Hello!
I have been following annual Google I/O 2017 and heard about all the benefits of Google's Project Treble.
I cannot help but wonder how are developers (for example here at XDA) able to create custom roms or unofficial Android updates. Why Google can't make official Android Nougat update for Nexus 7 2013, but you here at XDA can. What is different between your work and Google's when it comes to these things, as far as neither has access to hardware manufacturer's code support.
I have to say I am not a professional software developer, so I understand if this topic is beyond my comprehension.
Thank you!
"Why Google can't make official Android Nougat update for Nexus 7 2013"
Planned obsolescence.
"neither has access to hardware manufacturer's code support"
Google is obliged to release kernel source code because Linux(the kernel powering Android) is released under the GPL. The kernel is responsible for letting Android "talk" to the hardware. Developers at XDA can then modify the open-source kernel to "fit" newer versions of Android.
I'd like to chime in on this.
Let's use the Nexus 7 2013 as an example. The difference between what an official build of Nougat from Google would be and what a build of Nougat from XDA is that the Google released one will have updated devices drivers that are made specifically for Nougat, while the XDA released one simply uses the older device drivers and hope they work. In some cases they work flawlessly (mostly on Nexus devices), however other times there are things that don't work so they either need to be disabled or worked around. So essentially a Google released OS has everything updated and tested to work with the new OS, while XDA releases are more 'hacked' together to work (simply because the device drivers aren't Open Source). Google may not have access to the hardware drivers, but they still get them updated.
Now let's touch on Project Treble (and why I am so excited about it). Instead of each and every device driver needing to be upgraded and tested for each new OS version, the OS version will specify which version of the drivers (HAL's) will work with the OS. This means there will be a separate space where all the device drivers will reside, and the OS will simply load those when booting (no more proprietary binary blobs to include in the ROM! hopefully...).
This means on any Project Treble compatible device (all phones that ship with Oreo, and some that update to Oreo) with an unlocked bootloader, a user can simply compile AOSP and flash it directly to the device with no modifications and have the device work. I believe this is actually a requirement to pass Google's certification process for new devices with Oreo. That means, say, with the LG v30 if the bootloader is unlocked, there can be an AOSP ROM on day one of its release.
So instead of Android being strictly a per device compile, it is just a general compile (sans device specific features). However, this doesn't remove the old driver issue. If the drivers in their respective partition no longer are updated by the manufacturer, the later AOSP code will need to be modified to work around these (and accept them). This is still easier in my opinion than the binary blobs.
As for official updates, Project Treble allows device hardware manufacturers to work on updating the device drivers while the OS Dev (Samsung, etc) works on updating their OS. So it is a parallel development instead of a serial one (hardware AND os instead of hardware THEN os).
A question.
Do the Nexus 5X devices have the Treble system or project incorporated with Oreo?
I do not understand the other manufacturers that cheaper excuses are giving, it is true that they are not obliged but I think it would be good practice, maybe they think as before that you will not buy them a phone.
Does someone make a Change.org or similar campaign to ask all Android manufacturers to make a minimum effort?
Realme 1 will be popular among developers for sure.XDA acknowledged it by opening a page for our device even before its sale has started.So all that is good.
Now coming to the problems,
We all know that mediatek is infamous for not releasing kernel sources.That makes it difficult for the developers to build custom ROMs.
On a more positive note since the realme one is based on 8.1 Oreo,I am guessing that its project treble compatible(somebody please confirm this) which makes the custom ROM development easier.
So the final question,
Will we get fully working custom ROMs of future android versions even if oppo and mediatek does not release kernel sources?Will project treble help in doing that??
You most probably will not. Snapdragon phones have better development, for example, the Redmi 4A did not have kernel source till recently, yet we had bugless Nougat ROMs, and now with source we have Oreo. It all depends on developer support, Oppo is not a brand that interests developers, on top of that it is a Mediatek phone, your custom ROM dreams may well be shattered. A few ported ROMs may be made if any developer decides to make it but will most likely be too buggy.
