[PLEA] I'm so confused about all the similar ROMs now! - myTouch 3G, Magic Android Development

I've been a regular reader of these forums since researching my first Android purchase. Over this time I have seem many new ROM projects born. I would like to argue that many of these projects are so similar that they are pointless.
I'm calling out anyone whoever made a new Hero/HTC-Sense ROM. Seriously. When you saw the 10 other Hero guys out there, what made you think it was better to release your own flavour instead trying to participate in an existing project?
I've taken a look, and as far as I can tell, there should only be 3 non-factory ROM projects:
- CyanogenMod, because of the effort Steve goes to stay 100% legal and teeter on the bleeding edge of Google's source code
- 1 Hero/Sense UI ROM, because we actually only need 1, why don't you guys work together, sheesh
- 1 Blur rip-off ROM, because goodness knows there are going to be people who actually think it's a great idea
Just because Android is based on Linux, doesn't mean we have to make all the same mistakes that has dogged and doomed Linux from the beginning. We don't need to splinter into a billion different distributions, at least not yet. Looking at the feature lists for many of these similar ROMs, the only thing that is different is additional locales or small bug fixes, hardly worth the effort of repackaging. /sigh
*end nerd rage*

i doubt they end. its their project, they build it how they like it and they share it. people do not have to download it. there are many reasons why they release their own, they have more freedom to do what they want. in past rom devs work together then they split up due to differences. working together is all fine and good but this isnt a utopian world haha, people have different opinions on how to move forward with a project.
just because you dont want to download and try different builds dont mean they should stop

jokeyrhyme said:
I've been a regular reader of these forums since researching my first Android purchase. Over this time I have seem many new ROM projects born. I would like to argue that many of these projects are so similar that they are pointless.
I'm calling out anyone whoever made a new Hero/HTC-Sense ROM. Seriously. When you saw the 10 other Hero guys out there, what made you think it was better to release your own flavour instead trying to participate in an existing project?
I've taken a look, and as far as I can tell, there should only be 3 non-factory ROM projects:
- CyanogenMod, because of the effort Steve goes to stay 100% legal and teeter on the bleeding edge of Google's source code
- 1 Hero/Sense UI ROM, because we actually only need 1, why don't you guys work together, sheesh
- 1 Blur rip-off ROM, because goodness knows there are going to be people who actually think it's a great idea
Just because Android is based on Linux, doesn't mean we have to make all the same mistakes that has dogged and doomed Linux from the beginning. We don't need to splinter into a billion different distributions, at least not yet. Looking at the feature lists for many of these similar ROMs, the only thing that is different is additional locales or small bug fixes, hardly worth the effort of repackaging. /sigh
*end nerd rage*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand how you feel, but isn't that what this site is for? If we only had those three ROM's, then this would be a very boring site. I personally like when people take other ROM's and tweak it to their liking. I don't have a clue on how to cook ROM's, but others do, and they might make one that fits my needs. Just my opinion though....

jokeyrhyme said:
I've been a regular reader of these forums since researching my first Android purchase. Over this time I have seem many new ROM projects born. I would like to argue that many of these projects are so similar that they are pointless.
I'm calling out anyone whoever made a new Hero/HTC-Sense ROM. Seriously. When you saw the 10 other Hero guys out there, what made you think it was better to release your own flavour instead trying to participate in an existing project?
I've taken a look, and as far as I can tell, there should only be 3 non-factory ROM projects:
- CyanogenMod, because of the effort Steve goes to stay 100% legal and teeter on the bleeding edge of Google's source code
- 1 Hero/Sense UI ROM, because we actually only need 1, why don't you guys work together, sheesh
- 1 Blur rip-off ROM, because goodness knows there are going to be people who actually think it's a great idea
Just because Android is based on Linux, doesn't mean we have to make all the same mistakes that has dogged and doomed Linux from the beginning. We don't need to splinter into a billion different distributions, at least not yet. Looking at the feature lists for many of these similar ROMs, the only thing that is different is additional locales or small bug fixes, hardly worth the effort of repackaging. /sigh
*end nerd rage*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As a regular reader you should know that there are about 5 different versions of Hero floating around to base off of. There are 2 different versions of blur. There is also pulse, donut, cupcake, and variations on them.
Hero includes: Tattoo (a specialized mix of donut and sense), the sense ui merged with magic, the official release Hero, the non-official beta Hero, and the Sprint Hero. (And if you ever read the threads, we do all work together) There are also multiple opinions on BFS and a2sd, which allows for variations.
Blur has both a Hero and a Cyanogen based version, depending on which way they decided to go to get the supporting files for the main system.
The rest are obvious, and I don't feel like going into that much detail.
If we all followed your beleif, updates would take twice as long and not have nearly as many features. Rather than Drizzy, JustAnotherCrowd, Cyrowski, and myself all waiting for the one day we all have 2 hours to meet on google talk, share files, and build an update... JAC relelases an update, Cyrowski writes a new boot image, I restructure the way a2sd operates, and Drizzy comes along and adds in some new apps he restructured to work on that build. Some people choose to stop somewhere along the path and stick to that ROM, others go all the way down the road. If there were only one update, most Devs would spend half the day just telling people how to disable, remove, or add the feature they integrated.
I just dont see how less is more in this case. If you don't like all the updates, do what I do. I have the ones I actually read followed, and I only ever take a quick glance at the first page of posts before checking those. If I miss anything important, it is only ever by a day. If it's that important, it inevitably gets bumped to the first page long before it becomes so old that I surely learned it somewhere else.
*end informed response*

twistedumbrella said:
*end informed response*
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Click to collapse
Hehe.
Okay, I get that there's a matrix of every possible version of Android against every different sort of UI (ie Hero+Donut, Blur+Cupcake, etc). My shortlist is obviously too short. But it's difficult to pick out, for example, the best Hero ROM. And I can see the same thing happening with Blur as it becomes more and more in vogue.
Watching 3 different Hero versions, you might decide that ROM A almost perfectly suits your needs except for the bug that only got fixed in ROM B. And ROM C has both the features and the bug fix, but has an ugly custom UI somewhere. So then you think to yourself "why don't I just make package D?". The only way you'll know anything for sure is to spend time trying out however many different ROMs knowing very well that there's a chance you'll be forced to compromise. The only differences between many of these ROMs seems to be the Android version, pre-installed applications and custom kernels.
I know I came off fairly irate and impetuous in my original post. But when you can see all these talented developers producing so many different forks and reproducing so much effort, it can be very frustrating for an enthusiastic end user.

