Related
hi, i am new on the forum so hello to everyone. I joined as i have recently been given a Viewpad7 as a present. i only wanted a 7 inch tablet and didnt have the funds for an ipad/transformer etc, they were a bit on the large size.
i have read a bit about the device and have had a chance at trying it out at one of our local shops. it certainly was a lot faster and more sturdy that the storage options 7" device.
i may be interested in rooting the device and have read up a bit about it on various threads on this forum. i get 50% of what is being said but 50% goes over my head at the moment.
i have an htc android phone and one of the things that is really frustrating is the fact that the memory fills so quickly if you add too many apps. i have been told rooting a device will allow more apps as it allows install to the disc rather than the internal memory...i am presuming this will be the same for a tablet allbeit most have a larger internal memory??
i have heard that the android 2.2 is not great with tablets as it is designed really for the moblie phone? is this the case for the viewpad?
i am presuming that a rooted tablet can use slightly amended operating systems with some tweaks?
can anyone tell me what other benefits there are...
Gingerbreak sounds a good one from what i have read as it is based on the android 3 software...
if there isnt a need to root it i will carry on as is but if there are a lot of benefits i might as well root it when i first get it before i load anything onto it...i will have to learn some of the jargon like 'adb shell' to make sure i dont end up with a brick.....what are the risks in rooting and how often do things not turn out better?
sorry for all the questions....
atb
forgot to ask is there a youtube guide to rooting where i could watch someone going through the stages etc
Hi
Here is the link to video guide for rooting viewpad 7 (or variant like mine - commtiva lynx n700): http://www.techofweb.com/technology/root-viewsonic-viewpad-7-superoneclick.html
With rooted system you can actually do a lot of tweaks like flashing altered core, which will give you possibility to overclock a bit, it will also give the ability to install applications which can require root like Titanium Backup (total backup of all applications, their settings and data) and others.
With rooted device you can also change how your desktop looks, changing even notification icons or dialogue windows or buttons.
Then as you mentioned rooting opens a way to use cores which allows you to store applications, data and java machine cache to a partition on SD card (ext2, 3 or 4) and this will give you a way to install lot more apps than on non rooted tablet.
I can see a lot of benefits in rooting tablet, I have done it 2 days after purchasing n700. Installing new roms will not always give you a stable, fast working tablet, there are reboots sometimes for no apparent reason, there is sometimes a lot of fun flashing another rom and restoring all your apps and data and rearranging desktop to how is was.
What are the risks - if you start wisely and flash proper recovery first and do a system backup first - chances to brick your device permanently are slim. But if you start flashing a device with a new rom right away - you may end up with a non working device and a need to find a stock rom. Because before you can flash rom you must flash recovery, which gives you the ability to flash a rom designed for your device. I haven't read of anyone who bricked tablet when trying to root it.
I've heard about some stack with non working rom (boot loop) and asking for stock one. But there is always a way to flash non altered rom for your device (after flashing recovery which is kind of application like bios but without all those options to change device settings).
But behind all this, which is for altered pads lovers just a fun - you will have a device which is far more functional then the stock one.
Have fun
Jaredj
hi...i think i will root it at least, but not sure if i will bother with any of the roms. doesnt look like there are many available for this tablet, although i may be looking in the wrong places...
atb
rooted it...use the one click but it wouldnt do it with the latest so i used one of the older versions and it did it...
now...now that it is rooted can i get rid of any of the clutter like the stock browser and any of the other stuff i wont use as i will download other apps??
will titanium backup copy the whole system for me, i have seen a post about backing up the viewpad but it was using the command prompt and i am not confident doing this...what is the easiest way of doing a full backup in case i brick it??
atb
another question i have is will rooting the pad now mean that i can save more apps onto it...it is showing about 80mb of space left at the moment...if so how do i get it to save everything to my sd card?
atb
Another point....now i am getting into this device. i have copied some of my films onto disc to put in this... some mp4 some h.264 [i think] files both with mp3 audio but the player on the viewpad just says it cant play them...it hasnt opened any video files yet!!!!
atb
nothing seems to be working here...i have emailed viewsonic support and have now been told this unit only supports 3GP playback????????
atb
Install a better video player app, I use rockplayer myself to play avi files.
Further I would recommend you search and read the forums, there is a lot of info to be found and most of your questions will already have been answered in the past.
have now tried rockplayer but still no joy. it will play small files up to 70mb but anything bigger seems to bring the sorry cannot play video warning... have tried altering some of the settings in the 3GP format but still no joy. have also noticed it wont paly any of the youtube videos through the app at HQ, but it will play them all at a lower quality...really did want this to hold films to play on the move but as yet cannot seem to get them to play no matter which palyer... not sure if it may be a problem with the unit?
will do some more reading!!
atb
Hello all,
let me present my self as a beginner in the world of Android.
It has come an Star A3 to my hands, with Android 4.0 and among all great things of IceCream, few Chinese apps I want to get rid of
the phone is rooted (well, one headache less)
I have flash the recovery 592zn.com_recovery_Star_A3_MT6573.img with Mobileuncle tools (included in the mobile originally) and done a Boot/System/Data/Cache Nandroid backup
Apps I want to eliminate :
Baidu input (and add the standard input keyboard)
own Chinese launcher (I have already install LauncherPro, but I would love to get rid of the Chinese one completely)
UC xxxxx (some Chinese browser)
Root Explorer (Chinese version, to be able to install the English one)
ICS 4.0 (also Chinese version)
a Chinese flash-light
a Chinese dark/light switch screen
a Chinese version of the configuration menu
so, basically to keep a clean Android
so, where I have to look for help on how to do that ??
what short of help / tutorial am I looking for ?
