[ROM][KK][4.4.2][STOCK]Omate TrueSmart IRONMAN Firmware - Ornate TrueSmart

KitKat for the Omate TrueSmart
Congratulations, you made it this far and managed to keep your unit alive long enough to upgrade it to the next level!
4.4.2 Changelog:
================
Fixed glitch in boot animation to make it smoother
BTLE profile and PAN profiles added
Full Settings Menu
Functional Accessibility Menu
Updated Wi-Fi Drivers, now supports ip6, ip4, and low-power mode
Updated GPS Drivers, lock-on after initial lock and AGPS update should be quicker
Kernel updated from 3.4.5 to 3.4.67, supports SELinux
Unlocked bootloader and insecure kernel allows for root access through SU
Google Play Services included
Google Talkback/Voice Search integrated
Fixed glitch where Voice Search would not complete spoken sentences
TWRP updated to 2.8.3.0 with full features and MTP support
Camera now operates at 5MP/720P without force closing
Security holes have been closed
MALI 400 drivers updated
Battery management integrated; after first boot battery readings should be accurate
Sound issues fixed; microphone should no longer sound muffled
Soft reset implemented, holding both buttons for 10-15 seconds should power down or reset unit
ART mode implemented, allowing for faster and more efficient performance
Known Issues:
=============
Sensors are non-functional until updated drivers are available (if they become available)
Settings is not accessible from status bar icon
1900MHz units are unable to access 3G data currently (if a modem becomes available this should change)
Bluetooth connectivity may occasionally drop out depending on data load
APNs are not automatically added
IMEI may be lost or corrupted after installation
Instructions:
=============
REQUIRED PROGRAMS:
1) SP FLASH TOOL
2) MTK DROID TOOL
3) WINDOWS OS XP or HIGHER
The All Tools suite for MTK devices can be found here:
MTK All Tools Suite
****** You must install the preloader drivers for your device using the 32-bit or 64-bit installer (dpinst) for your operating system before you continue. ******
I suggest making a full backup of your device either in TWRP or in MTK DROID TOOLS (1:1) to preserve valuable data or in case of a failed upgrade. You should always back up your IMEI/NVRAM in DROID TOOLS for safe-keeping and this is no different.
Download the full set of factory images here:
Omate 4.4.2 Factory Image RAR
Extract the contents of the ZIP file to a known directory and proceed to the next step.
Next, navigate to the Settings menu on your Omate TrueSmart and, under Accessibility, disable Quick Boot. This is the only way to enter Download mode reliably. With that completed, power down your watch.
Finally, open the scatter file (mt6572_scatter_emmc.txt) found in the directory you extracted the ZIP file to in SP FLASH TOOL and check to make sure each file is present. You may need to manually add the system.img and recovery.img. To do this, double click on the empty box and select the file.
Once you've made sure each file matches, go to the drop-down menu where it says "Download" and select "Firmware Upgrade". Take one last look to make sure every file is selected and press the Download button on the top left of the screen.
With the watch powered off, go ahead and plug it in. THEN WAIT. It will take between 5-10 minutes to fully upgrade your unit. You should see a red bar, then green, then purple, then yellow. If you get any error that says "BROM DLL ERROR" note down the error number and send me a message. If it gives you a green checkbox, you're done with this step.
Now you're ready to boot the watch. Press and hold the power button until it powers on. The first boot will take approximately 5 minutes to complete while it assembles all of the information. Once it finishes, power down the watch. Hold the home (bottom) button and press and hold the power (top) button simultaneously (at the same time). You'll see a recovery menu. Press the power button to boot into TWRP. From there, select "Wipe" followed by "Factory Reset". You will want to reset the watch to factory settings. You can either make a backup or go ahead and reboot the system.
Congratulations! You should now be on Android 4.4.2 for your Omate TrueSmart.
NOTES
=====
If you're missing APN information I suggest you either restore previously saved APNs or add them manually if they disappear. Currently 3G data will not work on 1900MHz units.
This firmware was designed for UMEOX smart watches operating on the x201-series MT6572 chipset. I am not responsible if you damage your watch because you flashed the firmware incorrectly or to the incorrect watch.
If you have any questions as to whether your watch is compatible, please message me.
It is IMPOSSIBLE to brick your watch if you are flashing this firmware. If for some reason you think your watch is bricked or you feel uncomfortable flashing this firmware you are welcome to send your unit to me (if you pay shipping) or I am available to help over Chrome Remote Desktop to flash it for you.
If you are having issues getting the firmware to work, please send the following information to me:
Watch Manufacturer
Date Received
Last Known Firmware
Case Material
And I will answer on a case-by-case basis to help you troubleshoot. I never make guarantees but I promise to help as much as I am able.
Finally, please take the time to thank the brave soul who voided his warranty to get me the prototype firmware for this. I won't reveal his name for security's sake, but he obtained a developer unit from another company who uses the x201 chipset and was kind enough to upload the system dump in September of last year. I would have presented this sooner to you guys, but until the method for flashing the S8 firmware was released I had no idea why I couldn't get it to work.
SPECIAL THANKS
==============
Laurent LePen, for giving me the tools from UNOVA to make this possible
@Dees_Troy, for having the patience to flash the firmware, assemble a system image, and update TWRP
Derek Serianni, for flashing his watch 42 times to test the firmware
Christos Vorkas, for testing SIM functions and the early firmware
@AdamOutler, for advice operating Linux and troubleshooting errors
The Anonymous Firmware donor, who voided his warranty and bravely e-mailed me about 1.5GB worth of files
XDA, for always having that clinch moment where someone has a breakthrough that helps the rest of us

KNOWN COMPATIBLE UNITS:
IconBit:
Callisto 100, 300
SimValley:
Pearl AW414, AW420/1
UMEOX
X201
Omate
TS-1/TrueSmart 512MB/4GB Edition
TS-1/1900MHz 1GB/8GB Extreme Edition
TS-1/2100MHz 1GB/8GB Extreme Edition
For Root, download Chainfire's latest SuperSU package and flash in TWRP:
SuperSU 2.44

Derek Serianni, for flashing his watch 42 times to test the firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that number is a lot higher actually..... but, 42 is quite fitting as this is now the answer to the ultimate question...
It has been an exciting couple of days testing and flashing.
Despite all the trial and errors, not once did the watch become unrecoverable.
If you load Google Now Launcher and the latest Google Search APK (and setting it up properly) you can use the "Ok Google" feature from the lock menu as well as in the OS.
I stopped wearing my LG G and am now wearing the TS daily....
Kudos for all the hard work!
I knew there was light at the end of the tunnel!
D.

Great job!

hi dan,
i have tried to flash this to my EU 1/8G Pre May Omate TS.
Watch Manufacturer - Omate
Date Received - Pre May
Last Known Firmware - EU Ensec Stock 0706
Case Material - Steel
A few questions:
1) the downloaded KK Omate rar file does not include UBOOT.BIN or a BOOT.IMG file. Am I supposed to leave it blank or use the UBOOT / BOOT IMG from my current Omate's backup?
EDIT: I have tried using the UBOOT.bin and BOOT.IMG from another KK thread but still run into the same "CheckSum Failed" error i mentioned below: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=57433563&postcount=189.
2) under FLash Tool: the ANDROID file is usually blank - i have selected system.img from the rar file for the file to be flashed for this. Is this correct?
3) When flashing via FlashTool, about 27 seconds into the flash (i see a RED Bar, then it changes to a couple of BLUE "Read Back" bars), I keeping getting a error saying "CheckSum Failed". I have tried redownloading the KK Omate rar file and trying again but to no avail.
EDIT: I have tried with different ports, different cables, including cleaning the Omate TS's ports with no luck. Just prior to the flash, i was able to do a full backup so it does seem strange and does not seem specific to the cables/ports/contacts on the TS.
UPDATE: Seems to be working - TRY Flash Tool v3.1332 instead of the latest V5.1352. It is now flashing fine as mentioned by Dan.
FINAL: My TS boots up fine with KK now! If you face the checksum error as i did, try using SP Flash Tool v3.1332 instead! - LINK HERE: http://androidxda.com/smart-phone-flash-tool
Any advice on the above?

NO UBOOT
Trying to flash this on my Omate 2100 unit but the UBOOT is missing for me? Got the system.img and recovery.img added but no uboot.

I am also not sure what to select as "BOOTIMG".

Watch Manufacturer - Omate
Date Received - Pre May
Last Known Firmware -ZGPAX S8
Case Material - Steel
I have made it.
But Attention:
No baseband is included.
Baseband for EU, 2100 is not included in this ROM.
So you can not use the phone to call.
I am back to ZGPAX S8.

Watch Manufacturer - Omate
Date Received - Pre May
Last Known Firmware - RSR 0.8
Case Material - Steel
Same as aeron16 with the KK Omate rar file not including UBOOT.IMG or a BOOT.IMG and using system.img for the ANDROID file.
I've tried via Win7 & Win 8.1, Win7 didn't install the preload drivers but Win8 did..
..could anyone that has sucessfully installed it create a flashable image we could use directly in TWRP?

Caboose1979 said:
Watch Manufacturer - Omate
Date Received - Pre May
Last Known Firmware - RSR 0.8
Case Material - Steel
Same as aeron16 with the KK Omate rar file not including UBOOT.IMG or a BOOT.IMG and using system.img for the ANDROID file.
I've tried via Win7 & Win 8.1, Win7 didn't install the preload drivers but Win8 did..
..could anyone that has sucessfully installed it create a flashable image we could use directly in TWRP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mike? hehe did you get the same error i had? with the CheckSum failed as well?

Isn't the baseband included under "0 Needed files -> NA/World Baseband"?
I can not check if valid files. My TS is not booting/reacting to Flash tool anymore...

Not sure if I did it correctly but because I could not find the boot.img within the supplied files I took the boot.img from the other kitkat rom here on xda. Have at least a working TS now .
Only problem right now is that the home button is not functioning as the home button. It sets the volume to max.

seppen said:
Watch Manufacturer - Omate
Date Received - Pre May
Last Known Firmware -ZGPAX S8
Case Material - Steel
I have made it.
But Attention:
No baseband is included.
Baseband for EU, 2100 is not included in this ROM.
So you can not use the phone to call.
I am back to ZGPAX S8.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same issue as well!

Thanks. Works well like the other early ROMs and is a bit better prepared including Google Play etc. Can we remove the extra apps like QQ etc from the image for a future release? Edit that might have been my fault from not wiping after flashing although I was pretty sure I had already removed them from the ROM whilst creating a flashable zip.
When turning on Wifi I do get an NVRAM error initially in the list of Wifi items. It fairly quickly finds real ones and it connects fine to my AP.
I have the issue with the second button turning up the volume too. There is a fix in the other thread for this.
Also I had to manually select system.img, the recovery, uboot.img and boot.img (the latter two weren't in the archive so I took from the X202 image in the original KK thread).
Glad to see Omate somewhat taking credit on Facebook. It seems I'm banned on Facebook from recently posting after commenting that they probably shouldn't be taking credit for this. The initial announcement a few days back has 14 missing/hidden comments. Oh so childish LLP - I'm sure you're reading.
I'd like the sensors if possible, mainly for a shake/rotate to wake up function..
---------- Post added at 11:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:38 PM ----------
Caboose1979 said:
could anyone that has sucessfully installed it create a flashable image we could use directly in TWRP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to take a look at doing this when I get a chance in the next couple of days. I had a basic one working with just system and boot images of the KK ROMs. It should be possible but I'm kinda new to this so not sure if there are any limitations when flashing everything like this. I do need to make sure I know all of the device names to flash.

Hi Guys,
Not sure where I am going wrong, can't make head nor tails so far.
Truesmart doesn't look to be detected in SPFlash, is SPflash what is meant about mtktools? i can find an application in that folder..
On from that i am also missing the .img files that the others are.
sorry to be a hassle, i will do my best to work it out, but just need a bit of help getting off in the right direction please,
also i haven't done any other flashing etc with my truesmart, is there anything i should be doing prior for brick protection?
it is a 2100mhz model
Cheers

burlyoaf said:
Truesmart doesn't look to be detected in SPFlash, is SPflash what is meant about mtktools? i can find an application in that folder..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MTKDroidTools is different to SP Flash Tool. They are 1 and 2 respectively in the All Tools folder.
Follow the instructions exactly particularly the order. Turn the watch completely off (disable Quick boot), click download and *then* plug the cable in.