twistedumbrella said:
As a regular reader you should know that there are about 5 different versions of Hero floating around to base off of. There are 2 different versions of blur. There is also pulse, donut, cupcake, and variations on them.
Hero includes: Tattoo (a specialized mix of donut and sense), the sense ui merged with magic, the official release Hero, the non-official beta Hero, and the Sprint Hero. (And if you ever read the threads, we do all work together) There are also multiple opinions on BFS and a2sd, which allows for variations.
Blur has both a Hero and a Cyanogen based version, depending on which way they decided to go to get the supporting files for the main system.
The rest are obvious, and I don't feel like going into that much detail.
If we all followed your beleif, updates would take twice as long and not have nearly as many features. Rather than Drizzy, JustAnotherCrowd, Cyrowski, and myself all waiting for the one day we all have 2 hours to meet on google talk, share files, and build an update... JAC relelases an update, Cyrowski writes a new boot image, I restructure the way a2sd operates, and Drizzy comes along and adds in some new apps he restructured to work on that build. Some people choose to stop somewhere along the path and stick to that ROM, others go all the way down the road. If there were only one update, most Devs would spend half the day just telling people how to disable, remove, or add the feature they integrated.
I just dont see how less is more in this case. If you don't like all the updates, do what I do. I have the ones I actually read followed, and I only ever take a quick glance at the first page of posts before checking those. If I miss anything important, it is only ever by a day. If it's that important, it inevitably gets bumped to the first page long before it becomes so old that I surely learned it somewhere else.
*end informed response*
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Click to collapse
twisted your roms are always the most polished and daily functionable
i appreciate your input on these forums as well as drizzys and jac's
im glad there are multiple possibilities so i can see which one runs the best for my intended uses
party a may use their phone for internet texting and facebook
when party b may use their phone for calls email and business
party A is using XXXHerorom that runs his needed functions the quickest and most efficient way possible
party b is using XXXherorom that runs his needed functions the quickest and most efficient way possible

jokeyrhyme said:
I've been a regular reader of these forums since researching my first Android purchase. Over this time I have seem many new ROM projects born. I would like to argue that many of these projects are so similar that they are pointless.
I'm calling out anyone whoever made a new Hero/HTC-Sense ROM. Seriously. When you saw the 10 other Hero guys out there, what made you think it was better to release your own flavour instead trying to participate in an existing project?
I've taken a look, and as far as I can tell, there should only be 3 non-factory ROM projects:
- CyanogenMod, because of the effort Steve goes to stay 100% legal and teeter on the bleeding edge of Google's source code
- 1 Hero/Sense UI ROM, because we actually only need 1, why don't you guys work together, sheesh
- 1 Blur rip-off ROM, because goodness knows there are going to be people who actually think it's a great idea
Just because Android is based on Linux, doesn't mean we have to make all the same mistakes that has dogged and doomed Linux from the beginning. We don't need to splinter into a billion different distributions, at least not yet. Looking at the feature lists for many of these similar ROMs, the only thing that is different is additional locales or small bug fixes, hardly worth the effort of repackaging. /sigh
*end nerd rage*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't agree and don't understand your frustration. You use what you want to use, let other people make their own decisions.
I happen to prefer Enomther's roms because they are more customizable in terms of what is included on the rom through the expansion pack and expension pack setup. I don't like arbitrary modifications as I prefer to have my phone close to vanilla Android but have performance improvements added. But going by your opinion it should not exist. Who are you to determine which rom's are pointless? I really don't understand the fuss. Different people have different preferences. If you prefer limited/no choice get an iPhone.

Unfortunately each Rom runs differently on each phone. My friend has the blurry screen problem while I dont. He can only run a few selected roms some of which doesn't do what he wants to do. I have gone though about 30 different roms before settling on one and quite frankly I think its pretty fun. I am on the bleeding edge of. techology.
I wish I would make a Rom. I have so many ideas for one.

The concern about multiple builds makes sense, but other folks have mentioned that different builds fix different things.
I've tried many of the Hero flavors, but sadly (unless I simply missed it) none of them have fully gotten bluetooth to work. I prefer using bluetooth for calling, and so far only Cyanogenmod's roms seemed to be able to nail this on the head. It's what I've been using for quite some time, and has proven to be the quickest and most stable.
It would be great if they all worked on just one version of the Hero rom, but it won't happen. Just imagine how many more are going to pop up when the official SenseUI shows up for the Saphire.
Eh

I completely disagree with the OP. Everyones needs are different and having a build thats just right for you is a luxury that you wouldn't get on most other types of phones. I really don't see an issue with having multiple builds even if they are fairly similar. Its not like we are wasting development time, there is no downside. Some may argue it makes it harder for users to find a good rom, but the bottom line is anyone who is flashing their android phone has an interest in technology and is going to enjoy trying out different builds. And once you've tried a few builds you get a pretty good idea of what your looking for in your ideal build making it much easier to choose. Using your Linux example, between work and home I use 3 different distributions everyday, the reason being each has strengths that make it ideal for specific applications, its not a problem or a mistake, its simply not everyones needs are the same.

Even for the novice like me it is not too hard to make sense out of what is available. I never liked when people do not read full thread before posting a question. Is it a problem of impatient generation or just a simple laziness? IDK.
Also, it has been a exiting jorney for me to learn everything about my phone and tremendous possibilities. Fear of bricking and yet the desire to try new stuff.
There are useful bits and pieces in almost every thread except yours, sorry to say that. There is nothing that can replace user's feedback and their own disoveries that are not necessarily coming from devs or people remotely in the field of android development.

Cease the proliferation of similar ROMs!
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I also disagree with this thread. More choice is better for everyone!
Also if there are 2 similar roms, as a user rather than a dev you can still take the bits you like from both and make it your own.

jokeyrhyme really? have you made any roms or customized anything for your personal use? if so did you like it? if not, how come you didnt make one custom rom? is it because you dont know how or just rely on others to do it for you? there are soooooo many ppl with different "styles, perceptions and ideals" that one extra rom might be their next rom of choice!! whats wrong with a larger amount of variety? who gives you the right to try and call everyone out when they are the ones spending the time to learn, make and fix all the bugs for everyone when it started off for them selves?!?!? this thread is a joke and is taking up space in development. request for it to be moved to the trash or general. which ever is easiest.

WTF?
Ok at this point i'm kinda getting sick of this whole android forum. Way to much fighting, ignorance, complaints like damn who gives a **** (sorry just vex) who does what or doesnt do what or makes what or doesnt make what. If you dont like something...move onto the next. I mean those who alert the devs/cookers (whatever you choose to call them ) to issues with the rom only for the betterment of the rom are in the right. But when i see dumb **** like "this person's rom does this and that" i get pissed..just reflash that rom sit down shut up and think about that little life of yours that obviously is worthless since you can spend time downing people's work and yet you can make a rom or troubleshoot a rom on your own. Y'all need to relax yourselves find **** that works for you and stick wit hit. If it aint what you want..move on silently. dont fault the creator just move the hell on. Dont post dumb threads like this and most off DONT SAY ****!!! it's these very same forums dedicated to development of our devices that make our devices that much more amazing so dont flood the forum with dumb ****!!!. Show respect to our developers, give em props for taking time out of their lives to make our android experience benificial and super amazing.

I also disagree with OP's sentiment. I'd rather there be as many ROMs as possible than to have my choice restricted to a handful.
And daeshawn you're right, some people are so rude and unappreciative. I just ignore the douchebags and try to contribute as positively as I can.

