[UN] Official Questions Thread - No Question too Small

[UN] Official Questions Thread - No Question too Small - AT&T HTC One (M8)

Here it is folks. You can post any questions you think you will get yelled at or criticized for because you don't know the answer or you didn't search hard enough. Agent had a great idea when he posted this over in the galaxy note 3 forum.
Ask any question you wish, the only stupid question is the one that's been answered 150,000 times. Just kidding, ask whatever you want as long as it's AT&T HTC ONE M8 related. I'll even go with HTC related.
Forum Rules: MUST BE FOLLOWED
If somebody helped you don't be afraid to hit the "Thanks" button.
Don't forget to rate the thread if you found it helpful!
Any flaming will be reported!
I'm going to add a spot on the OP for helpful members so they can be recognized in someway for helping other members, and give them a spot for credit in the future if they want to become a recognized contributor or anything like that. If you think you should be recognized in the OP then PM me. As the thread gets bigger I won't be able to find all the post by people just by reading page by page. I'll add people as they continually help on this thread as well.
Update: If you feel that you are a contributor on this thread, please PM me and I will review your post and add you here.

Much to my surprise, this thread has gotten off to a rocky start so I'll kick it off with some questions of my own.
In order to unlock the bootloader for the M8 on AT&T, there is no other way that I've found where HTCDEV can be circumvented. For those that have used HTCDEV to unlock, why were you content with giving HTC your devices information? Are you not concerned about warranty issues down the road? As user redpoint73 pointed out in a similar thread, AT&T has a history of not caring whether your device is unlocked, s-offed, modded etc, but in 6-8 months down the road when AT&T might not have an M8 in the store to replace yours and you have to deal with HTC, then what?
Please post your opinions as to why or why you haven't unlocked\rooted\s-offed\supercided, experiences in the past that relate to warranty (as in within the first year you have dealt with AT&T with regards to factory warranty or you had to deal directly with HTC), or if you have managed to unlock without throwing your warranty down the stairs and what method that was.
pls discuss

brianray14 said:
In order to unlock the bootloader for the M8 on AT&T, there is no other way that I've found where HTCDEV can be circumvented. For those that have used HTCDEV to unlock, why were you content with giving HTC your devices information? Are you not concerned about warranty issues down the road? As user redpoint67 (I'll edit this if i've got the name wrong) pointed out in a similar thread, AT&T has a history of not caring whether your device is unlocked, s-offed, modded etc, but in 6-8 months down the road when AT&T might not have an M8 in the store to replace yours and you have to deal with HTC, then what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
redpoint73. I'm not as old as you think I am!
Unless its within the first 14 days of purchase (where you can exchange in store for a brand new phone) warranty returns are dealt with through the mail, and you will get a refurb, not a new phone. Alternately you can go to an AT&T Device Service Center, if you happen to have one nearby.
The chances of them running out of refurb units is relatively low, although it does happen. But then you just get backordered until they are back in stock. The extreme case is that they no longer offer refurbs (when the device is EOL), in which case AT&T will offer you a comparable available device, or possibly even a newer device, and let you pay the difference in price.
I don't believe at any time will they force you to go through HTC. At least, I haven't heard of that happening.

redpoint73 said:
redpoint73. I'm not as old as you think I am!
Unless its within the first 14 days of purchase (where you can exchange in store for a brand new phone) warranty returns are dealt with through the mail, and you will get a refurb, not a new phone. Alternately you can go to an AT&T Device Service Center, if you happen to have one nearby.
The chances of them running out of refurb units is relatively low, although it does happen. But then you just get backordered until they are back in stock. The extreme case is that they no longer offer refurbs (when the device is EOL), in which case AT&T will offer you a comparable available device, or possibly even a newer device, and let you pay the difference in price.
I don't believe at any time will they force you to go through HTC. At least, I haven't heard of that happening.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My apologies sir! My post has been edited to reflect that you are not as old as i thought you were, lol

Here are a couple (and the answers will help with my Index thread):
1) After unlocking the bootloader, how have most folks rooted (aside from toolkits, which I am not a fan of)?
I just installed custom recovery and flashed a custom ROM, as the custom ROM was my goal for unlocking the bootloader, anyway. But I know that some folks just want to stay on the stock ROM, and root it. In the past, the method I have seen to do this is flash an SU or SuperSU file. Is there a concensus place to get this from?
Or just download SuperSU or SU from the Play Store?
2) Which recovery to use?
I'm using TWRP, but CWM is confirmed to work on the AT&T variant?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2703223

redpoint73 said:
Here are a couple (and the answers will help with my Index thread):
1) After unlocking the bootloader, how have most folks rooted (aside from toolkits, which I am not a fan of)?
I just installed custom recovery and flashed a custom ROM, as the custom ROM was my goal for unlocking the bootloader, anyway. But I know that some folks just want to stay on the stock ROM, and root it. In the past, the method I have seen to do this is flash an SU or SuperSU file. Is there a concensus place to get this from?
Or just download SuperSU or SU from the Play Store?
2) Which recovery to use?
I'm using TWRP, but CWM is confirmed to work on the AT&T variant?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2703223
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't speak on unlocking bootloader yet (still kinda weirded out by doing it through HTC) or recoveries but after searching extensively, reading posts and watching youtube vids, http://download.chainfire.eu/396/SuperSU/UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.94.zip?retrieve_file=1 is where i found the latest superSU to flash
For Philz touch, this link http://goo.im/devs/philz_touch/CWM_Advanced_Edition/m8 has latest for the M8 however, we'll need someone to confirm whether it works for AT&T or it's international version
Found latest TWRP recovery here http://techerrata.com/get/twrp2/m8/openrecovery-twrp-2.7.0.2-m8.img

Philz Touch does work on At&t as I am currently using it.

brianray14 said:
hey redpoint73, I'm still running stock sense which is rooted and s-off'd and I'm curious as to what added functionality custom ROMs add (i know this is highly dependent on the ROM) and whether or not it's really worth the hassle of backing everything up, wiping the device completely, installing the ROM, restoring your apps, redoing all the settings etc etc which usually takes me from my past experience a good two hours to complete. Feel free to just use the example of the ROM you're using and what added functionality it provides that the stock experience does not. I know this is a subjective question which usually would return the typical "Flash one yourself and find out" response if it were posted anywhere else.
I'm actually digging the stock experience and I'm mainly asking because I've read multiple times that sense degrades and responsiveness slows over time and also if your or another ROM had some "i can't possibly live without these features" kinda thing. Thanks in advance for any insight. Other users that have custom ROMs installed, feel free to comment as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I highly recommend using Titanium Backup, and paying the few dollars for the "Pro" key which has the batch backup/restore functions. Using Titanium, I can do all the backups (nandroid and TB of apps), flash a ROM, and be back up and running (TB to batch restore apps and app data; but then just manually redo home screen widgets and settings) in less than half an hour. And that is probably a generous estimate, and can probably finish quicker if I really wanted to.
Whether its "worth it" or not to flash ROMs depends on what functions you want, and your own personal preferences. As you probably know, there is a huge range of variety in custom ROMs, from "stockish (just debloated and optimized); ones loaded with various customizations and mods; to GPE or AOSP based ROMs. The added features possible with custom ROMs is almost too much to name, but just a sampling:
- Xposed Framework (which allows the installation of a huge number of customizations and tweaks)
- Overclocking/underclocking or governor options
- Different themes to aesthetically change the look of the OS
- Audio mods such as enabling Harmon Kardon, or the Viper sound mod
True, the stock ROM for the most part works just fine, for the most part. But personally, I couldn't stand all the bloat, disabled WiFi hotspot, and AT&T network icons. True, most or all of this can be changed piece by piece with root. But I just flashed a custom ROM and did it in less steps.
Although not for everyone, some people will find that flashing ROMs is inherently fun, even addictive. Personally I'm enjoying the "stockish" custom ROM I'm on. But I still find myself checking out some of the more feature packed and customizable ROMs, just for the heck of it.
As far as suggesting custom ROMs, unfortunately I'm going to have to go with the "typical" response of not playing favorites with the ROMs. I find it rather insulting to the hard working developers to name one over another; as recommending one suggests the others are somehow inferior. As you already mentioned, its highly subjective to personal tastes. I wouldn't presume to pick a ROM for you, anymore than I would pick what color shirt you should wear tomorrow. Honestly, all the ROMs I've tried are awesome in one way or another, and I don't see any reason not to think the same about the ones I haven't tried.

redpoint73 said:
I highly recommend using Titanium Backup, and paying the few dollars for the "Pro" key which has the batch backup/restore functions. Using Titanium, I can do all the backups (nandroid and TB of apps), flash a ROM, and be back up and running (TB to batch restore apps and app data; but then just manually redo home screen widgets and settings) in less than half an hour. And that is probably a generous estimate, and can probably finish quicker if I really wanted to.
Whether its "worth it" or not to flash ROMs depends on what functions you want, and your own personal preferences. As you probably know, there is a huge range of variety in custom ROMs, from "stockish (just debloated and optimized); ones loaded with various customizations and mods; to GPE or AOSP based ROMs.
True, the stock ROM for the most part works just fine, for the most part. But personally, I couldn't stand all the bloat, disabled WiFi hotspot, and AT&T network icons. True, most or all of this can be changed piece by piece with root. But I just flashed a custom ROM and did it in less steps.
Some people will find that flashing ROMs if fun, even addictive. Personally I'm enjoying the "stockish" custom ROM I'm on. But I still find myself checking out some of the more feature packed and customizable ROMs, just for the heck of it.
As far as naming custom ROMs, unfortunately I'm going to have to go with the "typical" response of not playing favorites with the ROMs. I find it rather insulting to the developers to name one over another. As you already mentioned, its highly subjective to personal tastes. I wouldn't presume to pick a ROM for you, anymore than I would pick what color shirt you should wear tomorrow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for relocating this to its proper place and I apologize for potentially cluttering your index thread.
I definitely see your point on not recommending one ROM over the other as it is an insult to devs who continuously put in countless hours to perfect their own recipe and selflessly make it available for all.
I've also read through quite a few of the ROMs available in the dev section and while you most certainly can read about features and the changelogs, determining whether it will perform responsively and fluidly is a totally different scenario that only flashing the ROM for yourself will provide an answer. I think a lot of ppl asking about which ROMs to flash mainly have that single question in mind when asking that question. Others might be just flat out lazy but that's another topic.
Titanium backup pro is absolutely worth its weight in gold when a user has determined that flashing is fun and addictive as it saves a great deal of time. I personally use ROM toolbox as it's much more user friendly and offers a wider range of functions but again, it's all about personal preference and what you're already accustomed to using.
Since I started flashing ROMs back in 2010, I probably have been through the process at least 80 times and with each clean flash, never have I had my device up and running EXACTLY the way I want in less than an hour unless of course I dirty flashed and this was using as much automation as possible. Perhaps I'm just anal and like things just so.
Also within that time, I can't tell you how many times I flashed a ROM only to find that A) it runs subpar, B) it has an annoying glitch not reported, C) it grinds to a halt due to mem leaks, D) random reboots (but naturally only when I needed the phone to function correctly and\or D) the reason I flashed it in the first place were some features listed only to find that they are only working somewhat and it wasn't listed as semi working.
Yes, custom ROMs are highly subjective and even function differently across the same exact devices but there are definitely unforeseeable factors that either are not listed in the OP or within the Q&A which have lead to me wasting countless hours either troubleshooting errors at crucial times or just simply getting the phone set up to my standards for daily usage only to find the last ROM I was on functioned way better.
Sorry for the wall of text but I've reached a point where I'm quite happy running a bug free ROM that just works whether it's stock or otherwise. I'm sure I'll get bored as the months go by and want to switch it up but there will have to be a solid reason for me to do so.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