SouradeepB said:
You most probably will not. Snapdragon phones have better development, for example, the Redmi 4A did not have kernel source till recently, yet we had bugless Nougat ROMs, and now with source we have Oreo. It all depends on developer support, Oppo is not a brand that interests developers, on top of that it is a Mediatek phone, your custom ROM dreams may well be shattered. A few ported ROMs may be made if any developer decides to make it but will most likely be too buggy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True.But oppo has never released a phone like this.
This phone has the same chipset(helio p60) of oppo f7 which is two times more costly than the realme 1.Therefore it offers immense value for money.And this will attract a lot of customers.Normally when a device has a huge customer base and if it is a value for money device, developers usually become interested in those devices.
Also I know know that both mediatek and oppo have violated GPL many times by not releasing the sources.But since this device is treble compatible,it should solve that problem to a certain extent right?
I am open to discussion...
gauthamkithu said:
Realme 1 will be popular among developers for sure.XDA acknowledged it by opening a page for our device even before its sale has started.So all that is good.
Now coming to the problems,
We all know that mediatek is infamous for not releasing kernel sources.That makes it difficult for the developers to build custom ROMs.
On a more positive note since the realme one is based on 8.1 Oreo,I am guessing that its project treble compatible(somebody please confirm this) which makes the custom ROM development easier.
So the final question,
Will we get fully working custom ROMs of future android versions even if oppo and mediatek does not release kernel sources?Will project treble help in doing that??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it will help, as project treble is a initiative by Google to help developers create custom roms without approaching Vendor(Oppo) or the Manufacturer(Mediatek).
gauthamkithu said:
Realme 1 will be popular among developers for sure.XDA acknowledged it by opening a page for our device even before its sale has started.So all that is good.
Now coming to the problems,
We all know that mediatek is infamous for not releasing kernel sources.That makes it difficult for the developers to build custom ROMs.
On a more positive note since the realme one is based on 8.1 Oreo,I am guessing that its project treble compatible(somebody please confirm this) which makes the custom ROM development easier.
So the final question,
Will we get fully working custom ROMs of future android versions even if oppo and mediatek does not release kernel sources?Will project treble help in doing that??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Their response shown below,
We understand that you want to give root access to the device and we apologize for the inconvenience caused.
As per the policy, it is not suggestible to root the device. However, if you want to root the device, you can root it using any third party boot-loader on your risk. We won't be able to assist you with any information regarding the rooting of device.
nisanthu said:
Their response shown below,
We understand that you want to give root access to the device and we apologize for the inconvenience caused.
As per the policy, it is not suggestible to root the device. However, if you want to root the device, you can root it using any third party boot-loader on your risk. We won't be able to assist you with any information regarding the rooting of device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't need root access, but there are issues with Color OS 5.
Like:
1. New notification pop appear for 3-4 seconds and you cannot swipe and close them, you need to wait to automatically close them, hampering your work. In other OS you can simply swipe left/right/both to close popup.
2. If you enable development option, then yellow notification will show constantly to close it, until you close mode. Why can't I use function like mock location, etc.
3. If you use app which use accessibility services (like Greenify) then it will constantly show notifcation bar sign to close, it means you cannot use Developer Mode or Accessibility Services Apps.
Hope Oppo will fixes these issues with Color OS in future updates.
""1. New notification pop appear for 3-4 seconds and you cannot swipe and close them, you need to wait to automatically close them, hampering your work. In other OS you can simply swipe left/right/both to close popup.""
HERE IS SOLUTION FOR YOU> SWIPE UP to CLOSE
Ayyshjaju said:
I don't need root access, but there are issues with Color OS 5.
Like:
1. New notification pop appear for 3-4 seconds and you cannot swipe and close them, you need to wait to automatically close them, hampering your work. In other OS you can simply swipe left/right/both to close popup.
2. If you enable development option, then yellow notification will show constantly to close it, until you close mode. Why can't I use function like mock location, etc.
3. If you use app which use accessibility services (like Greenify) then it will constantly show notifcation bar sign to close, it means you cannot use Developer Mode or Accessibility Services Apps.
Hope Oppo will fixes these issues with Color OS in future updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gauthamkithu said:
Realme 1 will be popular among developers for sure.XDA acknowledged it by opening a page for our device even before its sale has started.So all that is good.