I completely understand what you're saying. These forums can be really overwhelming at first. But honestly, I enjoy switching between different builds of Android just to see what they're like. Some people want APPS2SD, some don't. Some people want to split FAT32/EXT3/Swap, some don't. There are simply too many combinations for a small set of ROMs to handle.

sigh..... guess well never find the middle of the tootie pop

If a middle ground were to exist it could go something like this:
Everyone can do whatever they want as far as their ROMs go. Perhaps, for new people who might otherwise be overwhelmed with choices, the Q&A (if it doesn't already) could link to a few long-running, stable ROMs that typically accomplish the very basics. And once people get a chance to try those, figuring out what you want becomes a little simpler and the tons of threads start making some coherent sense.
It's like "which is better, Cyanogen's rendition or Enom's" and the answer, for a lot of people, is that it depends. There might be similarities and both ROMs ultimately accomplish a lot of the same things (root, A2SD, compcache, linux swap, etc.) but preferences remain. I like one, you like another. There's no reason both developers, each of whom presumably likes their own, can't go on making what they want to make and offering it out there. More over, the experienced users are already aware of the alternatives.
It's really newbies that might find the choices overwhelming.
As for reinventing the wheel with every ROM, many threads already provide credit to a variety of developers, so clearly the work gets around. Just because they all do it at their own leisure and in the order of their choosing doesn't mean the developers are living in closed bubbles. Maybe the colab work that needs to be done is already being done even if it's not obvious. More over, even if two ROM cookers decide to both implement similar changes apart from each other, the choice to do so is totally in their court. Their time and their money and their brains.
There is kind of, for me, a question of stability. I have a fair confidence, for example, that Cyanogen is not going to drop Android development entirely any time soon and his ROMs will continue to exist with updates and bug fixes. Other developers share this sense of stability, but it's not an all around type of thing. There are ROMs out there now that are interesting because they are cool and new, but will they still be maintained a year from now is another question entirely. And I think that's a legitimate concern and reason for wanting at least a few long-lasting ROMs. Because, essentially, if 5 devs work on something and one gets bored, there's still 4 left. Conversely, if there's only one dev and he/she decides they're done, now what?
Just my $.02

I've no issue with the number of roms.
however, what is missing is a simple resource that lists them and a summary of features.
trying to wade through all the post to see what does what is a total ball ache. I think this is more the problem than the number of roms.
An up to date one pager that showed the current status of what was available would be perfect.

Well, I totally deserve all the hate this thread has brought my way.
*bows head in shame*
I agree that if there was ever a place to test out dozens of difference features, then this is that place. So it's totally appropriate to have as many different ROMs as there are demands for different features and such.
I do think more could be done to draw new users towards stable and long-term projects, as has been suggested by sleepykit and moa77. Maybe that's really the solution I was after. An update to the listing or something perhaps?
Sorry about being a poohead, I'll be good now.
*hugs all round*
PS. I changed the topic title to be less evil and more open.

Related

Haykuro... TheDudeOfLife... JesusFreke... Where do I go???

I am not complaining about the multiple choices we have now when it comes to cooked, rooted ROMS for the G1. God, no! I love having the choice and can't thank either of the 3 main creators or everyone that's helped make these possible enough. However, even I who have been following the development am at a point where I really don't know which of the builds is right for me, because I can't find a centralized thread explaining the differences. I know differences change with every build released, but I feel going through one thread [kept as uncluttered and free of the "me too" or "can't wait" type comments as possible] would be useful.
I, for example, am still enjoying Hayrkuro's 5.0.2Hr5 build because I refuse to give up the HTC dialer (with T9 support) and I am not sure if any of the newer builds still have it. Do they?
And, again, if someone with enough knowledge of all 3 could provide a detailed comparison of features, that would be great. Keep in mind that, for most people that come here looking for advise, "based on the HTC or Google build" doesn't say much. They'd want to know what the HTC build has that the Google build doesn't, and viceversa.
One more time... To Haykuro, TheDudeOfLife and you, JesusFreke, who started it all, thank you for putting the community first!
They are all based on the 1.5 build from htc. I believe things like the htc keyboard can be pretty easily added to the 2 other builds. They seem to be sharing a lot of the same tweaks as well. I honestly would just go with the newest build by however releases it. Main difference? They come bundled with different apps. Anyone need to correct me on this?
I'm curious if anyone's done a side-by-side comparison of the 3 builds? I, too, am curious as to which one will suit my needs/desires.
Maybe it would be asking too much, but is there any sort of base-line for comparing these builds? I'm going with JF's for now, because it's been changed the least from the original (as far as I've read) but who knows?
It's very difficult to make an educated choice, when all I've read is something like "Awww, diz rom iz da only 1 wurth haven! da udder 1ez suxxorz!" (and yes, I've actually read a post like that one)
I truly enjoy the variety and choices available to us, but is there any real way to compare these builds?
test drive
im a firm believer in to each his own.. on that note the best advice is to test drive the builds for 2-3 days yourself to make that decision effectively im on the dudes .93 and i dont see any other builds being that much of a difference, but like i stated to each his own! everyone has a different liking.. so take the time and test drive the different bulids to give the dev's a fair chance at your personal opinion...
P.S. Dude's will be the only one w/ a default theme by MANUP456!!!. . . . hint-hint
Try all 3 of them and thats that. Everyone will have dif opinions, likes and dislikes. Its not gonna be that difficult to try all 3 of them if you have the time. If you do just make sure you wipe before switching from build to build. My opinion? I tried Haykuros G/ADP and JF, all pretty awesome, for now im sticking with JF. I do miss the transition from the G build though.
Ive been bouncing between all three myself today... We need a app that auto loads each rom of our choice...
driguez said:
Try all 3 of them and thats that. Everyone will have dif opinions, likes and dislikes. Its not gonna be that difficult to try all 3 of them if you have the time. If you do just make sure you wipe before switching from build to build. My opinion? I tried Haykuros G/ADP and JF, all pretty awesome, for now im sticking with JF. I do miss the transition from the G build though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can make the transitions work like the g build with spare parts. choose fancy transitions...
korndub said:
you can make the transitions work like the g build with spare parts. choose fancy transitions...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really like the G build, i am using spare parts and it is nice, if i had a choice i would go with G's. BTW the fade in and out its not bad either, i really liked the shrink and expand from the G's, spare parts its more like shrink, swing then expand, after the swing i dont really like the transition. But im not complaining though, matter of taste i guess.
my understanding of all three builds is just as everyone has stated before...
- they are all builds off of ADP1.5, so as the operating system features go.. they are identical.
- and the apps and accompanying system tweaks are the basic differences between the builds
i like em all n wish there was a list to compare.. but really no build is "completely" done... so just gotta rotate them n find ur match
my main focus now is widgets n cupcake apps
stuck on Hr5 build cant give up the dialer and the pdf viewer loved how fast jf was though
Razor1973 said:
I am not complaining about the multiple choices we have now when it comes to cooked, rooted ROMS for the G1. God, no! I love having the choice and can't thank either of the 3 main creators or everyone that's helped make these possible enough. However, even I who have been following the development am at a point where I really don't know which of the builds is right for me, because I can't find a centralized thread explaining the differences. I know differences change with every build released, but I feel going through one thread [kept as uncluttered and free of the "me too" or "can't wait" type comments as possible] would be useful.
I, for example, am still enjoying Hayrkuro's 5.0.2Hr5 build because I refuse to give up the HTC dialer (with T9 support) and I am not sure if any of the newer builds still have it. Do they?
And, again, if someone with enough knowledge of all 3 could provide a detailed comparison of features, that would be great. Keep in mind that, for most people that come here looking for advise, "based on the HTC or Google build" doesn't say much. They'd want to know what the HTC build has that the Google build doesn't, and viceversa.
One more time... To Haykuro, TheDudeOfLife and you, JesusFreke, who started it all, thank you for putting the community first!
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Click to collapse
This is the third (at least) comparison thread I've seen in the past 24 hours. The others were locked. This one will be too as soon as a mod notices it.
mikedmeyer said:
This is the third (at least) comparison thread I've seen in the past 24 hours. The others were locked. This one will be too as soon as a mod notices it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeup.
The answer to all of em is.
Load them.
Test them.
Decide for yourself.
Thanks for your feedback, guys.
I'm still hoping someone will answer my question. Does any of these builds have the HTC dialer? If not, is there a way to replace the standard one after installing the ROM?
props to whoever does a dual boot mod *hint hint*
BUNZ1 said:
props to whoever does a dual boot mod *hint hint*
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Click to collapse
2nd that. I would love to be able to have multiple versions installed at once but don't know if it is possible from what I have read.