Quick Update:
My EU 1/8G Omate TS-1 Pre-May is up and running fine (see my earlier post for some tips / advice based on the issues i had).
1 major issue as below:
However, under Baseband - it shows unknown, and similarly in IMEI - it also shows unknown.
i tried to flash the old 2100 World Baseband.zip in TWRP, but no luck,
tried to use MKT Tools to restore my NVRAM but no luck either (just shows install\data\nvram) and then nada.
minor issue: home button is defaulting to UP Volume instead of HOME function. I will try to flash the FIX_HOME.zip in the other thread and report back.
any advice Dan or anyone else who has theirs working?

If it says uboot, that's the lk.bin.

seppen said:
Watch Manufacturer - Omate
Date Received - Pre May
Last Known Firmware -ZGPAX S8
Case Material - Steel
I have made it.
But Attention:
No baseband is included.
Baseband for EU, 2100 is not included in this ROM.
So you can not use the phone to call.
I am back to ZGPAX S8.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stop with the attentions. The baseband is included. I've had at least 5 people flash it with no issues.

IF you are missing a baseband, sit tight. Try flashing the UNOVA system image, then flash this again.
IF you are having checksum issues, either use an older version of flash tool OR format and flash the stock firmware.
The LK and Kernel must have been a goof on my part. I'll fix that.

Related

[GSM/CDMA] HOW TO Install a ROM From Scratch - XT910, XT912

I am putting this together because, after three weeks of study and four days of full-time work I have finally pulled together the information needed to do this. I will also offer a lead on how to make your phone a Development phone. Sorry, no pictures or vids for the kids, just solid useful information.
You will start with an XT910 or XT912 which is locked to a carrier somewhere in the world. To unlock you must buy an unlock code from one of the sellers on eBay. This will cost from 49 cents to 5 dollars, depending on your phone. I assumed that all the sellers could get all the codes, so I bought the cheapest one and sent him my IMEI. He responded that he does not do Motorola and refunded my 49 cents. So I found a seller who does the XT910, and bought his cheapest auction (for an Atria unlock code). He responded that I had bought the wrong auction as I have an XT910. So I ended up having to buy his XT910 unlock auction and got the code. Now the phone will work with any GSM carrier in the world.
Next is the firmware. I knew the phone is running Gingerbread because in Settings|AboutPhone it said the Android version is 2.3.6. I wanted to upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0.4) or higher, and to the MIUI ROM which I've used happily for a year. I went through the (scattered) RSD insctructions to flash ICS, but it always failed on the first file. I finally discovered that the RSD method does not work with many phones at v2.3.6, so I went to an alternative method developed by kholk, which I'll describe here. This method will work when others fail.
The first thing to know is that I'm a Linux type, but kholk also offers a Windows method which I have not tested. His Linux script has a few bugs, which I have corrected in the script attached hereto. Also his Linux fastboot binary is an older version which can not handle the larger image sizes we have now, so I have attached hereto a newer one which the source code was recently leaked from Motorola;
The next thing to know is that when posts mention "Fastboot files" they mean the ROM image files which are divided so they can be installed with the fastboot executable. OTA files are not the same, nor are they desirable. I gather that an OTA file is installed -after- the fastboot files, and provide an incremental upgrade.
Stock and ICS fastboot image files for our phone are here:
http://sbf.droid-developers.org/umts_spyder/list.php
I am in Seattle, WA, and I bought my phone on eBay locked to Rogers Canada. So I and my phone are in the North American region. My stock Rogers is 'Rogers Canada' Gingerbread v2.3.6:
Rogers_XT910_SignedLATAM_167-SLC-M33.1_P042_A014_CFC_1FF_fastboot.xml.zip
http://sbf.droid-developers.org/umt...-SLC-M33.1_P042_A014_CFC_1FF_fastboot.xml.zip
My Rogers ICS is 'Unknown Carrier' Ice Cream Sandwich v4.0.4:
6.7.2-180_SLC-35_R02_SIGNLATAM_SPYDERICSROGERS_P012_A012_HWp2b_CFC_fastboot.xml.zip
http://sbf.droid-developers.org/umt...CSROGERS_P012_A012_HWp2b_CFC_fastboot.xml.zip
North American users, use these. If you're in Europe you want the Central Europe image, ninth from the bottom, for ICS.
It's important to understand that the software you have in the phone at the moment, is "signed" for your specific region of the world. So you can not install a European image to a Canadian phone -- it will fail with "Preflash validation failure". The individual files you unzip from the image zip file will be transferred to their specific locations in the phone, -after- signatures are checked, to make sure you have files for the correct region.
So, choose your image file from the above list, unzip the image file, and put the fastboot executable and script in that resulting directory. I have modified the attached script to work for the Rogers images, basically by adding a couple files which were missing in the original script.
Side Bar: In the file list above, you will also find Development images, and if the fastboot executable could be rigged to ignore signatures, you could install the Dev image and voila, have yourself a development phone! The fastboot source code is available, so maybe some talented coder could make that (dangerous) change. This is dangerous because a n00b could flash a Euro image on his Canadian phone and it wouldn't work. (This error is easily reversable by flashing the right image) Comment by Vatazhka: The signature check is implemented in the bootloader. Unauthorized image gives preflash validation error and causes the bootloader to stop booting with an appropriate message. Moreover, the bootloader can't be unlocked as it lacks support for appropriate fastboot commands. The only way to get around these restrictions is to get a Motorola-signed version of a bootloader which doesn't implement checks, which luckily happened to Atrix guys (Clueless Motorola employees put it into a regular SBF, which was subsequently leaked.).
- Make sure your phone is --fully charged-- or else it could run out of battery and leave you with an expensive brick. Comment by Vatazhka: There are $6 cables to repair bricked devices with no juice left on eBay. Been there, done that It's the standard USB data cable with two pins shorted and ideally should also include a resistor to bring voltage from 5 V supplied by USB down to 3.8 V as supplied by the battery.
- Put the phone in fastboot mode by turning off, then holding Vol+- and power on. Select Fastboot and Vol+.
- Connect the -original- USB cable (some USB cables do not have data lines, only power, and you must have data lines for this) and connect to
your computer. On the phone Fastboot screen it should say "Connected" at the bottom.
- On the Linux computer in a Terminal window, cd to the image directory and # ./FlashLNX.sh It should flash away with no errors. The phone will
reboot and you'll get the Android with rotating polyhedral heart; it will reboot a couple more times and you have ICS!
- Root the phone.
- If you have an XT910, for Recovery you want BootMenu Manager, and if an XT912 you want SafeStrap. Install from the Market. You MUST NOT jump the gun and try to install BMM or SS to Gingerbread. It will brick you. Get up to ICS, then lay down your recovery. Comment by Vatazhka: Not true. SS2 and SS3 can be installed to both XT910 and XT912 (just be sure to install the correct SS2 variant). Developer of BMM actually owns an XT909, which is similar to XT912, and uses BMM on it. Simply choose the one which works with a given firmware (Hopefully this will be solved soon, so you could install whichever suits you, not the firmware.). One caveat: If you intend to try or install MIUI, it WILL NOT WORK with SafeStrap. You need BMM (which includes CWM) for MIUI.
- Now flash whatever image you want.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1792955
I like MIUI:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1756659
- If you ever want to go back to stock, just use the above process and flash GB 2.3.6.
Comment by Vatazhka: This is usually not possible. Most ICS updates bump some of the partition version counters which are stored in the "partition table", which doesn't allow you to go back. You can forget about resetting it - there is a digital signature (eFuse as well?) on guard again. You can only flash partition images with version number which is not lower than embedded in the "partition table".
I'm also not sure about this fastboot update stuff, but I may have used different fastboot variants which haven't had implemented this.
- If you install MIUI directly to the first slot by rebooting to Custom Recovery and installing zip, you will lose Custom Recovery when done so it needs to be reinstalled. The newer MIUIs do not come with GApps (this Play) so you have to get them here:
http://www.miuiandroid.com/community/forums/miui-weekly-rom-releases.103/
... and get BMM here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1720351
Since I don't have phone service yet I downloaded these to my PeeCee, put them on a microSD card and popped them into the phone. Install BMM with File Manager, and use it to reboot to Custom Recovery to install GApps. Then I used Titanium Backup to remove all G**gle apps except for Play, Framework, and one or two others. (I don't trust the Greatest Data Mining Operation In The History Of The World) Speaking of which, I always install DroidWall and only allow the minimum apps to access The Internets.
Then I used BMM to install CM10 JB to the second slot, just for fun. So now I have dual-boot! MIUI and CM10. Either one can be set to default. Caution though, for the zip you will install to the second slot you must convert it, as per the link above. The resulting file will begin with BM, and -that- is the one you will install. At the same time you can add GApps to be installed right after the ROM. You can -name- your two bootable OS' like this: BMM|BootMenuSettings then tap the very name and a cursor will come up. Delete and rename; Mine are MIUI 2.10.19 ICS and CM10 16.56.44 JB.
MIUI is already rooted, always.
One pleasant surprise in all this is that the new ICS MIUI Backup app does recognize old GB MIUI Backup savesets. I had to install Android Terminal and cp -r them over by hand, but it did restore all my old logs, SMS, apps, etc, thankfully.. I notice that the new MIUI Backup offers Encryption! Well, this really means that you are enabling backups to their "Cloud". In Red China. Where they can pore over your contacts, texts, logs, calls, and friends at their leisure. Encryption? Pshaw. ('shared key') Velly ingenirous.
Recommended apps: DroidWall, AdFree, Snowstorm, RadarNOW!
Some additional tips:
To reboot the phone and put it in FASTBOOT mode.
# adb reboot bootloader
To reboot the phone and put it in RECOVERY mode. Still need to push Vol up + Vol down to use the stock recovery.
# adb reboot recovery
For normal reboot
# adb reboot
For OTA updates (normally not needed), try
# fastboot update ota_update.zip
If low battery and not flashed:
1. Connect your phone using ORIGINAL USB cable to to ORIGINAL wall charger
2. Press and hold both Vol+ and Vol- buttons at the same time and then press and hold Power button until bootloader menu appears with Normal boot already highlighted
3. Use Vol- to highlight BP Tools and press Vol+ to select it
4. Screen with red M will appear followed by a screen with the battery and number undeneath showing how much charge your battery has now which means phone is now in the battery charge only mode
5. Wait for a battery to charge which should take over 3 hours
CAUTION: This method will FAIL if you have not completely flashed the system image. When your battery gets down to about 1/3, fastboot will refuse to flash images and you'll be screwed. There is no way to charge it unless it's booted. If you get in this predicament like I was, put your phone on a hot item, like a laptop power brick, and pray it recovers the battery enough to flash at least system and boot images. Flash them manually (copying lines in the script) if you have to.
Much gratitude to kholk, eval-, and to Jack'O who got me through this.
Well done dude.
Sent from my XT910 using xda premium
Thanks for your help and support Jack'O.
This thread already has 248 views in its first hour of life, LOL.
Wow, that's one comprehensive guide. Just a few corrections:
Side Bar: In the file list above, you will also find Development images, and if the fastboot executable could be rigged to ignore signatures, you could install the Dev image and voila, have yourself a development phone! The fastboot source code is available, so maybe some talented coder could make that (dangerous) change. This is dangerous because a n00b could flash a Euro image on his Canadian phone and it wouldn't work. (This error is easily reversable by flashing the right image)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The signature check is implemented in the bootloader. Unauthorized image gives preflash validation error and causes the bootloader to stop booting with an appropriate message. Moreover, the bootloader can't be unlocked as it lacks support for appropriate fastboot commands. The only way to get around these restrictions is to get a Motorola-signed version of a bootloader which doesn't implement checks, which luckily happened to Atrix guys (Clueless Motorola employees put it into a regular SBF, which was subsequently leaked.).
- Make sure your phone is --fully charged-- or else it could run out of battery and leave you with an expensive brick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are $6 cables to repair bricked devices with no juice left on eBay. Been there, done that It's the standard USB data cable with two pins shorted and ideally should also include a resistor to bring voltage from 5 V supplied by USB down to 3.8 V as supplied by the battery.
- If you have an XT910, for Recovery you want BootMenu Manager, and if an XT912 you want SafeStrap. Install from the Market. You MUST NOT jump the gun and try to install BMM or SS to Gingerbread. It will brick you. Get up to ICS, then lay down your recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true. SS2 and SS3 can be installed to both XT910 and XT912 (just be sure to install the correct SS2 variant). Developer of BMM actually owns an XT909, which is similar to XT912, and uses BMM on it. Simply choose the one which works with a given firmware (Hopefully this will be solved soon, so you could install whichever suits you, not the firmware.).
- If you ever want to go back to stock, just use the above process and flash GB 2.3.6.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is usually not possible. Most ICS updates bump some of the partition version counters which are stored in the "partition table", which doesn't allow you to go back. You can forget about resetting it - there is a digital signature (eFuse as well?) on guard again. You can only flash partition images with version number which is not lower than embedded in the "partition table".
I'm also not sure about this fastboot update stuff, but I may have used different fastboot variants which haven't had implemented this.
Sent from my XT910
Thanks Vatazhka, I've added your remarks.
So what carrier are you going to use it with? Prepaid of some sort?
Sent from my XT912 using xda app-developers app
N, TMobile USA. It was locked to Rogers Canada but I unlocked it. It's working great. Been with TMo for seven years, and this time I asked them for a credit to buy the phone. (Last contract renewal I got $100 for the Nexus One) They wouldn't give me cash, but put me on a new "Value" plan with unlimited everything and $25 less than I've been paying, for $64/mo. Saving $25/mo over two years works out to alot more than the $280 I paid for the phone.
Here in Seattle we have HSPA+ and I've got fast internet. Supposed to have LTE next year, but HSPA+ is fine. TMo is moving everything to 1900MHz as fast as they can for iPhone compatibility, so we benefit.
Voice quality on this phone is far better than any HTC. The screen is so large I'm not used to it. Concerned that when I sit down I'll crack it in my back pocket, or it will slip out.
MIUI only allows 4x5 icons on the screen and I think I could use 5x7 so I've posted a request on miuiandroid.com.
Thanks
i want to upgrade my just bought vzn razr xt912 to ics and want to use as gsm phone here in india
can anyone help
which ICS ota file should choose from the list mentioned at the OP
and how to proceed.
regards
Get the one for Verizon Droid RAZR XT912.
Sent using a touch screen
Napisane na ekranie dotykowym