Now coming to the problems,
We all know that mediatek is infamous for not releasing kernel sources.That makes it difficult for the developers to build custom ROMs.
On a more positive note since the realme one is based on 8.1 Oreo,I am guessing that its project treble compatible(somebody please confirm this) which makes the custom ROM development easier.
So the final question,
Will we get fully working custom ROMs of future android versions even if oppo and mediatek does not release kernel sources?Will project treble help in doing that??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It confirmed via email. The reply is given below:
"Thank you for writing to RealMe Customer Service regarding Project Treble inquiry.
We are delighted to inform you that your RealMe 1 device supports Project Treble. It is already enabled in your device."
But after some researchs i realised that even if it could support project treble, we still can't flash GSI rom with a locked bootloader. (Correct me if it is a wrong findings)
best customm rom
which is the best custom rom available for realme 1 ?
mygadgetreviewer said:
which is the best custom rom available for realme 1 ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rightnow none..
root is not possible yet..
Any chances of custom roms that may pop up for realme 1
I am buying a new phone soon. I would like to know if realme 1 will get a custom rom? Please reply quick. Also when do you think the custom rom will be available?
custom rom
kindly worked custom rom,how can flash twrp?
Firmware
gauthamkithu said:
Realme 1 will be popular among developers for sure.XDA acknowledged it by opening a page for our device even before its sale has started.So all that is good.
Now coming to the problems,
We all know that mediatek is infamous for not releasing kernel sources.That makes it difficult for the developers to build custom ROMs.
On a more positive note since the realme one is based on 8.1 Oreo,I am guessing that its project treble compatible(somebody please confirm this) which makes the custom ROM development easier.
So the final question,
Will we get fully working custom ROMs of future android versions even if oppo and mediatek does not release kernel sources?Will project treble help in doing that??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is realme 4gb version firmware available? Please provide the link of stock firmware.
Any update on bootloader unlock and rooting..?
Realme 1 support project terbel
:good:
gauthamkithu said:
Realme 1 will be popular among developers for sure.XDA acknowledged it by opening a page for our device even before its sale has started.So all that is good.
Now coming to the problems,
We all know that mediatek is infamous for not releasing kernel sources.That makes it difficult for the developers to build custom ROMs.
On a more positive note since the realme one is based on 8.1 Oreo,I am guessing that its project treble compatible(somebody please confirm this) which makes the custom ROM development easier.
So the final question,
Will we get fully working custom ROMs of future android versions even if oppo and mediatek does not release kernel sources?Will project treble help in doing that??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The realme 1 support project terbel I used the to check and it's shows that it support
confirmed the realme 1 and 2pro are getting bootloader unlock
Confirmed by realme CEO madhav Seth realme 1 and 2pro are getting bootloader unlock and kernel source code confirmed on twitter by him
Sailfish os
I want sailfish os for our realme device
Bootloader unlocked finally
Realme 1 has got bootloader unloccked when can we expect to get custom rom now
Imrans123 said:
Realme 1 has got bootloader unloccked when can we expect to get custom rom now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to wait for kernel sources to get released so devs can work on custom roms. If we get a TWRP recovery, you can try out the A/B GSI roms which are good but slightly buggy. If you want a bugfree rom, you need to wait a while, maybe a month or so.
Thanks bro when can we expect releases of kernel source another quarter
Hello... Since I'm not very familiar with cell phones I'm curious about something. With a desktop computer, one can build their own or have a manufacturer type ( Dell, HP and so ) Now if you take the custom build system you basically can decide which OS you want, why can't cell phones be similar to that be able to install whichever OS you like, Or can you? Like in Android is it possible to install just a basic OS onto a phone? one that doesn't have let's say Google ( Google store)? Is there an Android build without Google? Also, does Android have an OS with its own browser, if not, why not? thanks
Dude905 said:
Hello... Since I'm not very familiar with cell phones I'm curious about something. With a desktop computer, one can build their own or have a manufacturer type ( Dell, HP and so ) Now if you take the custom build system you basically can decide which OS you want, why can't cell phones be similar to that be able to install whichever OS you like, Or can you? Like in Android is it possible to install just a basic OS onto a phone? one that doesn't have let's say Google ( Google store)? Is there an Android build without Google? Also, does Android have an OS with its own browser, if not, why not? thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're thinking about it along the correct route. There are plain, unbranded Android builds known as Vanilla Android. These are the builds you see on Nexus and Pixel devices, built from the AOSP (Android Open Source Project) and have no carrier or OEM bloat.