What Ive Never Understood...

This may be irrelevant and this thread will probably be closed, but Ive had a few while Im looking for a new rom and it lead me to a question.
WHY DONT ALL THE DEVELOPERS WORK TOGETHER TO CREATE THE ULTIMATE ROM?
Im sure on of the ultimate answers would be based off of preference etc. but if we would all unite towards one specific goal, not only would we have more solid builds... but we would have more versions (lite, etc) but more themes, faster updates, etc.
I mean ive used this site for a couple years with different phones and we all seem to want the same thing. Speed, reliability, better battery life, etc. So why dont we conference, put our individual talents to use, create specific focuses and put together something Google themselves need to compete with.
I know a lot of the devs here already work together and I have no problems with the way things are... nor am I trying to disrepect any of the hard work you all have contributed. I was just thinking out loud.
Comments?
There is a similiar Thread already:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=572788
this is not a development topic. this belongs in q&a
We ARE working together, but we want to create ROMs for different purposes.
'ultimate' is pretty subjective.
it's easy to see all the different, seemingly random threads about different roms and mods and assume there's no teamwork involved, but really, it's just different people trying different things and when one works well most others adapt it. otherwise, everyone has a different 'ideal rom' anyways.
it's a fairly darwinian approach, but it works pretty well. you COULD try to get everyone to organize and work on one idea, but i think we can save that for companies like htc, motorola, huawei, samsung, google, etc.
besides, anyone who follows this or other android dev sites for more than a couple weeks knows which devs to kep an eye on.
what i feel is the ultimate rom, you don't think is the ultimate rom...
the ultimate ROM for me is feature lite, and fast.
despisedIcon said:
the ultimate ROM for me is feature lite, and fast.
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Click to collapse
And I like fast and feature heavy. Best of everything. :-D
All of your responses is exactly what I mean... Lets say for example, the devs focused on the fastest, most stable and lightest rom as a base. then moved on a way to easily create or modify a theme.
from there, we could move on to different versions... like a hero or blur, etc.
ultimately, every user is going to pick there favorite programs, so maybe we develop a way to easily choose which programs you want included before you flash the rom and voila...
i mean, im sure im making this sound easier than it might be, but with clear and open communication/ exchanging ideas and coming to a reasonable base... the possibilities are endless.
users could focus on the aesthetics like icons, themes, widgets, etc.
ALL WE NEED IS A SOLID BASE...
sure, there are some talented individuals accomplishing this on their own and thats all fine and understandable. I just know that with the power of many over one... a lot more could be accomplished easier, more deliberately and effectively.
Each dev could have a specialty that they focus on...
1. Themes
2. Troubleshooting
3. Speed/ Framework
4. Battery Life
5. The list goes on...
Create an FTP for everyone to access and we could show Google exactly what theyve been hoping for... which is developers alike coming together for the greater good... again, this is just my opinion, but im glad ppl are leaving their input
and with the choosing of apps example... my idea is, if there were a lite version and an ftp or somewhere to host a list of signed apks that you could choose via checkmark, click download and it would automatically save them to a special folder on the sd card. then, the lite version could have a script that auto runs during the initial boot to install directly from this folder on the sd card.
I guess im just trying to create simplicity for the newbs and the devs or veterans that have been on the site and are tired of flaming or answering the same question.
I say, we streamline this process, create simplicity through orginization and leave more room for progress...
Ok, well thats all i have for now... I mean, I have a lot more ideas, but we'll see where this goes...
It's HTC / Google's fault for releasing different models of the same phone, as most blog publishers are oblivious to the difference and post news under the *insert adverb here* title 'htc magic donut'
Well michael this thread did prove one very important thing. That even if your a senior member on this website you dont know jack. First cyan knows the nines and round here noone can really improve his stuff but him. Hence the reason he wont do his own hero rom. They lag no matter what. Sure you can take out all the widgets cut some fat off rosie. Well hell at that point just theme a donut rom. Running the heros and blurs r fun on g1 and mytouch. But if u ever actually pick up a hero phone or blur phone and test them.... u would see a huuuuuuuuuuuuge dif in performance. So basicly the guys know their crap. All of them. and they do work together. Read a drizzy post. Or other dev post. They always thank whoever for help. And if you want your ultimate rom follow cyan he will make it eventually.
Michaelr219 said:
This may be irrelevant and this thread will probably be closed, but Ive had a few while Im looking for a new rom and it lead me to a question.
WHY DONT ALL THE DEVELOPERS WORK TOGETHER TO CREATE THE ULTIMATE ROM?
Im sure on of the ultimate answers would be based off of preference etc. but if we would all unite towards one specific goal, not only would we have more solid builds... but we would have more versions (lite, etc) but more themes, faster updates, etc.
I mean ive used this site for a couple years with different phones and we all seem to want the same thing. Speed, reliability, better battery life, etc. So why dont we conference, put our individual talents to use, create specific focuses and put together something Google themselves need to compete with.
I know a lot of the devs here already work together and I have no problems with the way things are... nor am I trying to disrepect any of the hard work you all have contributed. I was just thinking out loud.