Rooting MTK6589 KVD Apollo One

Hello all,
I have googled, and searched forums high and low to no result so I thought i'd ask.
I recently purchased "KVD APOLLO ONE K6589 Quad-Core Android 4.2.1 WCDMA Smartphone w/ 5.5"
Im new so I can't post external links, however if you go to google or deal extreme and search, you'll find it easy enough.
The phone itself was next to nothing ($180) so even if its Unrootable, I'm not too fussy.
I would however prefer it rooted, I have read that you can basically use the MTK6577 rooting tool on the device?
Would this risk bricking the device.
I'v attempted to contact the manufacturer however to no avail! This is a rather new model so I know im being a tad impatient but if anyone can help then please do
Thanks guys
Potentional Tutorial
philipkroberts said:
Hello all,
I have googled, and searched forums high and low to no result so I thought i'd ask.
I recently purchased "KVD APOLLO ONE K6589 Quad-Core Android 4.2.1 WCDMA Smartphone w/ 5.5"
Im new so I can't post external links, however if you go to google or deal extreme and search, you'll find it easy enough.
The phone itself was next to nothing ($180) so even if its Unrootable, I'm not too fussy.
I would however prefer it rooted, I have read that you can basically use the MTK6577 rooting tool on the device?
Would this risk bricking the device.
I'v attempted to contact the manufacturer however to no avail! This is a rather new model so I know im being a tad impatient but if anyone can help then please do
Thanks guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
philipkroberts said:
Hello all,
I have googled, and searched forums high and low to no result so I thought i'd ask.
I recently purchased "KVD APOLLO ONE K6589 Quad-Core Android 4.2.1 WCDMA Smartphone w/ 5.5"
Im new so I can't post external links, however if you go to google or deal extreme and search, you'll find it easy enough.
The phone itself was next to nothing ($180) so even if its Unrootable, I'm not too fussy.
I would however prefer it rooted, I have read that you can basically use the MTK6577 rooting tool on the device?
Would this risk bricking the device.
I'v attempted to contact the manufacturer however to no avail! This is a rather new model so I know im being a tad impatient but if anyone can help then please do
Thanks guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also looks like im getting the Star N9589 just due to the more support available.
Anyhow until then, failing any answers from here, another chinese forum a spanish one and Yahoo answers I am going to go with the following method, If it dies, It dies this was my own fault for not doing enough research and at least it lets others know. I would send it back to DX But cba with postage fees and the hassle;
THIS IS DONE AT YOUR OWN RISK! -
APOLLO ONE - MTK 6589 K6589
Please note all tools and zip files mentioned I cant link to yet should you feel you want them please post in this thread and I will PM you, Gotta get my post count up first!
Guide by philipkroberts Twitter @philipkroberts
Revision 1 - People to be added to credits for leehed source, currently untested, concept only
Before anything try and boot into any form of recovery mode and backup if possible!
DISABLE UAC in WINDOWS 7
RIGHT CLICK RUN AS ADMIN ON ALL FILES
ALLOW NON TRUSTED DRIVER INSTALLATION (Google this if unsure)
On the phone install anububu on pc phone. - See what model it detects as and note it down.
Run MTK DROID TOOLS and connect phone see if drivers After a few seconds, the box should turn blue, and it should say "Apollo ONE or Other Name " besides it. The drivers are working.
If not try the other drivers in the drivers folder using device manager, there are many tutorials for this I cba typing one im so tired! and make sure you have the only trusted drivers thing turned off, if you constantly get unknown driver then your out of look and wil have to try and source some yourself.
Win7 (This method has not been tested by myself. Confirmation required.)
HOW TO MANUALLY INSTALL ANY DRIVERS IF NEEDED
a - Downloading This tool Called EASYBCD
b - Use it to restart your computer in advanced boot mode. (PRESSING F8 WHILST BOOTING UNTIL YOU GET THE OPTION FOR Disable signed driver enforcement)-Must be done everytime you wanna root a phone with this method.
c - Follow instructions and disable SDE.
d Manually install drivers, if above did not work (Yellow sign issue)
e Navigate to control panel - > Hardware and Sound - > Device Manager
f You should see a driver notice with a yellow warning sign next to it.
g Right click on it and choose "Update driver..".
h- Manually assign drivers, usually the choice furthest down.
i- In the window which should have appeared, navigate to the preload/Mt6590 folder and press OK.
j- If SDE is turned off, you should see a red warning window. This is normal, just accept the message prompted.
k- The drivers should now be successfully installed.
l - Once this is done open C:\Users\Hate\Desktop\Chinese Droid Rooting\MTKROOT TOOLS\Root_with_Restore_by_Bin4ry_v28\runme.bat Hope it ****ing works if so your rooted, If not try this next few steps, AGAIN at your own risk, no need to format just continue from here.
THE FOLLOWING STEPS ARE FOR THE STAR S5 - SAME PROCESSOR BUT NO GARUNTEE. DO NOT FOLLOW THESE STEPS UNLESS YOU ROOTED ANOTHER WAY AND NOW JUST WANT TO INSTALL A CWM
THE FOLLOWING STEPS ARE FOR THE STAR S5 - SAME PROCESSOR BUT NO GARUNTEE. DO NOT FOLLOW THESE STEPS UNLESS YOU ROOTED ANOTHER WAY AND NOW JUST WANT TO INSTALL A CWM
THE FOLLOWING STEPS ARE FOR THE STAR S5 - SAME PROCESSOR BUT NO GARUNTEE. DO NOT FOLLOW THESE STEPS UNLESS YOU ROOTED ANOTHER WAY AND NOW JUST WANT TO INSTALL A CWM
THE FOLLOWING STEPS ARE FOR THE STAR S5 - SAME PROCESSOR BUT NO GARUNTEE. DO NOT FOLLOW THESE STEPS UNLESS YOU ROOTED ANOTHER WAY AND NOW JUST WANT TO INSTALL A CWM
0 - Use PC to copy UPDATE-SuperSU-v.1.25.zip to the root of SD CARD, do not unpack just leave whole zip there.
1 - Turn off your phone, remove your battery. (Do not connect your phone to the computer yet!)
2 - Navigate to the "SP Flash Tool" folder, and run the tool.
3 - On the right side of the tool, there should be a button, iconed with a folder, named "Scatter-Loading". Click this.
4 - Navigate to the "Yulypis Recovery" folder, and double-click on the "Mt6589_Android_scatter-emmc.txt".
5 - You should be back at the SP Flash Tool start-screen, and there should have appeared a list of text and hex-codes.
6 - The "Recovery" line, should be ticked off, and preloader should be red.
7 - Now, click on the button named "Download", with a blue arrow on it. Press "YES" on the NOT ALL images has been correctly loaded warning.
8 - Connect your phone to a USB 2.0, with removed battery. The program should now work, and if drivers is set up correctly, the 0% will turn 100% and a green circle will appear in the middle of the screen. If your phone disconnects before the flashing tool is able to recognize your device, try putting the battery back into the phone before running SP Flash tool. Additionally, if this doesn't work, try using different drivers in the drivers folder
9 - Disconnect your K6589 from the computer when you see the green circle, insert the battery and boot the phone. Wait for it to get to the start screen.
11 - Installing SuperSU through Yulypis recovery
12 - Run "MtkDroidTools.exe" from the folder.
13 - Connect your device, and after a few seconds, information about your device should appear.
14 - Click on reboot, on the mtkDroidTools start-screen, and choose "..recovery".
15 - If recovery has been properly flashed, your device will now enter Yulypis recovery. Blue, with english text.
16 - Controllers: "Power = Enter, Initialize", "Volume down = Scrolling down". (Don't remember if volume up was bugged or not)
17 - Enter "Install zip from SDcard" - > Navigate to the earlier copied "UPDATE-SuperSU-v.1.25.zip and initialize it by pressing the power button.
18 - Follow the on-screen instructions, and it should be prompted to install after 1-2 more screens.
19 - Reboot the device by clicking on "+++++back+++++" and "Reboot now / Reboot Device".
Either way I am going to smash this in a week or so when the phone arrives from DX and will keep people update.
Peace
Please I want to buy this phone. Can you answer me a few doubts I have?
- How is the viewing angle? Cause i purchased a tablet from china and the angle is very bad.
- Has proximity sensor?
Are you ok with the phone?
thank you.
cabrote said:
Please I want to buy this phone. Can you answer me a few doubts I have?
- How is the viewing angle? Cause i purchased a tablet from china and the angle is very bad.
- Has proximity sensor?
Are you ok with the phone?
thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm still awaiting the phone, hence why that guide is at your own risk.
However from what I have been told and gather that should root the phone no problems.
As for custom roms, I wouldn't even bother trying!
Once the phone gets here I will test my tutorial and re-write it into a more easy on the eyes fashion.
Thanks
http://www.fastcardtech.com/APOLLO-ONE-K6589?u=37825
They sell the phone, for an extra $3 they root before sending.
It cant be that hard, I'd love to know someone in that factory!
I'm looking for a link to download the full stock firmware for this device.
Anyone, please?
...or at least a firmware dump from a non-modified working phone.
One could use MTK Droid Tools and SPFlash to perform this task easily.
PM me for assistance if you need it.
Thank you.