I have installed:
http://www.ltr-data.se/opencode.html/#ImDisk
to be able to mount the nandroid img files in windows7-x64
but I can't see anything, it ask me to format the unit (?)
similar with Daemon Tools .
any help will be greatly appreciated.
thanks in advance.
InTheater
My advice since you're rooted is install Titanium Backup and use it to uninstall everything you don't want. It's a root app that can get rid of virtually anything.
Seeing as you have a nandroid backup, in the unlikely case that the device won't boot at all without one or more of those apps, you can just restore the backup you have.
SifJar said:
My advice since you're rooted is install Titanium Backup and use it to uninstall everything you don't want. It's a root app that can get rid of virtually anything.
Seeing as you have a nandroid backup, in the unlikely case that the device won't boot at all without one or more of those apps, you can just restore the backup you have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Beautiful, it works like a charm !!
I have been able to get rid off all Chinese stuff
thanks
Star A3 for dummies
Hello
Ok I have searched for hours (as the video asked) and I cannot find an "android for dummies" guide. I dont know what a "root" is or what "titanium" is... so I may have found the correct forum - but I just don't understand it.
So the problem is this:
I bought a touch screen DualSim Android 2.3 GPS 3G MTK6573 Phone Star A3.
It arrived today BUT it has some chinese programmes on it (that I would like to clear) and I cannot seem to download any additional apps for it.
google.play wont work (apparently it doesnt support the device)
It has a few basic apps - but nothing wild or that I guess can't be re-downloaded again.
What would you recommend I do - do I wipe it and install something new or what. and if so please can someone explain it to me in small "for dummy" steps
I am not sure what else I need to tell you to give you abetter pic, but ideally I'd like this phone to work on the google apps system (or can you point me to where I can get similar apps)
On the "about phone" the
android version is 2.3.5
Kernel version is 2.6.35.7
I would really appreciate any help you can give me
Thanks
My first advice would be to try and achieve root on the phone. This should be relatively easy on a Chinese phone, most don't have great security.
Basically, "root" means to get increased permissions on the phone. There are certain files and actions on the phone that normally you can't do. With root, you can. Think of it as somewhat like logging into a computer as an Administrator rather than a standard user.
"getting root" basically means installing a hack to let apps on your phone do more than they could otherwise e.g. uninstall preinstalled apps.
To "root" your phone, you can use a tool like SuperOneClick or UnlockRoot. For both, you follow a few instructions, plug in your phone and click "Root" in the program, it'll work out the best way to do it for your phone and do it.
Once that is all done, there is a guide here for getting Google Apps (e.g. Play Store) working on unsupported devices: https://senk9.wordpress.com/2010/12...ogle-apps-gapps-on-your-android-device-phone/
Once you get Play Store working, Titanium Backup is an app you can install from there. Using root, it can uninstall any app you want.
Be careful with all this, if you're not you could break your phone.
educated dummy
Thank you so much! - and such a fast reply too!!!
I really apprecate your patience in explaining this all to me.
It sounds relatively straight forward - I will have a look at those progs and link you suggest tomorrow.
Obviously I dont want to break the phone either, then it would be more useless then it is already
Fingers crossed - will let you know how I get on.
Hi all,
Watched the video so I thought I would tag onto this thread instead of starting a new one.
Just bought a cheap star a3 dual sim android phone. This my foray into android phones and I am having some weird issues. Just a first note I have just rooted the phone but these issues where here before and after rooting. The A3 is a htc sensation clone i believe when my other half who has a htc desire tries to call the phone the phone goes straight into answer phone and rejects the call, she is on giff gaff in the uk and i have tried both a 3 network and orange sim and it happens on both. There is some weird chinese security software that I trying get remove but its seems very stubbon. Anyone any ideas. Ps battery life is awfull i only seem to get 6 hours from full to dead without hardly any use. Maybe I have loads running but unsure what I need to keep running.
Please help.
I have the star a3
Google play works perfectly. If you PM me, I am happy to send you the apk file for google play.
since you are rooted, I strongly suggest you get root explorer installed so you can go through and remove all the chinese apps.
Make sure you remove "himarket" its a big battery hog.
To the person who says their calls go straight to voicemail, remember this is a dual sim dual *standby* if you are using 2g or 3g cell data on one sim then the other sim cannot make or receive calls.
Also, there is no ICS for the Star A3, its just a skin on top of Gingerbread to make it look like ICS, if you go to settings, about phone and look, the version number will be 2.3.4 or 2.3.5 which means its gingerbread (if you really do have 4.0.1 ICS I would love to get a copy of the ROM for it!)
Just a noob sharing some thoughts, hope it can help some other noobs like me.
A no wipe in my book:
Here is how i do a no wipe.
In recovery, mount and storage and choose format system.
Go back and wipe Cache and Dalvik
Install / flash the rom.
A full wipe in my book:
Into recovery, mount and storage and format system, data and cache.
Go back, wipe/ reset data, cache and dalvik.
Install/flash rom
Format of the internal SD:
Here is what i do:
Make a app backup with TB to my external sd
Make a nandroid to my external sd
Make sure i also have a efs backup on my external sd
I only save mods, roms on my internal sd in my download map and this map i move to my external sd.
Then i reboot to recovery.
Mount and storage and format internal sd.
And to be save and have it nice a clean, also format system, data and cache and because i am not only a flashohalic but also a cleanohalic, i then wipe/reset factory reset, cache and dalvik.
Probably a big overkill, but he, done it several times it works for my and it only cause a few seconds.
Then i reboot, skip the setup/registration, move my download map back to my internal sd (don't like flashing from external sd).
Back in cwm, again a full wipe which includes the formats data, system and cache.
Then flash the rom and setting it up.
This way, you have a nice clean fresh S3, but and this is a big BUT.
Backup, backup backup and don't forget a efs backup to your external sd and pc.
