Related
I usually stay up on devices, but my boss just bought a Galaxy Player 5.0, and I had never heard of the thing! And I OWN a Galaxy device...lol
He wants to know if I can do a few things to it;
1. Root (I know I can do that, there are ROMs in the dev section, which only exist w/ root I merely need to search for the root methods, I really don't need help with that)
2. Update to ICS (only if full functionality is there already, he doesn't want to lose any functions on his new device that he hasn't even taken the screen-sticker off of yet lol)
3. Make face-time phone calls/chat (I know I can make wi-fi calls with Groove IP, and maybe face-time with Qik, but wanted to confirm what the common methods were).
So on point 1 and 2, what is the difficulty/risks of rooting/flashing (being samsung, I figure this device is pretty straight-forward like other galaxy devices, but want an opinion from a user), you know this question is more device-specific (locked bootloaders, hboots, etc vary on each device, as well as methods, of course), I'm not looking on advice for rooting/not rooting as a noob
and on points 2 and 3, what are some opinions? Are the ICS ROMs complete...does Qik work for video chat? Is there an alternative to Qik, is there a preferred or most-advanced ICS ROM...basically I just don't have time to do this research myself on a device I don't own, I just want to be able to answer my boss' questions monday
Finally...is there anything particularly impressive that can be done with this device? A feature unique to the Galaxy Player only after it's rooted would be nice..or just standard root-access apps etc? (Obviously no wireless hotspot haha)
Any input would be useful to better my understanding!
Thanks!
luna_c666 said:
I usually stay up on devices, but my boss just bought a Galaxy Player 5.0, and I had never heard of the thing! And I OWN a Galaxy device...lol
He wants to know if I can do a few things to it;
1. Root (I know I can do that, there are ROMs in the dev section, which only exist w/ root I merely need to search for the root methods, I really don't need help with that)
2. Update to ICS (only if full functionality is there already, he doesn't want to lose any functions on his new device that he hasn't even taken the screen-sticker off of yet lol)
3. Make face-time phone calls/chat (I know I can make wi-fi calls with Groove IP, and maybe face-time with Qik, but wanted to confirm what the common methods were).
So on point 1 and 2, what is the difficulty/risks of rooting/flashing (being samsung, I figure this device is pretty straight-forward like other galaxy devices, but want an opinion from a user), you know this question is more device-specific (locked bootloaders, hboots, etc vary on each device, as well as methods, of course), I'm not looking on advice for rooting/not rooting as a noob
and on points 2 and 3, what are some opinions? Are the ICS ROMs complete...does Qik work for video chat? Is there an alternative to Qik, is there a preferred or most-advanced ICS ROM...basically I just don't have time to do this research myself on a device I don't own, I just want to be able to answer my boss' questions monday
Finally...is there anything particularly impressive that can be done with this device? A feature unique to the Galaxy Player only after it's rooted would be nice..or just standard root-access apps etc? (Obviously no wireless hotspot haha)
Any input would be useful to better my understanding!
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. You can root pretty easily. Here's the thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1424358
2. There are a couple of ICS ROMS, not fully functional. Bluetooth and Camera do not work, plus some other minor but significant bugs. Not yet flashable for my taste: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1572835
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1638601
3. Skype usually works wonderfully.
This is the ROM I personally use for the Galaxy Player 5.0: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1465144
This is the Kernel: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1445840
And you overclock with this tool (mine works at 1.4, but it can be stable at 1.6): https://play.google.com/store/apps/...EsImNvbS50ZWdyYWsub3ZlcmNsb2NrLnVsdGltYXRlIl0.
Related thread for overclocking: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1617739
I changed the DPI on this device from 240 to 200 (due to the low native resolution), and it looks a lot better that way. The downside it that you cannot download many apps from the Market, so you better apply that DPI after you download everything you need.
The GPS works even if you don't have an active wireless connection.
That's all I can remember now. I hope it helps.
Muchos gracias mi amigo
To clarify too, the GPS works without a wireless connection, but if you use it for offline navigation you have to download the maps before hand.
Yeah that's pretty standard, I had to do that on my Epic4G
Hi all. I am hoping for some very basic advice. I got a Kindle HDX 7 a few days ago. I have not connected it to wifi yet to avoid automatic updating of the firmware. When I go to settings>device>system update it tells me that my current firmware version is 13.3.0.5 installed on Jul, 30, 2013. From all I have read that is a good thing if I want to root my device.
The big question I have is if I actually should?