Lenovo Tab3 8" (2016) Custom Recovery / or any modern Tablet in UK under £100

Hi @Tzul / All,
You got me all excited when I saw you had created the custom recovery for the Lenovo Tab3... only to find out that Lenovo have another Tablet called the Tab3 that came out later this year, and it was this one that I was interested in getting.
The Tablet has a model No: ZA170136GB
Any idea if it is possible to create a custom recovery for this too?? Or does anyone know a decent Tablet in the UK for under £100, that has a Custom Recovery, and some fairly recent roms for it...
Mainly need the recovery to backup the current rom, and once I have set the Tablet up for my father, to make an image of that too...
Cheers, Lister
Hi @Tzul / All,
Just found this link, not sure if its for the same (newer Tablet) just the smaller 7" version, instead of the 8" version. But it mentions Android 6.0x which is the default OS on the newer Tablet.
https://webcache.googleusercontent....or-lenovo-tab3.html+&cd=7&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=uk
The only thing I can't work out, is what the model number is for the newer 2016 8" model, as I've been told its "ZA170136GB" which seems a bit long... Where as most like the 7" version appears to be just "TB3-730X" and makes sense.
Cheers, Lister
Lenovo has quite a few tablets called "Tab3" / "TB3". There are at least 4 or 5 different versions of 7 inch models. Plus 8 inch and 10 inch models.
As far as I know, all of them are based on MediaTek chips, meaning if you need to create and restore backups of entire partitions, you don't even need a custom recovery, as you can use the MediaTek SmartPhone Flash Tool (SPFT) for that. However, in order to use the SPFT, you'll need a "scatter file" that matches the device in question. The scatter file contains details about the device's partitioning (start addresses, sizes, and more). You can create one manually, taking an existing one from a similar device as template, but that requires some specific knowledge and experience.
Creating a custom recovery isn't easy either, particularly if you don't have the device in question at hand. For starters, you need an existing firmware update or backup (e.g. a readback made with the SPFT), from which some required data can be extracted.
Hi @Tzul,
LOL, just found you in this thread too... spooky/small world...
https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/Lenovo...-me-unbrick-Lenovo-Tab3-850f-pls/td-p/3433458
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Corr, they don't like to make it easy for their users... do they!!! There's even more than I first suspected then, talk about confusing!!! lol
Yeah this one I've spotted is also a MediaTek chipset too...
Does this SPFT tool belong to Lenovo/MediaTek, or apply to many different hardware configurations? Where would I obtain a Scatter file for this Tablet? I've done a bit more Google'ing, and think the unit could be a TB3-850F (although that links to an American version of the one Ive seen in the UK). Its a fairly good Tablet as it is anyway, so do you think its best just to get it anyway, and hope development / support comes for it at a later date??
Once I get the Tablet, I would be able to know what the EXACT model is for sure then... If so, is there anything I can do, in the way of dumping a rom... I believe I may of found the official rom for it on Lenovo's website earlier today at work too. So maybe able to get a rom dump that way...
If I could, do you think it would be possible to make a TWRP based on the Recovery.IMG dumped from the rom.... Or do you still need the device to actually develop and test on...??
Just wonna try get a good Tablet, that I can then create a backup/image of stock build (inc TWRP recovery) and one that I've customised App-wise for my dad to use and back that up. So if he messes it up, I can restore it quickly...
Many thanks for getting back to me so promptly, and so detailed reply.
Cheers, Lister
The SPFT software is by MediaTek and generally works with all MediaTek-based phones and tablets - provided you have a suitable scatter file.
Once you have the tablet, it should be easy to determine the exact type by going to the Android system settings, about the tablet, and check the values there; primarily model and build number. It should also be on the packaging.
I can build TWRP without owning the tablet, but it's more difficult that way as I basically have to do it "blind". I have done it for the TB3-710I, because a firmware dump was available, and someone provided me with all the info I needed. I guess I could do it for the TB3-850F as well, if I find the time and have all necessary data.
Is that the same tool that would or could be used, if ever I wish to factory reset it (if can't get TWRP onto it) or do you think Lenovo have another method, if things go really screwy?? lol
As for the model, I shall certainly be picking it up tomorrow... As I've spent many-a-days now trying to find an ideal one for my dad, and this one comes in really cheap esp for the spec. So if TWRP can go on it, it will make it an even bigger BONUS...
So will find out tomorrow what the exact model is, I'm hoping it will be a TB3-850F... As did a bit of Google'ing from the 7" model, came across that model for the 8" which appears to be exactly the same as the UK model... The website is the same, except the cpu seems to be 300mhz faster.. Im sure the UK model is 1GHz, where as they USA is 1.3GHz. Hopefully so, as that will be easier for you too I'm guessing, as it looks like you already have the Scatter file in the other forum... or at least a close template, with luck..
I'll do my best to get what ever, and as much info to you as possible... And really really appreciate any efforts you could spare to try and get TWRP on it. No worries if you can't and appreciate you're busy with other things in your life, so absolutely no rush... As said, any effort at all is really appreciated!!!
Thank you for even taking the time to read and reply to my request/info... thanks
Cheers, Lister
Hi @Tzul,
Ok, I picked the Tablet up from the shop yesterday for my dad and although we've not unboxed it yet. It is indeed the same model you appeared to be helping the use in the thread here. TB3-850F
Hopefully I'll be on it tonight, to find out more information. It appears there are at least 3 or 4 different models sold, WiFi and LTE versions, and they differ from USA to UK.
The USA version features a QuadCore 1.3 Ghz CPU
The UK vesion features a QuadCore 1.0 Ghz CPU
So not sure if that's gonna cause issues, I'll run some software on it tonight to find out the exact CPU inside it... (I have the UK version, 1.0 Ghz... if thats any use?)
I'm also gonna try ask Lenovo (not expecting a speedy response from that company, if I'm honest) to see if they have a factory restore image/tool.... Like all Samsung phones/Tablets have, and even the Tesco's Hudl. They should make it easy for end users to restore their devices, should disaster occur...
If can get a firmware dump, that may help in getting the Boot.Img and Recovery.Img in order to help make a TWRP. As that will be the preferred way of backing up and restoring the device...
How would one flash this to the Tablet, if it's possible...?? Through ADB fastboot?? What's the risk factor of BRICKING the device, outta of 100% say...? Such as Samsung have a Download Mode (which seems they are indestructible) and can always force a stock rom too them...
Cheers, Lister
I doubt that the CPU frequency differs between the US and UK version. They should be exactly the same. I wouldn't trust the info on websites. For my Tab 2 A10-70F, figures differed as well (some sources said 1.5 GHz, others 1.7 GHz; but in reality, it's 1.69 GHz).
Typically, the back of the box should list the correct specs. Does it say anything about the used MediaTek chip (MTxxxx)?
You can use the fastboot flash command to flash at least some partitions, but you might have to "unlock" the bootloader first (there should be an option in the Android developer settings). Alternatively, I can easily patch the bootloader to allow fastboot flash, but in order to install the patched bootloader, you need the SPFT or TWRP.
If you mess up something, you'll "brick" the tablet, but with the SPFT you can almost always restore the firmware.
Hi @Tzul,
Yeah, was just going via what the website says for both devices. Seems a little silly to change the builds, for different parts of the world. Prolly the same CPU and then either under or overclocked in various regions.
Just got home, and on the back of the box it says... CPU: MT8161P QC 1.0GHZ 64Bit
I'll have to wait an hour or so, as my dad is round our elderly neighbours house helping him out. But when he is back, I'll open the Tablet with him, then enable the "Android Developer Settings" through double/tapping the Build No 7x times. Once I'm in there, I assume it's "USB Debugging" you want me to enable/turn on...??
How will I know if the Bootloader is locked / unlocked? Is there a command / test, to fastboot the device and see if it responds, says anything back?? I don't know much about Fastboot, as my my flashing experience is either done through programs/utilities of via the device itself... Is there anyway to pull the Boot.Img / Recovery.Img via Fastboot?? Or is that done via that SPFT app...?
So you saying, no matter what happens/goes wrong... I can pretty much restore/recover it like Factory via the use of SPFT... There will always be a way to PUSH a firmware to the device???
I'm fully use to using Odin (not sure if you know/aware/used that App) but if SPFT is anything like that... I know that Samsung is almost indestructible via flashing with Odin... Is SPFT the same???
I'm trying to contact Lenovo to see if they have a Factory Image, or process to see if they can have a Restore Image too... That way maybe able to pull those partition from the image file??
Cheers, Lister
Lister Of Smeg said:
Just got home, and on the back of the box it says... CPU: MT8161P QC 1.0GHZ 64Bit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, that's what I expected. The actual CPU frequency might be 988 MHz, but rounded up it's 1.0 GHz.
Lister Of Smeg said:
Once I'm in there, I assume it's "USB Debugging" you want me to enable/turn on...??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
USB debugging is required for ADB, which is a useful tool. But I was thinking about the option "OEM unlocking - Allow the bootloader to be unlocked", which might or might not be present in the developer menu on your tablet.
Lister Of Smeg said:
How will I know if the Bootloader is locked / unlocked? Is there a command / test, to fastboot the device and see if it responds, says anything back?? I don't know much about Fastboot, as my my flashing experience is either done through programs/utilities of via the device itself... Is there anyway to pull the Boot.Img / Recovery.Img via Fastboot?? Or is that done via that SPFT app...?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Strictly speaking, a locked bootloader performs integrity checks and refuses to start the system when it was tampered with. A locked system wouldn't boot an unofficial boot.img or recovery.img (such as TWRP). That's rarely the case with MediaTek-based devices, i.e. they are usually "unlocked". However, they often have the fastboot flash command restricted/disabled, meaning you can't use fastboot to flash TWRP or other stuff, until you "unlock" the bootloader, or use a patched bootloader.
To make backups of boot.img, recovery.img, etc. you can use the SPFT or a custom recovery. Or you can do it from within Android, provided you have root.
I suggest you first try this:
Open an ADB shell (USB debugging enabled, tablet running Android connected to PC via USB), or use a terminal app, then type
Code:
getprop ro.build.version.incremental
getprop ro.product.ota.model
and tell me the output. I might be able to use that information to find Lenovo's official firmware packages for your tablet.
For my TB3-710F for example, the values are ro.build.version.incremental=Lenovo_TB3-710F_S000026 and ro.product.ota.model=LenovoTB3-710F_L.
Furthermore, boot the tablet by pressing and holding power+volume_up. That should either display a little boot menu ("normal, recovery, fastboot"), or take you directly to the recovery. In the former case, choose "fastboot", in the latter case, the recovery menu should have a "reboot to bootloader" entry at the bottom.
That should take you into fastboot mode. Connect the tablet to PC via USB, and use a fastboot client to run "fastboot getvar all". That'll dump a lot of info, including partition info, which could help with creating a scatter file.
With "fastboot reboot" you can leave fastboot mode.
Lister Of Smeg said:
So you saying, no matter what happens/goes wrong... I can pretty much restore/recover it like Factory via the use of SPFT... There will always be a way to PUSH a firmware to the device???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, if you have a complete firmware backup including scatter file.
The MediaTek SPFT is comparable to Samsung's Odin, except that it also allows to make backups (readbacks). But again, you always need a proper scatter file first. You might be interested in reading this.
Hi @Tzul,
First of all, Wow... oh WOW!!!! Are you an Android developer, as in OS specialist.... that post was epic in both detail and knowledge. Wow, you really know you're stuff... Do you work for a big company, or just a very clever/gifted hobbyist?? WOW Thanks for pointing me to that post, very interesting and giving me a heads up in the process of Lenovo architecture...
Ok, I've unboxed dad's Tablet (he doesn't know this yet... LOL). Turned it on, wow... what an experience, this is the best Android/Tablet (and we've had several over the years, from ZTE phones... to Samsung phones and HP/Tesco Hudl Tablets)... Beautiful experience!
Ok,
1) I've enabled Developer Tools (tapped Build No 7x times)
2) I've enabled [ADB Debugging]
3) I've turned on / enabled "OEM Unlocking".
Will this trigger Lenovo software to feel it's been tampered with? Or will it just be normal and allows the bootloader to passthrough / flash a modified recovery to it?
4) getprop ro.build.version.incremental = TB3-850F_S100025_160608_ROW
getprop ro.product.ota.model = LenovoTB3-850F_ROW
5) I couldn't do the Power button + Holding Volume Up button, as when holding both down... The Tablet keeps rebooting, and not loading anything up other than the Lenovo logo, then reboots again...
So I tried Power button + Holding Volume Down button, and it appears to show a menu... But it was ALL in Chinese, other than the word eMMC. I had no idea how to get out of it, other than holding "Vol Up and Power button" as I found from previous, it just boots/reboots loop until let go. I did so, then it said something about SD.. and the rest in Chinese and made a loud beep, before rebooting...
So not sure if I've done anything to an SD Card, internal...?? As we've not put in an external one yet...
So not sure how to get into Bootloader / Recovery yet? As it keeps restarting...
Interestingly, when I first turned this device on and connected it to the network, it wants to pull down a small update....
TB3-850F_S100025_160608_ROW_TO_TB3-850F_S100026_160923_ROW
What it currently is...
What it wants to go too...
The update is only 22Mb in size....
I hope this helps?
Cheers, Lister
My job doesn't really involve Android, but I've studied this, more or less.
Glad to hear that the tablet is good. I'm still satisfied with my Tab 2 as well.
Lister Of Smeg said:
3) I've turned on / enabled "OEM Unlocking".
Will this trigger Lenovo software to feel it's been tampered with? Or will it just be normal and allows the bootloader to passthrough / flash a modified recovery to it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The latter, as far as I know.
Thanks for the property values. With those, I could find the small update you mentioned. Unfortunately it doesn't contain a complete boot.img file, but at least it contains a barebones scatter file (just the partition start addresses):
Code:
preloader 0x0
pgpt 0x0
proinfo 0x80000
nvram 0x380000
protect1 0x880000
protect2 0x1280000
lk 0x1c80000
para 0x1d00000
boot 0x1d80000
recovery 0x2d80000
logo 0x3d80000
expdb 0x4580000
seccfg 0x4f80000
oemkeystore 0x5000000
secro 0x5200000
keystore 0x5800000
tee1 0x6000000
tee2 0x6500000
frp 0x6a00000
nvdata 0x6b00000
metadata 0x8b00000
system 0xb000000
cache 0xcb000000
userdata 0xe5800000
flashinfo 0xFFFF0084
sgpt 0xFFFF0004
Exactly the same values I used for the preliminary scatter file that you found on the Lenovo forums.
If you like, you can try to use it with the SPFT to make a readback.
Download the latest SPFT, unzip it, find its "option.ini" file, open it, and at the very end change "ShowByScatter=false" to "ShowByScatter=true".
Download and install the USB Preloader driver (cdc-acm).
Finally, run the SPFT, load my scatter file, and make a readback.
Lister Of Smeg said:
5) I couldn't do the Power button + Holding Volume Up button, as when holding both down... The Tablet keeps rebooting, and not loading anything up other than the Lenovo logo, then reboots again...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you hold down the power button for too long, the tablet will probably reboot.