Comments?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You my friend are a pure genius, the problem is users ignorant and ROM makers naturally have low self-esteem. You see, take a guy like Haykuro he built the foundation for the first ROMs on the sapphire. Now he's fizzled out. BUT in the beginning he was the ****... Sure in every ROM maker's thread you will find credits etc. but that's all just ass kissing... You see, NO ROM MAKER DON'T MAKE ****! The only thing they get is an EGO BOOST! Who doesn't like an Ego boost? Developers at Google, HTC etc. Because they make $90,000+ a year doing what they do and they have normal lives with a wife and kids ideally... As for ROM makers on XDA they are either A) former workers at Google, HTC etc. who have grudges against their former employers OR B) they never got a real job working for a high end corporation like Google, HTC, etc. and ended up bumming it on XDA hoping one of their "fans" will buy they a lap dance... OR C) They are rich as **** and just love doin this **** for the hell of it because they like making ROMS, getting credit and most importantly, recognition and they ASS kissed constantly by people they don't even know... So there you have it in a nutshell with this kind of mix of developers, the ULTIMATE ROM is simply not possible... I certainly doubt I will never see it in my day or if we all go in 2012... If anyone does come up with something even slightly close to the ULTIMATE ROM I bet it will be Cyanogen or my man Dwang. Eugene was on the right track but he lost it when he turned out to be a SNiTcH AKA BIATCH of all ROM makers! But for real I love all ROM makers on XDA regardless of their motives or intentions, they spice up my life and hook my phone up and that makes them the ****. All of their work is appreciated obviously...
Wolfyy7 said:
You my friend are a pure genius, the problem is users ignorant and ROM makers naturally have low self-esteem. You see, take a guy like Haykuro he built the foundation for the first ROMs on the sapphire. Now he's fizzled out. BUT in the beginning he was the ****... Sure in every ROM maker's thread you will find credits etc. but that's all just ass kissing... You see, NO ROM MAKER DON'T MAKE ****! The only thing they get is an EGO BOOST! Who doesn't like an Ego boost? Developers at Google, HTC etc. Because they make $90,000+ a year doing what they do and they have normal lives with a wife and kids ideally... As for ROM makers on XDA they are either A) former workers at Google, HTC etc. who have grudges against their former employers OR B) they never got a real job working for a high end corporation like Google, HTC, etc. and ended up bumming it on XDA hoping one of their "fans" will buy they a lap dance... OR C) They are rich as **** and just love doin this **** for the hell of it because they like making ROMS, getting credit and most importantly, recognition and they ASS kissed constantly by people they don't even know... So there you have it in a nutshell with this kind of mix of developers, the ULTIMATE ROM is simply not possible... I certainly doubt I will never see it in my day or if we all go in 2012... If anyone does come up with something even slightly close to the ULTIMATE ROM I bet it will be Cyanogen or my man Dwang. Eugene was on the right track but he lost it when he turned out to be a SNiTcH AKA BIATCH of all ROM makers! But for real I love all ROM makers on XDA regardless of their motives or intentions, they spice up my life and hook my phone up and that makes them the ****. All of their work is appreciated obviously...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL... thank God for the internet. Id read some of the debates youve had in other threads and they got me laughing. Im on the fence, because Im not one to take sides, but not only are you funny... but I actually agree with you on this. I mean, just one thread above me I have some guy telling me that I dont know what Im talking about. For one, Im not claiming to know all there is to know about these phones... or Id be working for Google making the big bucks... and two, he only reiterated things Id already disclaimed.
I didnt start this thread to get flamed, but opinions are like a**holes, everyone has one.
I realize that most of my ideas wont see the light of day, because without the cash or proper credit, people wont work together unless they "get theirs"
A lot of these devs work their @$$es off and receive "tips" or donations purely because they love what they do and I respect that sincerely.
However, the idea that working "together" to create the ULTIMATE rom is possible. Devs asking for tips, help, or using work that one already accomplished isnt what im referring to. It would take moderators, coordinators, infrastructure, hierarchy, etc... To those that see the light of what im talking about, thank you... to the rest, thanks anyway
rossmoore81 said:
Well michael this thread did prove one very important thing. That even if your a senior member on this website you dont know jack. First cyan knows the nines and round here noone can really improve his stuff but him. Hence the reason he wont do his own hero rom. They lag no matter what. Sure you can take out all the widgets cut some fat off rosie. Well hell at that point just theme a donut rom. Running the heros and blurs r fun on g1 and mytouch. But if u ever actually pick up a hero phone or blur phone and test them.... u would see a huuuuuuuuuuuuge dif in performance. So basicly the guys know their crap. All of them. and they do work together. Read a drizzy post. Or other dev post. They always thank whoever for help. And if you want your ultimate rom follow cyan he will make it eventually.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read my words carefully... I am aware of what has gone on here on this site. I acknowledged that a lot of developers work well together. Unlike you, im not giving specific credit to any one or two individuals. We all know who has hit the brick and mortar with the foundations that have been set. A lot of those individuals communicate regularly.
I was nearly drawing into the fact that with technology, they could all (those who are willing, of course) conference regularly, establish agendas, specific tasks, and create a template. One that has been re-worked inside and out by each of their hands till there isnt any input that one individually could produce. From there, the focus objective could be the bigger picture like compatible themes, updates, easier installs, more features, etc.
I know im repeating myself to a degree, but I want to make sure the image is clear. There are a lot of devs doing the same thing, for some of the same reasons. But us users all come here for the SAME reason. To take our toy/ pride and joy/ project/ whatever you wanna call it... to the next level. To make it better than it was out of the box, to see the realms that it is truely capable of.
So rather than seeing some devs running into similar problems with their roms individually or simultaneously... One of two things would happen, either A: Solve it immediately once and for all or B: Catch the bug before it was even released. Hopefully my words inspire some of you. If not, keep up the great work.
Lol - cracking read