In a perfect scenario I could just replace the fire OS with a normal version of Android and not have any hassles. But I have heard that could play hell with battery life and I haven't actually found a good guide on how to do that safely with a KF HDX, so back to just rooting.
-Is there a comprehensive tutorial on how to root my device with it's current settings? I have looked but it is difficult to judge what is old/outdated information and what still works.
-How safe is this aka. how likely am I to brick my device just by rooting it (I'm a tech savvy user, but I wouldn't dare delve deeper than that) and how buggy are rooted devices if at all?
-How would I keep my device from upgrading automatically after rooting?
-Isn't the point of upgrades also to plug security holes that would compromise personal data? How would that work with never upgrading?
I would appreciate if the experienced rooters amongst you could advise me on this. Thank you!
Welcome. It is nice to see these questions asked before you have broken your device, as opposed to after. While I am by no means an expert, here are a few answers to get the ball rolling.
snorklm said:
In a perfect scenario I could just replace the fire OS with a normal version of Android and not have any hassles. But I have heard that could play hell with battery life and I haven't actually found a good guide on how to do that safely with a KF HDX, so back to just rooting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is entirely doable, not all builds are buggy.
snorklm said:
Is there a comprehensive tutorial on how to root my device with it's current settings? I have looked but it is difficult to judge what is old/outdated information and what still works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not completely, but since root is what you are after currently, go to the dev section and check out the roundup on the rooting tool. Read through the posts.
However, it is simple for you to root. You can go to towelroot and do it that way. Regardless, I suggest reading the dev threads to see some of the other options. Also, there is some good info in the rollback, now what? Threads in this section.
snorklm said:
How safe is this aka. how likely am I to brick my device just by rooting it (I'm a tech savvy user, but I wouldn't dare delve deeper than that) and how buggy are rooted devices if at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All it does is give you the option of allowing root permissions to an app. Root in it of itself is perfectly harmless. It won't change the function of the device at all if you do not utilize this new power. However, if an app (or you), change the wrong file, it could be devastating.
snorklm said:
How would I keep my device from upgrading automatically after rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are some block updates threads. Probably the easiest is to use the kindle fire xposed plugin (I think that still works). Be careful with xposed. It does allow you to make changes which can make your device unstable.
snorklm said:
Isn't the point of upgrades also to plug security holes that would compromise personal data? How would that work with never upgrading?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, and achieving root access is looked at as a security hole by Amazon. You also will be missing out on new "Features." This could include KitKat. Although, you can flash the new software with TWRP which if done correctly will be stable, but that will require a lot more reading. It is really only the custom builds which are unstable. They are buggy because they are not quite finished. Head over to the dev section to find out more. In the end, it all comes down to what you plan to do with it, and how much you plan to learn along the way.
Good luck,
Leko
Sent from my KFTHWI using Tapatalk
Hi Snorklm - welcome to the forums. The title of your post made my day
If you haven't already read through the response from Leko. Hits all the important points and mirrors what I was going to write (beat me to the punch).
Some additional thoughts:
- Be sure to block OTAs before connecting to WiFi. Your options will become much more restricted if Amazon pushes an update.
- I prefer HDX Toolkit to block OTAs. Xposed is great (I use many modules) but does carry some minor risks as Leko mentioned. Note HDX toolkit requires a tethered connection (standard USB cable is fine) along with installation of Kindle drivers on the host machine.
- While a bit more involved I suggest you consider installing TWRP which will provide more robust recovery options should something go wrong. It is very easy to do given your current firmware level. Life without TWRP (or similar recovery) is like driving without a seatbelt.
- I have been using ggow's excellent implementation of the Nexus ROM. Rock solid and functional. The only minor downside is its Jellybean roots. ggrow is currently working on bringing newer variants to the table; Lollipop seems likely at some point. CM11 and CM12 are also available (or being worked on) but have some minor issues that may or may not matter to you.
I know you were hoping for a step-by-step tutorial. While that may become reality someday I suggest you spend an evening reading through the forums before deciding on a course of action. Yup, a ton of information is old/confusing but there is no one right answer for everyone. Ask questions along the way. Lots of folks are happy/willing to help if you've done your homework.
Good luck!
lekofraggle said:
Welcome. It is nice to see these questions asked before you have broken your device, as opposed to after. While I am by no means an expert, here are a few answers to get the ball rolling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the overview and answering my questions! I'm still iffy on the whole process but I'm going to do some reading before I decide if this is for me .
Davey126 said:
Some additional thoughts:
- Be sure to block OTAs before connecting to WiFi. Your options will become much more restricted if Amazon pushes an update.