Try this: Shut down the tablet. Hold volume up, then hold power. When the screen turns on, release the power button, but keep holding volume up.
That should take you to the boot menu or recovery. If not, you can still try to get there via "adb reboot recovery" or "adb reboot-bootloader" (for fastboot).
Lister Of Smeg said:
So I tried Power button + Holding Volume Down button, and it appears to show a menu... But it was ALL in Chinese, other than the word eMMC. I had no idea how to get out of it, other than holding "Vol Up and Power button" as I found from previous, it just boots/reboots loop until let go. I did so, then it said something about SD.. and the rest in Chinese and made a loud beep, before rebooting...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, on these MediaTek-based devices, that key combination usually takes you to the factory test menu. Avoid going there, you could mess something up.
The bottom-most menu entry gets you out of there (reboot). The menu entry with "eMMC" is "wipe eMMC" - sounds as if it would delete the entire internal flash memory (the eMMC chip), but in actuality, it just does as factory reset, i.e. it only wipes the /data partition (where all user apps and settings are stored). At least it's like that on every device I've tested so far.
Hi @Tzul,
Well, ya certainly know what ya talking about... was a great read. I am technically minded. I do (and have done for about 15/20 years) IT Support. I understand the talk, sometimes we all gotta re-learn new tricks...
Ok, you'll love this... I spoke to Lenovo today... Actually very good support really, much better than when we phone up about PCs not working in our company. Anyway, they were still unable to help me with the Tablet.
I spoke to them about not being able to get into Recovery / Bootloader. Didnt tell them why of course, but explained that I wanted to know if there was an official firmware I could download if I wished to return the Tablet to fully stock without any Apps. Blamed my dad messing it up, which is kinda true... even though he has not touched it yet. Anyway, they talked me through many things, BASICALLY WHAT YOU'VE ALREADY TOLD ME.... About holding down Vol Up and Power button. After many attempts, still not working. So I said there is a 22mb update pending, I'll try that and see if that allows me to do the key combo... Still no joy. He told me to do a factory reset in the Android OS (which I knew anyway). And so did that, and sure enough it wiped everything, even Developer Settings. However after re-enabling it again, the OEM Bootloader was STILL UNLOCKED? lol.
Anyway, needless to say... I still cannot get into recovery on this device, and he seems certain I should be able too. He thinks the device may be faulty, and suggests returning it... Apart from not being able to get into Recovery, I dont think it is faulty as seems fine everywhere else.
I also tried "Lenovo Smart Assistant" as it seems that can download firmware from there site. After spending a couple of hours trying to get all the (10x different Android device drivers installs, MTP, ADB, MIDI, blah blah) it still didnt automatically detect in their Smart App. So I tried to select the "Dead Device" mode, where you have to enter "Model No" and Hardware ID, typed in various things... but neither showed up the Tablet??? lol
Anyway, going back to above....
1) Installed the suggested signed drivers for the PreLoader
2) Downloaded, edited Options.ini and ran the latest SPFT
3) Opened the Scatter file, nice to see all the partitions.
4) Tried to do a ReadBack of just Boot.img and Recovery.img but nothing downloaded or seemed to happen. But was doing this in a hurry on my lunch break. Shall have another go at home, or back at work tomorrow.
Ah, think I've seen where I went wrong... I didnt double click on the [File] column. I just assumed the path was already correct, looking at it. Also, can't remember the state of the device, think that was also on at the time. So will have a proper go later... and upload the boot.img and recovery.img
-- Just out of interest, if I was making a STOCK ROM backup. What partitions do I need to select / include / tick, for that??
And assume if I wanted to restore it, just do the exact same. Select the partitions, select the files in the [File] tab as to what I want to restore and use DOWNLOAD only mode? Or would it be best just to make the backups in TWRP once/if it's possible...??
As I'm having no joy with the key combo, I'm gonna try the ADB commands in a sec, and let you know how those go....
Yeah, I wont be going there again in a hurry... Didnt have a clue what any of it was, and it wasn't clear at the time how to get out of it either... Sadly I selected the very first open, no idea what that was / is ???? but couldn't get out of it either and had to wait till it finished...
I saw eMMC and panicked, as I have 3x Samsung devices that all suffer from the eMMC brickbug issue. Where the chip dies if using a faulty kernel. Thankfully this kernel is all but disappeared, as only came about in an official LEAKED Samsung build. And all previous/after official kernels and all custom kernels had this faulty switch removed... But whenever I see eMMC, I worry now... lol
Many thanks, Lister
Hi @Tzul,
Well, after my chat to Lenovo and doing some more testing last night... I think my Tablet could be genuinely faulty...
You know I said how I can't enter Recovery (Power & Vol Up) despite you and Lenovo saying that it should work. Well Lenovo think and said it could be faulty and return to place of purchase.
I tried the ADB commands last night, the Reboot Bootloader worked and sent me into Fastboot. However the Reboot Recovery gives me this error...
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Which I am wondering if I don't have a Recovery or it's corrupted...??
I am also failing to get those ReadBacks of either Boot.img or Recovery.img, as depsite having the Tablet off and clicking on the file names, and pointing it where to save. Nothing appears to happen, no data transfers...??
Do you think I'll be able to get those files if I root the device, and use a Root File Manager???
Also, without any official firmware from Lenovo yet... If I root it, will I be able to unroot it by just doing a simple "Factory Reset" within Android OS, or does this keep the root do you know?? Never really used Factory Reset, as always wipe the device in a custom recovery....
Cheers, Lister
Lister Of Smeg said:
You know I said how I can't enter Recovery (Power & Vol Up) despite you and Lenovo saying that it should work. Well Lenovo think and said it could be faulty and return to place of purchase.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds quite unlikely to me. Have you tried what I wrote before? Start holding the volume up button before you turn on the tablet. Then press the power button to turn it on, release the power button again, but keep holding volume up all the time.
Lister Of Smeg said:
I tried the ADB commands last night, the Reboot Bootloader worked and sent me into Fastboot. However the Reboot Recovery gives me this error...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not an error, that is in fact the stock recovery! The menu is missing, but that's normal for some devices. There's a "secret" key combination you need to press to activate the menu. Try power+volume up again (or to be more specific, hold down the power button, then "click" the volume up button, then release the power button; do not hold down the power button for 10 seconds or longer, that'll probably reboot the tablet).
Lister Of Smeg said:
I am also failing to get those ReadBacks of either Boot.img or Recovery.img, as depsite having the Tablet off and clicking on the file names, and pointing it where to save. Nothing appears to happen, no data transfers...??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure you're doing everything correctly? When the tablet is off and you connect it to the PC via USB, Windows should play the "USB device connected" sound effect, quickly followed by the "USB device disconnected" sound effect. Take a look at the Windows device manager - the Preloader VCOM device should appear there for this brief period, and it must not have a warning triangle (that would be a sign of missing drivers).
Lister Of Smeg said:
Do you think I'll be able to get those files if I root the device, and use a Root File Manager???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that should work, BUT I would not advise it. Looking at the update file, I saw it uses the newer block-based format. That means if you change the system partition in any minor way, e.g. by installing root / su binaries there, future updates will fail! Therefore, you shouldn't do anything that could modify the system partition (installing root, or even running TWRP), until you have a backup of the original state.
Lister Of Smeg said:
Also, without any official firmware from Lenovo yet... If I root it, will I be able to unroot it by just doing a simple "Factory Reset" within Android OS, or does this keep the root do you know?? Never really used Factory Reset, as always wipe the device in a custom recovery....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, a factory reset will not unroot! Root is either installed on the system partition (the old way), which Android considers read-only, or it is installed in a modified boot.img (the new way), which also won't be touched by Android. A factory reset, regardless whether performed by Android or a custom recovery, just wipes the data and cache partitions.
That sounds quite unlikely to me. Have you tried what I wrote before? Start holding the volume up button before you turn on the tablet. Then press the power button to turn it on, release the power button again, but keep holding volume up all the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I tried that... no matter what order/process I take. It each ends up in the same result. I did the holding of the Vol Up, then pressing Power (waited it for it to Vibrate, before letting go of Power... as instructed by Lenovo tech Support) and still would not get past the white screen, with Lenovo logo.
That's not an error, that is in fact the stock recovery! The menu is missing, but that's normal for some devices. There's a "secret" key combination you need to press to activate the menu. Try power+volume up again (or to be more specific, hold down the power button, then "click" the volume up button, then release the power button; do not hold down the power button for 10 seconds or longer, that'll probably reboot the tablet).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought that was recovery, as I've seen the ill looking Android collapse on other Android devices when a flash has failed, but normally I see more of a menu... Like to Apply Update (I guess official internal OS updats). I shall try that trick in a second, to see if I can get the menu to appear. May have to do it at home, as I know ADB app sends our works AV to thinking its a virus, when it's safe... lol
Are you sure you're doing everything correctly? When the tablet is off and you connect it to the PC via USB, Windows should play the "USB device connected" sound effect, quickly followed by the "USB device disconnected" sound effect. Take a look at the Windows device manager - the Preloader VCOM device should appear there for this brief period, and it must not have a warning triangle (that would be a sign of missing drivers).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The drivers installed correctly here (work, running Windows 10 x64), all went smoothly. When I plugged the Tablet in, it came up saying something about PreLoader driver... However at home, the drivers failed... But that could be my old screwy build of Windows 7x x64.... So gonna try again at work for that part.
Yes, that should work, BUT I would not advise it. Looking at the update file, I saw it uses the newer block-based format. That means if you change the system partition in any minor way, e.g. by installing root / su binaries there, future updates will fail! Therefore, you shouldn't do anything that could modify the system partition (installing root, or even running TWRP), until you have a backup of the original state.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh great, terrific... So I gotta be extra careful then!! lol. No rooting or mods until at least I can pull this ReadBack backup off... Oh I do love my Xposed!!
So once I've got my first official ReadBack backup, with no mods or alterations. Then I'm safe to do whatever...??
Providing I've got my first ReadBack before I do anything, if we are able to get TWRP into the Recovery Partition of the Tablet. Will this TWRP Recovery affect /System and OTA updates?? or is that only the Recovery partition affected, and System will stay intact??
Also, once (or, IF) I have TWRP, could I do a full system backup there. Prior to any mods, and can fully restore to stock (with the addition of TWRP recovery and not Stock) via the TWRP Recovery then... As wonna get an as close to stock backup as poss in TWRP. And then a fully setup with all the Apps, Mods, Tweaks and root Apps setup and then back that up. I assume I can always restore to the first TWRP backup without root at a later.
/ If any of that ^ makes sense? lol
No, a factory reset will not unroot! Root is either installed on the system partition (the old way), which Android considers read-only, or it is installed in a modified boot.img (the new way), which also won't be touched by Android. A factory reset, regardless whether performed by Android or a custom recovery, just wipes the data and cache partitions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fair enough, I kinda assumed that a Factory Reset within the Android OS will keep the root, and only wipe user added data, such as Apps, Pictures, Music, Files... and anything added to the /System would be left behind. My old devices (N7000 and i9100) only use the old way at the moment for rooting, as in writing to the system partition. When trying to use the new Boot.img way (as in Systemless root) causes both devices to crash, as they don't have the pre-modded Boot.img yet.
But assuming if I made a previous backup of the whole Tablet in TWRP before rooting (or do I need root, to push TWRP). Then go onto root the Tablet afterwards, if I then restore the Tablet to the first pre-root backup in TWRP will over write the root files back to stock??
/ sorry for all the questions, and what-if's.... ? I understand Android, and fully know my Samsung models inside out... Just not sure when it comes to Lenovo, as it seems to use a different structure, and partition layout. And at moment, till I get my head around it, seem as stable/fool-proof in not making non-changeable choices, that can be corrected at a later date. Just it's my dads Tablet, and don't want to mess anything up as yet... As I'll prolly have to buy it off him lol
Anyway, thanks for your continued help on this.... I'll let you know how I get on...
Cheers, Lister
Lister Of Smeg said:
The drivers installed correctly here (work, running Windows 10 x64), all went smoothly. When I plugged the Tablet in, it came up saying something about PreLoader driver... However at home, the drivers failed... But that could be my old screwy build of Windows 7x x64.... So gonna try again at work for that part.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The driver I linked can be installed with a simple right-click in Windows 8 and later. But in Windows 7, the installation procedure is more involved, as described in the included readme.
Lister Of Smeg said:
Oh great, terrific... So I gotta be extra careful then!! lol. No rooting or mods until at least I can pull this ReadBack backup off... Oh I do love my Xposed!!
So once I've got my first official ReadBack backup, with no mods or alterations. Then I'm safe to do whatever...??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, if you get the SPFT to work with your tablet, you can make a backup and restore it anytime you want.
Lister Of Smeg said:
Providing I've got my first ReadBack before I do anything, if we are able to get TWRP into the Recovery Partition of the Tablet. Will this TWRP Recovery affect /System and OTA updates?? or is that only the Recovery partition affected, and System will stay intact??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The first time you run TWRP, it asks you whether or not you'd like to allow changes to the system partition. If you choose yes, TWRP will rename a certain system file on exit, and will also offer to install a SuperSU stub for root. You see, Android has a mechanism that restores the stock recovery on every Android boot! Therefore, TWRP will be automatically replaced by the stock recovery again, unless you allow TWRP to rename that file, or install SuperSU. Both these things will intentionally break that Android restore mechanism.