[ATTN] Devs/Chefs/UberGeniuses

SLOW THE %&*$ DOWN!
Just Kidding... but in all seriousness, the variety of roms for the Cappy is amazing. It all comes down to preference; however, I must say that with all of the updates, and new roms, I'm flashing at least twice a day and sometimes even losing track of what I'm running. (Although I know I'm currently running Andromeda and it is by far the best I've had on my Cappy. Awesome GPS lock in seconds, fast, stable.)
The point is... can we consolidate, or come up with a legit thread/wiki that clarifies the pros, cons, features, and specifications on roms. Reading 20 pages of forum after a new ROM is released is getting tiring.
Theodor911 said:
SLOW THE %&*$ DOWN!
Just Kidding... but in all seriousness, the variety of roms for the Cappy is amazing. It all comes down to preference; however, I must say that with all of the updates, and new roms, I'm flashing at least twice a day and sometimes even losing track of what I'm running. (Although I know I'm currently running Andromeda and it is by far the best I've had on my Cappy. Awesome GPS lock in seconds, fast, stable.)
The point is... can we consolidate, or come up with a legit thread/wiki that clarifies the pros, cons, features, and specifications on roms. Reading 20 pages of forum after a new ROM is released is getting tiring.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you shouldnt have posted in the DEV section.... See here
But since you have. Just be glad that we have all of them to chose from. Not long ago it was slow here. And no. That thread idea has never worked.....In all the time i have been here.
smokestack76 said:
Well you shouldnt have posted in the DEV section.... See here
But since you have. Just be glad that we have all of them to chose from. Not long ago it was slow here. And no. That thread idea has never worked.....In all the time i have been here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, it will never work. XDA is here for a reason. lets just keep doing what were doing. Also, where the hell have you been Smoke?
Theodor911 said:
SLOW THE %&*$ DOWN!
Just Kidding... but in all seriousness, the variety of roms for the Cappy is amazing. It all comes down to preference; however, I must say that with all of the updates, and new roms, I'm flashing at least twice a day and sometimes even losing track of what I'm running. (Although I know I'm currently running Andromeda and it is by far the best I've had on my Cappy. Awesome GPS lock in seconds, fast, stable.)
The point is... can we consolidate, or come up with a legit thread/wiki that clarifies the pros, cons, features, and specifications on roms. Reading 20 pages of forum after a new ROM is released is getting tiring.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you look at the feature sets, most of them are the same, just different skins, apps, etc included...
everything is pretty common knowledge since we are all running the same mods... additional apps, skins, etc are just fluff, which is why I personally don't include that kinda stuff. I will leave that to the theme and app section and the person running the rom to make it look how they want.
as far as all of us working together, I respond to all the devs who ask for help, I have joined up and help the team efforts, as well as individuals putting roms out that have asked how to do various things.
Putting it all into a wiki? No thanks, that stuff changes to much to want to deal with updating a wiki with 20 different variations on how to do a smali edit for X feature.
If you take donations, in a community based team, this always becomes a stress point, best not to take donations at that point. I won't accept a cut of team donations, someone will ***** about it if they get less or more, not worth it. (just noticed adam sent me a donation, KNOCK THAT OFF! lol)
As far as you not liking to flash a lot, get help, you are a flash addict
I wont be slowing down anytime soon, get used to it
/random thoughts
designgears said:
If you look at the feature sets, most of them are the same, just different skins, apps, etc included...
everything is pretty common knowledge since we are all running the same mods... additional apps, skins, etc are just fluff, which is why I personally don't include that kinda stuff. I will leave that to the theme and app section and the person running the rom to make it look how they want.
as far as all of us working together, I respond to all the devs who ask for help, I have joined up and help the team efforts, as well as individuals putting roms out that have asked how to do various things.
Putting it all into a wiki? No thanks, that stuff changes to much to want to deal with updating a wiki with 20 different variations on how to do a smali edit for X feature.
If you take donations, in a community based team, this always becomes a stress point, best not to take donations at that point. I won't accept a cut of team donations, someone will ***** about it if they get less or more, not worth it. (just noticed adam sent me a donation, KNOCK THAT OFF! lol)
As far as you not liking to flash a lot, get help, you are a flash addict
I wont be slowing down anytime soon, get used to it
/random thoughts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel the same. So many roms are including everything everyone else is. Just skinning and a few differences. I stick to a select few toms and just go frombthere because there is just too much to keep track of right now.
DG you are an idol of a great developer.
It would be great if more.devastating would get together to lighten the load and make it a little easier on all involved, but then again I am excited to.see so.many great revs making a rom all their own.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
I think its just crazy that this thread even got other post
I would have thought it was over with mine. But oh well. I have been in the shadows adam
Im always here. Or kinda.... haha
i think a wiki would be convenient in some ways but more trouble than its worth. I mean who would wanna volunteer to keep up with every single rom, and update it daily?
It might help a lil with noobs trying to learn, but honestly reading through 100s of pages in one thread usually ends up helping you learn more than just the rom itself. When i first registered on this forum all i did was read for the first few months before even making a post
Guess I will jump on the bandwagon before this gets moved to the general section.
There was a point in time not so long ago where there were only about 3 ROMs for the captivate and a lot of drooling over what the other SGS variants had going on.
I for one am very happy to see the Captivate community grow and put out some good stuff. The variety and choices really help enable the end-user to get their phone to look and work how they want, end-user empowerment tends to make people happy.
Taco Bell has maybe a dozen individual ingredients but it's the way they are combined that makes each product special.
As for having to read the threads of each ROM, yea it can be a pain, but it is good for you. You are informed, can make the best choice, and know what to expect from what you are about to put on your phone.
designgears said:
If you look at the feature sets, most of them are the same, just different skins, apps, etc included...
everything is pretty common knowledge since we are all running the same mods... additional apps, skins, etc are just fluff, which is why I personally don't include that kinda stuff. I will leave that to the theme and app section and the person running the rom to make it look how they want.
as far as all of us working together, I respond to all the devs who ask for help, I have joined up and help the team efforts, as well as individuals putting roms out that have asked how to do various things.
Putting it all into a wiki? No thanks, that stuff changes to much to want to deal with updating a wiki with 20 different variations on how to do a smali edit for X feature.
If you take donations, in a community based team, this always becomes a stress point, best not to take donations at that point. I won't accept a cut of team donations, someone will ***** about it if they get less or more, not worth it. (just noticed adam sent me a donation, KNOCK THAT OFF! lol)
As far as you not liking to flash a lot, get help, you are a flash addict
I wont be slowing down anytime soon, get used to it
/random thoughts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The note you made about the themes and such is exactly why I love Andromeda. I personally do not like the 2.0 theme, but the fact that there is an unthemed version as well as a themed version makes me the happiest panda in the world, and I think more ROM cookers should adopt this policy.
What I'd love more than anything else though, is a ROM that supports the hardware voice processing of the Captivate, as well as any custom kernels/modems the user wants. That would be the ultimate ROM in my opinion. Oh, and the 4 lockscreen mod is a must as well. I do not like the glass lockscreen
chrisz5z said:
i think a wiki would be convenient in some ways but more trouble than its worth. I mean who would wanna volunteer to keep up with every single rom, and update it daily?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI-
Captivate Wiki:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=Samsung_Galaxy_S/SGH-I897
Looks like it is not too far out of date.
People complain too much....
I understand your post OP but as mentioned it won't work. What get's the me the most is when people ask, "what's changed?"...
There are CHANGE LOGS ON EVERY THREAD FOR EVERY ROM.
xcaliburinhand said:
FYI-
Captivate Wiki:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=Samsung_Galaxy_S/SGH-I897
Looks like it is not too far out of date.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
maybe i interpreted the OP wrong, but it sounds like hes talking about a wiki with more detail than the one we already have
xcaliburinhand said:
Taco Bell has maybe a dozen individual ingredients but it's the way they are combined that makes each product special.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Taco Bell.. I'm hungry.
It really cracks me up that this thread is still going
Every ROM is made for a handfull of people. AS it seems. So to really make a wiki and save all the Info from a few thousand users is just nutz. even to have a WiKi just for the ROMs is kinda nutz as others have said. Just so much changes daily it would be so hard to keep up with
So i guess....Like all the others. We can let this thread die now
I agree with you Smoke. With the way updates come out sometimes daily for fixes or depending on an issues hourly a Wiki would just be too hard to maintain. If some one is up for it then go for it. I just see it as a way for people not to have to read the roms thread and doing research before they flash a rom to their $500 device.
Thread closed

Ok, I lied :-)