brianray14 said:
Since I started flashing ROMs back in 2010, I probably have been through the process at least 80 times and with each clean flash, never have I had my device up and running EXACTLY the way I want in less than an hour unless of course I dirty flashed and this was using as much automation as possible. Perhaps I'm just anal and like things just so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, everyone is different. I've seen one XDA user claim it takes him 6 or 7 hours to get his phone flashed and configured the way he wants it, which is just plain insane! Of course, if it were this way for me, I surely would not flash many ROMs at all (if any)!
There are some variables I can see at play, like if you connect to a lot of WiFi networks and/or Bluetooth devices (although I think Titanium can also restore these - but I don't use it for that). Or have lots of home screen panels and widgets. I do run a fairly simple setup: 3 home screen panels, only one WiFi network, a couple Bluetooth devices, then just change a few things in Settings, like ringtone and notification tone.
brianray14 said:
Also within that time, I can't tell you how many times I flashed a ROM only to find that A) it runs subpar, B) it has an annoying glitch not reported, C) it grinds to a halt due to mem leaks, D) random reboots (but naturally only when I needed the phone to function correctly and\or D) the reason I flashed it in the first place were some features listed only to find that they are only working somewhat and it wasn't listed as semi working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry you've had such a negative experience flashing ROMs. Honestly, I've flashed a couple now for this device, and haven't found much to not like. And I did my fair share of ROM flashing on the One X (EVITA) and didn't run into too many bugs like you mentioned. Could be that I tend to stock to custom ROMs that are based on the stock Sense ROMs, just debloated, and with some minimal optimizations and features.
I can see bugs on a cutting edge type ROM, like when a new android version is ported to a device. But if you choose mature ROMs by seasoned developers, its my opinion you are not going to encounter many issues.
I will agree the stock ROM is quite good. But I couldn't stand the stock AT&T ROM in particular. The ROM I am on is very close to stock "international" ROM.

redpoint73 said:
Yes, everyone is different. I've seen one XDA user claim it takes him 6 or 7 hours to get his phone flashed and configured they way he wants it, which is just plain insane! Of course, if it were this way for me, I surely would not flash many ROMs at all
Sorry you've had such a negative experience flashing ROMs. Honestly, I've flashed a couple now for this device, and haven't found much to not like. And I did my fair share of ROM flashing on the One X (EVITA) and didn't run into too many bugs like you mentioned. Could be that I tend to stock to custom ROMs that are based on the stock Sense ROMs, just debloated, and with some minimal optimizations and features.
I agree the stock ROM is quite good. But I couldn't stand the stock AT&T ROM in particular. The ROM I am on is very close to stock "international" ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh for heavens sake, 6 hours? That's ludicrous. Thought 2 hours was pretty bad, I'm feeling a little better now, lol.
My past experiences are all Samsung related devices/ROMs and I never opted for any based on stock touchgiz garbage as I hated it with a passion. Mind you, some of those experiences were from the eclair/gingerbread era. By the time ICS and JB rolled around, I knew who the best devs were and only selected their ROMs. That being said, invariably, annoying glitches still did persist from time to time. Very few times did I land a ROM that worked 100% error free
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

Hotspot question
Ive read many post of people saying that they have no hotspot or tethering capability.
I am 100% stock, att variant. My hotspot works just fine. Tethering i have not tried yet but will tonight.
Am i the only one??

thaigir99 said:
Ive read many post of people saying that they have no hotspot or tethering capability.
I am 100% stock, att variant. My hotspot works just fine. Tethering i have not tried yet but will tonight.
Am i the only one??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine works fine too. Not quite sure if AT&T would tack on an extra fee for usage tho. Perhaps a custom ROM would have some mod baked in that masks it somehow. Personally, I haven't had any use for it in the past nor the present
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

thaigir99 said:
Ive read many post of people saying that they have no hotspot or tethering capability.
I am 100% stock, att variant. My hotspot works just fine. Tethering i have not tried yet but will tonight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your plan includes tethering (many of the tiered plans do now, over a certain GB amount, forget what that is) then tethering and WiFi hotspot works fine. If your plan does not include tethering, the AT&T ROM will block you, and tell you to contact AT&T to add a tethering enabled plan. Flashing any non-AT&T base ROM (including Sense) removes this. It just removes the phone side limitations. AFAIK, there is no custom ROM or tweak that can mask tethering activities. AT&T can still determine tethering network side. But depending on your usage, you may still go undetected.
On one hand, one can argue that AT&T is just enforcing the policy terms. On the other hand, it can be argued that regardless of whether you are on a tiered or unlimited plan (especially now they are throttling after 5GB/month), you've paid for the data and its pretty arbitrary for AT&T to dictate how you may use your data connection. Of course, AT&T is just using this as another means to encourage folks to give up their grandfathered unlimited data plan, and make more money on tiered plans.

Flashboot erase cache - not responding
In the spirit of this thread...
New to Android....switched mid April to HTC One M8 ATT US version, from iPhone. Every iOS version I was actively jb'ing for enhanced UI and tweaks. Many times in a jam, read, research, fix. Now...want to do the same with the M8 (well, save for the fix part, but it seems I'm already there).
Early May I followed (after a couple days of reading, researching, watching several videos) Sakitech's method of rooting, doing S-Off, Nandroid backup, TWRP, adb, changed CID, fastboot (all not necessarily in that order obviously). I installed the KK 4.4.2 GPE ROM with OTA updates (following links to here from Sakitech's website). Things went smoothly, I can still power off/on and reboot to it. But now I'm wanting to either move to Viper rom or the Android Revolution HD rom. Started reading, googling, etc. a couple days ago on the process.
So...now what I'm running into is that adb devices command will recognize my M8 and shows its number. But, I can't get into recovery via any method (from ROM toolbox pro, from the power/volume down fastboot process, etc.). It always ends up with the android with red triangle when I try to get to recovery. Searching that fix....I get/found that I should use fastboot erase cache....and this is where nothing happens, it always says 'waiting on device' and nothing on the M8 changes. Searching that....instructions say to remove and reinstall drivers on my PC (Windows 7 Pro IBM laptop). But....adb does see the device.
Don't mind researching/reading/learning....but I'm in need of a push/help on what direction to go now to be able to get fastboot to work so I can get into recovery.
Thanks in advance for any and all replies!

sttw1fa said:
But, I can't get into recovery via any method (from ROM toolbox pro, from the power/volume down fastboot process, etc.). It always ends up with the android with red triangle when I try to get to recovery. Searching that fix....I get/found that I should use fastboot erase cache....and this is where nothing happens, it always says 'waiting on device' and nothing on the M8 changes. Searching that....instructions say to remove and reinstall drivers on my PC (Windows 7 Pro IBM laptop). But....adb does see the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Red triangle is stock recovery. Somehow, you reverted to stock recovery at some point.
You will need to reinstall custom recovery to flash custom ROMs, but of course you have the fastboot issue.
Does the following command get a response listing the device:
fastboot devices
I know you said adb sees the device, but want to make sure fastboot does as well.

redpoint73 said:
Red triangle is stock recovery. Somehow, you reverted to stock recovery at some point.
You will need to reinstall custom recovery to flash custom ROMs, but of course you have the fastboot issue.
Does the following command get a response listing the device:
fastboot devices
I know you said adb sees the device, but want to make sure fastboot does as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info....that helps me further understand stock recovery vs. custom recovery.
'fastboot devices' immediately returns me back to a cmd prompt. I've tried 'fastboot erase cache' and it says 'waiting on device' and never does anything.
Thanks again!

sttw1fa said:
Thanks for the info....that helps me further understand stock recovery vs. custom recovery.
'fastboot devices' immediately returns me back to a cmd prompt. I've tried 'fastboot erase cache' and it says 'waiting on device' and never does anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't get the device name back after "fastboot devices" you have a fastboot connectivity issue. Yes, its strange that adb connects, when fastboot does not. But its not unheard of, as I've seen it before on other devices.
Try re-installing HTC drivers.

redpoint73 said:
If you don't get the device name back after "fastboot devices" you have a fastboot connectivity issue. Yes, its strange that adb connects, when fastboot does not. But its not unheard of, as I've seen it before on other devices.
Try re-installing HTC drivers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have deleted the HTC drivers, rebooted, and let Windows 7 Pro reinstall them when I reconnected my HTC One M8. Same problem. 'fastboot devices' does not show the M8 connected (immediately returns to the command prompt), but 'adb devices' does show the M8.
I also went into Device Manager and chose the device drivers while the M8 was connected, and chose the option to check for driver updates. It did do a net search and update the driver (even after I had just installed it). The HTC One M8 does appear and disappear in Device Manager as it's connected/not connected.
I even tried a different USB cable to the M8. Nada.
So...I do have a Mac desktop also. I downloaded the Android SDK, installed the latest version, and started using Terminal to run adb and fastboot. Here's where it gets me stumped...again. 'adb devices' on the Mac (using terminal) works, and shows the M8. 'fastboot devices' immediately returns me to a terminal prompt. 'fastboot erase cache' just says "waiting for device".
Any ideas? Same issue, two different computers, one Mac, one PC.
Thanks!

some progress...
Continuing with my stupidity and noobness (so it appears)....
With adb commands, the M8 can be in 'any state' and it will respond, correct?
With fastboot, does the M8 have to be in the fastboot menu state (power off, then the power button + vol down button, then choose the fastboot option) to respond to fastboot commands?
Because it will respond to fastboot commands when I am in that screen, but not in the first fastboot screen, nor the regular booted OS (like it's a normal phone). When it is responding to fastboot commands, it does say 'FASTBOOT USB' in red roughly 1/3 way down screen, with the menu items and options below.
If that's the case, it seems the M8 is responding to fastboot commands.
I did a fastboot erase cache and it worked. Just need to know where to go from there.
Thanks!

Related

[Q] To root or not to root - that is the question!

ok, here i am... in the android world, after many years of winmo - and i must say wow, i was missing a lot! i just bought a thunderbolt as a replacement for my htc touch pro2 (which was running stock, only after i broke my old one and didnt take the time to re do it again)
what i could do on my tp2 was run hotspot app PROVIDED by HTC (not sure why or how that slipped through big red's net) but it was free, no tethering/hotspot fee needed.
i like my TB (but not the bloatware) and am currently refusing all updates till i make my mind up on rooting. right now - kernel 2.6.32.21.gb05544a dated march 1, 2011 and the software number is 1.13.605.7. my guess is that since i bought it from amazonwireless, big red hasnt updated it, and it sat on the shelf at amazon for a bit. either way, the hotspot app still works for free.
my questions:
1. if i continue to refuse, can i assume that one day i will wake up updated or find my phone automatically updating without my permission?
2. if i root (before this big scary update happens) will my phone automatically go back to a stock rom, only with superuser access where i can remove bloatware manually and install a wifi hotspot app, or will i have to flash to a rom?
i am familiar with flashing windows mobile phones, flashed my past 2 devices to the newest software (had my tp2 before 6.5 was released for that phone, so flashed to 6 before big red officially released it). but it didnt need constant 'attention' once it was flashed. i used to fool around with sat boxes that did need constant attention and monitoring and waiting for charlies next emp, then scrambling to reflash. that was a pain.
3. will my rooted TB need constant attention or will i be able to tootle around without a care, only flashing when someone releases a rom that i might want to try out or some big release <gingerbread> is ready for rooted phones?
thanks for your time!
PS: I have read that people cant use netflix app on TB - i downloaded it, and it works fine for me. i am stuck in 3g land until next winter, but i would think that 4g would rock... just FYI in case anyone cares.

good questions. i'd like to see these answered too

fxb141 said:
ok, here i am... in the android world, after many years of winmo - and i must say wow, i was missing a lot! i just bought a thunderbolt as a replacement for my htc touch pro2 (which was running stock, only after i broke my old one and didnt take the time to re do it again)
what i could do on my tp2 was run hotspot app PROVIDED by HTC (not sure why or how that slipped through big red's net) but it was free, no tethering/hotspot fee needed.
i like my TB (but not the bloatware) and am currently refusing all updates till i make my mind up on rooting. right now - kernel 2.6.32.21.gb05544a dated march 1, 2011 and the software number is 1.13.605.7. my guess is that since i bought it from amazonwireless, big red hasnt updated it, and it sat on the shelf at amazon for a bit. either way, the hotspot app still works for free.
my questions:
1. if i continue to refuse, can i assume that one day i will wake up updated or find my phone automatically updating without my permission?
2. if i root (before this big scary update happens) will my phone automatically go back to a stock rom, only with superuser access where i can remove bloatware manually and install a wifi hotspot app, or will i have to flash to a rom?
i am familiar with flashing windows mobile phones, flashed my past 2 devices to the newest software (had my tp2 before 6.5 was released for that phone, so flashed to 6 before big red officially released it). but it didnt need constant 'attention' once it was flashed. i used to fool around with sat boxes that did need constant attention and monitoring and waiting for charlies next emp, then scrambling to reflash. that was a pain.
3. will my rooted TB need constant attention or will i be able to tootle around without a care, only flashing when someone releases a rom that i might want to try out or some big release <gingerbread> is ready for rooted phones?
thanks for your time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to the world of Android! We hope you enjoy your stay ^__^. While I don't have a TBolt myself, I think any user opinion is good. Phone's auto updating is rare, like extremely rare, but I have seen it on some of the lesser model phones. I don't think you need to worry about it though. The free hotspot app however may be noticed and tagged as a tether as big red gets their chubby fingers around the few apps they are missing.
To root or not to root, that is the question.....or is it! The answer is up to you. If your comfortable with it than root it! All rooting will do is give you superuser ability, and the ability to flash custom roms/kernels/mods. If you want to keep the stock rom, than all you need to do is flash and nothing more. Rooting your phone doesn't auto flash some random rom. Roms are typically not built with an auto updater, so you only need to reflash a rom if you want to change roms or update to the newest version. I would say I flash at least an image a day on my Dinc. Once your rooted, regardless of the rom, I would suggest downloading some backup software (Titanium Backup or it's like for TBolt) and of course a tethering app, whether you want wired or wireless is up to you. Once you root, you lose your connection to big red's update servers and so you never have to worry about an update that returns you to stock like you do with i<anything's>.
Happy flashing!

fxb141 said:
ok, here i am... in the android world, after many years of winmo - and i must say wow, i was missing a lot! i just bought a thunderbolt as a replacement for my htc touch pro2 (which was running stock, only after i broke my old one and didnt take the time to re do it again)
what i could do on my tp2 was run hotspot app PROVIDED by HTC (not sure why or how that slipped through big red's net) but it was free, no tethering/hotspot fee needed.
i like my TB (but not the bloatware) and am currently refusing all updates till i make my mind up on rooting. right now - kernel 2.6.32.21.gb05544a dated march 1, 2011 and the software number is 1.13.605.7. my guess is that since i bought it from amazonwireless, big red hasnt updated it, and it sat on the shelf at amazon for a bit. either way, the hotspot app still works for free.
my questions:
1. if i continue to refuse, can i assume that one day i will wake up updated or find my phone automatically updating without my permission?
2. if i root (before this big scary update happens) will my phone automatically go back to a stock rom, only with superuser access where i can remove bloatware manually and install a wifi hotspot app, or will i have to flash to a rom?
i am familiar with flashing windows mobile phones, flashed my past 2 devices to the newest software (had my tp2 before 6.5 was released for that phone, so flashed to 6 before big red officially released it). but it didnt need constant 'attention' once it was flashed. i used to fool around with sat boxes that did need constant attention and monitoring and waiting for charlies next emp, then scrambling to reflash. that was a pain.
3. will my rooted TB need constant attention or will i be able to tootle around without a care, only flashing when someone releases a rom that i might want to try out or some big release <gingerbread> is ready for rooted phones?
thanks for your time!
PS: I have read that people cant use netflix app on TB - i downloaded it, and it works fine for me. i am stuck in 3g land until next winter, but i would think that 4g would rock... just FYI in case anyone cares.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tbolt just got netflix last week for stock users.
Even if you are not going to flash a custom ROM right now, I would root.
Reason being that rooting requires you to flash old firmware so your phone gets wiped. Better to do it now, then that way you can use apps like Titanium backup.

fxb141 said:
ok, here i am... in the android world, after many years of winmo - and i must say wow, i was missing a lot! i just bought a thunderbolt as a replacement for my htc touch pro2 (which was running stock, only after i broke my old one and didnt take the time to re do it again)
what i could do on my tp2 was run hotspot app PROVIDED by HTC (not sure why or how that slipped through big red's net) but it was free, no tethering/hotspot fee needed.
i like my TB (but not the bloatware) and am currently refusing all updates till i make my mind up on rooting. right now - kernel 2.6.32.21.gb05544a dated march 1, 2011 and the software number is 1.13.605.7. my guess is that since i bought it from amazonwireless, big red hasnt updated it, and it sat on the shelf at amazon for a bit. either way, the hotspot app still works for free.
my questions:
1. if i continue to refuse, can i assume that one day i will wake up updated or find my phone automatically updating without my permission?
2. if i root (before this big scary update happens) will my phone automatically go back to a stock rom, only with superuser access where i can remove bloatware manually and install a wifi hotspot app, or will i have to flash to a rom?
i am familiar with flashing windows mobile phones, flashed my past 2 devices to the newest software (had my tp2 before 6.5 was released for that phone, so flashed to 6 before big red officially released it). but it didnt need constant 'attention' once it was flashed. i used to fool around with sat boxes that did need constant attention and monitoring and waiting for charlies next emp, then scrambling to reflash. that was a pain.
3. will my rooted TB need constant attention or will i be able to tootle around without a care, only flashing when someone releases a rom that i might want to try out or some big release <gingerbread> is ready for rooted phones?
thanks for your time!
PS: I have read that people cant use netflix app on TB - i downloaded it, and it works fine for me. i am stuck in 3g land until next winter, but i would think that 4g would rock... just FYI in case anyone cares.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but there are OTA's that can't be rooted.
What rooting your phone will do is install a new stock ROM which means it will wipe your whole phone. From there you can flash up to anything you want. Don't do rooting the lazy way. Use the ADB process and do it right. If you have a problem along the way, you'll be very glad you did it that way because you'd end up getting into ADB to fix any problem anyhow. Plus, jcase and other at andirc.net are very helpful.

If you root you will end up with whatever ROM is used during the root process. If you go to the development threads and to the stickied rooting instructions it will show you what RUU is used for the rooting process.
If you havent updated your phone you might even find that the ROM you get after rooting might be a newer version of the one you are using. If you want to stick with that ROM you can and just debloat it yourself or find another debloated ROM out there.
Once rooted you can use it similar to how you used your stock phone with no extra maintenance steps needed. If you start flashing nightlies or alpha/beta ROMs then you will start needing to monitor your phone for behavioral problems more.
There are no OTA's that cant be rooted. When an OTA comes out and you are rooted you should wait on flashing it as you would loose root if you did but in just a few days the dev's will create a rooted version to flash. Those OTA's will then be started to be used as the base for new ROMs.

Root! Root! Root!
As far as requiring tinkering as has been mentioned just rooting alone won't change a whole lot for your regular experience. The fun comes in trying out new ROMs. Some of the ROMs out there are very stable and once installed shouldn't need a whole lot of tinkering either (unless you get the FLASH habit that so many seem to develop and decide to flash a new one every day *wink*).

I rooted and installed Thundersense 1.5 onto mine, it's pretty nice. While I am running into some problems with bluetooth audio, having root capability means I can actually tinker with the phone's settings to try to fix issues instead of waiting forever for Verizon/HTC to push out another update that may or may not resolve whatever issue I have.

Not rooting is like driving around in a sports car with a parachute tied to the back.

Just do it.

When you root following Jcases method in the dev section you end up with a bone stock 1.13.605.7 with root. You might still get prompted for updates if you stay on the stock build but DO NOT ACCEPT if rooted. It will just cause problems and you might lose root or worse. I havent heard of Thunderbolts updating themselves but I have heard of Evos, I belive, that did. (according to users posts) So you never know but I belive something to do with Clockwork Mod Recovery(A custom recovery for android that you install after rooting.) will cause the update to fail anyway. As I understand it right now all OTAs can be rooted BUT the Gingerbread update will apparently close all known exploits to get root when it is released. There will always be rooted versions of the stock OTAs posted in the dev section you can flash if you want the newest updates and to be rooted. Of course there are lots of custom ROMs for the Thunderbolt to try out that are fast and stable. So I say root. It takes some reading and learning if you are new to it but its will worth it.
Sent from my HTC Thunderbolt

rooted and reloaded software
Thanks all for your advice! I successfully rooted my TB and it only took a few minutes to reload my apps and get it into working order. netflix is jumpy now, but could be the connection - going to mess with that some. not a big loss anyway - more of a 'wow, thats cool' than useful.
appbrain and HTC Sync with outlook contacts worked great for quick 'restore'
another question though - i am trying to remove the bloat and things like vcast and vznav will not let me uninstall. what is the best way to do this? i know i am rooted - barnicle works and has superuser access.
also, any good cooked sense roms that someone can recommend? not looking for one that constantly needs attention, just some cool things like cpu under/over clocking ability, and if SOMEONE would get a ford sync app that i could use voice command to text over sync - that would rock too!

Synergy ROM is my ROM of choice. It's based on the newest GB leak for the Tbolt, and has Sense 2.1 with Sense 3.0 features, so I find it less laggy than full on Sense 3.0 ROMs, and Ziggy's kernel (included in the ROM) works great with no SetCPU needed. It's worth a try. You can find a link to the download in my sig.
Happy flashing!

that's awesome. i was think this very thing. I'm sold, I'm rooting.

orkillakilla said:
Synergy ROM is my ROM of choice. It's based on the newest GB leak for the Tbolt, and has Sense 2.1 with Sense 3.0 features, so I find it less laggy than full on Sense 3.0 ROMs, and Ziggy's kernel (included in the ROM) works great with no SetCPU needed. It's worth a try. You can find a link to the download in my sig.
Happy flashing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I would probably try this ROM - Is there anything i would need to change on my stock everything, no updates, no frills TB - like, will i have to update the radio before flashing?

I must say, i love the synergy rom! it seems fast and really rocks! I did have to update my stock base version radio MR1 to MR2.5 so i had service. flashing went great. many kudos to each and every post i read with regard to rooting, flashing, radios and roms!!! yes, i am a lurker, but thanks all around!

fxb141 said:
I must say, i love the synergy rom! it seems fast and really rocks! I did have to update my stock base version radio MR1 to MR2.5 so i had service. flashing went great. many kudos to each and every post i read with regard to rooting, flashing, radios and roms!!! yes, i am a lurker, but thanks all around!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad everything worked out and that you are enjoying Synergy. Don't be afraid to try other ROMs though. I've flashed almost every rom out there and decided to keep synergy.
Sent from my HTC GingerBolt powered by the lastest Synergy ROM

Too many horror stories for me to root just yet. However I get multiple update demands from verizon every day which is driving me crazy, and today was the first time it actually tried to update itself without permission. I just happened to open my phone at work and saw it trying to download the update on its own. There was no way to cancel it either, I had to reboot the phone immediately to make it stop. It has yet to reappear, but we'll see what happens.

Rooting isn't worth it. Most of the ROM's out now are just plain awful (some people have no taste).

What are these horror stories you speak of?? I haven't heard of one person brick their phone rooting and that's the only horror story I can think of involving rooting. It's actually a pretty easy process if you just read up on what you are doing first.
As for the claim all the ROMs suck...well everyone if entitled to their opinion but there are Froyo sense and de-sensed ROMs, Gingerbread sense and de-sensed ROMs, and AOSP ROMs. You can have sense 2.1, 3.0, or no sense. Lots of themes to choose from if you want them. I don't see how that list is any different from any other HTC phone. That is not even including the fact that a lot of them greatly improve performance and batery life.
Sent from my HTC Thunderbolt

Saying Hi, ROM Recommendations & Other Noob Questions

Kind of long, but genuine, trying not to get too much bashed here...
Preface/Experience: A year ago or so I experimented with the Samsung Nexus S line of phones from all the major carriers, rooted them, flashed some ROMs, etc, and all my knowledge was learned from here (thanks!), but that was a while ago. I ended up not keeping any of them due to issues at the time with them (GPS locking, single core, 3G, etc) and decided to wait for some newer technology. I recently picked up an HTC Sensation to finally replace my old Blackberry after I had some issues with it the other day. As soon as I took it out of the box, my girlfriend was all mad because the entire time she has had her Thunderbolt she has complained about the SMS application not having separate "bubbles" for the chat windows, and of course Sense 3.0 does this (yes, she has tried handcent and such but doesnt like it). She also fell in love with the Sense 3.0 lock screens I have, home screen scroll, etc. I decided this would be a good first task for me to get back into the Android game...
I spent the first day or so searching about what the hell S-On/S-Off were, how to root these, etc. I successfully have S-Off, root, etc on both our phones via the revolutionary application, clockwork recovery is installed, as well as titanium backup. I have also successfully flashed a synergyROM onto her phone with Sense 3.0 and she has been enjoying it for the most part.
Now, onto the questions...
First, as nice as this ROM is, its a little too modified for her liking. Is there a ROM that would suit her desires better? She is looking for basically stock looking, bloatware removed if possible, with Sense 3.0 messaging and lock screens at a minimum. Nothing too major really, just UI tweaks.
Second, am I correct that after flashing a ROM you need to reinstall titanium backup each time so you can restore your apps and data? Is there a Zip file I can store on the SD card to install TiBu so I dont have to sign in and get it from the market each time?
Third, am I also correct that the main purpose of clockwork recovery is to backup the ROM, and the main purpose of TiBu is for the apps and their data? Meaning, to get the stock ROM back on this phone, I use clockwork to flash the backup I made, then use TiBu to flash the backup I made with that? I know this seems simple, but I just want to be clear Im thinking about this correctly.
Fourth, does it make a difference if I boot into clockwork recovery to flash a ROM versus doing it through ROM manager?
Oh, and fifth. WTH is a radio file/ROM/whatever you want to call it and how do you know which one you have? We are having an issue with her 4G not working on this new ROM I flashed, I assume its an error on my behalf, possibly the radio file? I'm not too clear on what those are just yet (I know, I should know before I started, but oh well)... I will be searching again through the 5 mile long thread over at the site where I found the ROM about 4G connectivity, but so far I haven't seen any issues posted by other people which is why I think I might have missed a step or something.
Any insight to any of these questions is appreciated, and I thank you all in advance!

02CWRX said:
Kind of long, but genuine, trying not to get too much bashed here...
Preface/Experience: A year ago or so I experimented with the Samsung Nexus S line of phones from all the major carriers, rooted them, flashed some ROMs, etc, and all my knowledge was learned from here (thanks!), but that was a while ago. I ended up not keeping any of them due to issues at the time with them (GPS locking, single core, 3G, etc) and decided to wait for some newer technology. I recently picked up an HTC Sensation to finally replace my old Blackberry after I had some issues with it the other day. As soon as I took it out of the box, my girlfriend was all mad because the entire time she has had her Thunderbolt she has complained about the SMS application not having separate "bubbles" for the chat windows, and of course Sense 3.0 does this (yes, she has tried handcent and such but doesnt like it). She also fell in love with the Sense 3.0 lock screens I have, home screen scroll, etc. I decided this would be a good first task for me to get back into the Android game...
I spent the first day or so searching about what the hell S-On/S-Off were, how to root these, etc. I successfully have S-Off, root, etc on both our phones via the revolutionary application, clockwork recovery is installed, as well as titanium backup. I have also successfully flashed a synergyROM onto her phone with Sense 3.0 and she has been enjoying it for the most part.
Now, onto the questions...
First, as nice as this ROM is, its a little too modified for her liking. Is there a ROM that would suit her desires better? She is looking for basically stock looking, bloatware removed if possible, with Sense 3.0 messaging and lock screens at a minimum. Nothing too major really, just UI tweaks.
Second, am I correct that after flashing a ROM you need to reinstall titanium backup each time so you can restore your apps and data? Is there a Zip file I can store on the SD card to install TiBu so I dont have to sign in and get it from the market each time?
Third, am I also correct that the main purpose of clockwork recovery is to backup the ROM, and the main purpose of TiBu is for the apps and their data? Meaning, to get the stock ROM back on this phone, I use clockwork to flash the backup I made, then use TiBu to flash the backup I made with that? I know this seems simple, but I just want to be clear Im thinking about this correctly.
Fourth, does it make a difference if I boot into clockwork recovery to flash a ROM versus doing it through ROM manager?
Oh, and fifth. WTH is a radio file/ROM/whatever you want to call it and how do you know which one you have? We are having an issue with her 4G not working on this new ROM I flashed, I assume its an error on my behalf, possibly the radio file? I'm not too clear on what those are just yet (I know, I should know before I started, but oh well)... I will be searching again through the 5 mile long thread over at the site where I found the ROM about 4G connectivity, but so far I haven't seen any issues posted by other people which is why I think I might have missed a step or something.
Any insight to any of these questions is appreciated, and I thank you all in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok... Got to a real keyboard so I'll toss some answered out there and try to put some structure to the not so structured wealth of information...
One: Synergy is probably the most tweaked up ROM out there. If you're looking for something that's simply bullet-proof reliable, I highly recommend BAMF Forever. Chingy also has some good ROMs in the Gingeritis line. BAMF can be found at teambamf.com and Chingy's ROMs are at themilkmik.com.
If those prove too modified, there's a few debloated ROMs based off the latest OTA patched up to fix the problems with the OTA version.
Two: You wouldn't be looking for a .zip for Titanium Backup. You'd be looking for an .apk file. Not sure where to find that though. Not may devs pack a backup app with their ROM because tastes vary and TiBu isn't the only app that does what it does.
Three: You pretty much have the idea regarding Clockwork backups (a.k.a., nandroid backups). I will direct you to my Q&A thread linked in my sig regarding TiBu. Basically, doing a batch backup is all good, but doing a batch restore is an excellent way to render your ROM useless. Devs use different apps and versions and frameworks and the system data often doesn't work well one ROM to another.
Four: Regarding CWR and Rom Manager, pretty much every dev recommends against using Rom Manager for flashing their ROM. There seems to be issues for whatever reason and it's just proven unreliable over time. A custom recovery is the only good way to flash a ROM and perform the various utility functions a custom recovery affords. You have your choice between CWR, Amon Ra, and TeamWin.
Five: Let me break this down into the 6 basic kinds of flashable files. First, and most common is a ROM. This is the OS, kernel, and UI along with whatever apps the dev has added They are usually 250MB to 310MB .zip files.
Second would be a kernel. ROMs are packed with kernel, but custom kernels exist that may be better for your purposes.
Third, would be radios. Radios can be individual radio firmwares, or a pair of them for CDMA and LTE all in one .zip file. A pair will be roughly 24-25MB, a single radio roughly half that. I explain more about radios in my thread.
Forth would be custom recoveries. These you rarely need to flash, perhaps never, so long as the version you're using supports the ROM's that are out there, and just about every version out there for the Tbolt does.
Fifth would be bootloaders. This is something you pretty much NEVER need to flash unless you've got a pretty good reason to mess with it. Bad radio and bootloader flashes will brick your device.
Sixth would be an RUU. An RUU is a full firmware package for your device. New bootloader, stock recovery, stock kernel, stock ROM, and radios.
There are also mods and patches that you can flash as well. Those are done in the same way as ROMs and kernels. The firmware hierarchy would look something like [bootloader>radio>recovery>ROM] with the bootloader being about as basic as it gets. Once you get used to how all this fits together it will make a lot of sense.
Hope this helps. If you have further questions feel free to hit me up on gtalk, pm me here, or post in this thread or my Q&A thread. I'll get back with you ASAP.

Thanks for the reply, I added you to gtalk also. I kind of feel like a horses ass because Im not sure how I missed that Q&A link; I presume its because I was doing nothing but searching the forums and didn't see the stickies somehow - d'oh. Kind of embarrassing to read that right after doing exactly what it says not to do (ask for ROM suggestions, ask a question about the radios which is laid out as well).
I was looking at the BAMF ROMs just last night actually, looks like I will check those out. I chose the Synergy simply based off the 3 screen shots I saw with the Sense 3.0 (which was my goal). That ROM is pretty cool, but as I said, its a bit much for my (her) needs at this point. Since I got it swapped around and such, it seems Im on the right track none the less.
Ahh, apk, duh. Also the logic as to why its not included makes perfect sense, I hadnt thought of it like that since I just saw those two (clockwork and TiBu) as the "common standard" and went with them even though Im sure plenty of people use others. I just thought I read in one of the how-tos that "setting up accounts" could be skipped simply by loading a TiBu, but since you cant do that without having it and you have to setup the market account to get it, it seemed bassackwards to me I suppose. Oh well. I've made do just fine so far by loading it through the market both times I've needed to.
I assume by "custom recovery" you mean the recovery console using custom software such as CWR which has replaced the factory console. I used CWR to flash it the first time and then when I messed it up with the TiBu restore (which you also covered in your Q&A I read last night after I figured it out and fixed it), I re-flashed it via ROM manager and had no issues that way either - hence the question originally. I will stick to doing it through CWR.
The order of things makes some sense to me now and the light is starting to shine through. I still didn't see much about the radio in the ROM thread, so I'm still curious why we are only looking at 3G. I also (oddly?) didnt see a recommended radio to go with the ROM, but it was late and I was tired. I will look into this again.
Is there a good source for a nice clean stock RUU for her phone just in case we need to go back to stock to warranty it? It has a loose charging plug currently that we may want to have addressed. Alternatively, is there a better way to get it back to "out of the box stock" than flashing an RUU?
Thanks again!

02CWRX said:
Thanks for the reply, I added you to gtalk also. I kind of feel like a horses ass because Im not sure how I missed that Q&A link; I presume its because I was doing nothing but searching the forums and didn't see the stickies somehow - d'oh. Kind of embarrassing to read that right after doing exactly what it says not to do (ask for ROM suggestions, ask a question about the radios which is laid out as well).
I was looking at the BAMF ROMs just last night actually, looks like I will check those out. I chose the Synergy simply based off the 3 screen shots I saw with the Sense 3.0 (which was my goal). That ROM is pretty cool, but as I said, its a bit much for my (her) needs at this point. Since I got it swapped around and such, it seems Im on the right track none the less.
Ahh, apk, duh. Also the logic as to why its not included makes perfect sense, I hadnt thought of it like that since I just saw those two (clockwork and TiBu) as the "common standard" and went with them even though Im sure plenty of people use others. I just thought I read in one of the how-tos that "setting up accounts" could be skipped simply by loading a TiBu, but since you cant do that without having it and you have to setup the market account to get it, it seemed bassackwards to me I suppose. Oh well. I've made do just fine so far by loading it through the market both times I've needed to.
I assume by "custom recovery" you mean the recovery console using custom software such as CWR which has replaced the factory console. I used CWR to flash it the first time and then when I messed it up with the TiBu restore (which you also covered in your Q&A I read last night after I figured it out and fixed it), I re-flashed it via ROM manager and had no issues that way either - hence the question originally. I will stick to doing it through CWR.
The order of things makes some sense to me now and the light is starting to shine through. I still didn't see much about the radio in the ROM thread, so I'm still curious why we are only looking at 3G. I also (oddly?) didnt see a recommended radio to go with the ROM, but it was late and I was tired. I will look into this again.
Is there a good source for a nice clean stock RUU for her phone just in case we need to go back to stock to warranty it? It has a loose charging plug currently that we may want to have addressed. Alternatively, is there a better way to get it back to "out of the box stock" than flashing an RUU?
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the RUU for 2.11.605.3 is floating around here somewhere. If it's not here, it's on Rootzwiki. The problem with flashing an RUU to return to stock is that if you rooted via Revolutionary it's not going to work. The bootloader Revolutionary is patched to prevent overwriting. You'll need to find a guide for unrooting after a Revolutionary root, but I think I have one in my thread. If you rooted via ADB, then flashing an RUU should do the trick.
Not really sure why LTE isn't working. LTE and CDMA data are handled on the same chip with the same radio so if one doesn't work, the other shouldn't work either. My best suggestion is try a different radio. I'd suggest the 2.10 radio or one of the 2.11 radios. People have generally been having pretty good luck with those. You might try going into the radio settings and forcing it to use LTE Only. If it can't find an LTE signal it'll revert back to 1x. For reference, any radio from an RUU 1.70 or later will work just fine with all the Gingerbread ROMs currently out there.
Hit me up if you've got any more questions.

Turns out it was in fact user error. There is a toggle built into the ROM to exclude LTE service if you wish *facepalm*
I had looked in a radio menu before after the first flash knowing of such toggles, but it was already selected correctly. It got reflashed after the TiBu mishap, still no 4G, and we called it a night. Today I found where someone mentioned a toggle and where it was, so I texted her to look following those directions. Sure enough she found it and she was able to change it to have 4G. I'm curious which menu I looked in initially and which menu she found the toggle in now. In any case, it seems its all working and that's what matters.

02CWRX said:
Turns out it was in fact user error. There is a toggle built into the ROM to exclude LTE service if you wish *facepalm*
I had looked in a radio menu before after the first flash knowing of such toggles, but it was already selected correctly. It got reflashed after the TiBu mishap, still no 4G, and we called it a night. Today I found where someone mentioned a toggle and where it was, so I texted her to look following those directions. Sure enough she found it and she was able to change it to have 4G. I'm curious which menu I looked in initially and which menu she found the toggle in now. In any case, it seems its all working and that's what matters.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's two of them, I know. Don't know why we need two that basically do the same thing, but we do! Glad you got it working. I use an app called LTE On/Off for flipping back and forth. Sometimes you need that because it'll stick on 3G when you know you're in an LTE area and it helps to kinda force it.

[Q] Maybe android isn't for me?

This will likely be a long post, so I'll start off with short summary:
After years of being excited about the android OS, I've now grown very tired of it and can't find a good solution to solve the issues.
Thanks in advance for taking the time to read and provide feedback and insight.
Background
I've been a web developer for ~15 years, even worked on a very popular android tablet before it was released. I currently have the title of "SDE" but I also deal with a lot of UI/UX work. I'm pretty tech savvy, love control, love to hack (eg my main machines are hackintoshes). I bought an EVO 3D shortly after it came out as it was dual core and had the most RAM. A friend is an android enthusiast and it sure seemed like android, while lacking polish, offered the flexibility and community for me to be able to have the level of polish I want.
Problems
Over the past year+ I haven't had much spare time. While other phones on other carriers are easy to root and mod, the EVO 3D on Sprint has been a PITA. My recent attempt at a custom PRL was a great example of how this "open" phone was more difficult to work with than a "locked" iPhone. There's been no easy way to root this phone and turn s-off. Yeah, I know there's two methods but both of them require more time than I have right now at any given time. And the bigger issue for me is that they're much bigger kludges than I think an "open" OS should be.
I waited for the ICS OTA update and am disappointed. While it solved some issues, it created more. And I feel like I've got both arms tied behind my back since almost any fix requires root. I hate reading that some of the fixes are in jelly bean, yet there's no easy way for me to upgrade.
Specific issues
- Llama doesn't work in ICS. I <3 Llama
- Battery usage is often horrible - yesterday I checked my email a couple times and the battery lasted all of 6 hours. I tried killing all tasks, but those who say that's useless since froyo are right. This issue keeps happening... it's like the CPU gets stuck at 100% for some reason.
- Network sucks. I don't understand why I can get 10Mb down and 2Mb up with speedtest.net, but the responsiveness of any app that uses the internet is sluggish. Even with my own tests on my own web servers, it' still sluggish. And latency is fairly low... seems like there might be a lot of packet loss for some reason.
- Camera sucks. The camera on my wife's EVO 4G works better but still sucks. All I've found here are threads confirming how much it sucks.
- App specific issues:
-- I have my sync settings set not to link contacts with LinkedIn, but it still frequently asks me anyway.
-- Contacts are duplicating: I had them all on my phone, and all synced via my gmail account. Then the other day it decides they're all different and duplicates my contacts.
- It unlocks itself. Sometimes I pull my phone out of my pocket and the phone is unlocked, even though I had a PIN set. I can use it for a minute or two, then suddenly I get greeted with a lock screen (or sometimes just half a lock screen.)
- I don't like having to set a lock screen in order to change the wifi password. Seems really odd to me. It wasn't like that in gingerbread.
I also have a hard time finding information. Seems like half of what I find doesn't apply to the EVO 3D, though may work for many other phones (even other HTC phones) and the bulk of the rest no longer works because of some other issue (or is just outdated.)
Anyway, I could go on, but I think you get the idea. If I had time, I'd see what I could to do contribute to a ROM project, but that just doesn't seem like it's in the cards right now. Am I just not a good fit for android? Is the bigger issue this phone? Would I actually be able to solve the above issues if I did go ahead and root it fully... perhaps with the wire method?
Thanks

Well I understand where you're coming from. Honestly, its personal preference. From my experience, once I went s-off and fully rooted it, it was so much better. A lot of the custom roms here are fantastic and blow stock out of the water. You can do so much more with root, and easily fix all of the problems that you have. Every. Single. One. It's all about just trying it, and if you don't like it, you can easily just try something new, that's the glory of it
Sent from my PG86100 using xda app-developers app

Thanks for the reassurance. I went ahead and tried the wire trick here http://htcevohacks.com/htc-evo-3d-h...c-evo-3d-using-wire-trick-juopunutbear-s-off/
Unfortunately, when I run ControlBear it tells me "device has no root!!"
I used the HTC method to unlock it. I'll keep digging... but this is part of what frustrates me about android.

blame the phone manufacturers and the carriers, not android... none of your problems actually seem like android ones

snokarver said:
Thanks for the reassurance. I went ahead and tried the wire trick here http://htcevohacks.com/htc-evo-3d-h...c-evo-3d-using-wire-trick-juopunutbear-s-off/
Unfortunately, when I run ControlBear it tells me "device has no root!!"
I used the HTC method to unlock it. I'll keep digging... but this is part of what frustrates me about android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take a look at mpgrimm2's guide thread. That has a lot of good information.
ramjet73

snokarver said:
Thanks for the reassurance. I went ahead and tried the wire trick here http://htcevohacks.com/htc-evo-3d-h...c-evo-3d-using-wire-trick-juopunutbear-s-off/
Unfortunately, when I run ControlBear it tells me "device has no root!!"
I used the HTC method to unlock it. I'll keep digging... but this is part of what frustrates me about android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After you htcdev unlock, you need to flash a stock rom with root, I would try my rom, common sense v1.5 (stock) its in the link in my siggy, I did it on that and it worked just fine. Or you can flash a stock rooted rom that Virus posted up, its somewhere in the dev forum, once that's flashed you're good to go
Sent from my PG86100 using xda app-developers app

Thanks. What's the easiest way to do a full backup of my existing ROM so I can easily restore if I want to? Seems like every method I've found requires root.

Under all the glitz, Android runs on a Linux kernel.
Linux is very secure in that only the "root" account can make changes to vital system processes.
So yes, gaining root access is vital to making changes to your android device.
IMO, it is too easy to gain root in Android. It should be harder so all these noobs won't be on here f'ing up their phones.
sudo passwd root

I use *nix all day long. Was just running commands to modify permissions, using sudo, for git. Even in OS X gaining root access is fairly easy. But what you're telling me is, the only way to backup my ROM is to wipe it first with a ROM that is rooted? (In other words, no way to backup my ROM.)

snokarver said:
Thanks. What's the easiest way to do a full backup of my existing ROM so I can easily restore if I want to? Seems like every method I've found requires root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you find the Su binaries, you can flash it via recovery via fastboot, right over the stock rom that you're running RIGHT NOW. I would google it, I don't have one off hand that I can attach for you.
Sent from my PG86100 using xda app-developers app

I found the su binaries, but haven't had any luck getting them installed. Every walkthrough I've found doesn't work. Tried to put a recovery on it, but that also won't go. One method requires root. The instructions for another said three button method but that doesn't seem to work on this phone...

You have to unlock the bootloader before trying to install recovery.
There are a bunch of guides. www.google.com
sudo passwd root

*sigh*
I have done the official HTC unlock. I know there's a ton of guides out there, and I'm usually pretty good at using google, but I have yet to find one that works. 90% of them are incomplete, outdated, assume you're already fully rooted or have a custom ROM. The majority of the time I find people posting the same problems I'm running into, without any answers. I've tried no less than four different methods (found via google) today to install recovery, but none of them have worked.

snokarver said:
*sigh*
I have done the official HTC unlock. I know there's a ton of guides out there, and I'm usually pretty good at using google, but I have yet to find one that works. 90% of them are incomplete, outdated, assume you're already fully rooted or have a custom ROM. The majority of the time I find people posting the same problems I'm running into, without any answers. I've tried no less than four different methods (found via google) today to install recovery, but none of them have worked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried mpgrimm2's guide for flashing recovery and superuser? It's part of a larger thread that covers rooting, S-OFF, bootloaders and other stuff for the Evo 3D and I know he works hard at keeping it up-to-date.
I suggested that earlier in this thread, and if you can't find the answers you are looking for there I'd be surprised.
ramjet73

Thanks for the insistance on that thread. I tried CWM using that guide and it didn't work (wouldn't ever boot into CWM even though everything appeared to install ok). I tried 4ext using a 4ext guide and it didn't work. I tried 4ext using the same guide as you linked to which references CWM, and it did work.
BusyBox is saying it may not be rooted, but RootChecker says it is. At least now I think I'm far enough along to make a backup of the stock ROM. Thanks much

Launching BusyBox some more it seems to work fine. So far I've:
- Make a backup of the stock ROM
- Deleted the crapware
- Backed up my apps with TB
- Used SetCPU to lower the clockspeed when idle. Now I'm under 100ma when idle. Pre ICS I had a hard time getting under 300ma.
Thanks a bunch. Things are really looking up.

[Q] Any de-bloated AT&T sense roms yet?

I'm pretty down with the HTC One I just recieved yesterday, but the only thing that is bothering me is all this stupid junk AT&T stuck in there. The fact that I cannot tether either is a bit disheartening. I see there are a few ROMS in the developers subforum, but I haven't been able to check them out yet. Do any of those roms fit that description and if so, which one is the LEAST modified?

I've been using Android Revolution HD 6.0 from the international forums. Certain ROMs do work on our AT&T variants. It has basically everything that the standard Sense has, with tweaks. No AT&T bloatware. I've also been getting pretty awesome battery life. You may want to check it out.
---------- Post added at 12:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:04 PM ----------
Sorry, here's the link to the page:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2183023
If you do decide to try it, make sure to read the entire original post before you do. There is instructions in there about using the volume buttons to select items in the Aroma installer. If you don't, your install may freeze.

I'm hoping we'll be able to flash our AT&T Ones to turn them into the same thing as the Developer Edition that's sold directly by HTC. I've been keeping on eye out for news of this becoming reality but haven't seen anything so far...

ranphi said:
I'm hoping we'll be able to flash our AT&T Ones to turn them into the same thing as the Developer Edition that's sold directly by HTC. I've been keeping on eye out for news of this becoming reality but haven't seen anything so far...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you have an unlocked bootloader its basically the same thing as the dev edition. and once we have S-OFF we will be able to flash official RUU's to the phone

Would the De-odexed ROM allow me to remove the crap AT&T put on the phone? If so, this will probably be the route I'll go, well, as soon as I get my extra dropbox space anyway.

Daman09 said:
I'm pretty down with the HTC One I just recieved yesterday, but the only thing that is bothering me is all this stupid junk AT&T stuck in there. The fact that I cannot tether either is a bit disheartening. I see there are a few ROMS in the developers subforum, but I haven't been able to check them out yet. Do any of those roms fit that description and if so, which one is the LEAST modified?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't you use the tool kit (in the Android Development section) to root and uninstall via Titanium? I've always done that with stock roms in the past.

aipaloovik said:
Can't you use the tool kit (in the Android Development section) to root and uninstall via Titanium? I've always done that with stock roms in the past.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope the System partition is write protected, so once you reboot all the crap comes back.

+1 for ARHD 7.0, running flawlessly. I'm totally new to Android and flashing ROMs, the ARHD dev and the threads over in the international forum make the whole process easy to learn. I played with the phone for about 2 hours before I became completely fed up with the AT&T claws dug into every aspect of the software, coming from an iPhone I had not realized how bad the bloatware problem has become.

mark7201 said:
+1 for ARHD 7.0, running flawlessly. I'm totally new to Android and flashing ROMs, the ARHD dev and the threads over in the international forum make the whole process easy to learn. I played with the phone for about 2 hours before I became completely fed up with the AT&T claws dug into every aspect of the software, coming from an iPhone I had not realized how bad the bloatware problem has become.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, what really got me was that even after a day or two of using the phone, the AT&T Address book sync message would still pop up. I had already declined it and stopped any syncing to it. Then, to top it off, after I had already been on several long calls using the phone, the CityID message pops up saying that I'm now in a trial period? It made me decide to go ARHD without a regret. De-bloated, stable, and battery is great for me.

Also went with ARHD. Working wonderfully so far.

Everyone can flash Int'l ROMs with no trouble. ARHD is a great ROM with a great Dev. Give it a try. A make sure you read before you start complaining about LTE signal strength.. The official ATT ROMs fake your signal to make it look better than it is. The Int'l ROMs are the actual strength.

BAM1789 said:
Everyone can flash Int'l ROMs with no trouble. ARHD is a great ROM with a great Dev. Give it a try. A make sure you read before you start complaining about LTE signal strength.. The official ATT ROMs fake your signal to make it look better than it is. The Int'l ROMs are the actual strength.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tid bit!! I'm thinking about this ROM as well. The only thing I really need though is Wifi Tethering. Do you know if it can do it without paying AT&T for it? I'm sure some ROMS will have it soon enough. I would even use FOXFI if it would work.
With the ONE I just can't seem to get around AT&T. I'm in the ball park like many others who think tethering should be free. I get the whole "you are paying just for your phone service" and not your laptop or ipad and such; I just don't agree with it, so won't ever pay for it. I'll pay for MP3's, I'll pay for Apps, I just don't think I should line AT&T's pockets for something I already pay for "DATA".
Ok Rant Over. I got out of control there. I apologize.

dmjlabelle said:
Thanks for the tid bit!! I'm thinking about this ROM as well. The only thing I really need though is Wifi Tethering. Do you know if it can do it without paying AT&T for it? I'm sure some ROMS will have it soon enough. I would even use FOXFI if it would work.
With the ONE I just can't seem to get around AT&T. I'm in the ball park like many others who think tethering should be free. I get the whole "you are paying just for your phone service" and not your laptop or ipad and such; I just don't agree with it, so won't ever pay for it. I'll pay for MP3's, I'll pay for Apps, I just don't think I should line AT&T's pockets for something I already pay for "DATA".
Ok Rant Over. I got out of control there. I apologize.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With ARHD you can turn on Mobile Hotspot and everything I just don't know if ATT will pick up if you're using it. I know with CM, I've used tethering and ATT never said a thing to me. So I'm guessing use it till they send you something.

BAM1789 said:
Everyone can flash Int'l ROMs with no trouble. ARHD is a great ROM with a great Dev. Give it a try. A make sure you read before you start complaining about LTE signal strength.. The official ATT ROMs fake your signal to make it look better than it is. The Int'l ROMs are the actual strength.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm having one problem with the stock international deodexed rom. Apparently, I cannot install purchased apps. It downloads, then says it cannot be installed on USB or SD card...
any solutions?

dmjlabelle said:
Thanks for the tid bit!! I'm thinking about this ROM as well. The only thing I really need though is Wifi Tethering. Do you know if it can do it without paying AT&T for it? I'm sure some ROMS will have it soon enough. I would even use FOXFI if it would work.
With the ONE I just can't seem to get around AT&T. I'm in the ball park like many others who think tethering should be free. I get the whole "you are paying just for your phone service" and not your laptop or ipad and such; I just don't agree with it, so won't ever pay for it. I'll pay for MP3's, I'll pay for Apps, I just don't think I should line AT&T's pockets for something I already pay for "DATA".
Ok Rant Over. I got out of control there. I apologize.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I posted a ATT Wifi hotspot mod in the dev section yesterday for stock/rooted (deodexed or odexed)
Also - I may be off base, but as far as debloating is concerned, we should be able to do this with an updater script in a recovery flashable package where it's just deleting the packages we don't want. As long as it's done in recovery it should stick on reboot. If we want to start a list of what should be removed, I can put a script together to remove them via recovery and we'll see how it works. (Edit - Working on it now)
Edit: well it removed them from /system/apps, but a few are still showing installed. Guess we'll have to get rid of the data they've created as well? Still playing... either way i managed to get these out of /system/app/:
ATT Device Help, Address Book Sync, Amazon Kindle, CityID, Drive Mode, Family Map, Hot Spot (ATT's), Locker, Messages (ATT's), myATT, navigator (ATTs), Promo Widget, Ready2go, SmartWifi, YPmobile
Sill playing..
Edit: Almost there...