On your tablet, you should probably forbid TWRP to make those changes. But even if you do, other things in TWRP can still change the system partition regardless. Installing the zip files for Xposed or SuperSU, for example. Or even restoring a TWRP backup of the system partition (because they are file based, but a block-based update doesn't just care about the file contents, but also about where exactly the files are located on the partition/disk, which will change with a file-based restore).
That's why "systemless" Root and Xposed are a thing these days. They don't install the files to the system partition anymore like they used to, but somewhere else (the ramdisk of the boot image, as far as I know), and use some trickery to make the files appear in the filesystem where they are expected.
Concerning OTA updates: they will fail if the system partition was modified. So if you want to install one, you either have to roll back to an unmodified system and stock recovery, then install the update, then install root, Xposed, etc. again (tedious). Or you can modify the updater-script inside the update, and make it work with modified systems, then install the adjusted update with TWRP. But that requires know-how and will only work with the old file-based updates, not the new block-based ones.
Lister Of Smeg said:
Also, once (or, IF) I have TWRP, could I do a full system backup there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. As just mentioned, TWRP backs up the files (their content), which is not enough for block level accuracy. You need a system image backup. Which can also be made with TWRP, if it has been configured properly.
Lister Of Smeg said:
But assuming if I made a previous backup of the whole Tablet in TWRP before rooting (or do I need root, to push TWRP). Then go onto root the Tablet afterwards, if I then restore the Tablet to the first pre-root backup in TWRP will over write the root files back to stock??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but again, you need to backup and restore the system image (the entire partition, including "empty" space, not just the files as TWRP normally does).
Lister Of Smeg said:
/ sorry for all the questions, and what-if's.... ? I understand Android, and fully know my Samsung models inside out... Just not sure when it comes to Lenovo, as it seems to use a different structure, and partition layout. And at moment, till I get my head around it, seem as stable/fool-proof in not making non-changeable choices, that can be corrected at a later date. Just it's my dads Tablet, and don't want to mess anything up as yet... As I'll prolly have to buy it off him lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has nothing to do with Samsung vs. Lenovo. It's about the chipset - MediaTek in your case. A Lenovo device with a Qualcomm chip, for example, will have a different partition layout and obviously won't work with the SPFT. And most of the things I just talked about (file-based vs. block-based updates, the "sanctity" of the system partition, etc.) are general Android things and not specific to the chipset.
Hi @Tzul,
Ok, slowly making progress here... Yippie!! lol
Still can't enter recovery via hardware buttons... No matter how many times I try, and in whatever order and timing. I even tried holding Power & Vol Up, then when it FREEZES on white screen with Lenovo logo. Then tried releasing Vol Up also, and then holding it down again... like how to reveal 'Secret Menu'. But still nothing appears for recovery!!
However, that said... I am now able to enter Recovery... via using ADB Fastboot Recovery, then using those key combo commands to reveal the secret menu. Which that all now works, and get a full list of options to choose from there... So thank you for that!!
I've had another go at trying to install PreLoader driver again on my home PC (Win7 x64) and it now appears to do something, more than previously done... But errors, and still does not pull those files. Maybe you might be able to see where going wrong via the screenshot??
Yes, if you get the SPFT to work with your tablet, you can make a backup and restore it anytime you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once I get this App working, and working reliably... I think I'd feel a lot more comfortable and happier, knowing I have a decent back up to rely on. Just this App is new to me, and at moment (with difficulties of entering Recovery and getting this App to work). Where as comparison to Odin. Just have to put phone into Download Mode, add the Firmware File... and thats it. By the looks of things, this App is very very similar. Just with its hit/miss at moment, till I've ironed out why its not working... Just want to know I have STOCK rom to return too, in aid of firmware updates.
Concerning OTA updates: they will fail if the system partition was modified. So if you want to install one, you either have to roll back to an unmodified system and stock recovery, then install the update, then install root, Xposed, etc. again (tedious). Or you can modify the updater-script inside the update, and make it work with modified systems, then install the adjusted update with TWRP. But that requires know-how and will only work with the old file-based updates, not the new block-based ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen TWRP (more specifically, TWRP 3.x) mention about allowing System modifications with my Samsung device. I think in the past, I've answered both ways... Allow / Do Not Allow when switching Roms every so often.
So basically it's a toss up of whats more important...? Receiving OTA updates, or running Root on the device. As long as I can get this first initial ReadBack backup, then should be happy either way... As can always restore back to fully STOCK, run the update, then flash TWRP and Root apps again??
No. As just mentioned, TWRP backs up the files (their content), which is not enough for block level accuracy. You need a system image backup. Which can also be made with TWRP, if it has been configured properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will have a look on my current Samsung / TWRP about making full system based images. But that said, I still won't receive OTA updates restoring back to this way, as already modified the device/OS with TWRP... preventing this. But could be quicker/easier way to return to STOCK (minus updates). And this would be safe to do, based on the BLOCK BASED partition on this device? (Only ever been used to FILE BASED twrp backups).
It has nothing to do with Samsung vs. Lenovo. It's about the chipset - MediaTek in your case. A Lenovo device with a Qualcomm chip, for example, will have a different partition layout and obviously won't work with the SPFT. And most of the things I just talked about (file-based vs. block-based updates, the "sanctity" of the system partition, etc.) are general Android things and not specific to the chipset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I hear you on Samsung vs Lenovo, being Exynos vs MediaTek... What I mean't, is I'm just more used too and comfortable with the way things work on Samsung. I know (so far... lol) that I can never really brick my Samsung devices (other than the leaked ICS kernel) as I can restore fully with STOCK rom in Odin. And that all my devices (Samsung, HP Touchpad, ZTE Blade) all use partitions one way or another... as it was a curve to learn Samsung shares Recovery with its Kernel and vice versa... Where as the Blade, they were both separated... I'll get there slowly with MediaTek devices... lol... But most of all, I thank you, for all your time, patience and support guiding me along this way... MUCH APPRECIATED!!!
Edit: I am amazed that Lenovo don't have anything public on their website regarding firmware, to allow customers to restore themselves. I've downloaded their "Lenovo Smart Assistant" App which is supposed to support phones and Tablets. But does not detect mine, either alive or dead mode. When searching for it within the App, nothing shows for it either... Or the Tab2 family either..?? May try another cheeky online chat support call to them again, see if they can release anything firmware wise lol
Many thanks, Lister
Lister Of Smeg said:
I've had another go at trying to install PreLoader driver again on my home PC (Win7 x64) and it now appears to do something, more than previously done... But errors, and still does not pull those files. Maybe you might be able to see where going wrong via the screenshot??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the same error the other person on the Lenovo forum had. I have a feeling that the driver isn't installed correctly. Have you looked at the Windows device manager, Ports (Com & LPT) section? Does a new device appear there after connecting the powered-off tablet, and does that device NOT have a warning triangle?
Maybe you could try the SPFT on a Windows 8 or 10 machine, where the signed driver can be installed with the simple right-click method. Otherwise, you could find an install an unsigned driver for Windows 7, and try again. Maybe this error is also caused by an incorrect scatter file, wrong download agent, or bug in the specific SPFT version. You could try an older version such as v5.1516. Here's someone who encountered the same error and "fixed" it by using this older version and a slower PC...
Lister Of Smeg said:
So basically it's a toss up of whats more important...? Receiving OTA updates, or running Root on the device. As long as I can get this first initial ReadBack backup, then should be happy either way... As can always restore back to fully STOCK, run the update, then flash TWRP and Root apps again??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. You should probably go with systemless root on this tablet, but whether the system or boot image get modified, an OTA update will fail either way if it does integrity checks. So there's no way around making backups of the untouched partitions and restoring them when necessary.
Lister Of Smeg said:
Will have a look on my current Samsung / TWRP about making full system based images. But that said, I still won't receive OTA updates restoring back to this way, as already modified the device/OS with TWRP... preventing this. But could be quicker/easier way to return to STOCK (minus updates). And this would be safe to do, based on the BLOCK BASED partition on this device? (Only ever been used to FILE BASED twrp backups).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That option might or might not exist in your Samsung's TWRP. Usually, newer TWRPs are configured to have a "System Image" entry in the Install -> Install Image partition list, so that it is possible to flash a system.img file easily from within TWRP. This same "System Image" entry can also be made visible in the Backup/Restore partition list, but normally it isn't.
Lister Of Smeg said:
I am amazed that Lenovo don't have anything public on their website regarding firmware, to allow customers to restore themselves. I've downloaded their "Lenovo Smart Assistant" App which is supposed to support phones and Tablets. But does not detect mine, either alive or dead mode. When searching for it within the App, nothing shows for it either... Or the Tab2 family either..?? May try another cheeky online chat support call to them again, see if they can release anything firmware wise lol
Many thanks, Lister
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you're not supposed to mess with these devices. Only a fraction of users install root or Xposed anyway. I've never tried the "Lenovo Smart Assistant", so I can't say anything about that.
Anyway, you're welcome.
Hi @Tzul,
Still not having any luck with this... Boo-hoo.... As below, is what happened and what I've tried..
Tzul said:
That's the same error the other person on the Lenovo forum had. I have a feeling that the driver isn't installed correctly. Have you looked at the Windows device manager, Ports (Com & LPT) section? Does a new device appear there after connecting the powered-off tablet, and does that device NOT have a warning triangle?
Maybe you could try the SPFT on a Windows 8 or 10 machine, where the signed driver can be installed with the simple right-click method. Otherwise, you could find an install an unsigned driver for Windows 7, and try again. Maybe this error is also caused by an incorrect scatter file, wrong download agent, or bug in the specific SPFT version. You could try an older version such as v5.1516. Here's someone who encountered the same error and "fixed" it by using this older version and a slower PC...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Installed at home, old dual core computer running Windows 7 x64. Installed driver as per instructions (Installed to Com18 port). On first install, it shows a new device with yellow explanation mark. So I delete the device, but keep the driver software files installed. Same error...
At work, Quad Core i5 running Windows 10 x64. Installed the driver using Right Click / Install option... Driver installs fine, no errors (Installed to Com15 port). Same error.
Tried with the very latest version of SPFT, and with the other older version as quoted on that website. At first the older one wouldnt show the partition on ReadBack mode, even with the ScatterFile=true remark at the end. So I just copied contents out of one of the other option.ini files and then it did. But still no joy. Tried various versions of SPFT (not all of them, will do some more tonight). Tried different USB cables, including the original official one at of the box.
Only thing not tried, finding a really really old computer...
Tzul said:
Yes. You should probably go with systemless root on this tablet, but whether the system or boot image get modified, an OTA update will fail either way if it does integrity checks. So there's no way around making backups of the untouched partitions and restoring them when necessary.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm assuming there will never be a Systemless root for this device. As that requires someone to mod the Boot.img. And other than your good self, not seen anyone else offer support (or even use) this device, and I can't expect you to do that. Not to mention, can't even get the files off or access a firmware file for it.
I was hoping if I could get a STOCK firmware of backup of this device. Then if there was news of an update coming out. I could reflash back to STOCK, loosing all my mods and changes. Just to get the update, then attempt to re-root and tweak again... Gonna be a cat-n-mouse game me thinks... If I can ever get this backup to work in the first place...?? lol
Tzul said:
That option might or might not exist in your Samsung's TWRP. Usually, newer TWRPs are configured to have a "System Image" entry in the Install -> Install Image partition list, so that it is possible to flash a system.img file easily from within TWRP. This same "System Image" entry can also be made visible in the Backup/Restore partition list, but normally it isn't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didnt get chance to check TWRP last night on Samsung devices, by time I went to bed... was too knackered and straight asleep... lol. Will check tonight...
Tzul said:
Well, you're not supposed to mess with these devices. Only a fraction of users install root or Xposed anyway. I've never tried the "Lenovo Smart Assistant", so I can't say anything about that.
Anyway, you're welcome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it appears your not... I tried to speak to Lenovo again today... (sob story... Need to access a backup firmware in case Tablet dies under dads use, which is not too far from the truth...) However he was under the impression I could restore fully to STOCK if I access the Recovery (which I told him only works via ADB commands. He suggested again I should take it back to shop and get it replaced).
Anyway, I said... So does that mean the Lenovo Tablet has a hidden recovery image / rom / partition. And that if I was to "root the device, in order to make some Apps/Tweaks work" I could enter Recovery, and run the recovery option in the hidden menu and restore Tablet back to STOCK.
To which sadly I had to go back to work, and told him this. I said if he could leave me the reply, I'd check when back. Which he then said, "If the Tablet is rooted, it will then delete the recovery partition, meaning no recovery would be possible" which to me sounds a little far fetched... that rooting will actually DELETE a hidden recovery image/partition???
I'm sadly starting to think, have I picked the wrong device for my dad?? Same as with all mine, and what I did for my mums... I was able to install custom recovery easily. Especially in the case of my mum's Tesco's Hudl, I set it all up with STOCK rom (as there are no custom roms), however there is custom recovery which I flashed, rooted, and installed all rooted Apps. However, I have since been able to reflash it back to fully STOCK without any Root, and able to go back and fourth as often as like without fear of bricking, or potentially damaging any future updates/recovery....
Gonna try a few more times to get this to recognise and accept SPFT backing/restoring... Otherwise next week, I may consider taking back to the shops. Pity, as the Tablet itself is seems really nice so far (even though barely used it yet). But just worried cannot make backup images, or can easily break Updates/Stock Restoring....
Cheers, Lister