- I prefer HDX Toolkit to block OTAs. Xposed is great (I use many modules) but does carry some minor risks as Leko mentioned. Note HDX toolkit requires a tethered connection (standard USB cable is fine) along with installation of Kindle drivers on the host machine.
- While a bit more involved I suggest you consider installing TWRP which will provide more robust recovery options should something go wrong. It is very easy to do given your current firmware level. Life without TWRP (or similar recovery) is like driving without a seatbelt.
- I have been using ggow's excellent implementation of the Nexus ROM. Rock solid and functional. The only minor downside is its Jellybean roots. ggrow is currently working on bringing newer variants to the table; Lollipop seems likely at some point. CM11 and CM12 are also available (or being worked on) but have some minor issues that may or may not matter to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I'm especially grateful that you name-dropped some specific recommendations because it gives me a starting point to research. I have already read about TWRP (though as of yet I have no idea how to install it) and I will definitely take a look at HDX Toolkit.
I am probably going to try rooting while keeping an eye on the stock Android variant. I'm not sure if I'm ever going to be brave/clever enough to dare try that though. Bricking my device would seriously make me cry .
I have one more question about the Firmware versions (well, I probably have several, but this is the only one I remember right now.) I have seen somewhere on this forum that you can also upgrade the amazon firmware manually until you have the version you want instead of getting pushed to the newest one from amazon itself. Is that correct? If yes, which is the best version to stop on while still being able to root and keeping the option of stock Android open? I ask because I would like to strike a balance between a reasonably upgraded OS and one I still can do stuff with without getting nannied by amazon.
Here is where I recomend you start reading.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2986004
This is the link for the thor twrp.
Here is how a normal device works.
You gain root permissions, and then if you mess up, you jump into a recovery and fix things. You probably (definitely) will lose some data, but you learn, curse, and move on with your life.
However, the bootloader of the Kindle hdx is locked. This means that if you cannot boot right, and you cannot get to recovery, you have a 200 paperweight.
Now, on the old firmware, brilliant people found a way to unlock (sort of) the bootloader. So, you have a pretty universal reset switch. This is why the recommendation is there to grab twrp. It really is helpful if you have a hankering to tinker. In reality there is less of a risk of bricking the device with it. Once you have it, then you can update to the newest firmware (in theory) if you do so the right way, you still keep twrp.
Now, if you want root and do not care about the safety belt, update to 13.4.5.2 and root it, but block updates.
But know, you lose the option of twrp at that point.
I hope this helps.
~Leko
Sent from my KFTHWI using Tapatalk
Edit: whether you go the easy route, and choose towelroot (just google it or go to towelroot.com for that route), the more involved twrp, or something in between, I highly recommend you learn what adb is and how to use it. The hdx toolkit comes with the drivers and it is not too difficult to use, but it is essential if you get into a sticky situation. Here is the toolkit link.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2665683
lekofraggle said:
I hope this helps.
~Leko
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, this helps. Thank you! :good:
lekofraggle said:
Now, if you want root and do not care about the safety belt, update to 13.4.5.2 and root it, but block updates.
But know, you lose the option of twrp at that point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@snorklm - you can go up to 13.3.2.6, secure root and still retain the option to later install TWRP and a different ROM without having to engage Amazon for a downgrade (you will still have to roll your device back to an earlier FW before installing TWRP but you can do this yourself). Note the 13.3.x.x series is based on the previous version of Fire OS (which in turn is based on Jellybean) but it remains perfectly serviceable. A lot is happening with more recent Amazon firmwares which ultimately may allow other ROMs and recoveries to be installed without having to downgrade to 13.3.x.x. Keep an eye on the forums.
Thanks for starting this topic snorklm. I was thinking in the same way whether it's worth to get it rooted or not.
I don't mind about the warranty as I think I will not break my Kindle Fire some how, just care about the services from Amazon Prime.
Actually I already contact Amazon service to roll back to version 3.2.5 and I'm waiting for the instruction email. My plan is going to root it, play around with the device then if something doesn't satisfy me, I will do un-root.
Would anyone show us the real advantages of rooting Kindle Fire here? As far as I know basic users just root their device to install Google Play Store which can be done on other un-rooted ones (like the method of Imma Wake) I still like Amazon service for Movies streaming so I'm a bit confused of what to do next, keep update it accordingly or give Rooting a try
Please share more your stories here.
Thank you
leoclark said:
Thanks for starting this topic snorklm. I was thinking in the same way whether it's worth to get it rooted or not.