Don't think lightly about those backups, when imei is broken and you don't have a backup, your a done, only thing left is a visit to Samsung.
Good luck when you are going for it.
And i know, Aroma installer is also doing some automatic wiping, but i am just a bit old fashion and like to do some stuff manually.
Bootloader.
As you all know, the new bootloader can be a pain in the ass.
But, i am still not sure that Samsung only released the new bootloader just to discourages us to flash custom stuff.
So, if you like flashing stuff and you are on the new bootloader like me, just remember when you entered recovery and you are done flashing stuff, use Triangle Away from Chainfire,
But, for some, like on my wifes phone, the latest version works without problem, but on my S3, i need to use the older version, 2.37, why, don't have a glue.
Not all S3 are the same, although have the same name and using the same chipsets.
But you can also use the old bootloaders, with does, you just have to run Triangle Away just once, when entering recovery, it will not count.
Your own choose.
About Sudden Death.
A lot of threads are open for this.
My 5 cents:
I have the "sudden Death" chips VTU00M chip with 0xf1 on both our phones.
Mine is running since 27 may 2012 without problems, still fast and smooth.
The other is up and running since 31 Augustus 2012 and also still fast and smooth.
Both have been rooted from day one, the only thing i do, is turning the devices off completely for a few minutes 4 to 5 times a week.
Old habit to clear memory, anyway, gives me time to do a good cleaning of my screen.
Here is the code to check your revision and to see from which day you are running your S3 *#12580*369#
Further more, AndreiLux found i string in the ELLA kernels released by Samsung that looks like that it solves the sudden death issue.
So, if indeed if fixes this issue, then off course the latest kernels releases from Sammy has also the fix and not just the custom kernels.
As far as i know, all the custom kernels has the fixes integrated this string by now, but i myself like the stock kernels, Indie puts in the Omega Roms.
Phil3759 has also made a repack of recovery based on CWM touch 6.0.2.7 to get it all safe.
More to come in the future, because i am learning everyday here on XDA and like to share and help others.
Edit, here is quote from AndreiLux about the new bootloader:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=37163086&postcount=1298
Do I need any particular Bootloader? No - There is no evidence to suggest this fixes anything
Apparently that's wrong, download mode on the device uses a microkernel from inside the bootloader instead of the full blown Linux kernel. When flashing something via Odin in download mode you'd be using the bootloader's MMC driver and thus be at risk.
All-day users are still safe via recovery and live kernel, but are not advised to flash things in download mode with an older bootloader. This also explains why they updated the bootloader in LLA. The security checks are a mere update to bring it up with what the 9305 and Note 2 users already have in terms of not able to get rid of the exclamation mark.
Personal note:
Maybe i am seeing this wrong, to much thinking in terms of home computers, but here is some thoughts regarding above.
From cold, turned off device,.
Turning the device on, micro kernel inside the bootloader kicks in to send information how to start the device correctly.
If it works this way and you are on the old bootloader, then every time you start the device with the old bootloader, you are at risk?
Some useful links:
My struggle with TA
Omega roms S3
Chris_84 Faq
Triangle Away
http://www.chainfire.eu/articles/118/Triangle_Away_vs_Samsung/
Old bootloader
Philz recovery
https://www.google.nl/search?q=andr...s=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.electricsheep.asi&hl=nl
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...sIm5ldC52aW5hZ3JlLmFuZHJvaWQuZW1tY19jaGVjayJd
Here i will post stuff that comes along the road like question about batterystats at recovery.
We used to have a option to wipe the battery stats at recovery, also there are some tools at Play store that claims to give a better battery life by just wiping those stats.
But after reading this excellent article, it comes clear that wiping those stats are bull.
So i am glad that option isn't available anymore and perhaps in time, the questions about those stats will faint away in oblivion
And another one i like to share.
Fast Dormancy.
Here is a great article about it, made by Erica.
For me, my provider is saying it's not supporting FD, but when use the method to check, it is supported.
So i tested it for a few days on and off and found that when it's off, i do get some better battery life, but it's just minor.
Instead of losing 5% battery at 8 hours standby, i lost 6%.
Also, i didn't see any benefits in speeds, so i turn it off every time after a flash of a new rom using gokhanmoral tool.
Another thing i like to add.
Wifi.
I have seen many posts about wifi problems.
Here what always works for me.
Sometimes just a reboot of the router will help.
Also, i find changing from dynamic (default) to static that my connection is faster connecting to my router (always use the never setting at wifi advanced to save battery).
Here is how to do it the easy way.
First set it up using it with the default dynamic settings, this way all will be filled in for you.
To change it to static.
Long press your connection and choose modify network config and check show advanced options.
Scroll down a bit and tap on IP settings and choose Static.
And that is all, now you have changed it to static and there is no more need for ip adress to negotiation any more.
https://www.google.nl/search?q=wifi...s=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
Also if still having problems, adding some more permissions can solve it.
I use root explorer for this
ETC > Long press wifi folder and choose permissions (remember to change Mount R/W to Mount R/O) and check all nine boxes.
Hit back and go to Data > Misc and again long press wifi folder and again, check all nine boxes.
Space
I know, i am a control freak and i hate it when i see space just vanish.
So did some search and found a thumbnail map with more then 1gb size.
Looked at some submaps and i only saw some old stuff.
So, selected all the submaps and just deleted it without problems and gain more then a gb free space.
Here is where you can find it using root explorer:
storage > sdcard0 > .thumbnails.
Edit:
As bigmo7 pointed out, the thumbnails will be rebuild, but off course not off stuff that isn't present on the S3 anymore.
So, if you are someone that is just making pictures or making / creating movies and never delete then from your S3, there is no point off deleting the thumbnails.
But if you like me, moving, creating copying and deleting this kind off stuff, then you can gain space.
Battery life
Always a hot item.