If you're looking for a lightweight Android OS with no GApps (Google Apps), there are a ton of custom Android builds available, the most popular in the world being LineageOS. However, it should be noted that you can't simply flash a vanilla or custom Android build to your device and expect it to boot and function properly. Android ROMs need to be ported to a specific device. This is due to the vast hardware differences between various manufacturers and models.
To see if any custom Android builds are available for your particular device, search your model device in the Search Plus option. If any custom ROMs, kernels, recoveries, etc., are available for your device, you'll find them here on XDA.
MotoJunkie01 said:
You're thinking about it along the correct route. There are plain, unbranded Android builds known as Vanilla Android. These are the builds you see on Nexus and Pixel devices, built from the AOSP (Android Open Source Project) and have no carrier or OEM bloat.
If you're looking for a lightweight Android OS with no GApps (Google Apps), there are a ton of custom Android builds available, the most popular in the world being LineageOS. However, it should be noted that you can't simply flash a vanilla or custom Android build to your device and expect it to boot and function properly. Android ROMs need to be ported to a specific device. This is due to the vast hardware differences between various manufacturers and models.
To see if any custom Android builds are available for your particular device, search your model device in the Search Plus option. If any custom ROMs, kernels, recoveries, etc., are available for your device, you'll find them here on XDA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your input it gave me more of an understanding and I will do as suggested
Will we get android pie roms?
i am really interested in the pixel experience.
I was a mtk user and a porter ...can i port other pie rom like xiaomi note 4's with same kernel version ?
i am new so treat me like a noob:good:
mona356 said:
Will we get android pie roms?
i am really interested in the pixel experience.
I was a mtk user and a porter ...can i port other pie rom like xiaomi note 4's with same kernel version ?
i am new so treat me like a noob:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm very sad to see R5+ development is currently dead. I was hoping someone would build a Pixel Experience or any AOSP based ROM for our device but even the oreo roms are dead or finalized already. So i don't think people have anymore interest in R5+..
bdogan1912 said:
I'm very sad to see R5+ development is currently dead. I was hoping someone would build a Pixel Experience or any AOSP based ROM for our device but even the oreo roms are dead or finalized already. So i don't think people have anymore interest in R5+..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The real problem is lack of updated Oreo kernel sources (how much less Pie). This means, for example, that certain display panels (eg, ebbg) cannot be supported by custom ROMs (you might have to go back to Nougat kernels for that).
Why not write to Xiaomi to release up-to-date Oreo kernel sources for vince in the first instance? If enough people make a fuss, perhaps something will happen ...
DarthJabba9 said:
The real problem is lack of updated Oreo kernel sources (how much less Pie). This means, for example, that certain display panels (eg, ebbg) cannot be supported by custom ROMs (you might have to go back to Nougat kernels for that).
Why not write to Xiaomi to release up-to-date Oreo kernel sources for vince in the first instance? If enough people make a fuss, perhaps something will happen ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Xiaomi however isn't listening their customers. A big example is ARB system which absolutely destroys devices. So i guess we are gonna stay dead until something shows up..
Hi all!
So I have a weird question. I've got a device with a "global" ROM variant that falls short of the features offered to it's "native" market.
The Chinese variant of this devices ROM is feature rich and utilizes the devices hardware better than the poorly implemented "global" version.
Custom recovery, or TWRP, is available on my devices Chinese ROM, and the members of my community are installing Gapps ARM64 9.0 Pico overtop of it. But it's not the best it can be in terms of launcher support and network connectivity. Any suggestions? There are a lot of us that feel ripped off by our device's manufacturer, and would love your support!