Vizio XR6M10/XR6P10 Smartcast Tablet Remote: Is there any interest in these?

These tablets were sold with certain Vizio TVs in mid-2016 into 2017, primarily used for Smartcast to the TV.
They are now obsolete since Vizio released firmware for their TVs turning them into normal Smart TVs, requiring the owners of these TVs to get new remotes and the tablets stopped being useful for this function.
Here in 2019, one can buy these tablets, at the low price end, in working condition, for $25 (for the M series) to $40 (for the P series) shipped.
The specs are as follows:
XR6M10:
Snapdragon 410 1.2GHz quadcore APQ8016
2GB RAM
8GB Storage
1280x720 IPS display
802.11n, Bluetooth 4.0
2740mAh battery
MicroUSB for charging, Qi Charging built-in for bundled charge pad or any compatible charging solution
XR6P10:
Snapdragon 615 1.45GHz octocore APQ8039
2GB RAM
16GB Storage
1920x1080 IPS display
802.11n, Bluetooth 4.0
2740mAh battery
MicroUSB for charging, Qi Charging built-in for bundled charge pad or any compatible charging solution
Both tablets feature side-firing stereo speakers, a headphone jack, and NO cameras. The size of the tablet is comparable to the size of a Galaxy Note 9, give or take.
Both tablets came with Android 5.1.1, and OTA updates upgraded them to 6.0.1. There are ZERO available stock ROM files available for the tablets. I've tried sniffing the updater and they seem to go to a dead website.
The stock ROM is fairly clean, and only has the Vizio Smartcast app which needs disabling upon setting up. Aside from this, there is no other bloatware on the tablet to speak of after running a fine-tooth comb through the system apps. You get a clean and snappy tablet.
The problem:
There's no stock ROM file available, neither for Android 5.1.1 or for 6.0.1. Vizio does not have any sort of download for either on their site, nor did in the past. The updater checked a third-party website affiliated with Vizio to manage the tablet's updates, as it does with their TVs. Since the website is inert, it can be safely said that Vizio is no longer interested in their existence at all, especially since the warranty on every single one of these tablets is now up.
The tablet seems it can have the bootloader unlocked, the developer options has the toggle for that, but there's no way to get into fastboot. Holding VOL UP+DOWN+POWER at boot or sending the "adb reboot bootloader" command sends it into a "Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008" mode under USB. This, from what I understand, is behavior persistent with the locked bootloader, but I have no idea of how to get it out of this and just into fastboot. Stock recovery does not have a fastboot option either.
The desires list:
Have someone that knows the intricacies of the MSM8916 platform and the APQ8016/APQ8039 get their hands on these tablets
Get a ROM dump of both tablets in stock form so people with bricked tablets can flash them with it
Get Root (Patch level on the 6.0.1 stock ROM is from October 2016, shouldn't be hard)
Get the bootloader unlocked, somehow, and if not, figure a way to get something like Safestrap running on it if the out-of-the-box kernel allows for it
Custom ROMs? LineageOS would be sweet, especially with some of the tablet-specific fixes that have dropped in the past couple months overall.
so I ask: is there any interest in the freeing of these super cheap tablets? The price to spec ratio is not bad (once again, I got my 6M10 for $25 shipped, and the seller has like 7 more as of the time of this writing), and it doesn't seem like it would be all too hard to unlock the bootloader and get it rooted (at least, from my perspective, that of a novice in this specific hardware field). There are plenty of these in the wild in the hands of people that bought the TVs and plenty in the hands that bought them from ebay when the tablets became obsolete.
This link contains screenshots of CPU-Z and the About Tablet settings section from the tablet, uploaded to imgur. If anyone needs more information on this tablet that needs an app or adb command, I can make this happen.
Board Pic of the XR6M10, XR6P10 should be the same inside:
(click for larger image)
Update: I have temp root.
I have temp root!-the latest kingroot (NOT Kingoroot) APK seemed to have done the trick. I was able to fire up adaway and get the hosts file set up with adblocks to keep the thing safer.
The root is still temporary so it goes away after a reboot. The rooting process involves it doing the root process once, then rebooting, then failing, then you reboot once more, and then retry rooting from the app. From here, 80% of the time, it works and you're able to get temporary root for that boot session.
Once you're done with anything you need root for, you should reboot and then uninstall Kingroot, which you then need to deactivate the device administrator priveleges for, before it will allow you to cleanly uninstall it.
I also made a huge discovery that may turn out better for anyone that can help getting this thing properly rooted and the bootloader unlocked... it seems the file manager included in the stock ROM is v3.0.0 from Cyanogenmod 12.1.
This makes me think that the ROM creator either used that since it was opensource and readily available than come up with their own solution, or that this ROM has some cyanogenmod roots.
I also found this post from another Q&A thread in this section:
TheDrive said:
This device have made by Chinese/Indian company Borqs. The code name Bennu-M. Platform is Qualcomm APQ8016 (MSM8916 w/o modem). There should work standard method to bring EDL mode. Hold Vol+ and Vol- at power on (press power). Then connect to the PC. Thus device will stay look dead, however should be detected as Qualcomm QDLoader 9008 on the PC side. This is the factory described method.
You can flash factory firmware from this mode using external bootloader (programmer) for MSM8916 firehose protocol. This procedure is described in the thousands of manuals around the net. Qualcomm tools like QPST or QFIL can be used as good as many 3rd party utils to flash and manage any another available way. Many professional 'box' tools should support this device too but only as 'generic' msm8916 (if applicable).
However I can't find the firmware package for this device anywhere. You should ask and require the manufacturer/distributor to publish firmware, the source code and all the corresponding matherials to be able to flash and rebuild firmware from sources in any manner you want without any limitations as required by GNU/GPL free open source software licenses this firmware is obligated to.
Everyone who have the device working or software dead, can try to dump the current firmware and data, stored on the internal eMMC memory module in part(s) or in whole image using free QTools project utilities and suitable external bootloader with ability to dump eMMC, not only to flash as many factory supplied programmers do. There are programmer(s) for MSM8916 available in the project repo. Read and understand manuals carefully before trying anything!
There is definitely another ways to root, dump, flash, manage the device in any manner YOU WANT, not only the way you are "allowed" to use your own device by manufacturer/distributor. FTA!
You can root the device then dump all the multiple partition images manually (dd if=/dev/block/mmbblk0...... of=/sdcard/......) or using built custom recovery like CWM/TWRP for your device. Please note, kernel sources are important but not mandatory to build e.g. CWM. You can build one using CWM image from the similar device and the kernel (boot/recovery) image binaries from your device. There are good manuals and image repacking utils available around like e.g. AndImgTool.
There are the way to produce factory image from the eMMC/partitions dump(s). Use utils like R-Studio to dump particular partition images from the eMMC dump (it's like whole HDD or UFD image with all the sectors raw, one by one, w/o any modifications/compression/etc) Manuals / utils are avavailable to make e.g. sparse and xml scripts set which is flashable by the programmer in the EDL mode (i.e. from any damaged state, because EDL is built in to the PBL and masked to the internal CPU ROM, thus can not be damaged in any manner, except firing the CPU up).
You can also flash partition images from the more common Fastboot mode, unless eMMC GPT and bootloaders (SBL/RPM/TZ/ABoot) stay intact (logo showed). You can't dump from fastboot, which is common due to the (foolish) 'safety' requirements. It's security by obscurity and is definitely not for your favor, but for the corps control over you and force to send valuable private data to foreign clouds.
Please share eMMC full and/or partitions dumps using reliable 'neverending' file cloud/hosting since there is no factory firmware available yet (ever). I do not own this device and never seen being overseas, so I can't share.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This gives a little bit more information but seems to be more waffle than helpful. Still need someone, or some individuals, that can get one of these devices into their hands and work on a way to get the bootloader unlocked, the eMMC dumped, and ROMs going.
Update file?
I THINK I have the update file for 6.0.1. I did a packet sniff on a 5.1.1 tablet using a mitm packet sniffer and I ran the system updater, and was able to get this URL:
http://updatev.vo.llnwd.net/v1/idownload/64821.bin
The filesize is 570MB or so, and it looks like it might be the real deal. since it's a .bin file and 7zip can't read it, I won't be able to see what it really is without going over to the box that has a copy of universal extractor installed.
I'll be doing this momentarily and editing this post once I figure out what the contents are or if it's even readable to that extent. Knowing vizio, it could very well be encrypted and need decrypting by the updater application.
Update: it seems to be encrypted. oh joy.
Update 2: I got together with a friend on discord and we successfully decompiled the updater app to a point.
This MEGA link contains all the files thus far and a copy of the tablet's /system/framework folder for decompiling purposes.
However, it doesn't seem we're getting anywhere. the file is still encrypted and I still can't figure out what's needed to decrypt it. Hopefully someone with more knowledge on this can lend a hand.
Sudosftw said:
I THINK I have the update file for 6.0.1. I did a packet sniff on a 5.1.1 tablet using a mitm packet sniffer and I ran the system updater, and was able to get this URL:
http://updatev.vo.llnwd.net/v1/idownload/64821.bin
The filesize is 570MB or so, and it looks like it might be the real deal. since it's a .bin file and 7zip can't read it, I won't be able to see what it really is without going over to the box that has a copy of universal extractor installed.
I'll be doing this momentarily and editing this post once I figure out what the contents are or if it's even readable to that extent. Knowing vizio, it could very well be encrypted and need decrypting by the updater application.
Update: it seems to be encrypted. oh joy.
Update 2: I got together with a friend on discord and we successfully decompiled the updater app to a point.
This MEGA link contains all the files thus far and a copy of the tablet's /system/framework folder for decompiling purposes.
However, it doesn't seem we're getting anywhere. the file is still encrypted and I still can't figure out what's needed to decrypt it. Hopefully someone with more knowledge on this can lend a hand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just out of curiosity, with the temp root, have you tried using dd to get the recovery image off? If we can do that, we might be able to work on getting a custom recovery built.
Qiangong2 said:
Just out of curiosity, with the temp root, have you tried using dd to get the recovery image off? If we can do that, we might be able to work on getting a custom recovery built.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not possible to get a proper recovery image from within the system files so far as I know, but my take so far has been that there is no proper way to get that at this time without decrypting that file grabbed from the update server. I'd do it on a 5.x ROM since that will get me permaroot, but the issue is getting and keeping root on a 6.x ROM.
Although encrypted (so far as I can tell) the image linked above is the real deal, and I've given all I can to get it decrypted. A proper exploit to take care of this tablet's vulnerabilities and get temp root (on 6.x) that isn't kingo is what is really needed at this point so to not hinder going around the system with crudware and shady background apps, shouldn't be hard since the security patch level for the 6.x ROM is 2016-10-01.
Even if the ROM is extracted or a recovery image found, custom recovery won't be possible until the bootloader is unlocked, and this isn't doable until someone figures out how the qualcomm qdloader9008 stuff works with this specific tablet. Fastboot is unreachable and I'm almost sure I'm doing something wrong.
I'll get temp root and see about dd'ing stuff later on. What exactly would be needed for me to dd off? Whole disk and then go through it elsewhere? I could definitely see if rsync exists and dd over rsync to another box.
Sudosftw said:
It's not possible to get a proper recovery image from within the system files so far as I know, but my take so far has been that there is no proper way to get that at this time without decrypting that file grabbed from the update server. I'd do it on a 5.x ROM since that will get me permaroot, but the issue is getting and keeping root on a 6.x ROM.
Although encrypted (so far as I can tell) the image linked above is the real deal, and I've given all I can to get it decrypted. A proper exploit to take care of this tablet's vulnerabilities and get temp root (on 6.x) that isn't kingo is what is really needed at this point so to not hinder going around the system with crudware and shady background apps, shouldn't be hard since the security patch level for the 6.x ROM is 2016-10-01.
Even if the ROM is extracted or a recovery image found, custom recovery won't be possible until the bootloader is unlocked, and this isn't doable until someone figures out how the qualcomm qdloader9008 stuff works with this specific tablet. Fastboot is unreachable and I'm almost sure I'm doing something wrong.
I'll get temp root and see about dd'ing stuff later on. What exactly would be needed for me to dd off? Whole disk and then go through it elsewhere? I could definitely see if rsync exists and dd over rsync to another box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found this today: https://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/development/edl-emergency-dl-mode-twrp-unlock-t3553514
The miflash tool seems promising (it works with nearly any device)
For the dd stuff, you can usually figure out the partitions easily with the fstab file in /. However, getting a raw dump is always useful.
Really, the big 3 would be the recovery.img, the boot.img, and the system.img. We can work from there
Qiangong2 said:
I found this today: https://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/development/edl-emergency-dl-mode-twrp-unlock-t3553514
The miflash tool seems promising (it works with nearly any device)
For the dd stuff, you can usually figure out the partitions easily with the fstab file in /. However, getting a raw dump is always useful.
Really, the big 3 would be the recovery.img, the boot.img, and the system.img. We can work from there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had that installed whilst trying to figure the image out and the qdloader stuff, it doesn't do anything for this tablet sadly :/
Sudosftw said:
I've had that installed whilst trying to figure the image out and the qdloader stuff, it doesn't do anything for this tablet sadly :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm. Which tablet do you have? The M or the P?
Qiangong2 said:
Hmmm. Which tablet do you have? The M or the P?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is the M. the P was out of my price range ($40 shipped over $25 shipped) when I was looking at them, but now the Ms are going for around 25 bucks but 15 shipping from another seller, bringing the price up to 40 bucks where the P was. ended up buying the other Ms from the one seller and gave them out to family members because I was so impressed... but I really should have set some money aside for one of the Ps as well and didn't.
Sudosftw said:
this is the M. the P was out of my price range ($40 shipped over $25 shipped) when I was looking at them, but now the Ms are going for around 25 bucks but 15 shipping from another seller, bringing the price up to 40 bucks where the P was. ended up buying the other Ms from the one seller and gave them out to family members because I was so impressed... but I really should have set some money aside for one of the Ps as well and didn't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay. You said miflash doesn't do anything, does the device show up in the application and not function? Or does it not show up at all?
Qiangong2 said:
Okay. You said miflash doesn't do anything, does the device show up in the application and not function? Or does it not show up at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just doesn't show up at all. and yet installing the qualcomm qdloader drivers says it's connected in device manager, so something's up. tried on two different boxes, different cables, no dice.
Sudosftw said:
just doesn't show up at all. and yet installing the qualcomm qdloader drivers says it's connected in device manager, so something's up. tried on two different boxes, different cables, no dice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm. That's unusual. Are you running it in win 7 compatibility mode?
It would be nice to see community roms for these devices. I have the XR6P. If you need any info from this device, just tell me what to do.
I'm very interested in this as I have one of these tablets that I would like to use in my vehicle as a display for my piggyback ECU tuner. It doesn't currently support USB OTG, but I read that if I can gain root access I can add the file to give it USB Host functionality. Can anyone confirm this? I have tried several apps to get it rooted including Kingroot as you were able to get a temp root with that. Unfortunately Kingroot, as all the others I have tried, won't even install on the tablet. Again, I'm only looking to get this thing to be OTG capable. If anyone here has any suggestions, I would be very grateful! Thanks all!
I just bought an M remote to replace my broken P remote. My P remote had Android 6. My M remote has Android 5, and the OTA updater says there's no update. Any way to get Android 6 on this?
I have factory firmware for Bennu P and Bennu M , but take some time to upload the file.
ALANCHONG said:
I have factory firmware for Bennu P and Bennu M , but take some time to upload the file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey. You can lay out the firmware for XR6M10
XR6M10 and XR6P10 firmware
konog said:
Hey. You can lay out the firmware for XR6M10
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mega Link: mega.nz/#F!n65kVYIT!PKH8A1WoD_Nc4DU_-9dbiQ
ALANCHONG said:
Mega Link: mega.nz/#F!n65kVYIT!PKH8A1WoD_Nc4DU_-9dbiQ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the time, an error pops up at 12 seconds
Flash fail (-4002)
Log:
21:59:03.576 Arrival: \\?\USB#VID_05C6&PID_9008#5&13a74b18&0&11#{86e0d1e0-8089-11d0-9ce4-08003e301f73}
21:59:03.591 Thread '_PortDownloadThread' started
21:59:04.610 Get Port ...
21:59:04.610 _GetDevicePortName (0): COM5
21:59:04.630 _ComPort: COM5
21:59:04.640 Get Port (0)
21:59:04.650 Flash ...
21:59:09.668 _Connect (0)
21:59:09.668 Downloading flash programmer: C:\_qcMUP\v8016-SIGNED-VIZIO-user-IMAGES\v8016-SIGNED-VIZIO-user-IMAGES\prog_emmc_firehose_8916.mbn
21:59:14.669 Failed to read the command from the opened port
21:59:14.669 _FlashProgrammer (-4002)
21:59:15.700 Flash (-4002)
21:59:15.700 Flash fail (-4002)
21:59:15.731 Download ended: -4002
21:59:15.763 Thread '_PortDownloadThread' ended
konog said:
All the time, an error pops up at 12 seconds
Flash fail (-4002)
Log:
21:59:03.576 Arrival: \\?\USB#VID_05C6&PID_9008#5&13a74b18&0&11#{86e0d1e0-8089-11d0-9ce4-08003e301f73}
21:59:03.591 Thread '_PortDownloadThread' started
21:59:04.610 Get Port ...
21:59:04.610 _GetDevicePortName (0): COM5
21:59:04.630 _ComPort: COM5
21:59:04.640 Get Port (0)
21:59:04.650 Flash ...
21:59:09.668 _Connect (0)
21:59:09.668 Downloading flash programmer: C:\_qcMUP\v8016-SIGNED-VIZIO-user-IMAGES\v8016-SIGNED-VIZIO-user-IMAGES\prog_emmc_firehose_8916.mbn
21:59:14.669 Failed to read the command from the opened port
21:59:14.669 _FlashProgrammer (-4002)
21:59:15.700 Flash (-4002)
21:59:15.700 Flash fail (-4002)
21:59:15.731 Download ended: -4002
21:59:15.763 Thread '_PortDownloadThread' ended
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please check if the driver is installed

