Problem is it is unstable until I flashed this.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2360670
This might be interesting if I had any idea what you were trying to say
I am going to close this thread.
It is a bit incoherent and nebulous. It appears as though you are suggesting the developer of "golden kernel" develop said kernel for the ELTE?
If so you may want to PM him, as suggesting this to the community would do little good, especially because if the developer does not develop for the ELTE he would have no reason to view this thread.
Kernel development is not easy work, and if the developer does not own this phone then it would not make sense for him to just start developing a kernel for it, but crazier things have happened.
I suggest maybe you visit XDA-University and see about learning to develop yourself, perhaps you could make the next Golden Kernel for the Evo LTE!
Then again, if I completely missed what you were saying, then that could be due to the first point I mentioned.
First, and foremost, hello. I am new here, and I'm glad to be a part of the forum. Secondly, I'd like to apologize if I am posting this in the wrong section.
The topic I'd like to ask you a few questions about today is ROM Flashing, and the steps I should be taking to stay safe. I originally started playing around with Android devices around a year ago, but I recently started to delve deeper. I am the proud owner of an AT&T ZTE Z998 Mustang, and I have rooted it successfully. While in the process of rooting, I saw all of the warnings of how I should do a NANDROID backup, so that was my first instinct. I tried installing Clockworkmod, but to my dismay, they did not have an official version for my phone. I did happen to get lucky and find a version someone ported on their own. I attempted for a whole night before falling prey to error after error, and decided to give up. I went on without any backups, fiddling with my device. Luckily, I did not mess anything up, except for "accidentally" deleting the AT&T startup animation. (Haha.) Tonight, though, I happened to get the urge again, so I made some more attempts. After receiving the same error, I decided to look that error up word for word, and found that I did not have enough room on my Micro SD. I managed to clear enough room, and jumped in joy when I saw that I could delete an app, then restore and have it be back again. It was quite a big accomplishment for me. I've decided that I want to try flashing a custom ROM. The ROM I have chosen is the MIUI ROM. It seems quite popular, and I enjoy the iOS-esq feel of it, as well as its seamless theme changing. The only problem is, there is not an official release for my device. In fact, I have yet to find any ROM with an official release for my device. That is why I am coming to you guys.
My Questions:
Can I use a ROM that has not been specifically made for my device?
Will I still be connected to the AT&T Network?
If so, can I expect errors?
Am I truly safe with this newly acquired backup?
Anything you think I should know?
I'd like to thank you for any help in advance.
BrendonButton said:
First, and foremost, hello. I am new here, and I'm glad to be a part of the forum. Secondly, I'd like to apologize if I am posting this in the wrong section.
The topic I'd like to ask you a few questions about today is ROM Flashing, and the steps I should be taking to stay safe. I originally started playing around with Android devices around a year ago, but I recently started to delve deeper. I am the proud owner of an AT&T ZTE Z998 Mustang, and I have rooted it successfully. While in the process of rooting, I saw all of the warnings of how I should do a NANDROID backup, so that was my first instinct. I tried installing Clockworkmod, but to my dismay, they did not have an official version for my phone. I did happen to get lucky and find a version someone ported on their own. I attempted for a whole night before falling prey to error after error, and decided to give up. I went on without any backups, fiddling with my device. Luckily, I did not mess anything up, except for "accidentally" deleting the AT&T startup animation. (Haha.) Tonight, though, I happened to get the urge again, so I made some more attempts. After receiving the same error, I decided to look that error up word for word, and found that I did not have enough room on my Micro SD. I managed to clear enough room, and jumped in joy when I saw that I could delete an app, then restore and have it be back again. It was quite a big accomplishment for me. I've decided that I want to try flashing a custom ROM. The ROM I have chosen is the MIUI ROM. It seems quite popular, and I enjoy the iOS-esq feel of it, as well as its seamless theme changing. The only problem is, there is not an official release for my device. In fact, I have yet to find any ROM with an official release for my device. That is why I am coming to you guys.
My Questions:
Can I use a ROM that has not been specifically made for my device?
Will I still be connected to the AT&T Network?
If so, can I expect errors?
Am I truly safe with this newly acquired backup?
Anything you think I should know?
I'd like to thank you for any help in advance.
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Bump.
Hi there. Welcome to the forums!
Unfortunately, the bad thing about phones that aren't very popular in the grand scheme of things means less people have them = less people making stuff for it. Developers often end up picking phones that are going to have more support from the manufacturer and more people will be able to enjoy the fruits of their labors. This of course, is a general rule, and of course there are exceptions, but your phone doesn't seem to be one of them. Companies like ZTE aren't concerned about putting out the source code for phones like this means that it is hard, to almost impossible, to make a really custom rom work correctly due to driver issues among other things.
So to answer the questions:
1) Sometimes, but very dependent on the models, carriers, and which software updates. General rule of thumb is that if it isn't based off the same chipset, it won't have a chance of working. But there are lots of other things to consider to, like radio versions, bootloader status, partition layout, etc. Long story short, there's no easy answer and there are lots of caveats.
2) + 3) See above.
4) You SHOULD be safe if CWM told you that the nandroid was completed successfully, but just like any other software based things, things happen.
Best way to be safe is to be able to reflash the original firmware for the phone back to it, but not even sure if that's an option for you - which goes back to ZTE not giving a $^!* about these cheap little phones for small prepaid companies. They save money by not doing any extra work like providing firmware, updates, source code, etc.
The only forums I know that mess with these kinds of things are:
http://unleashedprepaids.com/forum-1491.html
Not for your phone specifically, but similar ones:
http://androidarea51.com/zte-phones/
So yea, slim pickings.
es0tericcha0s said:
Helpful Info.
