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So I have done some searching here, and really haven't found the information I am looking for.
I used to run an old HTC Imagio, and unlocked it. Wife was pissed because it pretty much never worked right after that.
Now I am runnning the Thunderbolt, have been since its release. I have also gotten the OTA update to 2.3.4. and now I am thinking whether I should or should not root.
All I keep hearing is tethering is now free, and its faster. So what I am asking is more of a sales pitch. I would love for someone to tell me really the advantages to rooting, how easy it really is, what I must have in order to properly use a rooted phone, which ROMs offer what customization, etc.
I currently use GoLauncher, and its pretty smooth for me. I like customization, changing screens, changing how the launcher looks (icons, screen transitions, etc). I also like to switch launchers from time to time, and have a cracked one that I can only use if rooted.
So as someone that is on the fence of rooting, I would like a good discussion on the pros and cons of rooting, especially on what really needs to be done (superuser, etc), I hear I have to install custom radios for both CDMA and the other, really? Those are the things I need to know before going into this, because the wife doesn't need to call me and it doesn't work, or text me and I never get or can send texts.
So hope I am not asking for too much.
Thanks!
Rooting the ThunderBolt is really easy. I used revolutionary www.revolutionary.io be sure to read everything before trying that method.
As for functionality, pretty much all the ROMs for the thunderbolt are very stable and have little to no bugs.
There are many different types of ROMs to choose from. You have Sense 2.1, sense 3.0, sense 3.5, miui, and aosp. Just browse the forums and see which you might like better. Also be aware that sense ROMs need sense kernels, and aosp and miui need aosp kernels.
I will tell you that tethering seems to work best on sense ROMs.
Since you have the 2.3.4 ota, you shouldn't need to flash any radios.
Hope this helps with your choice.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
Guys, another question regarding the "revolutionary" root method. There is a video and it shows that data (apps) are not deleted. Does that include contacts and other twitter and FB data?
Also, it indicates that you have to uninstall HTC Sync. When I reinstall it, will I have to reestablish connection to Outlook, or will it think nothing has happened to my phone?
I want this root to be as seamless as possible, so sync with outlook must be without a flaw.
And finally, if I do go this route, can anyone describe the different ROMS that are out there, what they offer, in terms of preinstalled apps, custimization, relative speed and ease of use, and level of bugginess or lack of bugginess.
Thanks again guys.
jerrya said:
Guys, another question regarding the "revolutionary" root method. There is a video and it shows that data (apps) are not deleted. Does that include contacts and other twitter and FB data?
Also, it indicates that you have to uninstall HTC Sync. When I reinstall it, will I have to reestablish connection to Outlook, or will it think nothing has happened to my phone?
I want this root to be as seamless as possible, so sync with outlook must be without a flaw.
And finally, if I do go this route, can anyone describe the different ROMS that are out there, what they offer, in terms of preinstalled apps, custimization, relative speed and ease of use, and level of bugginess or lack of bugginess.
Thanks again guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Revolutionary does not root. All it does is give you S-OFF (disables rom signature checking by the bootloader. After using revolutionary you flash a small rom update (.zip file) that gives you the su binary and the superuser application (which controls the apps allowed to have root access, without it any app could call su without having to ask first). It might also install busybox. Note that installing a different ROM will delete all your data which is why after you root the first thing you should do is install Titanium Backup so you can back up everything (app data, system data such as contacts, installed apps, and even system apps). Btw, the Pro version of Titanium Backup is definitely worth the money. The ROM I use (Ginger_BreadRock_V2.6_(2.11.605.5)) is a deodexed and semi-debloated version of the latest official rom with visual voicemail and backup assistant manually added back in (I have the deodexed BA and VVM .apk files if you want them).
Other apps you might want after rooting: LBE Privacy Guard (lets you block apps from accessing private stuff like SMS Messages, contacts, IMEI/serial number, and GPS location), SetCPU or similar app (underclocking to 300MHz while the screen is off really helps battery life) and imoseyon's leankernel (be sure to get the gb sense one). With leankernel and that underclocking option set I can get three days of very light usage (a few bluetooth phone calls a day) before dropping below 15% power.
nl3142 said:
Revolutionary does not root. All it does is give you S-OFF (disables rom signature checking by the bootloader. After using revolutionary you flash a small rom update (.zip file) that gives you the su binary and the superuser application (which controls the apps allowed to have root access, without it any app could call su without having to ask first). It might also install busybox. Note that installing a different ROM will delete all your data which is why after you root the first thing you should do is install Titanium Backup so you can back up everything (app data, system data such as contacts, installed apps, and even system apps). Btw, the Pro version of Titanium Backup is definitely worth the money. The ROM I use (Ginger_BreadRock_V2.6_(2.11.605.5)) is a deodexed and semi-debloated version of the latest official rom with visual voicemail and backup assistant manually added back in (I have the deodexed BA and VVM .apk files if you want them).