Would anyone show us the real advantages of rooting Kindle Fire here?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ran with 3.2.6 (rooted) for nearly a year before installing a different ROM. I was able to obtain most apps from either the Amazon store or 1Moble. The primary reason I rooted was to squash various Amazon services that launch at boot and consume resources in the background (CPU, memory, battery). Goodreads, FreeTime and numerous communication services to name a few. I also wanted to install Xposed for a few modules I find especially handy and block OTAs to retain maximum flexibility. I side loaded many gapps but never installed the play store and associated services. Also Opera (never liked Silk). I retained my Prime privileges and for the most part enjoyed the mostly stock tablet as Amazon intended. Ultimately I began to miss some purchased apps not available elsewhere and longed for Apex or Nova. Other launchers can be made to run on Fire OS but the experience isn't as fluid. There is also something to be said about having a fairly consistent UI across my various Android devices.
While Fire OS isn't horrible I recommend rooting (when possible) and blocking OTAs to maximize current/future options As others have pointed out the act of rooting generally does not introduce instability unless the method used to exploit a vulnerability has side effects or the conditions for root are not fully met. There are some risks as you now have the power to brick your device. SuperSU (or similar privilege manager) is your friend and should keep you out of trouble if used judiciously.
Hello Devs and Guys
I have been rooting and flashing ROMS from last few years most probably from my first device HTC Desire S to Samsung, Mi, Moto, then OnePlus(op1, op2, op3,) now shifted to Poco F1.
I have been tried and wasted few hours a month to flash, finding ROMS and reading mobile tech blogs...
I really appreciate the devs working and supporting for our nightmare mobiles.
But now I am thinking other than blocking ADS and debloating, (for deBloat root not required even), for what purpose we need to root and unlock? (After the device is unlocked, it becomes less secure and more vulnerable and Some features which require high security level (e.g., banking apps, Find device, added-value services, etc.) will no longer be available. and Magisk hide feature is not up to the mark.
Let me know your opinion about unlock and rooting
thank you
frankly its your personal choice~
who wana unlock and root will always go ahead irespective of security risks!
and who wana stay hassle free of the world beyond unlocked bootloader will stick to stockrom
regarding security apps I use my chrome browser for any online payment, its okay for me if banking app doesn't run! i am not gona exchange my freedom over couple of sensitive apps!
I personally hate MIUI apps and the unnecessary notifications that they keep sending. I know I can turn it off but then again the deal breaker for me in case MIUI is the lockscreen notification. Once you unlock the phone and see one notification, it won,t show up again in the lockscreen. The list goes on. I won't comment on rooting cause that's just an add on advantage based on perspective. So yeah, if you can live with miui and all its "features" Then there's no point unlocking the bootloader and flashing custom ROM.
@YusuHamed you took the words right off my keypad. I couldn't have said it better.
thanks for your all replies dears,
First let me unlock and flash a couple of roms
Thank you
Just unlocked and flashed the Pixel Experience, I just loved this new [10.0][beryllium] Pixel Experience [AOSP]
working like a charm and very butter smooth, thanks once again
96thippesh said:
Just unlocked and flashed the Pixel Experience, I just loved this new [10.0][beryllium] Pixel Experience [AOSP]
working like a charm and very butter smooth, thanks once again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
attached the screenshot of android Q (Pixel Experience)
Hi everyone,
let me preface this with saying that I have searched for similar threads to avoid redundant threads, and I didn't find anything similar to this. I apologize in case I somehow missed it and am accidentally making a duplicate thread. That said, let's continue.
I recently got a Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S. I really love the hardware - it's pretty good for its price; the battery capacity is high, I like the 90Hz refresh rate and the AMOLED screen, decent storage capacity, and the 33W fast charging is really cool too.
The software, however, is another story. Firstly, there is a lot of bloatware. Various stores, games, etc. that I never asked for. And even worse, secondly, on every corner there is a privacy violation. Every time I clicked on a different app, I needed to accept a different user agreement, privacy policy, or something similar. The camera app literally requires an internet connection and yet another ToS agreement to use. And I've looked into such an agreement to see what they do, and apparently they reserve the right to look at your screen's displayed contents. What. The. F-
I would really like to use this device as it is an upgrade over my current phone, but man, I'm not using it with the default software. For this reason I came here to ask about which custom ROMs are good for my purposes. I would like something that has few invasive features and other spyware, and is also relatively open for customization and such as I like to be in control of the hardware I own.
Thanks in advance for any replies.
I have yet to find a device specific ROM for this phone. Apparently they're hard to develop because the chip manufacturer (Mediatek) doesn't release their source code? You could try a GSI but that's beyond my skillset.