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First, thank you! I was waiting all day. I was a little disappointed with the answer, though. v.v Do you know if there are any ROMS that will work with ANY device? Like even bare minerals versions of AOSP ROMS that have yet to be touched?
Also, I am slowly saving for a 64GB Black Nexus 5, so I shouldn't be stuck but more than a month or more so.
BrendonButton said:
First, thank you! I was waiting all day. I was a little disappointed with the answer, though. v.v Do you know if there are any ROMS that will work with ANY device? Like even bare minerals versions of AOSP ROMS that have yet to be touched?
Also, I am slowly saving for a 64GB Black Nexus 5, so I shouldn't be stuck but more than a month or more so.
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No, sorry. It's just not possible. Your best hope would be to use the debloated rom in the unleashed prepaids forum and use the Xposed Framework.
http://unleashedprepaids.com/thread-8769.html
http://unleashedprepaids.com/thread-8771.html
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/framework-xposed-rom-modding-modifying-t1574401
http://repo.xposed.info/module-overview
I have the Nexus 5 (don't think they come in 64 - only 16/32) but it's awesome and there are so many roms that it'll make your head spin. lol
es0tericcha0s said:
No, sorry. It's just not possible. Your best hope would be to use the debloated rom in the unleashed prepaids forum and use the Xposed Framework.
http://unleashedprepaids.com/thread-8769.html
http://unleashedprepaids.com/thread-8771.html
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/framework-xposed-rom-modding-modifying-t1574401
http://repo.xposed.info/module-overview
I have the Nexus 5 (don't think they come in 64 - only 16/32) but it's awesome and there are so many roms that it'll make your head spin. lol
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Oops, sorry, yeah, that's what I meant. xD
But, I can not wait for it!
Just some final thoughts and questions:
I do have Xposed installed already, but have yet to look around in it due to the hundreds of modules. Do you have any suggestions about which I should look at for cosmetic needs? I have tried to use Gravitybox, but it force closed upon entry every time I used it, so I deleted it.
I understand that the limitation is very high because of the fact that it is a closed sourced company, but many ZTE Devices are listed to have compatible ROMS, such as MIUI ROM. If I try to use a ROM specified for a different phone, do you know what could happen? I feel that it may not even open, or if it does, it'll have tons of errors and not work upon entry, or even work but have certain things like the camera that will not connect. I'm only worried about high margins of fatal breakage. If it is some silly error that I won't have to "worry" about, I'm okay with fooling around.
If I do try to install a new ROM, but want to go back, will it affect anything on my previous backup? I know backups copy EVERYTHING, but I'd just like to make sure I won't do serious damage.
Lastly, thank you for all the help. It means a ton.
BrendonButton said:
Oops, sorry, yeah, that's what I meant. xD
But, I can not wait for it!
Just some final thoughts and questions:
I do have Xposed installed already, but have yet to look around in it due to the hundreds of modules. Do you have any suggestions about which I should look at for cosmetic needs? I have tried to use Gravitybox, but it force closed upon entry every time I used it, so I deleted it.
I understand that the limitation is very high because of the fact that it is a closed sourced company, but many ZTE Devices are listed to have compatible ROMS, such as MIUI ROM. If I try to use a ROM specified for a different phone, do you know what could happen? I feel that it may not even open, or if it does, it'll have tons of errors and not work upon entry, or even work but have certain things like the camera that will not connect. I'm only worried about high margins of fatal breakage. If it is some silly error that I won't have to "worry" about, I'm okay with fooling around.
If I do try to install a new ROM, but want to go back, will it affect anything on my previous backup? I know backups copy EVERYTHING, but I'd just like to make sure I won't do serious damage.
Lastly, thank you for all the help. It means a ton.
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Gravity Box wouldn't work because it is for more AOSP based things. As far as theming goes, you can try HK Theme Manager or Ex Themer. For the idea of trying to install a rom for another ZTE phone, well, best case scenario is that it doesn't flash at all. Worst case is that it does flash, and you lose something like your IMEI, baseband, or one or more of your other partitions and all of those are potentially unrecoverable, no matter what kind of backups you have. This wouldn't be one of those, "Oh, shoot, that didn't work, I'll just factory reset or restore my backup and be good to go..." kind of situations.
es0tericcha0s said:
Gravity Box wouldn't work because it is for more AOSP based things. As far as theming goes, you can try HK Theme Manager or Ex Themer. For the idea of trying to install a rom for another ZTE phone, well, best case scenario is that it doesn't flash at all. Worst case is that it does flash, and you lose something like your IMEI, baseband, or one or more of your other partitions and all of those are potentially unrecoverable, no matter what kind of backups you have. This wouldn't be one of those, "Oh, shoot, that didn't work, I'll just factory reset or restore my backup and be good to go..." kind of situations.
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Oh, wow! Thanks! I'm glad you pointed that out before I tried. So, I should be okay as long as I flash that ROM from the Unleashed Prepaid page? Now I am afraid, but curious.
Also, thank you for the theme modules names, I will kindly note them.
Should be fine. It's 95% stock and I'm sure they only had one version of android for the phone so should be pretty close to what you have now. Benefits would be the unsecured boot.img which is easier for root and other things to stick, init.d which allows you to run scripts (everything from being able to mount a partition of an SD card to use for extra space for apps to memory management stuff like V6 Supercharger), and a bit easier to theme and debloat.
es0tericcha0s said:
Should be fine. It's 95% stock and I'm sure they only had one version of android for the phone so should be pretty close to what you have now. Benefits would be the unsecured boot.img which is easier for root and other things to stick, init.d which allows you to run scripts (everything from being able to mount a partition of an SD card to use for extra space for apps to memory management stuff like V6 Supercharger), and a bit easier to theme and debloat.
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Thank you.
I'll look into it tonight. I will try and tell about what happens tomorrow-ish.
Cool. Good luck.