First all, the S3 is a mini computer and computers need juice, just remember this.
Here are some stuff i always do after flashing a new rom.
If the rom comes with a aroma installer which let you select stuff to install or not install, look careful to the list.
Stuff you don't use, can just eat resources and i myself, just find it a waste.
Next, after flashing and setting up the new rom, you will be presented with the option to use wifi.
I always go to advanced when making a wifi connection to choose Never when phone is in standby.
For me, but this can be different for you, wifi is a bit off a drainer so do some testing, let it run overnight with Always selected and another night with Never and see the difference.
Next you will be present if you want to restore and let google backup your phone.
I always deselect backup my phone, first reason, i am a control freak and i decide when and what i want to backup.
And second it can give you wakelocks and this will cost you battery life.
Next step i do is going into settings and to sounds, i don't like the clicking sounds and i deselect all the system sounds.
Next, location services and deselect GPS and Location and Google search.
I want GPS active only when i need it, some apps like Facebook will activate GPS when running and i don't like this.
And i don't want Google to know where i am all the time.
Some weather apps needs Location and Google search to determine your location, but i use Weather pro and it don't need it.
Next step is going into accounts and look what you have selected for syncing.
I always deselect Google photos, Internet and Picasa web albums.
Stuff i don't need .
Location settings at accounts is also off.
Next step is using the Fast Dormancy toggle to disable Fast Dormancy, although my provider is supporting it, enabled costs me a little more juice. Although it's minor, but a lot off minors things makes it bigger .
Then starting Playstore and at settings, deselect Notifications.
And finally freeze stuff i don't use with Titanium Backup pro.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=31576747&postcount=105
All this, is giving me a great battery life, with screen on time between 4 1/2 to 6 1/2 hours, depends what i am doing.
And with the latest JB roms, 1 to 2% battery los in 7 hours standby.
No need for me to toggle Airplane mode, mobiledata or some other powersaving setting or app.
I am also always running the stock insecure kernel that comes with the rom, for me no need for a custom one.
Reserved
KeesStolk said:
I only save mods, roms on my internal sd in my download map and this map i move to my external sd.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, when we flash a rom that already has mods ... do you know a way to save them ? (where to find them)
I mean. For example, my rom has a mod (and theme) on the toggles (pandoriam i9305). How can I save that mod ? Do you know a good tutorial to learn (safe) modding ?
thorcyar said:
Hello, when we flash a rom that already has mods ... do you know a way to save them ? (where to find them)
I mean. For example, my rom has a mod (and theme) on the toggles (pandoriam i9305). How can I save that mod ? Do you know a good tutorial to learn (safe) modding ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never save mods because most of the time when flashing a new rom, it's based on a new build and not every time mods are compatible, just like some themes by the way.
I just safe the mod files and thems, when i am sure they are compatible, i just flash them again.
Indie's Omega roms has already a lot of mods in it by default by the way, but i don't think he was for a 9305.
Good work Kees! Now I'm learning from you.
Chris_84 said:
Good work Kees! Now I'm learning from you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your kind words, but it is l who is learning from you every day .
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
and why dint i see this , brilliant my friend .... one of the best posts , well explained and really good stuff all at one place
thanks my friend
vegeta1 said:
and why dint i see this , brilliant my friend .... one of the best posts , well explained and really good stuff all at one place
thanks my friend
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much, but from you, Chris, Indie and the rest of the omega team are the ones I learn all this great stuff every day.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
i always feel like a noob when ever i read here
big big thanks my friend for pointing out all this so nicely
Very nice posts KeesStolk. Maybe you should write a manual for us?
I'm about to post this in Q&A (searching for an answer brought me here )
I just (3 days ago) upgraded my Omega ROM to v40. All seemed fine - I did as normal but in v35, my last Omega there wasn't a Full Wipe option. I chose not to wipe and everything went as per usual with Omega. I reinstalled my extras (6 x 5 icons, Loud phone hack, Increasing ring phone, Note2 Keybd) and was back to normal.
Except, now my apps will not update.
I found out the hard way. I had a problem with Play Store - open it and it would flash briefly then close. Tried all I knew of but nothing worked so, logic said, Omega v40 is different enough I need a wipe and that why they put it in there as a choice this time. (I checked the Omega thread and couldn't see anything relevant but I was in the pub at the time and may not have been as thorough as I should have been)
I had a TB backup and Nandroid on my ExtSD from 2 days back and an EFS so I ran the install again and chose Full Wipe - again everything went well... until I tried to download TB so I could restore all my apps and data. Play Store opened and stayed Open (yaaaay!) and TB acts like it is downloading but nothing comes through - it just sits until it times out on an error.
I tried several apps and none would DL but then AuWeather DL'd just fine. I went back to TB - no go.
After much frustration I Restored my Nandroid and got back to where I was (Omega v35) but still I can't DL and update for TB. At least Play Store stays open though. I tried running the v40 update again, installing the Default, just in case, (& I have just finished DL'ing v41) but the DL/Update problem persists.
I'm now on:
AP – I9300XXEMA2
CP – I9300BUELK1
CSC – I9300LBEMA1
RF cal – 2012.6.28
HW Rev – MP 1.100
Any ideas? If I can't DL TB once I have flashed, I can't get my data back so a wipe isn't really an option until I fix the DL issues.
As I said, this will also be in Q&A but you seem to have a good grasp on the basics so I thought maybe...? :fingers-crossed:
So... I tried restoring back to v35 and got the same problem. And yet that version has been running since v35 came out, at least a couple of months. So I did it again but this time used the Android Revolution Wipe zip, then a straight install of v35. I could then load TB from Play Store and restore my apps and data. Phone seems back to normal now although I have lost some logs data from the couple of days between my backup and now - no biggie... I also now can update my apps.
So it seems it is something to do with Omega v40.