Other apps you might want after rooting: LBE Privacy Guard (lets you block apps from accessing private stuff like SMS Messages, contacts, IMEI/serial number, and GPS location), SetCPU or similar app (underclocking to 300MHz while the screen is off really helps battery life) and imoseyon's leankernel (be sure to get the gb sense one). With leankernel and that underclocking option set I can get three days of very light usage (a few bluetooth phone calls a day) before dropping below 15% power.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know what that deodex thing is, but I have heard that alot. I understand the debloated thing, thats always nice. I may have to wait until next december when my contract is up and I can renew. Might use that as a way to get the wife to let me root instead of buying a new phone.
She is very careful with her outlook, her contacts and calendar are her babies so to speak, so screwing that up is a big no no for me.
Thanks again for the information.
Revolutionary itself doesn't root our phone, by if you look, it gives you everything you need to root.
Deodex means there are no odex files, and in simple terms, it means the Rom is themable.
Sent from my HTC Thunderbolt powered by KillaSense 3.5.0
If tethering is a major bonus and one of the main reasons you would like to root all you need to do is run revolutionary and install wifi tether. Running revo will not delete anything from your phone or change any of your currently set up applications. Your contacts will remain, twitter and facebook as well. It merely gains S-off and installs superuser so you can run rooted apps.
It is really hard to explain what the different roms have to offer since they all offer so much over stock. I hate verizons back up assistant so I just made sure all of my stuff is sync'd with google so once you sign back into your phone it will automatically reload calendar, contacts, wifi settings, etc...
Personally I enjoy sense based ROMs, others love AOSP. Currently I'm running Infectedrom.coms Eternity Sense 3.5 and absolutely love it.
Customization on most roms is the biggest reason I chose to root. Sick of my phone looking like everyone elses. It is nice to have another tbolt owner notice your sceen and get jealous
Just curious how would your phone mess up your wifes outlook contacts?
Stratejaket said:
If tethering is a major bonus and one of the main reasons you would like to root all you need to do is run revolutionary and install wifi tether. Running revo will not delete anything from your phone or change any of your currently set up applications. Your contacts will remain, twitter and facebook as well. It merely gains S-off and installs superuser so you can run rooted apps.
It is really hard to explain what the different roms have to offer since they all offer so much over stock. I hate verizons back up assistant so I just made sure all of my stuff is sync'd with google so once you sign back into your phone it will automatically reload calendar, contacts, wifi settings, etc...
Personally I enjoy sense based ROMs, others love AOSP. Currently I'm running Infectedrom.coms Eternity Sense 3.5 and absolutely love it.
Customization on most roms is the biggest reason I chose to root. Sick of my phone looking like everyone elses. It is nice to have another tbolt owner notice your sceen and get jealous
Just curious how would your phone mess up your wifes outlook contacts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have a way of forcing your contacts and such to sync with google without having to re-enter your data from scratch?
Do this. Go to YouTube and search "how to root thunderbolt revolutionary". There's a few good follow-along-as-you-do-it-yourself vids with all the links to all you need to dl to use the revolutionary method.
If you go to gmail on a pc, go to contacts, and check them. If your phone contacts are there (they will be), they load when you log into your phone.
Sent from my Eternity Infected TB
everyone here has great advice tips, the only other GREAT thing i can add is that after you ROOT you can use Titanium backup. save all your data on your apps so you can transfer to another device and pick up where you left off.
This is one of the biggest reason to root your phone. you'll learn other GREAT tricks the app can do but i'll let you figure that on your own.
Stratejaket said:
If tethering is a major bonus and one of the main reasons you would like to root all you need to do is run revolutionary and install wifi tether. Running revo will not delete anything from your phone or change any of your currently set up applications. Your contacts will remain, twitter and facebook as well. It merely gains S-off and installs superuser so you can run rooted apps.
It is really hard to explain what the different roms have to offer since they all offer so much over stock. I hate verizons back up assistant so I just made sure all of my stuff is sync'd with google so once you sign back into your phone it will automatically reload calendar, contacts, wifi settings, etc...
Personally I enjoy sense based ROMs, others love AOSP. Currently I'm running Infectedrom.coms Eternity Sense 3.5 and absolutely love it.
Customization on most roms is the biggest reason I chose to root. Sick of my phone looking like everyone elses. It is nice to have another tbolt owner notice your sceen and get jealous
Just curious how would your phone mess up your wifes outlook contacts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because, last time I unlocked a phone, I had used microsoft backup. So when I hard reset my phone after unlocking, it replaced everything on my phone like it should, but then when I synced with the desktop, it doubled everything on the desktop, contacts and calendar items. We had to remove the doubled items one at a time to get everything back to normal. I know she will kill me if that happens again with rooting this.
paigow said:
everyone here has great advice tips, the only other GREAT thing i can add is that after you ROOT you can use Titanium backup. save all your data on your apps so you can transfer to another device and pick up where you left off.
This is one of the biggest reason to root your phone. you'll learn other GREAT tricks the app can do but i'll let you figure that on your own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely TRUE! You have no idea how much hassle and time you will save by using this app!!!
jerrya said:
Because, last time I unlocked a phone, I had used microsoft backup. So when I hard reset my phone after unlocking, it replaced everything on my phone like it should, but then when I synced with the desktop, it doubled everything on the desktop, contacts and calendar items. We had to remove the doubled items one at a time to get everything back to normal. I know she will kill me if that happens again with rooting this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it did happen google can clean duplicated contacts for you from the people app.
Do it. Sorry had to spam a thread to get to 10. Need to post in ROM sections.
Coming from the Evo 4g most of the Roms "required" a restore of App ONLY from TB to prevent errors and odd battery drains due to the Sense versions not being native to the phone. Is this also the case with the 3D if I were to move to a 3.5 Rom or even stay native 3.0?
Also, we had to create an EXT3 partition for apps ect... for the new Sense releases to run efficiently, is this the case for the 3D? or is it basically plug and play? I do not use a ton of apps outside of what comes with the phone, some random widgets, small games ect... 25 user installed apps at best. 2nd part, some of the games install data to sdcard, I have tb'ed them back WITH data and 1st opwen I have to reinstall data. is there something I am doing wrong?
Lastly, my work email is a basic pop3 account that I sometimes don't install to the phone because it's tedious to type in the custom smtp ect... yes it's laziness haha. How do I back up the mail account so on a new rom I can just load it back in without issues? the without issues part is where I would need it. If I have to do the steps every time to properly get notifications I will because if I assume and don't then it's pointless.
Thank you
and can I get 4G on any of the 3.5 Roms????
hahaha j/k on this one, I just had to throw it in there. I rarely even use 4G.
For some of your questions I have no idea about, such as the email, but I can tell you that most ROMs do not delete your data. I have flashed about 5 different ROMs and none of them have deleted apps or my saved accounts and email.
Its been as simple as move the ROM to the SD, and flash using CWM, and no lost data what so ever. Also I usually stick to 3.0 ROMs due to the instability of 3.5 ROMs. Also I guess I've answered your email question to.
I think you missed where I was going with this.
My concern is with Titanium Back up and the batch restore function. On the 4G it was suggested to NOT tap the app+data and only install the app back due to glitching and battery drain caused by the reinstall not being 100% in sync with the different Roms.
Example: I couldn't install Facebook on the RunnyBliss hybrid with my data from the backup I made on the Sensation ported Rom. Both Roms had a different base and 3.0/3.5 not being native to the 4G it would cause excessive drain or force closes. At least a higher % chance of it.
With 3.0 being native here my question is if Titanium Backup still needs to be treated the same way.
Also, and this one I think I figured out, the 4G required a special partition set up due to the lack of Ram but i was curious if the 3.0/3.5 Roms also required this if I do not use apps2sd. I think I resolved this with some reading though.
The email one I tinkered around and found my answer, so basically I just need the 1st one still haha. And the bottom one lmao!
I guess this subject might need some explaining.
My parents are going on a trip in a month and they have there heart set on taking a smartphone with them.
What they need is being able to call, text and mail.
They also want to be able to use it as a backup (just in case) for finding their way. So just in case they get lost to find out where they are on their map or use the gps to guide them for a little while.
So basically, calling, sms, mail and gps.
They don't need to be able to change a lot of settings.
So, I was thinking about installing their (yet to buy) smartphone with a simple home screen and the settigs they would need.
To keep them from accidentally messing anything up, I was wondering if it is possible to password protect settings and stuff.
So, does anyone have an idea on:
-how to protect settings etc.
-a good homescreen
-other things like very simple gps app for example
...
I know it's a lot, but any help is much appreciated.
Bada? Much easier than android...
But why do you think, they'll mess up settings?
I was just thinking that if they happen to end up in a settings screen or something they don't know,they might press something wrong.
But on the other hand... I just have to tell them to press the home or back button in such an event.
About bada... I feel stupid now,but i didn't know about it.
The reason for android was that I have an android phone and would at least be able to offer some remote assistance if necessary...
I saw the samsung gt s5560 or something today ... That interface lookes rather simple,maybe I should take a look at that.
Thanks already,more ideas are always welcome ;-)
Sent from my SK17i using XDA
'app lock' can password protect apps and settings from being opened. It's free on the market and works well.
I wouldn't password protect settings, that way they can turn GPS on and off as needed without running it constantly.
Google maps/nav should work fine. Set up a simple toggle widget on their screen, I suggest Widgetsoid, but there are others. Tell them what the settings do, or in Widgetsoid turn labels on. Flashing a rom with notification toggles built in would help, since they could directly turn on/off GPS and data without being taken to settings screens.
I would also install a launcher that will allow you to lock the home screen so they can't accidentally delete the widgets/shortcuts you've set up for them. Never used it myself but I believe ADW launcher can lock the home screen but there must by others.
I can confirm that adw ex allows you to lock the homsecreen, so nothing can be changed. If you buy a phone with touchwiz, then you can lock settings and use quicktoggles in the notification bar. I can't live without them now. On a side note:widgets could possibly simplify the homsecreen.
App lock and ADW are good ideas (I actually use adw on my tablet).GPS widget on home screen can be very usefull too. Thanks for all the sugestions already!
I got a mail yesterday that they have seen some smartphones they seemed to like. I don't really know them myself except that there's only one android phone (if my web search is correct off course)
The phones they saw:
Nokia lumia 710
Nokia lumia 800
(those are WP7.5 I think)
Samsung galaxy+
(only android in the list as far as I could tell)
Samsung galaxy wave III S8600
(This one is BADA I think)
So I might just wait for what they decide to do, a first look at them on the web seemed to sugest that they're all fine for what they're looking for. They all seem to have the possibility to use gps with some (free) maps as a backup and off course sending mail.
Sent from my SK17i using XDA
does anyone know of any roms out there designed to turn an outdated or lowend android phone into a PMP/MP3 player? i know they already have the capacity to play media, but i can't help but wonder if battery/performance would be better if you trashed all the cellphone parts of android and designed a UI just for media playback.
Sent from my DROID4 using xda app-developers app
pyro42 said:
does anyone know of any roms out there designed to turn an outdated or lowend android phone into a PMP/MP3 player? i know they already have the capacity to play media, but i can't help but wonder if battery/performance would be better if you trashed all the cellphone parts of android and designed a UI just for media playback.
Sent from my DROID4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For starters, you could put the phone in airplane mode.
A little bit more work: root and freeze or remove all the Apps you don't want/need. Particularly bloatware and other apps that include a service, things that auto-run on start.
electricpete1 said:
For starters, you could put the phone in airplane mode.
A little bit more work: root and freeze or remove all the Apps you don't want/need. Particularly bloatware and other apps that include a service, things that auto-run on start.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well airplane mode would knock out wifi as well, but yes, some ROM's allow you to just turn off the data connection. you'd obviously do well to start with a clean rom is possible instead of stock. but i was hoping someone'd started a little more of a complete solution.
pyro42 said:
well airplane mode would knock out wifi as well, but yes, some ROM's allow you to just turn off the data connection. you'd obviously do well to start with a clean rom is possible instead of stock. but i was hoping someone'd started a little more of a complete solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't you disable 3g data under settings?
Sent from deep below the earth on a Paranoid E4GT
pyro42 said:
well airplane mode would knock out wifi as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can see why you might want wifi for downloads or data transfer, but of course that’s not what you asked for (“just for media playback”)
I'm pretty sure there are easy ways to turn off data and phone radios without turning off wifi.
I think you just turn airplane mode on first and then turn wifi on after that.
I just tried it and it seems to work on my phone (afterwards I could access internet via wifi but my phone dialer wouldn't dial out)
If for some reason that doesn't work for you, google airplane mode wifi tool
pyro42 said:
i was hoping someone'd started a little more of a complete solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven’t heard of custom roms designed to reduce the capabilities of the phone.