Ok guys, it's been brought to my attention that my post was
1. Cantankerous.
2. Seemingly disrespectful of devs great work on here.
3. Taken too seriously for being an internet forum.
I would like to say sorry, and explain what I mean I tihnk it would be awesome to pull together the necessary funding for our very talented developers to create an XDA exclusive, completely original ROM. I'm not sure if it is possible, but something that is just for the Thunderbolt alone and isn't sense, isn't AOSP, isn't MIUI, and DEFINITELY not like Motorboat... I mean Motorblur. I think we really are on to something with the work that the Dev's are doing with taking different roms and porting them/using other roms as bases and then building from them; lets see what we can do to completely change the way that this stuff is done(if possible) by polling ideas(not unreasonable wishlists) and putting it all together. Possibly coordinating between Team BAMF, Chingy, and some other the other recognized DEV's.
What does everyone else think?
htcdesirezgeorge said:
I'm not sure if it is possible, but something that is just for the Thunderbolt alone and isn't sense, isn't AOSP, isn't MIUI, and DEFINITELY not like Motorboat...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it isn't sense/blur/touchwiz, it is AOSP. Miui is just modified AOSP (with no sources given back), just like all the other roms not sense/blur/touchwiz are also based on AOSP. You do know what AOSP means right? Android Open Source Project as in the android operation system that is the basis to all android phones just modded by the OEMs. What you're asking is similar to saying:
"Hey, I'm bored with linux, unix, osx and windows, can we make a new operating system totally not based on any of those for our computers?"
Perhaps rephrase your question one more time in a way that makes more sense? Third time is a winner
yareally said:
If it isn't sense/blur/touchwiz, it is AOSP. Miui is just modified AOSP (with no sources given back), just like all the other roms not sense/blur/touchwiz are also based on AOSP. You do know what AOSP means right? Android Open Source Project as in the android operation system that is the basis to all android phones just modded by the OEMs. What you're asking is similar to saying:
"Hey, I'm bored with linux, unix, osx and windows, can we make a new operating system totally not based on any of those for our computers?"
Perhaps rephrase your question one more time in a way that makes more sense? Third time is a winner
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya got a point, I actually didn't know that! BUT, regardless of how its phrased, what do ya think it would require to do somethig like I mentioned? I, personally would love to see something excitingly new put out here. Like with the miui project, any chance of people putting their heads together to figure it out?
You've got OS's and you have UI's. Obviously it is entirely possible to custom build a UI, but its FAR more difficult than porting one over or mixing and mashing parts of Sense together. UberBAMF is definitely something new and out of the box. That's more radical than anything I ever expected... Or have ever seen elsewhere. UIs do a lot to sell a device, so its worth it for HTC or Samsung to invest in building one. Not so much for a team of volunteer devs.
htcdesirezgeorge said:
Ya got a point, I actually didn't know that! BUT, regardless of how its phrased, what do ya think it would require to do somethig like I mentioned? I, personally would love to see something excitingly new put out here. Like with the miui project, any chance of people putting their heads together to figure it out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chances are unlikely to get a new user interface geared to only one phone built from the ground up from the android source by a team for a few reasons:
1) Lack of like-minded (knowledgeable) developers for one device that are currently free. Developers are very opinionated (just from my own experience even if they don't want to admit it). What should/shouldn't go into it would be a mess to deal with and debate alone, especially since the opinions of developers are generally not the same as those that don't develop. The ones already developing most likely don't want to give up their current projects as well. Basically, the developers that want to develop already have their projects and most treat them like it's their "baby" and most likely not willing to give them up or put them on hold. That moves into issue #2
2) Time. It would take considerable amount of time and organization to do that. Probably to get something stable that's original would take longer than most people would keep their Thunderbolt. Guys that work on their phones do this part time for fun as well and that combined with other side projects would press for time.
3) True developers & designers. There's a big difference between hacking some already made stuff to work with things and actually writing object oriented software from scratch. Obviously some guys putting stuff out for the thunderbolt are true developers that code professionally and others are just hacking around making things work done by others. Both have their uses, but you need real development for something like this and I don't think there's enough of those willing.
Forgot to add that the only way change happens is to build interest, so don't let my pessimistic observations detour anyone from posting their thoughts and ideas in this thread

Cyanogenmod Info.