I've just DL'd v41 so will give that a try. Any help with what might have gone wrong would be much appreciated.
Thank you for your kind words, just sharing what i know and hoping this info can help others.
And how is it with v41?
Did you tried it with wifi and 3g, any difference?
Also tried removing your google account, reboot and setting it up again?
Hi kees !
Nice idea you've got with this thread but ... I hope it won't turn into another omega q&a thread . I would like to direct people here but it will be quite difficult if they will see Omega issues all over. Please point them out to the correct thread as you already posted the link to it. Just a thought , correct me if I'm wrong
Thanx !
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
xanthrax said:
Hi kees !
Nice idea you've got with this thread but ... I hope it won't turn into another omega q&a thread . I would like to direct people here but it will be quite difficult if they will see Omega issues all over. Please point them out to the correct thread as you already posted the link to it. Just a thought , correct me if I'm wrong
Thanx !
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks and you are right, but the main purpose for me, is just help others with the noobish knowledge i have and let people and myself learn and share.
I don't mind which rom people are running, that's everyone his or here's choice and i totally respect that.
I think this thread deserves to be in General, since you're not asking anything. Hit "report" and see what a mod thinks about it
KeesStolk said:
Thanks and you are right, but the main purpose for me, is just help others with the noobish knowledge i have and let people and myself learn and share.
I don't mind which rom people are running, that's everyone his or here's choice and i totally respect that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
absolutely !!!
everyone`s choice ! but people must follow proper threads , i`ve got nothing against a certain rom but against disarray when users post or open endless threads about same thing .
some users hates me for this , i know it well , in my thread i always pointed out but somehow is unfair to maintain same topic on more threads .
that`s a bad habit for new users and not only for the rule`s sake but this is the way should be in a human community .
-=-=-
i was thinking as well to open a thread as yours but due to lack of time i didn`t. as soon as i`ll find interesting things i`ll let you know .
i myself am a NOOB !
---------- Post added at 11:28 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:24 AM ----------
Glebun said:
I think this thread deserves to be in General, since you're not asking anything. Hit "report" and see what a mod thinks about it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
... and i must agree with you this time ...
Thanks guys.
@xanthrax, i know the feeling, kind off busy family
But i like your comments, just straight forward, the way i like it.
Glebun said:
I think this thread deserves to be in General, since you're not asking anything. Hit "report" and see what a mod thinks about it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it should stay here as it "Helps" other users. General is more for discussions IMO.
But how about these?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1749214
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1827635
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1732722
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1895737
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1946481
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2041679
and that's just the first page. all of the above are for "help"
Hallo,
as a Lenovo A660 owner, I have downloaded and backed up new ROM via CMW + I have made some modification.
Warning: DO NOT DO ANYTHING, UNLESS YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE DOING
You can easily BRICK your phone, please understand that I keep no warranty on my work.
Note: I am not programer, or highly sophisticated geek. I am just playing with the stuff I have.
NOTE (JULY 2013) - I dont have A660 for more than 4 month. The guide is fully working, but I am unable to help you with a hints as I am unable to test them, please as other users instead me, sorry.
So what can be found here:
1) CMW backup of original Lenovo A660 ROM S025_121122 including all the Chinese rubbish
2) CMW backup of a moded ROM I made. I wanted to slim down it a bit so I:
- removed all the Chinese programs
- added a HOLO launcher instead a Lenovo one
- added support for Google stuff like gmail, playstore
- replaced Lenovo Calendar with a Google one
- removed some waste apps like video player, weather, Lenovo store, Lenovo security, some demo videos
- changed a boot animation
- added MoreLocale to extend a language support.
Overall, the ROM size was shrinked for about 200 Mb
3) flash_tool.zip with SP Flash Tool, flash_tool.zip, and Win7 driver
The FLASH process is a bit tricky, I am working to create a easier process, but I am still newbie.
Please note: If you have some Custom Recovery installed, this will overwrite it. The CMW I work with is temporary and working just to next reboot.
Backup your current ROM before you do anything!
Step by step:
1) download flash_tool.zip including SpFlashTool + Recovery + Driver
2) download zip with ROM you want and unpack it to root of your SD. Full path has to be kept, so correct location is /clockworkmod/backup/20..........
3) turn off your phone
4) run SPFlash Tool, load "Scatter-loading file" MT6577_scatter_emmc_LA50.0.019.01 from directory Recovery_CMW (located in flash_tool.zip)
5) make sure that only "Recovery" part is checked and hit download, confirm executing even through warning "download warning"
6) connect a phone wia cable (phone has to be off). First time you do this, you have to install a driver (also in located in flash_tool.ziip. You can do this either on notification manager, or in hw device manager in control panels.
7) if everything is OK a flashtool will upload CMW and process ends by window with green circle.
8) turn off the phone. turn it on while holding a volume up to start to CMW
9) while in CMW, do the wipe of the memory and cache.
10) choose "restore" in CMW and choose a directory on your card. The process might end with error log, but dont worry.
11) Reboot the phone and hope it will boot up.
After a bootup, the phone is in Chinese and startup guide will start. Skip the first step (low left button) and on next screen switch language to English. Then I reccomend to skip all the other steps and reboot a phone (until you do so, phone remains partialy in chinese). After a reboot, you can change your locale by MoreLocale. Anyway a change of the language will be only partial.
Please dont blame if anything is not working. Either there is some mistake in my guide, or you have done something wrong.
My next try will be a release with fully working rooted CMW. But as I wrote, I am not pro.
Hope this helps.
Anyone who is willing to improve my work is heartily welcomed.
CMW Recovery is from Cybermaus, credit goes to him.