To make me feel a bit better about my privacy I've used Debloater to uninstall the bloat that I don't want on the phone at all. I then use AFWall+ to block the apps that I want to use but don't trust from accessing the internet.
Note that this requires rooting your phone, but that's straightforward these days.
Hi, thanks for the reply.
I'm new to the community. Could you please explain me what a GSI is?
Those things sound like a good idea for the time being. I'll look into them when I have more time. As for rooting, I'm sure there's countless of guides out there. If you know a good one I'd appreciate it, but I'm sure that out of everything, this is the one thing I'll easily manage myself.
Though while this is a good temporary solution, I still feel uneasy about it as it's not necessarily specific apps, but the OS itself that does the spying, so I think I'll wait and see if someone else replies with more suggestions. Perhaps someone in this forum is some kind of custom ROM genius. Despite that, I really appreciate your reply and not getting judged for being new. Have a nice day/evening/morning (depending on your time zone).
A GSI is a Generic System Image - basically it's a ROM that isn't tailored to a specific device, but will broadly work on any device. However this means that it's likely to be a little bit buggy on most devices. I don't know much about GSIs, but I'm sure there are threads on here.
I believe that the only Android 11 GSI that is still maintained is the Google GSI. You'd want the aosp_arm64_ab build for this device I think. I have no idea how well this would work, I don't even know how you'd flash it!
This is my guide for rooting this phone, it's pretty straightforward I think, once you've got the bootloader unlocked.
Root POCO M4 Pro 4G (fleur) using Magisk
Rooting the POCO M4 Pro 4G (fleur) turned out to be quite straightforward. Note, I have a 2201117PG (EEA), you may have a different experience, it's not my fault if you brick your phone etc. Backup before you start as this will wipe your phone...
forum.xda-developers.com
Well, if - as it seems - the device support GSI builds, you can go with \e\ (aka deGoogled-Lineage):
Topics tagged gsi
Topics tagged gsi
community.e.foundation
No custom rom due to mediatek chipset , should have bought snapdragon device
Aj_$tyle$ said:
No custom rom due to mediatek chipset , should have bought snapdragon device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BTW Generic System Images works on *any* treble-compatible (= Android 8+) SoC...
forart.eu said:
BTW Generic System Images works on *any* treble-compatible (= Android 8+) SoC...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GSI has bugs in poco m4 pro
Aj_$tyle$ said:
GSI has bugs in poco m4 pro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What bug?
Aj_$tyle$ said:
GSI has bugs in poco m4 pro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please report @ \e\ community then:
GSI
Find details about the work done and progress made on Generic System Image (GSI) for /e/ in this section.
community.e.foundation
Gliese 832 c said:
Hi everyone,
let me preface this with saying that I have searched for similar threads to avoid redundant threads, and I didn't find anything similar to this. I apologize in case I somehow missed it and am accidentally making a duplicate thread. That said, let's continue.
I recently got a Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S. I really love the hardware - it's pretty good for its price; the battery capacity is high, I like the 90Hz refresh rate and the AMOLED screen, decent storage capacity, and the 33W fast charging is really cool too.
The software, however, is another story. Firstly, there is a lot of bloatware. Various stores, games, etc. that I never asked for. And even worse, secondly, on every corner there is a privacy violation. Every time I clicked on a different app, I needed to accept a different user agreement, privacy policy, or something similar. The camera app literally requires an internet connection and yet another ToS agreement to use. And I've looked into such an agreement to see what they do, and apparently they reserve the right to look at your screen's displayed contents. What. The. F-
I would really like to use this device as it is an upgrade over my current phone, but man, I'm not using it with the default software. For this reason I came here to ask about which custom ROMs are good for my purposes. I would like something that has few invasive features and other spyware, and is also relatively open for customization and such as I like to be in control of the hardware I own.
Thanks in advance for any replies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The most privacy friendly rom is GrapheneOS but it only supports Pixel devices sadly.
Hello, so after quick realization that I'm not going to get far(easily) with modifying my Samsung S22, I want to ask YOU.
Which brands/models are the easiest to get Magisk up and running with SafetyNet and other google/banking apps working, and which ones to avoid? Like Samsung
Only criteria that the model should be relatively popular, not necessarily new
Thank you!
Recently, I was asking myself the same question, and after some research, I found out that Pixel devices are the best option.
It's very easy to unlock the bootloader and install magisk, tons of manuals. Also, there are many models to choose from.
I might add which phones have the best custom roms and have the best camera support?