I've heard many things, all great, about CM since the beginning of time (...well, close to it.). Frequently, before a real android phone was obtainable via the average pathways here in the U.S. of A, and the iPhone was the only real option for a smartphone, I found myself pulled towards CM-even though I had no way of actually using it at the time. The open-source, power-to-the people feel has always appealed to me...and my journey, starting from the age of 12, when I started crashing my parents computer so I could spend more time with the boutique builder that would fix it, later fixing it myself, then exploring the down-and-dirty innards of my gadgets-- this journey, has always felt like home to me.
My personal tinkering with phones and the like started with my sisters HTC Tilt, which I skinned to look like an iPhone for her. This was one of the first phones with Wi-Fi (Ha!), and trying to get it work was just as fun as using it.
Moving on, I received, for my birthday, a palm PDA (one of the first with a camera and a color screen...the device itself was blue), but I had to return it due to an exploding display.
Finally, a couple years ago, I got my first smart-phone. An iPhone. And within an hour after getting it, I had it jailbroken and themed. But the innards were still off limits. While searching under terms lie? "Hack phone" and "tethering, I always came across posts speaking of Cyanogenmod...In fact, I'd say that an astounding 50% of my searches relating to customizing or modifying--in some way or another, led to a post or thread--sometimes a whole article, on how to do something with android, and specifically CM. This proved fruitful for my later endeavors.
When I was doing better financially, I bought my first android device, and have never felt so empowered, and have never had such a strong ownership of my devices. That device was the Transformer.
Again, after just an hour of owning the device, I was looking up terms...and searching XDA for every bit of relevant information I could find. Some of the questions I had: What is Clockwork Mod? What is Clockwork Mod Recovery? What's the difference? NVflash? What's a B70 serial number mean for my prognosis? What's a Nandroid? How do I choose a ROM?
Although there was a metric ten of terminology I needed to learn to know what I was doing--and even though there was almost a complete vacuum of centralized information--- at least authoritative information (any questioned asked in forums led to me being booted and marked as a noob), things eventually worked out.
I learned about the Boot loader situation for the transformer, the status of honeycomb as a sort of non-open-source open source operating system, and about the battery issues....about kernels, and speaker mods, about modules and root apps-and along the way I learned almost the full metric ton of terminology, and had a metric ton of fun...with you guys.
Which brings me to today...I own a brand new galaxy note, but am once again in the dark. Only this time, its far worse...because my questions pertain to CM, the gold reference when it comes to running a custom rom, and its structure...that is to say, the structure of the ROM, the team that builds it, and the community that helps support it...all relevant to understanding the dearth of work and choice that we find in this very forum. And because its been around for so long, the staple that CM has become, assumes that all things and all people know what's happening.
Which brings me to my real questions....which I've searched, and searched, and searched again for answers to, but have found no conclusive, or concise and relevant answers. I've searched the cyanogenmod site, the forum, this forum, and Google. And while I found half-answers, and although I'm confident I can root any device I, or my friends can buy, and I can install custom roms, edit props, change permissions, dump radios, flash pre rooted kernels and other kernels, and backup and edit every settings app and image I can find, I still find myself lacking a fundamental understanding of Cyanogenmod and Cyanogenmod work, official, and unofficial--information that would make my life complete, and help me bear the fruit of this journey I'm on.
That journey ends with a device that I own...one with cyanogenmod on it...specifically...a device in the near future that runs a version of CM that I helped contribute to-either officially or unofficially to.
And the beginning of the end to that journey, and the desired end game--developing, begins here. With my ASUS Transformer. And my questions.
Note: I illustrated this story in-depth, for a reason. To let you know that I've searched long and hard for clear answers, and that I plan to contribute significantly in the future to Android, and to XDA. I just need a teeny bit of help...a little direction. And so do a lot of us. I haven't found anywhere, a discussion of this subject--a significant one when it comes to understanding our community, our choices, and how to contribute...that subject is the structure of Cyanogenmod: the ROM, the team, and the community that constitutes them. The following questions are relevant to, and seek to address this fundamental lack of understanding.
Since the release of IcS, we've seen an explosion of CM in the Transformer forum. And while I understand how to read a change log, and a list of "what's working" and "what's not working", and can rely on a search find out what "Cornerstone" is, its still damn near impossible to define the relationship that constitutes all of the CM builds that are available. It might be clear, after a search, what the term "Kang" is, but what isn't clear, is what this means for the end-user. Its not clear what's official, what's parallel work, and what makes up the night lies that we can find on the CM repository. Is it one man aggregating work from forums like this, and throwing all of the features and fixes into a centralized build? Are the ROMs that we find in the Development section of the Transformer section off-shoots of CM to be worked on and differentiated in the future? Because where it stands now, I don't see a ton of differentiation. Maybe its because there's just been a new release, and I'm seeing the beginning of a process here. But I'm still unaware of what makes up a CM team. Its not clear how these things work-- if there is one man from the team working on the transformer, another working on the Epic 4g...and so on, or if everyone works on the same thing, and the feature or fix is distributed by a magic machine, or if each person on the team works on the same thing, and then a designated person ports it to his device. It's context like this that makes an informed overview of the current situation possible. And without that context, I'm stuck.
Most know that nightlies come before the release candidate(s), and that a stable release follows. But what I don't know, is why I never hear about an actual release, and almost always hear people speak of night lies, and in general, they're almost categorically excited.
So, if we were to examine my complete and utter lack of knowledge together, wed conclude that it's impossible for me to understand where XDA, and the ROMs that are available in the development section fit in to the grander-scheme of things. Is it better to get a nightly from CM? Is the nightly made up of the very fixes and developments we find in the various ROMs here in the development section?
How does someone go about deciding which of the dozen ROMs to install? Because the threads for ROMs don't explain anything when it comes to explaining an end goal, and a developers intent for the ROM, and the reasons why he/she is making one, I find myself stuck in the quick-sand of change-log after change-log, feature list after feature list.
Give me the 411. Explain to me what I'm missing in my Rosetta stone of the big picture..the grand scheme of things. Maybe I'm looking at this all wrong...maybe I'm just an idiot. Maybe you'll rage at me. But maybe, just maybe, I'm missing only, one small, key, piece of information here, and I spent a couple pages typing on the touchscreen of my transformer for thirty five minutes to find the answers that I badly need.
I'm sorry if I wasted your time. Thank you very much for reading this.
If you have a problem with my post, or a suggestion, attack, or complaint, please Private Message it to me...unless it pertains to the questions I posed...in which case I would very, very much appreciate your comment, your input, you sharing your knowledge, or even a question of your own.
Thanks.
Seriously? All that wall of text to ask the same question that everyone else asks?
This is how you divide up the custom ROMs to make your choice easier:
Do you want cornerstone or no?
If you want cornerstone, you pick between Team EOS or CM9
If you don't want cornerstone, you have these to pick from(in no particular order):
Revolver
Android Revolution HD
Codename Android
AOKP
CM9 no cornerstone version
Just try them and see what you like. I don't understand why people are so cautious before picking a ROM as if it's a permanent choice that can't be reverted.
If you don't like it, you can quickly flash a different ROM.
It's better for you to make your own decision based on your own experience with the ROMs rather than rely on someone else's recommendation whose needs and personal preference might not match yours.
Thank you, actually a nice read, there is also official cm support for our tf, on the cm website, last i seen there were 3 nightlies, since ics iv flashed the official cwm modded rom, then revolutiin, then team eos, then cm9, back to revolution, then codename android, now back on krakd hc rom until jcarrz releases his ics rom.
Sent from my R800i using xda premium
You gotta keep in mind that all ICS development now is in an early stage. Every rom is new, we don't have a solid stable one. Even stock asus have problems with rebooting, dock integration and so on.
CM is fragmented in 2 or 3 builds, and what diferentiates then is only the commits from CM repository and some dev preferences, like cornerstone or full support for the dock.
All roms that aren't Asus based (AOSP) suffers from some aditional issues, like:
- Dock won't be fully working, except on CM9 by ricardopvz and Codename Android. The touchpad still works different from stock asus.
- Some Wi-fi and GPS issues, probably driver related
- Screen rotation have a lag issue (all AOSP roms)
- Dock battery info missing, even with widget.
- Battery drain issues.
I have tested almost all roms and can say most of then is pretty usable. But if combined with overclock kernel, you can certainly expect problems.
[noobquestion]What is this cornerstone everyones talking about? lol [/noobquestion]
Im personally running team EOS nightly build (no cornerstone) with blade's OC kernel running at 1.4Ghz.
I think the ROM works very well. It hasnt really given me any issues except 2 random reboots and 1 semi-freeze (all on the same day lol). Its been running perfect for 3 days now though.
Don't worry about hondroid he is kind of a troll no hard feelings
I have not used CM for quite some time but here is my understanding from having worked with the captivate and transformer for over a year now.
Cyanogen mod is based off of the true source code of andorid taken directly from google and with no OEM's getting their greasy little fingers over them and polluting them with bloatware and skins. From there cyanogen set up a git repository where they have the main android tree as pure as it is and then branches for each device. Then there are plenty of devs working directly on the tree optimizing the core android and adding features which can then be accepted or regected by the otehr devs. Then there is a smaller team of devs on each "Branch" which normally consists of a certain type of processor or chipset. Ex Hummingbird or Tegra 2
The job of the devs there is to integrate that to make it work smoothly and they have the same peer approval system. There are also smaller branches which contain the drivers for most pieces of hardware (Speakers, Screens ect). Then finally there is the device dev there are normally about 5 from my experience but once all the work is done the team can be cut to 1 or 2. They are the people that get it up and running on the device writing missing drivers fixing device specific bugs ect. And once they are done there work they can compile it all together and there we have our nightly.
Then if there is a change in the core all the device devs have to do is recompile and build the rom and there is your next nightly.
The RC happens when they hit a stable nightly or when development has slowed enough that all of the bugs have been fixed
Hope this is helpfull
Thanks to all of your for your responses. I think this is a beautiful conversation that isn't happening enough. All of you have provided great information, that when combined helps to depict the structure of the community we have all grown to love.

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