Links:
Flashtool:
http://uloz.to/xXgV8DX/flash-tool-zip
Original A660 ROM S025_121122 (400Mb)
http://uloz.to/xsRiFJu/stock-121122-backup-zip
Moded A660 ROM S025_121122 (200 Mb)
http://uloz.to/xpojnVK/stock-modpu-121122-backup-zip
reserved for future use
Hi,
Can we use it directly on an already Cybermaus' rom flashed A660 ?
Cheers
volodiaja: i have tried and it should work
Thanks Pudil !
Your rom is a blast.
2 small weak points :
CMW Recovery is erased and Rom is not rooted.
By the way, no big deal.
One more thing : with french silly accentuated file names ( for songs ), it displays some chinese letter. Any tip on that ?
Many thanks !
thanks to pudil
my lenovo a660 can get a google play and aplication google it works :laugh:
now this ROM is root with bin4ry v17
and adb.exe i use from superoneclick lastest version
Chinese applications have I delete all, like a lesave, lenovo cloud, sogou, lenovo store
thanks a lot pudil
sorry my english is bad
guys - thank you for testing.
1) Permanent root and CMW will be a next step. As I wrote I am a newbie and I will do my best in upcoming days.
2) Chinese letters in Music play is a pain, but I have so far no idea where to change it. As my native Czech Language is having some special characters, I can see this rubbish too, but only in MP3 player. I have spend a lot of time with this, but I have not even a track where to start. I will see if I can do anything, but I dont take it as serial issue.
Please, if you can, do a bit promotion for this MOD, the more testers, the better intputs for my effort.
pudil said:
Please, if you can, do a bit promotion for this MOD, the more testers, the better intputs for my effort.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I just received my A660. Unfortunately, the display has a dead pixel, so I sent it back for repair. Anyway, it came with Etotalk ROM, with original Lenovo Calendar, so after repair, I will be ready for testing.
I am from Prague, so probably will be easier to share our experiences. I am totally newbie in Android world, but hope I will able to help you with testing.
Bluetooth pairing issue
Thanks a lot for your effort!
One more issue that I came accross - I'm unable to pair my bluetooth devices, specifically Sony Ericcsson handsfree is not even visible during initialization procedure. Can anybody confirm?
xkobi
xkobi7 said:
Thanks a lot for your effort!
One more issue that I came accross - I'm unable to pair my bluetooth devices, specifically Sony Ericcsson handsfree is not even visible during initialization procedure. Can anybody confirm?
xkobi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
xkobi, I have tested bluetooth with two devices - Creative D200 speakers and handsfree in Citroen C4 Picasso and both working flawlessly. So unfortunatelly I have no idea where problem might be.
guys, sorry for not bringing you an updated version with a permanent CMW, but I have some rush time in my work. As I wrote I am not hardcore geek so the work has low priority, hope you understand.
brilliant
Clear and simple. I know almost nothing and managed to
, install your ROM which worns very well. Thanks
Thanks! Waiting on phone but I'm onto this.
Bad news guys, my A660 was stolen on friday. I am not yet sure wheter I get back to in, or whether I move to P770. Long baterry life seems to be a nice feature.
Bad news
pudil said:
Bad news guys, my A660 was stolen on friday. I am not yet sure wheter I get back to in, or whether I move to P770. Long baterry life seems to be a nice feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for that, too bad news. And my device just returns (repared) from China, so I'd like to note, I can help you...
Brundi_bar said:
Sorry for that, too bad news. And my device just returns (repared) from China, so I'd like to note, I can help you...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
feel free to test the rom, I suppose that it shall work OK, but I am unable to do any more dev as I have not any phone to work with.
pudil said:
feel free to test the rom, I suppose that it shall work OK, but I am unable to do any more dev as I have not any phone to work with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you agree to give me your dev files to continue the dev ?
Volodia
volodiaja said:
Would you agree to give me your dev files to continue the dev ?
Volodia
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
volodiaja, no problem, but anyway I have no more dev files than those in first post, please continue the work at your will.
Good news, due to the good job of the police, my A660 is back. Anyway I will most probably keep a newly purchased P770, as the battery live is simply awesome.
Great news
pudil said:
Good news, due to the good job of the police, my A660 is back. Anyway I will most probably keep a newly purchased P770, as the battery live is simply awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally surprised. Nice!!!
Yes, I agree that the battery is the weakest part of A660, but it is general problem for smartphones. I solved it with external battery pack for 20 Eur (6600 mAh, from Amazon.de).
Hey Guys,
I have a couple questions about this android box I purchased that's had me somewhat puzzled.
I have been an avid android user over the past many years. I am familiar with flashing tons of roms to all the phones I have had. Except my s6, it just sucks for roms. Anyways I have purchased the android box in this link (can't post links this new) I can't seem to fine a manufacturer website, I've Google a million things about the box and searched but I can't find anything. even in the instruction book there's no website or anything.
basically I'm looking to figure out how to at least update this box. there's no option in about device. also I don't like how the flash drive on the device is split into nand flash and regular storage. I would like to merge them all into one. I am also looking for custom roms that might enable me to achieve that, however nowhere I look has this box in their forums or anywhere. maybe it's a cloned box? there are other boxes that have the exact same components (or so they say) with custom firmware, however I don't want to chance it and rich bricking this device.
anyone that can offer any help or lead me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. thank you in advance!