Bootloop Chinese Android car head unit, how to restore firmware?

My Chinese Android car head unit is stuck in a bootloop (the home screen shows but the unit reboots after a few seconds). I got a firmware zip file from the manufacturer (the zip contains files like scatter.txt, ramdisk2.img, boot.img and so on). However, I'm unable how to find out how on earth I can install this firmware and get out of my bootloop.
I have no access to Android itself (the system reboots too soon). There are no physical buttons to activate recovery mode. When I use a USB keyboard I can get into recovery by pressing ALT GR and PRT SCR but after a reset "no command" shows up and I'm stuck again...
Any help please?
Flashing instructions
[Apologies for the lengthy reply, I have to assume that you have no experience in flashing MTK SoC]
Sorry to hear that! I am also contemplating t buy a Chinese Android headunit with GPS but I am still contemplating. Reason being which model to buy? I am an avid Lenovo devices fan because in my part of the world models from Lenovo uses a lot of MTK SoC. (Any other other brand I buy is also a must to be on MTK SoC)
Ok! Now based on your short description I saw "scatter.txt" file mentioned so it is definitely an MTK devices, 100%.. When you boot loop you definitely will not be able to access any function, more so with a head unit that dont provide hardware buttons. I can only help you understand the method to reflash the firmware on MTK devices the rest you have to figure it out yourself.
The USB port is your key here. If the manufacturer did not provide you with USB "IN" (female) port which is not normal and only provide you with USB connectors you will have to decode/or just connect the wiring from the connectors to a USB female Port (which what China manufacturers do at the back of the head unit). There are also head units that provide ready to use USB port on the facia.
Whatever it is I cant tell you which port to use. This where you will have to experiment yourself.
Download MTK flashing tool "SP Flashtool" (find the ones that is suitable upto MTK device 6592 because it should be back ward compatible with older devices) The Chinese dont use the latest MTK SoC for their head units, that is only reserved for the high end heads.
Read up on how to install SP Flashtool on your PC and other accompanying Drivers you have to install, (if you only have a Mac go borrow somebodys Win7 or Win10 PC) there are no Mac SPFlashtool.
Once you have install according to SPFlashtool instructions you read. (It has to follow a certain sequence) e.g "1- ADB Driver" so on and so forth because if you dont follow the sequence it might fail to start the flashing operation. (You will not know it but I am pretty damn sure you will be cussing me).
First read up on how to install ADB driver for MTK devices correctly. Confident? Now try connecting your device to the PC experimenting to identify the correct USB port to use. If the ADB is installed correctly and you got the right USB from the device connected your PC wil give an audible sound( it should unconnected to condition evreytime you test). OK good connection! Only then try installing SP Flash tool and try a dry running the SPFT. If your installation is correct there should be either color changes to the SPFT window because it doesnt detect any devices.
You are good to go! Your MTK Android device should be in the "OFF" condition (after every shutdown there are still some operation running in the background,so it is a good practice to wait at least 5 seconds for it to be 100% OFF.) Run the SPFT fully loaded with the firmware dislayed in the SPFT window. Then initiate "Download" (make sure all indicators is at "download only" do not change this option or you are gonna have a really dead duck.) At this point the SPFT is active and waiting for you to attach the device to PC (before running make sure the PC and device is not connected yet!). If everything is per instructed ADB, USB Cables/Ports, SPFlashTool (download only) you will see color lines in the SPFT Window, wait till the end of process it will display notificatio. If the firmware is correct and you have attached and 12V DC source to the device it should boot up as fresh as new.(provided that the supplier gave you the correct firmware).
A word of advise these cheap head units normally bluff their actual Android version e.g actual KitKat advertised and displayed as Marshmallow. Best of luck!
The zip file attached are screenshots of the flashing process.
Thanks for your very elaborate information, but it won't work. The ZIP I got is an OTA zip file. The scatter.txt inside those zips isn't compatible with the SP Flash Tool.
wimpie3 said:
Thanks for your very elaborate information, but it won't work. The ZIP I got is an OTA zip file. The scatter.txt inside those zips isn't compatible with the SP Flash Tool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesnt the seller provide you with the original firmware? He only gave you an OTA?? Oh $#it! The OTA file is small probably a few Mb? The full firmware in your case should be around 800Mb upwards. You are right an OTA cannot use SPFT it can only be flash through the original recovery (not custom recovery). If its a popular Chinese model ML-CK1018 or Joying brand ( I assume you bought a Joying? Thats the only brand that release an OTA not long ago) There is remote possibility of getting the firmware.Anyway just give your brand and model number. I will try to look on Russian or Chinese site but no promises! Will try.
But I am pretty sure it is an MTK SoC since you can unzipped and it shows "scatter.txt" file. Most other SoC arent normally in zip format and have scatter file.
Sent from my HT70 using Tapatalk
The OTA ZIP file is about 900MB.
It's a NAVITOPIA 9 inch 4G LTE WIFI Head Unit with Android 6.0 2G + 32G.
I'm in the same boat, have a plastic bookend at the moment, will not connect to the PC because flashed and formatted my device with the update firmware!!!

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