New to the forums and looking to learn! - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hey guys,
I'm new on to the forums here, I've been a member for a while but not really done anything with it.
Thats changed, I'm looking to learn as much as I can about android, about the OS in general, how it works, what it does, rooting, and how to get the most out of it as well as google play etc.
I want to learn some java so I can play with making my own apps etc. as well, but thats something I'm already looking at. I figured that I'd need to know about android to do it successfully.
I've had an android phone for a while, but I'm totally new to the inner workings of the OS, before it was just a phone to me, and now I want to get more from it. I figured this would be a decent place to get started and was hoping I could get a push in the right direction.
My current phone is a Sony Xperia S LT26i, I'm running Jelly bean and I think its safe to say I'm a definate Sony fan, I love the phone I have and am hoping to upgrade in a few months to the Z1 or something a bit newer (if they bring anything else out)
~Matt

Related

G Tablet update question

OK so my G Tablet is on the way and I've been reading and came across a comment on another forum that the ROM's that exist are built on the original stock software and that the most recent update may be causing problems with CWM? I will be getting my G Tablet on Wednesday, should I not do the update if I am going to be flashing a custom ROM? Thanks in advance!
drum747,
I believe everyone should make their own decisions. But if you ask me -- I'd tell you to simply stick with a stock G-Tablet right now.
When you get yours and go to Settings/About you can see the version -- something
like 1.1.xxxx -- probably 3588. If not, just about as soon as you get wifi connected
it will offer you an OTA (on the air) update to 3588. That's the current working version, and compared to the crud we had back last November it really isn't bad software.
It will lack the Market and some other things...you may have to be patient there.
But you can still side-load apps and download apps directly from a number of places.
But we are waiting. Our devs have found that there is software for a possible
Update 3991. The hope is that OTA 3991 will come down in the next few weeks.
If so, at 3588 stock you will be in perfect shape for that update. And then once you
have worked with it a while, you will be able to decide whether to stick with it -- or look at other options.
It seems like everyone who come in here looks at the ROMs available like a "all-you-can-eat" buffet. The immediately start flashing ROMs and moving around software
until something goes wrong and they are stuck. Indigestion!
With a good 3588 tablet, you can read and interact here and find out the biggest and
the best, and you can learn what you need to that when you are ready you can
move up to whatever you want without problems.
Do what you want. Enjoy the G-Tablet. I think it pretty darn good!
Rev
I agree.........
Stick with the most current stock version 3588. The next update officially available from viewsonic should be very soon, but I don't think it will be 3991 as advertised
3558 was different than what it started as, or it would seem based on what I have gathered from reading old threads.
ale
You know, I have a Droid X and have really enjoyed rooting it and trying different ROM's and was really looking forward to the same type of experience on this tablet. What is the advantage of waiting until the next update? Can't I update, do a full backup and go back to that if I want? Once I install a different ROM, I am then stuck at whatever update and no further updates? Is that why you are saying to wait? Are you saying there will be even better ROM's down the road based on the new update that is coming? Or just that the new update coming might have all the things we would like?
The next update might have some cool stuff... might even be as good or better than the custom stuff here... maybe...
Question is... did you buy the tablet to use it for media consumption or tinkering?
Answer that and you'll know what to do. Just don't forget to make nvflash to factory stock your best friend ;-)
A little of both I guess. Part of the reason I chose this tablet over others is because of the support and customization (and price!) I will try to wait for the next update before I tweak it (if I can!) Heh!! Thanks for the responses guys!! I appreciate the input!
K J Rad said:
The next update might have some cool stuff... might even be as good or better than the custom stuff here... maybe...
Question is... did you buy the tablet to use it for media consumption or tinkering?
Answer that and you'll know what to do. )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is without the best quote I could image. Tinkering without first using the tab and getting to realize it's not a giant phone is the first step I think everyone should understand.
And if you do tinker then you should expect it to have opportunities (problems ).
drum747,
Not addressing your abilities or anything about you.
But read all the crash and burn threads on this forum.
IMHO, to many people are trying to do to much too fast and are
messing up their tabs and have to be bailed out.
I'm just saying be cautious, move slowly and carefully and
don't get into trouble.
However, my advice still stands. If you move on to other
ROMS, etc. now, you will cut off access to offline updates.
Then you will have to go back to stock, etc. And
sometimes going back is as much as problem as going up!
It still would be easier to stay stock now and if an update
doesn't come down soon -- you will have read and learned
and be ready to make choices.
IMHO.
Rev
IMHO... if it ain't powering your pacemaker then learn how to nvflash and have fun.
Be part of the revolution or watch it happen... ;-)
Thanks guys! I get what you're saying!
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
K J Rad said:
... learn how to nvflash and have fun.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
QFT.
nvflash is not hard to get working. With a properly set up nvflash procedure and all the info on these forums, the gTab is an unbrickable as it gets.
updates
I upgraded to the vegan 7, gingerbread, how do I go back to the original stock to get the latest updates from viewsonic when update arrives?
Second that
I absolutely agree to stick with the stock ROM and play for a while. The 3588 update is very stable and usable when you change to Classic Home. I have been using it till now, side loading apps and enjoying a lot without having to worry about custom ROMS and such.
The people who are saying stay stock for the updates are glossing over the fact that the Vs updates will just make the stock UI suck a little less.
Before I bought my G tab I had never had any experience with tablets or smart phones or even android for that matter. I have flashed 4 or 5 roms onto my tablet without incident, no boot loops, no dead tab, no anything that anyone would consider a bad experience. I'm using Vegan 5.1.1 for the record, for the third time.
Read a few of the reflash to stock with nvflash threads to prepare yourself in case something does go wrong, but there is no reason to stay stock on this tablet theres to much dev goodness and too much customizationability ( is that even a word?) not to try different things.
Roxxas049 said:
The people who are saying stay stock for the updates are glossing over the fact that the Vs updates will just make the stock UI suck a little less.
Before I bought my G tab I had never had any experience with tablets or smart phones or even android for that matter. I have flashed 4 or 5 roms onto my tablet without incident, no boot loops, no dead tab, no anything that anyone would consider a bad experience. I'm using Vegan 5.1.1 for the record, for the third time.
Read a few of the reflash to stock with nvflash threads to prepare yourself in case something does go wrong, but there is no reason to stay stock on this tablet theres to much dev goodness and too much customizationability ( is that even a word?) not to try different things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I think it all boils down to what the individual wants and is willing to risk..this forum makes it easy and there are plenty of options to try just always prepare for the unexpected and dealing with the experimentals expect anything to happen!!
Who am I kidding?! There is no way I will be able to wait for the next update. I already have a ton of files set up to load on my G tablet. I will be Modding within hours of my full charge! Guess its just my nature! Thanks guys!
Butch, thanks I will be reading everything to make sure I do it right Thanks for the advice everyone!
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Closing Word...
Everyone that has contributed to this thread--
I have tried to voice the side of conservatism and restraint and
good judgement in this thread. My intention was not to hurt any
feeliings or pick on anyone or rain on anyone's parade.
But if you read what's going on in these forums, there are a lot
of folks having problems. A lot of them are in over their heads and
some have been careless and others made honest mistakes.
I know for my part, I have been working hard to try to help folks
find the tools and make the decisions to get back on track. I'm sure
I have made mistakes and my opinions are mine!
But I speak for myself in saying that even though I am semi-retired
and have more time than most -- I can't keep up this pace. And I've
heard others of the helpers say the same thing.
I also call your attention to the "TwoTapsX" thread and the fact that
the moderators are aware of the problems people are having. Roebeet
has put together a splendid ROM that many think will be the next
generation of G-Tablet software. But because of the complexity of the
mods folks already have had in the tablets, and because of the human
factors listed above -- a lot of folks have messed up their tablets.
In My Humble Opinion: Somebody has got to say that in spite of all the
"opportunities" for mods in these forums -- folks have got to start
exercising more restraint, more good judgement, more common sense in
what they do.
The devs and the folks who are helpers here can't be expected to carry the
load of keeping everyone up and running with the current problem rates. I
sometimes don't agree with the moderators, but this time I see their point.
We users have a good thing here, but if it keeps being abused......
********
Having said that, I am done here. I wish you well.
Rev
/EOT
Just an update. Within an hour of booting up I had installed CWM and Vegan. It was an easy process and now I love my g tablet!
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Welcome! Enjoy the koolaid... ;-)
Nice responce

[Q] NOOBIE here might have buyers remorse..help me love my gtab :)

Hi!
I am a NOOB here..(yes my post will prove it) but I know from what I have read online and from other sites that someone here may be able to help me.. I know once this is read someone will want to post"Why didn't you search first?" Well I did and came up with a ton of threads(some relevant and some not but none really were what I am looking for I think) I am constantly travelling with my company and really do not have the time that some here may have to search all the posts for what I am looking for..plus I suffer from severe adhd which unless it is laid out step by step I get distracted and wander..like I am doing now lol... So please be gentle and I hope someone here can find the time to answer my question.. And again thanks
Here goes!!-
Been a lurker for awhile but been away(overseas) came back and had a great deal( I thought) on a viewsonic gtab cross my desk for 125.00...so I took the plunge from casual reading on net that I could root etc.. I have never owned a tablet so this is my first..
HELP ME LOVE MY GTAB!!!
Now I didnt know which subforum this belongs and if the mods have to move it so be it.. but I need help..and this is the help I am looking for-
I hate the tapntap..I want to root but do not know which rom to go with..I game alot and watch videos alot and grooveip alot... I hope that helps people in the suggestions for which rom I should use. I am computer savvy and follow instructions well...so please point me to anything that might help..I of course would love to have the latest (ics) but hear there is some limited functionality..if I am incorrect in this and some of the limitations in gingerbread please feel free to correct me.
I like to tinker...any cool tinkering/hacks I can do to this tab(that wont completely brick it lol) any sites to suggest..sites for people that love their gtab etc
Basically I just want to feel I got a good deal and I want to root but dunno which one to go to..and I want to keep my camera (for now) but if I see I am not using it much I may flash to something else later...but guys give me all your advice on which rom I should go to first that is the most stable and will suit the needs I outlined earlier... thank you for letting me be long winded..
BTW I love the site but feel overwhelmed with this..which is why I posted..so don't hate..appreciate that I look to your knowledge lol
Hi Bro!
Like you I was kind of lose with all this information about Gtab. My poor english made of google translator do not help me. But if you read a lot, perhaps you can reach something.
Did you know that site? http://viewsonic-gtablet-for-dummies.webs.com/
Well, that name isnt encouraging, but you will found good and easy information in this site. You know, easy steps, everything explained. Good to begin with.
Currently I am using this rom :Beasty/Clemsyn Ultimate Froyo Combo - Simply THE BEST (1.2 bootloader only)
Very fast, good for everything and all things are working, I guess.
Well, read a lot, read again and try something. As always, If you brick your gadget, all responsability is your. Let us know if something go wrong. If you reach success, let us know too. Is good substantiate, your problems can help other people in future.
As I already said, sorry for my poor english.
Good luck Dude.
I agree with jonnybr. Beastly-Clemsyn is my favorite rom when it comes to the stability and speed, at least for me, nothing else has matched it. Everything works, camera, hardware accel., even newer versions of most Gapps and most games work with no problem at all. Only exception is that if you use a USB mouse with your tablet, the orientation will be messed up but that's the price you pay for Skype to work.
If you are quite savvy and enjoy tinkering, maybe try a few different roms and see what you like best. Some of the others that are great are FrankenTab, CM7 (runs great but no HW accel.) and of course ICS (no camera yet and still a Beta build), but if you are looking for a working camera, low risk of problems and stability your best bet is to try one of the Froyo roms like Beastly or FrankenTab.
Funny, I started messing around with mine when I first got it to add functionality and make this thing actually useful and enjoyable. Come to find out, I get more use and enjoyment out of tinkering and messing with it than I do actually using it for it's intended purpose!
I have to agree with jonnybr as well. We were all noobies to at one point, but you made a well worth investment on the tablet. This tablet is virtually brick proof with the NVflash method. If it where me I would stick with a 1.2 boot loader, you can get the NVflash file from the link posted by jonnybr. That boot loader is ultimately the best for stability and reliability. Beastly rom is the best for a froyo rom. For visual pleasure I would lean towards VeganTab. Granted HW accel. is not the greatest, its a hacked version, but it is a 2.3 Gingerbread rom. A lot of potential with that particular rom. For me I currently am using DRH ICS since I don't really use my camera for anything special. This thing is more or less my touch screen netbook. Happy hunting.

Rom Help with unique phone

Hey guys,
I will be getting an android 4.0 phone from china here in a couple days. It doesnt support updates, or anything and I'd like to get Jelly Bean on it. I also have a Captivate I'd like to start developing roms for. I need the simplest explanation of how to make custom roms from aosp for either phone, or if there is another way, or if someone would like to take on the job that'd be great as well. any and all help is greatly appreciated.
>>>>>SEARCH<<<<<
(That's the simplest thing you can do)
If the phone from China is really that unique the chance of you going from knowing nothing about developing to making a working JB ROM (which would require writing drivers) is next to zilch. But if you really want to learn and are willing to put in the effort there is an endless supply all over the internet (and within the hundreds of other threads like this).

Might be getting Xperia U

Hi, Xperia people. You probably don't know me, but in the future I might be getting an Xperia U, and looking forward to it!
I couldn't find a XPU Q&A sub-forum, so I decided to post here. You're probably wondering why won't I get an Xperia S, or P? That's because my dad said I could pick a phone, up to £200, and he might get it for me, as a present for getting good grades.
Reading my own post, I probably sound like some stupid trolling, spamming kid who doesn't know a thing about Android, or programming, etc...
Well, I previously owned a HTC Wildfire S, until it got stolen. I do know about bootloader unlocking, rooting, fastboot, specs (CPU, RAM, etc.), Linux, Bootloaders, prgramming (I don't know any programming languages, but I know a bit about them, and I only know the tiniest bit of Java in the world that won't help anyone). I like making ROMS, and flashing them.
So I just wanted to know some basic stuff about the XPU. For example, as soon as I get it, play around with it for a bit, then should I unlock the bootloader, and start flashing some new ROMS (like ICS and stuff), or do I need to do some stuff before that. I want to try lots of ROMS (and I want to make one too. I made a stock like basic HTC ROM once.) I also want to know how to boot into the bootloader, and stuff. I know this all probably has been asked before, but if I get a good enough amount of answers, I might consider transforming the thread into a Noob Guide.
If you own an XPU, can you post links to some good ROMS, ICS, stuff like that. Thanks!!!!
My missus has an Xperia U and it's a fine phone. For the <£200 price, it's unbeatable IMHO. Sure there are compromises, but they are in the right areas, not the wrong ones. Sony got it perfect for that price.:good:
I probably won't be getting it now. I've done more research, and there's a lack of development, so I don't think I want to get it.
get it now!
AndroidM0d said:
get it now!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed, you don't get alot for a £200 budget, certainly not ICS update, dual core, unlockable bootloader and the U's build quality....
Bad-Wolf said:
I probably won't be getting it now. I've done more research, and there's a lack of development, so I don't think I want to get it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is lack of development indeed, but only because xperia U is using a relatively new chipset. once the devs gotten familiar with it I think development will roll in nicely
Actually I've got my XPU for about 3 weeks, it worked fine for me and no problem was faced.
I'm proud that I can get a such brilliant smartphone with a very reasonable price and the chance for eating ICS:laugh:
Yeah, well it is a good phone. But I can't take my chances and waste money. Even if there is more development, it might not be that much. DoomLord said himself that he might not do any development for XPU as he's already busy with the other XPs and he can barely keep up doing that. Believe me, I'd like to make ROMS myself (I made one for personal use, then distributed it), but I don't think I can just buy a phone to do that, and there aren't many development resources to do that. Also, this sub-forum is kind of "claustrophobic" because it's most of the XP devices together, and it's kinda messy, for me. Sorry guys, I'd like to become part of your community, but I don't think I can. I might just get a Desire HD, if I can, because I know a lot about HTC devices, it's got S-OFF, and plenty of development. It's already got ICS (was in the second page of Portal).
Anyway, thanks for the encouragement.

Question for the developers

This doesn't really have to do with this device specifically. Just something I've been wondering.
How do you guys know all this stuff? Is it just a hobby of yours that you've been researching in your spare time? Is it your job? Have you taken classes on it in school? I'm wondering because I'd love to create my own ROM one day and all that good stuff. But I know next to nothing about programming. The only thing I have to go on is Intro to Computer Software Development class I'm taking for my major where we learn basically intro to Java. So based on what I've learned so far, you guys have done WAY more than just a simple class than that? So where do I get started exactly?
I love what you guys do and would love to be able to contribute more. Must be a pretty cool feeling to see someone is running a ROM of yours and knowing YOU made it yourself. I would love to be able to do this stuff. How the hell do you guys know all this crap? Haha
I'm still relatively new to Android. Got my Galaxy S3 in October. Waited about a week and started reading up about rooting and all that. Then it shattered in December and I got the OG.
So my knowledge about rooting and ROMs and all that is about 4-5 months. I know that's definitely not enough time to be able to build your own ROM from scratch, but I still feel like no matter how long I have Android, I still need to know a lot about programming to even get started. I'm completely lost half the time people in development threads are talking.

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