CPU-Rockchip*3368*Octa-Core(1.5GHZ)
GPU-Quad-Core*Mail-T6X*series
Memory-DDRIII*2GB
Flash-EMMC*16GB*(Support*32GB)
WiFi*- 2.4GB+5GBIRInfra*
Remote*control
Bluetooth4.0*
PowerDC*input**
5V/2AAccessoriesgift*box
Power*charger*adapterHDM*cableIR*remote*controlAV*cableUser*ManualI/O1*HDM*2.0Up*to*2160P(2K*4K)2*USB*HOSTHost**USB port1*SPDIFCoaxial*1*TF*CARDSUPPORT*1~32GB1*RJ451000*BaseT1*Power*input5V/2ASoftwareOSAndroid*5.1 LollipopVideoMKV,WMV/VC-1*SP/MP/AP,MPG,MPEG,dat,avi,mov,iso,mp4,rm,H.264,H.265,realVideo*8/9/10,etc.*up*to*2160PAudioMP3,AAC,WMA,RM,FLAC,OGGPicturejpg,JPEG,MJPEG,PNGAdobe*FlashAdobe*Flash*10.1*support*or*aboveSupport*languageChinese*,*English*,Germany*,Japanese,*Korea**etc.**24*languagesDLNASupports Video and Music Playback over networkGoogleTV*RemoteThrough*wi-fi*network*to*realize*control*the*productLANThrough*the*LAN,*can*check*other*devices*to*share*information3D*moiveSupport*3D*movieMotivator*air-mouseSupport*the*body*feeling*game,*such*as*playing*tennis,*paper*planes,*shooting,*etcApplicationsOnlineBrowse*all**video*websitesAppsDownload games and applications from the Google play storeMediumLocal*Media*playback,support for HDD, SD*cardTalk*onlineSupport**SKYPE*video**call*,MSN*,*facebook*,twitter etcOthersSupports Wifi, has router network extender functionsSupports KODI,*Email*and more
Many roms / firmwares being updated for this device:
http://freaktab.com/forum/tv-player...y-x6-acemax-ak838-z4-rk3368-ekb368-custom-rom
http://chinagadgetsreviews.blogspot.ro/2016/01/download-latest-android-lollipop-511.html?m=1
This 1 used by me and referred in other posts. Fast and stable. 16gb unified storage. Kodi and the works.
Make sure you use restore in FactoryTool_v1.39 from archive:
http://download1691.mediafire.com/p...dating+instruction&Drivers&Flashing+Tools.zip
http://4pda.ru/forum/lofiversion/index.php?t702783-100.html
roland deschan said:
Many roms / firmwares being updated for this device:
http://freaktab.com/forum/tv-player...y-x6-acemax-ak838-z4-rk3368-ekb368-custom-rom
http://chinagadgetsreviews.blogspot.ro/2016/01/download-latest-android-lollipop-511.html?m=1
This 1 used by me and referred in other posts. Fast and stable. 16gb unified storage. Kodi and the works.
Make sure you use restore in FactoryTool_v1.39 from archive:
http://download1691.mediafire.com/p...dating+instruction&Drivers&Flashing+Tools.zip
http://4pda.ru/forum/lofiversion/index.php?t702783-100.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just picked up one of these about a week ago and found instructions to install TWRP and update SuperSU. The box had 'root' out of the box but it was some specialized root based on an old version of SuperSU (1.93 I believe).
I have successfully installed TWRP 2.8.7.0 and updated to SuperSU 2.46.
Since this is just an android tablet essentially, does anyone know if you can flash these ROMs through TWRP?
Not to my knowledge, just use above tool. It will go alive once you are in bootloader with usb otg cable connected to win (of course with driver pack etc. installed). Titanium or else can do that, instead of trying to press reset button while powering on. Of course recovery will go back to default.
roland deschan said:
Not to my knowledge, just use above tool. It will go alive once you are in bootloader with usb otg cable connected to win (of course with driver pack etc. installed). Titanium or else can do that, instead of trying to press reset button while powering on. Of course recovery will go back to default.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you running liamstears custom ROM or the 12/22 factory firmware?
The split internal storage is something I would like to do without, but I was wondering if it was changed on the 12/22 factory firmware?
12/22 firmware. Fast and stable.
Havent tried liamstears yet. Feedback if you do please.
awesome thanks! thats what I suspected when I was going through the firmwares for these devices. I just wasn't sure if the z4 rk3368 device would work on this one. I've seen a few brands with z4 and as I know with phones.. wrong brand and you're bricked lol. anyways.. I ended up buying a tronsmart vega s95 telos.. but it didn't come rooted. so I rooted it and now I'm getting play services force close and all sorts of bugs and errors.. maybe I'll just keep the z4. it seems to work better.
what link did you follow to get twrp installed?? same thing I'm guessing, punch z4 twrp in google and eventually come upon the right place.
12/22 factory firmware? mines stuck at Nov 10 I think.. it won't let me update using the rk settings app.. which is why I was fed up with it in the first place lol.
12/22 firmware. Unified 16gb App storage. More available with microsd card. Fully functional Kodi with channels, etc. 4k HEVC x265 movies. Youtube 1080p.
Easiest method to update rom is to put extracted update.img from zip file
http://chinagadgetsreviews.blogspot.ro/2016/01/download-latest-android-lollipop-511.html?m=1
on a sdcard / usb and boot. After about a minute into the Android desktop, system will ask for update prompt. Only applicable to system still with default recovery.
If you have some stability issues or with different recovery, you can backup your apps / data with Titanium etc. and then use above Factory tool restore new rom.
These roms usually come with their own recovery, but some modded ones with TWRP/full root, supersu and all. But you dont really need them.
thanks a lot man! I'm downloading right now and will test it on my box tomorrow after work!
I've tried 100 times and it just keeps saying failed to mount /mnt/external_sd (no such device)
I'm using my USB flash drive.
this is becomming a huge pain in the just to update I'm starting to think why this company can make these products and not have any support or anything for it . and that flash tool is in mandarin and I can't even figure out how to work that. I put in the update.img and press go.. but whenever I try to boot to download mode like you mentioned in one of the posts it just turns off the box.. this thing is literally a piece of junk. and so is this tronsmart vega s95.. same thing. it's extremely frustrating. whoever developed this z4 box did a really chappy job on the firmware.. and I do not recommend it to anyone..