Running Renovate on my AT&T HTC One and it is great. You guys should check it out. Clean rom with AT&T bloat removed, great battery, and some great tweaks.

homeslice976 said:
I posted a ATT Wifi hotspot mod in the dev section yesterday for stock/rooted (deodexed or odexed)
Also - I may be off base, but as far as debloating is concerned, we should be able to do this with an updater script in a recovery flashable package where it's just deleting the packages we don't want. As long as it's done in recovery it should stick on reboot. If we want to start a list of what should be removed, I can put a script together to remove them via recovery and we'll see how it works. (Edit - Working on it now)
Edit: well it removed them from /system/apps, but a few are still showing installed. Guess we'll have to get rid of the data they've created as well? Still playing... either way i managed to get these out of /system/app/:
ATT Device Help, Address Book Sync, Amazon Kindle, CityID, Drive Mode, Family Map, Hot Spot (ATT's), Locker, Messages (ATT's), myATT, navigator (ATTs), Promo Widget, Ready2go, SmartWifi, YPmobile
Sill playing..
Edit: Almost there...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here it is. A flashable package that will remove all the ATT bloat described above. Let me know if anyone runs into any issues, or see anything that's not getting removed that should be. I recommend wiping cache and dalvik after flashing.

Im running stock Odexed AT&T rom from JMZ found in development section with Thoravukks Kernel from international HTC one found here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2229300 which allowed me to delete all of AT&Ts bloatware from the rom since the kernel Naw read and write. Plus Modaccos xposed framework which allowed me to remap the menu button to the back button by long pressing it. And let me say its running beautifully. No issues at all everything works. Plus i get to keep my AT&T signal icons which i prefer.
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium

Fidelio_o said:
Im running stock Odexed AT&T rom from JMZ found in development section with Thoravukks Kernel from international HTC one found here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2229300 which allowed me to delete all of AT&Ts bloatware from the rom since the kernel Naw read and write. Plus Modaccos xposed framework which allowed me to remap the menu button to the back button by long pressing it. And let me say its running beautifully. No issues at all everything works. Plus i get to keep my AT&T signal icons which i prefer.
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. This can absolutely be fixed by flashing a different kernel. This is for those who prefer a fully stock experience, minus the bloat.

homeslice976 said:
Here it is. A flashable package that will remove all the ATT bloat described above. Let me know if anyone runs into any issues, or see anything that's not getting removed that should be. I recommend wiping cache and dalvik after flashing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks tons! Looks like all the AT&T crud is gone! Totally appreciate this. So far no issues.
And no bloat returns after 2 reboots.
Just wondering, is this 100% uninstall?

[Q] Best custom rom for S-On?

I am new to this, after switching from an iPhone.
And so far it has been sooo confusing.
I have learned that you cannot get ViperOne on AT&T without S-off because they haven't updated to 4.4.4
But the guide doesn't mention that? Luckily I asked on their IRC before I tried.
I am wondering if there are any good custom roms for 4.4.2 with S-On.
After learning about ViperOne and having no warning that it won't work on AT&T, I am skeptical if their are any that will work.
I am new to this. and I'm very surprised the official guide on Venomroms.com doesn't warn you that it doesn't work on AT&T without S-off.
Coming from using and iPhone for the last 3-4 years this seems ridiculous. So any help would be greatly appreciated.
Also is it HTC that makes it so hard to root , unlock, and customize? Or is it Android? I'm having a hard time understanding why everyone recommends android. I had no idea you had to pay money to load custom roms.
Edit - So I just read that you can't flash custom firmware without being S-Off. Guess that answers the question. This phone sucks. No wonder why iPhone 6 was still out of stock.

nigerlet said:
I am new to this, after switching from an iPhone.
And so far it has been sooo confusing.
I have learned that you cannot get ViperOne on AT&T without S-off because they haven't updated to 4.4.4
But the guide doesn't mention that? Luckily I asked on their IRC before I tried.
I am wondering if there are any good custom roms for 4.4.2 with S-On.
After learning about ViperOne and having no warning that it won't work on AT&T, I am skeptical if their are any that will work.
I am new to this. and I'm very surprised the official guide on Venomroms.com doesn't warn you that it doesn't work on AT&T without S-off.
Coming from using and iPhone for the last 3-4 years this seems ridiculous. So any help would be greatly appreciated.
Also is it HTC that makes it so hard to root , unlock, and customize? Or is it Android? I'm having a hard time understanding why everyone recommends android. I had no idea you had to pay money to load custom roms.
Edit - So I just read that you can't flash custom firmware without being S-Off. Guess that answers the question. This phone sucks. No wonder why iPhone 6 was still out of stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And what custom roms were you running on your iPhone?
edit: Must not feed troll...

1. A whole new world of apps
Android offers a wide range of apps for every situation, but when you want something that offers a somewhat ”more advanced” function you usually require root level permissions. Having root permission simply means to be an ”administrator” of your device, so you have control over deeper interactions with the system. This allows us to uninstall bloatware (pre-loaded apps), control firewalls, management systems and even enable gesture controls through multi-touch modifications. There are also apps that work fine without root, but whose full potential is only realized with root, such as antivirus apps, with their locking systems/remote access or CleanMaster, which lets you remove bloatware if you are rooted.
2. Customize like never before
Android devices are famous for their ability to change launcher, icon packs, live wallpapers, ringtones, keyboard sounds and much more. However, this customization is usually limited to superficial aesthetic changes. With root permissions you can modify the system files to your liking, including system sounds as well as the boot animation, which is what you see when you start your device up. The level of customization that is possible is near-limitless, but you can only start to see how deep the rabbit hole goes once you’ve taken the first step.
3. Performance beyond all limits
There are already many apps that can free up your RAM or speed up your phone, and However, with ”normal” methods it is not possible to overcome the limitations imposed by the hardware itself, but only to work within those predefined limits. Once again, root permission comes to the rescue, allowing you to modify the actual speed of the CPU via overclocking. To do this it is necessary to flash a custom kernel – the link connecting your hardware to software – that allows it, but the process is very simple, even more so using the app Kernel Manager.
4. No more problems with the battery
Smartphones continue to evolve, but the Achilles heel of the battery has not yet been resolved. Although the best phones can guarantee 24 hours of use (and beyond, thanks to power-saving features), many of us fail to get to the end of the evening. Solution? Buy yourself the LG G3, the new king of the battery! Or, if you’re not going to shell out that kind of money, or because you are simply loyal to your current smartphone, you can root and solve the problem yourself. With root you can access a number of functions that will allow you to choose how much power goes to the CPU, so setting a lower limit, called undervolting, can make significant savings in terms of power consumption. Again, you’ll need a different kernel to the one your phone came with.
5. Automate everything
Many of you already know the application Tasker, which allows us to automate virtually every aspect of our smartphones. For those not in the know, on the basis of an event (such as the insertion of the headphones, our specific location, a particular time of day etc) we can match an action to it (launch apps, send text messages, play a song) – all managed by this application. It also works without root permissions, but with them we will be able to access the complete list of possible interactions, such as activation of the internet, GPS, screen control, CPU speed, and much more.
6. Flash custom ROMs
This is the number one reason why the majority of Android users decide to get root permissions. In addition to radically (or subtly) customizing a smartphone, the major custom ROMs we like the most tend to outdo the stock ROM in terms of functionality, performance and fluidity; an example is OmniROM, who are working on a ROM for fully integrated voice commands, allowing you to control every function of your smartphone via voice commands. Another important feature is the ability to upgrade our old and manufacturer-abandoned smartphone with the latest versions of Android. Here’s our list of the most important custom ROM and root terms explained.
7. Block advertizing
While advertizing is, for many developers, their only source of income and the only thing that allows them to create otherwise free apps, it can also be a nuisance that you want to eliminate from your smartphone experience. If an app contains invasive advertising that not only consumes a large amount of data but that can also potentially trigger subscriptions without our consent, as we’ve seen repeatedly with WhatsApp, it’s a problem that can be dealt with if you have root. Apps like AdBlock Plus give you control over the advertizing contained in apps and browsers. The use of this application and of other similar ones is possible only for those with root level permissions.
8. Perform full backups
Every Android device has the ability to make a backup of applications and certain data, within the settings menu or through the use of management software like Samsung’s Kies. Even if you decide to use these options together with various cloud services, nothing can ultimately compete with the features offered by root permission backups. For example, it is only with root that you can use the legendary app Titanium Backup, with which you can make copies of the entire system image of your device and move it to your SD card or computer. You also have the the ability to automate the process at regular intervals.
9. Access features from other phones
One of the best features (or worst, from the point of view of programmers) of Android devices is the incredible variety of phones and tablets that use it, not to mention the individual manufacturer changes to the Android system. This allows us to always have a different device than everyone else, but it also means not always being able to enjoy the unique features reserved for a group of top of the range smartphones. As you’re probably starting to realize, root permissions also allow us to do this. In forums like XDA Developers there is a wealth of flashable zips available for all sorts of features, scripts and functions. In addition, we can enable limited functions from specific manufacturers, such as installing LG’s Knock On feature on non-LG devices, or using features such as tethering to share and connect phones via USB, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
10. Become the master of your universe
This is actually one of the most convincing reasons to root your phone. You bought it, so it’s yours and you don’t want to be told what you can or cannot do with your own property. Android, by its very nature, is a free system born from the idea of creating an ecosystem of independent software and hardware that is open to everyone Getting root permission, in addition to the benefits listed above and many more that I could mention, will make you the ”real” owner of your smartphone, giving you complete control, albeit with some risks, of customizing basically anything you want to, exactly how you want it. And this is perhaps the best part of rooting your Android.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

rquinn19 said:
And what custom roms were you running on your iPhone?
edit: Must not feed troll...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't need one. A jailbreak was enough. iOS is flawless. I made a mistake buying this ****. But hey the speakers are nice.

scoot0073 said:
1. A whole new world of apps
Android offers a wide range of apps for every situation, but when you want something that offers a somewhat ”more advanced” function you usually require root level permissions. Having root permission simply means to be an ”administrator” of your device, so you have control over deeper interactions with the system. This allows us to uninstall bloatware (pre-loaded apps), control firewalls, management systems and even enable gesture controls through multi-touch modifications. There are also apps that work fine without root, but whose full potential is only realized with root, such as antivirus apps, with their locking systems/remote access or CleanMaster, which lets you remove bloatware if you are rooted.
2. Customize like never before
Android devices are famous for their ability to change launcher, icon packs, live wallpapers, ringtones, keyboard sounds and much more. However, this customization is usually limited to superficial aesthetic changes. With root permissions you can modify the system files to your liking, including system sounds as well as the boot animation, which is what you see when you start your device up. The level of customization that is possible is near-limitless, but you can only start to see how deep the rabbit hole goes once you’ve taken the first step.
3. Performance beyond all limits
There are already many apps that can free up your RAM or speed up your phone, and However, with ”normal” methods it is not possible to overcome the limitations imposed by the hardware itself, but only to work within those predefined limits. Once again, root permission comes to the rescue, allowing you to modify the actual speed of the CPU via overclocking. To do this it is necessary to flash a custom kernel – the link connecting your hardware to software – that allows it, but the process is very simple, even more so using the app Kernel Manager.
4. No more problems with the battery
Smartphones continue to evolve, but the Achilles heel of the battery has not yet been resolved. Although the best phones can guarantee 24 hours of use (and beyond, thanks to power-saving features), many of us fail to get to the end of the evening. Solution? Buy yourself the LG G3, the new king of the battery! Or, if you’re not going to shell out that kind of money, or because you are simply loyal to your current smartphone, you can root and solve the problem yourself. With root you can access a number of functions that will allow you to choose how much power goes to the CPU, so setting a lower limit, called undervolting, can make significant savings in terms of power consumption. Again, you’ll need a different kernel to the one your phone came with.
5. Automate everything
Many of you already know the application Tasker, which allows us to automate virtually every aspect of our smartphones. For those not in the know, on the basis of an event (such as the insertion of the headphones, our specific location, a particular time of day etc) we can match an action to it (launch apps, send text messages, play a song) – all managed by this application. It also works without root permissions, but with them we will be able to access the complete list of possible interactions, such as activation of the internet, GPS, screen control, CPU speed, and much more.
6. Flash custom ROMs
This is the number one reason why the majority of Android users decide to get root permissions. In addition to radically (or subtly) customizing a smartphone, the major custom ROMs we like the most tend to outdo the stock ROM in terms of functionality, performance and fluidity; an example is OmniROM, who are working on a ROM for fully integrated voice commands, allowing you to control every function of your smartphone via voice commands. Another important feature is the ability to upgrade our old and manufacturer-abandoned smartphone with the latest versions of Android. Here’s our list of the most important custom ROM and root terms explained.
7. Block advertizing
While advertizing is, for many developers, their only source of income and the only thing that allows them to create otherwise free apps, it can also be a nuisance that you want to eliminate from your smartphone experience. If an app contains invasive advertising that not only consumes a large amount of data but that can also potentially trigger subscriptions without our consent, as we’ve seen repeatedly with WhatsApp, it’s a problem that can be dealt with if you have root. Apps like AdBlock Plus give you control over the advertizing contained in apps and browsers. The use of this application and of other similar ones is possible only for those with root level permissions.
8. Perform full backups
Every Android device has the ability to make a backup of applications and certain data, within the settings menu or through the use of management software like Samsung’s Kies. Even if you decide to use these options together with various cloud services, nothing can ultimately compete with the features offered by root permission backups. For example, it is only with root that you can use the legendary app Titanium Backup, with which you can make copies of the entire system image of your device and move it to your SD card or computer. You also have the the ability to automate the process at regular intervals.
9. Access features from other phones
One of the best features (or worst, from the point of view of programmers) of Android devices is the incredible variety of phones and tablets that use it, not to mention the individual manufacturer changes to the Android system. This allows us to always have a different device than everyone else, but it also means not always being able to enjoy the unique features reserved for a group of top of the range smartphones. As you’re probably starting to realize, root permissions also allow us to do this. In forums like XDA Developers there is a wealth of flashable zips available for all sorts of features, scripts and functions. In addition, we can enable limited functions from specific manufacturers, such as installing LG’s Knock On feature on non-LG devices, or using features such as tethering to share and connect phones via USB, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
10. Become the master of your universe
This is actually one of the most convincing reasons to root your phone. You bought it, so it’s yours and you don’t want to be told what you can or cannot do with your own property. Android, by its very nature, is a free system born from the idea of creating an ecosystem of independent software and hardware that is open to everyone Getting root permission, in addition to the benefits listed above and many more that I could mention, will make you the ”real” owner of your smartphone, giving you complete control, albeit with some risks, of customizing basically anything you want to, exactly how you want it. And this is perhaps the best part of rooting your Android.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk
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Thanks for the android advertisement. Doesn't help with anything though. This OS is garbage. HTC also seemed to make it worse. But my phone is made out of aluminum which is pretty cool.

Stop complaining about the phone and just pay for sunshine s-off.
The issue is not your phone, but lack of research before buying.
---------- Post added at 09:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:49 AM ----------
If you want a 4.4.2 ROM, there are still some good ones. But you haven't stated why you even need or want a custom ROM at all, so its impossible to recommend anything until you do so.

You created a thread to ask for help ,but at same time you wanna bash something that you know nothing about. People on here are more than welcome to help you but by being negative is not going to help.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

redpoint73 said:
Stop complaining about the phone and just pay for sunshine s-off.
The issue is not your phone, but lack of research before buying.
---------- Post added at 09:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:49 AM ----------
If you want a 4.4.2 ROM, there are still some good ones. But you haven't stated why you even need or want a custom ROM at all, so its impossible to recommend anything until you do so.
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Ok pretty much the only reason is the crazy ass battery drain. This phone is less than a month old and 100% can't last a day with light use. Seriously the battery % drops by the minute when I'm simply browsing the web. That's the only reason. Everything else seems like a bonus. But why should I have to spend $25 to have a decent battery?
Edit : I did read online that AT&T has a battery drain issue and that's why they are holding back updates. I did re-calibrate the battery didn't work. Factory resetting the phone also didn't work. After that I went to AT&T and the dude told me it's typical for HTC devices to drain that fast and tried to sell me a galaxy. I don't mean to be offensive, I'm just very disappointed and now I'm stuck with this phone for over a year.

nigerlet said:
Ok pretty much the only reason is the crazy ass battery drain. This phone is less than a month old and 100% can't last a day with light use. Seriously the battery % drops by the minutes when I'm simply browsing the web. That's the only reason. Everything else seems like a bonus. But why should I have to spend $25 to have a decent battery?
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Battery life is a complicated issue on any device, no matter what OS.
A few basic battery saving tips:
1) Turn off "auto" brightness and turn down the screen to the lowest brightness you find palatable (50% works for me).
2) Turn off GPS when not in use
3) Turn off sync for services you don't use
You should also check the signal strength (dBm) under Settings>About>Network>Signal Strength, and post what you see there.
Its also possible that AT&T bloat is killing the battery (some folks have had the issue) but it may not be a silver bullet.
It might just be a matter of using an app like Watchdog Task Manager to see what is eating the battery, and freezing or removing that app (if its not a critical one).
Alternately, I found that GoldenEye was a nice cleaned up "stockish" ROM back in olden times when I was on 4.4.2. I found it to run well on AT&T, and is "international" based so therefore devoid of any AT&T meddling:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2705640

redpoint73 said:
Battery life is a complicated issue on any device, no matter what OS.
Its possible that AT&T bloat is killing the battery (some folks have had the issue) but it may not be a silver bullet.
It might just be a matter of using an app like Watchdog Task Manager to see what is eating the battery, and freezing or removing that app (if its not a critical one).
Alternately, I found that GoldenEye was a nice cleaned up "stockish" ROM back in olden times when I was on 4.4.2. I found it to run well on AT&T, and is "international" based so therefore devoid of any AT&T meddling:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2705640
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I guess I'll just pay the $25. I want the best if I'm getting a custom rom. And like I said in the edit post above I am stuck with this phone for over a year. Thanks for the help, sorry for being salty.

nigerlet said:
I guess I'll just pay the $25. I want the best if I'm getting a custom rom. And like I said in the edit post above I am stuck with this phone for over a year. Thanks for the help, sorry for being salty.
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I've reconfigured my previous post to include some basic power saving tips. It occurred to me that if Android is new to you, battery life may be something rather simple, like screen brightness.
Check it out, and see if it helps.

I had typed up a message but you guys ninja'd me coming back to decency and handling things, so forget I was ever here.
As to the battery thing, I recommend flashing an AOSP ROM with nano or pico gapps. I've always gotten much better battery life using AOSP over Sense.

I never experienced the battery drain issue as a lot of others did.but then again 2 days after purchasing my At&T M8 I went to Sunshine and played the 25 to s-off. But coming from a iPhone/IOS after many years of use to another different manufacturer and OS I could totally understand your frustrations. I have never owned a IOS device always had and stayed with Android but I'd be in the exactly same boat as you if I did switch. Just be patient and read and ask questions , and welcome to the forum's
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

nigerlet said:
I am new to this, after switching from an iPhone.
And so far it has been sooo confusing.
I have learned that you cannot get ViperOne on AT&T without S-off because they haven't updated to 4.4.4
But the guide doesn't mention that? Luckily I asked on their IRC before I tried.
I am wondering if there are any good custom roms for 4.4.2 with S-On.
After learning about ViperOne and having no warning that it won't work on AT&T, I am skeptical if their are any that will work.
I am new to this. and I'm very surprised the official guide on Venomroms.com doesn't warn you that it doesn't work on AT&T without S-off.
Coming from using and iPhone for the last 3-4 years this seems ridiculous. So any help would be greatly appreciated.
Also is it HTC that makes it so hard to root , unlock, and customize? Or is it Android? I'm having a hard time understanding why everyone recommends android. I had no idea you had to pay money to load custom roms.
Edit - So I just read that you can't flash custom firmware without being S-Off. Guess that answers the question. This phone sucks. No wonder why iPhone 6 was still out of stock.
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Uhm, you dont have to be 4.4.4 to run the Viper rom nor do you have to be S-OFF. Just go to their site and download 2.5.0 which is the build that will run on AT&T's current 4.4.2. Once AT&T pushes the 4.4.4 update flash the 4.4.4 RUU then go back and flash Viper 3.2.1.

Dude, my M8 can go 2 days EASY. Simply the best phone that has been released yet.

I'm curious as well... I was running cm12 on my m7 but recently had to get a m8.. now im running into all sorts of issues. all i want is a stable sense/ lollipop rom. I want to stay s-on... htcdev's team frowns on s-off. HELP?!?

bford152 said:
I'm curious as well... I was running cm12 on my m7 but recently had to get a m8.. now im running into all sorts of issues. all i want is a stable sense/ lollipop rom.
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The ROMs are plenty stable. If you have issues, its likely due to firmware that is not compatible with the ROM.
bford152 said:
I want to stay s-on... htcdev's team frowns on s-off.
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What does that even mean? If you want full flexibility to mod the phone as you like, s-off the phone.

What I'm trying to ask, without s-off'ing the device, what custom roms based on lollipop on ATT software ver 4.4.2?

I think you want the Dev edition lollipop RUU. You will need to change CID and can be s-on. You will loose AT&T visual voicemail functionality (but might be able to add that back in with a mod) and no at&t specific apps will come with RUU, but the Dev edition is same code base as at&t version and will work on at&t device.

tommy_riley said:
I think you want the Dev edition lollipop RUU. You will need to change CID and can be s-on. You will loose AT&T visual voicemail functionality (but might be able to add that back in with a mod) and no at&t specific apps will come with RUU, but the Dev edition is same code base as at&t version and will work on at&t device.
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Don't you have to be s-off to change cid?

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