But if that's what you've got your mind set on, go for it. It doesn't hurt to ask.
Good luck
pyro42 said:
does anyone know of any roms out there designed to turn an outdated or lowend android phone into a PMP/MP3 player? i know they already have the capacity to play media, but i can't help but wonder if battery/performance would be better if you trashed all the cellphone parts of android and designed a UI just for media playback.
Sent from my DROID4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am wondering the same thing. I have AT&T's first Android, the Backflip.... that I use as an mp3 player (an expensive one.. lol) and it is running the CM7 rom. I would love to wipe it and have a simple interface that is purely an mp3 player as you said. Putting it in airplane mode, shutting off 3g, deleting bloatware (if ur running stock) are all great ideas.... but I have CM7 stripped down to the bare (no Gapps, no accounts ,etc) and I STILL would like to turn it into a pure stand alone mp3 player with ext memory and amazing battery life. The phone is small (unless you flip it open) so it would be great for it! Was hoping maybe someone got bored since the last reply on here and came up with something. It "seems" like it would be fairly easy since there isn't much to create.... but to have the phone "boot" into just an mp3 UI does actually sound kind of complicated from my small knowledge of Android.
P.S. I have upgraded 5 or 6 times for myself and everyone in my group, so this Backflip serves no "phone" purpose. Would be perfect..
Very interesting idea. Would like to know info on this as well. I've been thinking how to repurpose my old cell phones and this could work.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 2 using Tapatalk 2.
Optimus v would be great
Sent from my LG-P920 using Tapatalk 2
Not a ROM, But a good solution,
Hey guys. So, It's not a specific ROM for mp3 player-ness, But here's what I did with CM7 on my HTC Evo 4G
- Downloaded a media player app with a full screen widget (PlayerPro or WinAmp should od the trick)
- Set the 4x4 widget as my homescreen, and eliminate the rest of the screens.
- Remove lockscreen and security (or you can use WidgetLocker and put a smaller widget as your lock screen)
- I remapped my 4 Froyo Android buttons (Home, Back, Menu, Search) as MP3 player centric buttons. (pause, play, forward, backward, mute, etc... you can do whatever you want) using ButtonRemapper.
- To top it all off, I use Juice Defender to kill network connectivity, cell connectivity, etc... I purchased the Ultimate version for complete root access features. I keep wifi and bluetooth available for stuff (like connecting to by bluetooth stereo)
So, yeah. Battery still isn't amazing, but it is better. And I don't think there's a ton that can be done about that, the screen is, and will always be, the juice hog. even though it's not a dedicated rom, it works pretty well. I'm lucky that the EVO has such a huge developement community. If you have a less popular phone, you might be SOL with some of these features.
Hope this helps a little. I'm not really a developer, I just love finding new, interesting ways of customizing my phones
I started a how to on this ..
check out my forum post http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2644588 it's pretty much what your original question was about.
I have a Samsung Galaxy S Showcase/Fascinate, ie the i500 model Galaxy S from Ntelos.
I no longer live within signal and have since shut down service. I primarily use it for games, music, and books now, and as such, there are a lot of systems I no longer use on this phone.
I have bricked it, so I had to reflash and re-root stock rom. I have removed a few things with Droid Manager, such as the always-on and can-not-force-close voice services, which I never use anyway.
Here's a list of things I want to do with this phone, but don't know what needs changed to do it:
Replace system lock screen with the Go Locker app. By replace, I mean that every time I reboot my phone the system lock screen (drag glass blah blah) shows, then my z.halo Go Locker lock screen shows. Quite annoying.
My phone is ALWAYS searching for SVC. Big drain on battery life. I fixed it with airplane mode...but...eh. This phone will never be used as a telephone again, so I don't need it to be searching for towers. I need to use WiFi, though. Don't want to mess that one up.
I need to know exactly what system APKs can be removed from this stock rom, because they are taking up space. I don't know what half of them do, so I don't touch them for the most part. That path leads to bricking, which leads to me bashing my head against a brick wall.
Same as with the stock lock screen interfering with my lock screen app, I want to replace (permanently) the stock launcher with Go Launcher EX. I have the feeling that Go Launcher is operating on top of twlauncher, which just uses up more processor power. Just deleting the APK from the system...is a bad idea. Did that once. It lead to bricking somehow. Not really sure how though.
That's all I really want to do.
Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank you.