If you had gone through the instructions pdf, it clearly shows how to change into English by pressing the World icon. Remember in bootloader mode the tv screen would be black, if you are using the tool. The big red button will turn into green to show readiness.
For automatic update you dont even have to go into recovery as seen in attached image. Easiest.
Hi Roland,
love to see that there are already XDA-members looking at the Z4 TV box. I have just ordered one and hope to get it within a few weeks. Just some dumb questions, hoping you can provide me with some information:
- I see that there are several 'versions' of the Z4: for instance Acemax, but I have ordered the Andoer. Are those just different manufacturers?
- Are there any differences in model/content (installed app's) per manufacturer?
- If my Andoer turned out to have an older firmware than the 22/12, could I still use the Acemax 22/12 firmware you refered to in your link?
- Kodi will be preinstalled, I saw. I do not know what version of Kodi that will be, but can it just be updated to the most recent version in the Google Play Store?
- I do not know what other apps are installed, but is it possible to de-install apps you do not need, or are they part of the firmware and impossible to delete
I know, part of the answers I surely will discover once I got the Z4, but I just can't wait to start experimenting, even it is only in my mind
Thanks in advance!
Jos
hi Roland
I tried that batch tool first which is the one I couldn't change languages in lol. but the other tool with the red button I changed into English. however I did not know that it would remain blank when in download mode. I will have to give it one more go tonight with it. I figured that I loaded it into bootloader and the z4 box light turned red so I thought it was off and didn't load to bootloader.
I also did the USB update and it would just fail on me every time I used it. the update prompt did come up and I pressed install. perhaps I need to check if USB debugging is on. I think it is but it wouldn't hurt to check. but I think I will have to go through the factory tool to update way for sure.
thanks for your help roland, I will write back after I give it another go tonight!
i can't find the 22/12 update ! can anybody share the link direct to firmware ?
@DriftJos
l have got an Andoer too. Most of these brands come from the same hardware factory and thus have the same specs/apps.
Yes you will use the same firmware https://mega.nz/#!JBBXgDgC!VSra8Hc6KR77Pvdw67eDpjeT_ku-TXdYgYaInSAfyvU (direct link @prisim) or several user dev roms. Unified 16gb app storage etc and the works.
You can uninstall bundled Kodi (by Titanium free etc.) by official Kodi Jarvis 16.0 beta 5 & such with pass-through support test builds @ http://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=252852
Again you will be able to uninstall useless apps directly or through Titanium.
---------- Post added at 11:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:43 PM ----------
@mikekuel25
Always mention the firmware version you are having and which recovery? The automatic update should work if you still have the factory recovery.
Check the FactoryTool process in attached images.
I'm trying to flash the firmware that I downloaded from that China gadgets site that was mentioned on this thread. I think it's the stock 12/22 for the device. and I have stock recovery.
I extracted the update.exe file and saved it to my USB drive plugged it in and restarted. relieved the update prompt. chose install update and it rebooted into recovery and tried to apply the update but it fails. I'm not ready to give up yet with this device lol. it's just another platform I have to learn. it took me a bit with smartphones to figure it out back in the day.. perhaps it's the same thing now..
and I'm updated to 12/22.. awesome. those pictures really helped me man thanks.
now as for installing twrp and all that. you mentioned that it's not really needed? I'm assuming I can flash any rom given they are in .img format using factory tool. however the benefit of twrp would be an easier interface for creating nandroid backups and clearing cache/factory reset. perhaps I will install it. i might give leamstears rom a try. I will let you know how it is if I do.
thanks again!
so I updated to the new 12/22.. everything works fine except with Google play store.. I keep getting a can't retrieve source error with everything I try to download. I've refreshed and factory reset the firmware 5 times now and kept trying.
so I got fed up with the stock so I tried leamstears rom and it works great.. except sometimes it just becomes completely unresponsive. I'm starting to think there is something wrong with this box. even on stock firmware from the box I've been having issues with unresponsive freezing.
what do you think of the nvidia shield?
mikekuel25 said:
so I updated to the new 12/22.. everything works fine except with Google play store.. I keep getting a can't retrieve source error with everything I try to download. I've refreshed and factory reset the firmware 5 times now and kept trying.
so I got fed up with the stock so I tried leamstears rom and it works great.. except sometimes it just becomes completely unresponsive. I'm starting to think there is something wrong with this box. even on stock firmware from the box I've been having issues with unresponsive freezing.
what do you think of the nvidia shield?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The PlayStore error you were seeing is because the 12/22 firmware comes with a *very* old version (5.2.x). The PlayStore will eventually update everything to the latest version by itself but if you don't want to wait, go over to apkmirror.com and download PlayStore 6.0.5 and install it manually. Once you do, it should also update the Play Services to 8.4.x and your should be good to go. I had this issue as well but I had seen it before and knew I needed to update.
So far the 12/22 version has been great, and having the unified internal storage is a huge plus.
If you feel so inclined, knowing that some of the custom builds of Kodi take up a large amount of space... there is this trick that was introduced in Helix:
http://kodi.wiki/view/HOW-TO:Change data location for Android
This will allow you to have only the Kodi app on internal storage (~125 MB) and any data from addons/programs etc. in another location (such as an external SD).
I often
1. Install Kodi on internal storage
2. Zip up the contents of org.xbmc.com directory
3. Copy it to external storage
4. Unzip it in /external_sd/kodi_data
5. Create the xbmc_env.properties file that references my Kodi data location.
6. Delete the contents of /sdcard/Android/data/org.xbmc.com/
Voila! You have freed up internal storage.... You can also persist a Kodi setup this way or run multiple custom installs. If you re-image your media box, you can re-install Kodi and as long as the xbmc_env.properties points to your external_sd with your Kodi data, it will start right up back into your setup... :good: