This is not knocking our heavy-duty modders and developers, but it seems like in lots of threads folks ask questions and the answer always is to go to the custom ROMs. (Yes, I know they are good and do a lot!)
Could we maintain this, or another thread -- or could the admin set up a section for folks who have stock G-Tablets who want to improve and get the most out of them without ROMs?
I got my tablet 11/25 and when I turned it on, the first thing it did was download two updates. I have not had a lot of the really bad problems some of you earlier adopters had. So I would like to try a stock machine with program improvements before deciding whether to go custom ROM.
That said, I would like to install the Google Market, Contacts, Gmail, Calendar, etc. I am willing to root the tablet if that is needed to get all the software working.
Any suggestions -- references to non-ROM upgrades -- recommendations on how to accomplish the above will be appreciated. And I suggest there probably are a lot of other folks out there who would like to do the same thing. (If I'm right, post and speak up so the people with knowledge will know helping us is worth their time and effort.
Rev
P. S. -- Sorry this got so long. If a different thread is needed to get this done, someone feel free to get it started.
I don't find the stock g-tablet as horrible as many are reporting. It is not the same as an Android phone, and I guess that is what most people object to. I have installed the ViewSonic 1.01 update.
Here is what I have done:
1) Root it using Z4root. You can find it here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=833953
2) Installed Android Market:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=827209
EDIT: This version of Market does not work on the firmware update version 4349. For that use the package that Roebeet has supplied to us:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=12939008&postcount=40
It is installed as an update package, where you first unpack it, then place it into the /sdcard folder. Reboot holding both the Power and Volume+ button. Then select "Apply Internal update.zip", using the volume rocker to select, and the power button to enter the selection.
3) Do the Market fix to get access to all apps:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=845175
4) Also install the AndRootFile app, available here:
http://www.getjar.com/mobile/39778/androotfile/
5) Install LauncherPro or ADW.Launcher
EDIT: This is no longer needed, as there is now a "Classic" home screen in the firmware update. But it can still be done if you want to try it.
6) Install Flash:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9172522&postcount=2058
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=842040
7) Install OpenGL fix, so then you can install Angry Birds from Market:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=846463
This is no longer needed. The OpenGL update is included in the firmware update.
I think that is about it. If I think of something else, I'll add it.
wasserkapf said:
I don't find the stock g-tablet as horrible as many are reporting. It is not the same as an Android phone, and I guess that is what most people object to. I have installed the ViewSonic 1.01 update.
Here is what I have done:
1) Root it using Z4root. You can find it here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=833953
2) Installed Android Market:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=827209
3) Do the Market fix to get access to all apps:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=845175
4) Also install the AndRootFile app, available here:
http://www.getjar.com/mobile/39778/androotfile/
5) Install LauncherPro or ADW.Launcher
6) Install Flash:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9172522&postcount=2058
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=842040
7) Install OpenGL fix, so then you can install Angry Birds from Market:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=846463
I think that is about it. If I think of something else, I'll add it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not giving you a hard time but for someone who doesn't mind the stock interface everything you have done is pretty much the same as just installing TnTLite...
It may be true that "Waterhead" had done most of the same things some of the ROM mods do ---- BUT, he didn't have to flash anything like TNT or cwm, etc.
For those who don't want to flash, what he has provided here is a less risky path to decent performance.
Or for those who are less experienced and want to start out "lite" on their modding experience, this gives them a chance with less opportunity for making a fatal mistake.
I think there probably are a lot of folks who will own G-Tablets who will fall into this category.
And with a route to learn modding and work their way up to really serious modding, I think we will have done them a big favor.
Thanks for the posts. I think we have started a good thing in this thread. And thanks to you more experienced folks who are willing to help get those folks started.
And......it just could be that if we provide an opportunity for the unexperienced folks to make their tablet right -- more people will buy them. IMHO.
Rev
Sprdtyf350 said:
Not giving you a hard time but for someone who doesn't mind the stock interface everything you have done is pretty much the same as just installing TnTLite...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I did is no different than what a person does to a PC. You install the needed programs and drivers. And maybe customize your desktop.
As a long-time Linux user, I am fully capable of installing from scratch. I just see no need to do that with the g-tablet. I actually like the weather app as a homepage.
So you have the TnT UI (Stock 3 Homescreen UI) and Launcherpro/ADW? If people are going to go this route, then I would suggest installing home switch app from the market.
xmr405o,
Two things:
(1) My model with updates has a three-screen "Home" already -- one with weather/clock/news, one with "To-Do" lists, and a third I use so little I have forgotten what is on it.
(2) I have installed Launcher Pro and when I choose a task that will require launching, my firmware gives me a choice of the regular "Home" or LP to do that job.
What would the app you are recommending do beyond this??? More info??!!
Rev
Seriously, what is so intimidating about installing a rom? You cannot brick these things, it's impossible to do.
Thanks for this thread.
My wife picked one of these up at Office Depot the other day. She knows I have been waiting on Adam and thought I might like this instead. I have yet to open the G Tablet until seeing what the supposed Dec 19th update brings. I am new to android and hesitant to start at the deep end of the pool with modding a $399 toy on day one.
From all the reviews it sounds like a solid piece of hardware and that most issues are with TnT and the lack of Google support for tablets. Do you think this device will get Gingerbread and full support from Google eventually?
My only other concern is the LCD, which is turning out to be hard to judge without having seen the demo unit.
Ideally I just want a clean Android 2.2 experience with the ability to install and use the typical apps (gmail, flash, twitter, facebook, angry birds, etc). If this thing can be made into a solid purchase maybe I would just skip Adam and wait for a next gen tablet like Eve which should be on Tegra3/honeycomb.
rayden25 said:
Seriously, what is so intimidating about installing a rom? You cannot brick these things, it's impossible to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If this is true, that's awesome!
This quote from an earlier post answer the question asked as well as I ever could:
"I am new to android and hesitant to start at the deep end of the pool with
modding a $399 toy on day one."
I've already said I have no problem with the people who want to go the ROM flashing direction.
But there are people who would like to be more conservative while they learn something new.
Would it be such as bad thing to just help them?
Rev
P. S. -- And, personally, the first computer I ever built I soldered and put evey part together. I have been doing hardware and programming since 1979. But still, I am new to Android....and the documentation is lacking...and somethings are not explained well in the threads....so like the person I quoted I would like to move a little slower and not take chances until I am ready. And eventually I may get a second G-Tablet I can afford to mess up. But right now I want improve my tablet without the risk. IMHO.
jfholijr said:
If this is true, that's awesome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing is impossible.. We just haven't found the person to do it yet
It is pretty forgiving though. And I have been able to get going again every time I have gotten into a crazy spot.
butchconner said:
This quote from an earlier post answer the question asked as well as I ever could:
"I am new to android and hesitant to start at the deep end of the pool with
modding a $399 toy on day one."
I've already said I have no problem with the people who want to go the ROM flashing direction.
But there are people who would like to be more conservative while they learn something new.
Would it be such as bad thing to just help them?
Rev
P. S. -- And, personally, the first computer I ever built I soldered and put evey part together. I have been doing hardware and programming since 1979. But still, I am new to Android....and the documentation is lacking...and somethings are not explained well in the threads....so like the person I quoted I would like to move a little slower and not take chances until I am ready. And eventually I may get a second G-Tablet I can afford to mess up. But right now I want improve my tablet without the risk. IMHO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said in my earlier post... I am not trying to give anyone a hard time and understand people wanting to keep them stock. You should be able to and have a useful tablet. When they first came out it wasn't so easy, and still isn't. Programs would not install because of memory mapped wrong, wifi disappeared after waking from sleep, time would reset every boot. The latest Viewsonic update has fixed some of those things, but not all. I flashed mine because I knew I was driving a Z06 Corvette with a Vega motor in it that had power windows that didn't work. I wanted the capability I knew was under the hood and the only way to get it was to flash a new rom. Or wait, and hope that Viewsonic eventually did it in an update.
I picked up my tablet back when they first came out. Seems like a long time ago but was really only a month. I read read all the pages in the original huge thread that existed before the G Tablet received a home of its own here. I would read what people were doing, read what they were breaking, and then when I felt comfortable enough that success was a possibility I would give it a shot. I have worked with computers myself since the early 80's and am comfortable building, installing, breaking, etc. Android is definitely different, but mostly to have fun with your tablet you don't have to know much more than how to flash a rom. Back before there was a recovery path things were pretty spooky and I did a lot of reading and waiting to see what worked. Things have progressed now to where if you can unzip a rom package to your internal SD card so you end up with an update.zip file, and a recovery folder all that is left is to hold the volume up button while pressing the power button and about 2 minutes later you are all done. And your Z06 will actually have power windows, and the right engine..
The specs on this tablet are probably the best out there right now. The software chosen just doesn't properly utilize most of it. Maybe the December 19 update being talked about will make it right out of the box. I hope so...
And no matter which path you take, stock, or modded... If trouble comes the answers so far have all been here in the forums...
xmr405o said:
So you have the TnT UI (Stock 3 Homescreen UI) and Launcherpro/ADW? If people are going to go this route, then I would suggest installing home switch app from the market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I only installed LauncherPro. When I want to bring up the original TapnTap UI, I use the icon in the app list.
If you install both LauncherPro and ADW, then the home switcher app would be a good idea.
rayden25 said:
Seriously, what is so intimidating about installing a rom? You cannot brick these things, it's impossible to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a ZT-180, and have flashed it several times. You had to mess with it just to get it to a useful state. But eventually you want to stop re-installing things and just use it. The stock g-tablet is wonderful compared to the stock ZT-180.
I guess that I come to this with a different perspective.
Great post! I've done exactly what you've done and am pleased with the result.
Thanks
z4padroot
trying to root g tablet with z4padroot.1.3.0.apk, answer: could not parse.
please advise.
I don't know about the program you used, but I used z4root as mentioned in the second or third post in this thread. It installed flawlessly and all I had to do to root was click one icon! Good luck!
Rev
wasserkapf said:
I don't find the stock g-tablet as horrible as many are reporting. It is not the same as an Android phone, and I guess that is what most people object to. I have installed the ViewSonic 1.01 update.
Here is what I have done:
1) Root it using Z4root. You can find it here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=833953
2) Installed Android Market:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=827209
3) Do the Market fix to get access to all apps:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=845175
4) Also install the AndRootFile app, available here:
http://www.getjar.com/mobile/39778/androotfile/
5) Install LauncherPro or ADW.Launcher
6) Install Flash:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9172522&postcount=2058
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=842040
7) Install OpenGL fix, so then you can install Angry Birds from Market:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=846463
I think that is about it. If I think of something else, I'll add it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you very much, have you tried vimeo?
jae-v said:
thank you very much, have you tried vimeo?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is vimeo?
I need the mind of a good hacker. Somebody who knows the ins and outs of all these programs and how to make them work better.
My question is this:
Would it be at all possible to have an apk file that can extract necessary files on to the SD card to boot up as a temporary "recovery boot mode" that runs outside but next to your ROM?
Then how about adding a function on your phone (widget or an app) that will bring you to the "2nd operating system"? I guess that's what it'd be right? The thing that controls all the deleting and installing of new zip's... Anyways, make this 2nd operating system a lot more visually functional than the (clockworkmod recovery, xionia, etc..) other rec. modes.
I mean we're working with tiny laptops. These are computers, not "phones". They just make phone calls too. Why would you LEAVE a program in "MS DOS" mode? Spice it up, give it pictures...
Anyways... Bad rant but valid.
Let's wrap all of these up in one program. One "App". This app will scan what firmware you're using, use that info to disregard some roms from your selection and only allow you to flash a rom that will work with your phone or was made for your phone. Browse through working models of some of the mods (actually test function and design by looking at 1 to 4 interactive pages of the phone design (lock screen, how it looks when you rotate the rotary to unlock but does nothing else).
I have some ideas how this can be "realistically" done, but not the programming knowledge to know how to actually do any of this.
The thing is, if you can do this - I will bankroll you. Just making up for the time you spend doing this though. I'm not going to pay you like your boss does so don't quit. I mean we can work it out. 50 bucks a month or something. Just something so you can tell your friends and loved ones "I'm getting paid, let me get on the computer".
If it is possible to do and it gets done... **** man, I'll give you a thousand or something. We'll see how much I have at the time.
Let me know if you're interested so we can work out how much you will need.
Also, sorry whatever mod is reading this and about to ban me (I read the warning. sorry.)
I defend myself by saying that in no other forum could I find the specific target group for this question. This is exactly the people I need to ask this because this clearly isn't a question related to "Live wallpaper Deadmau5" as in the "Android Software Development" forum.
Anyways, if this idea even just gets done... that's the important part. Progress in technology. What a ****ing thrill...
*Disclaimer*
Seriously, if you take this idea and make money off of it... Well, just change your IP address so it doesn't match up with your current one and hope this site doesn't tell that you were on this page. Reading my post. That is time and date stamped. That will hold up in court that you did this idea after you read this post. Plus how long after you read this did you do it and is that about the time it takes to start right after you're done reading.
On a lighter note - You know this will make money. I'm already going to pay you. But if it's such a great idea, shouldn't I get at least half of the cut this makes on the market? You wouldn't be doing it if I didn't have this great ****ing idea.
TL;DR:
Can we flash a rom without rebooting first?
Uhh...you want a dual boot? I'm confused
sent from my epic 4g. with the key skips.
It is possible, at least on the HTC devices, or especially threw Desire HD:
We got Ubuntu running from a boot.img and if we flash something like that into the recovery partition, simply a boot.img as recovery-system, then it should boot and maybe we can build a simple Linux from scratch for it and enable fastboot somehow to get the simple features.
And maybe we can get something more out of it.
Or we just use a small Android.
But isn't the ROM Manager a little like your idea?
You can choose device-specific ROMs, flash them, do backups, you just got to reboot.
That's the only difference to your idea, isn't it?
I just got my HTC Sensation back after it was in for repairs and i learned a few things which makes me ask the last 2 questions as well as gave me a new problem hence the first so lets start.
Time issues first:
I send this phone in never having done anything to it but used as is and when i send it in was it at newest update from HTC.
When i got it back now however is it loosing time fast. Sometimes it is worse than others. But i can't figure out whats doing it.
What i find even more strange is before i send it for rep did the Auto time update work fine now that even also failed so I had to get ClockSync to help me keep updated.
I am just wondering what could cause this?
Apps/Games info:
Well after i got my phone back was i sad to see that all my apps and games where well reset no settings remembered and progress in games was whiped.
But when i read about many of the backup features out there it seems they can also backup the app/game it self but that would mean they won't be able to update via the Store anymore is this true? Plus what would be best to use to avoid this next time I have to send it to repair?
The next part of this is the Permisions some games want on a phone or app's is there anyway to download a game or app and keep it unable to get access to things i do not find a game/program of this art needs, and in case it can live without then use it knowing your stuff is safe from its prying eyes and needs?
Now time for the last one.
root/superuser/rom/flashing info:
I read many places that rooting a phone is not enough you also need to make it super user access plus s-off is this true and could someone explaine the superuser and S-off part for me?
Also as i have planned to flash my phone what is the best way to make sure all my apps/games progress and settings are saved and if possible reinstalled when done flashing but still with it to be able to be updated via google play store which i read somewhere it is not?
And is there anything i should be aware off beside finding a good ROM to try out, root the phone, s-off and superuser access as well?
You can backup your apps and games with any backup app. You can get from the playstore. S off is security off it gives you a ability to flash roms easier
Than flashing with s on. S off is best in my opnion. You need to know your hboot version in order to know which guide to use. To find hboot I believe you pull battery put back in press volume down and power at the same time then read screen. Once you know your hboot follow guide for your version. Hope this helps you!
Sent from my Sensation using xda premium
Hello all,
I presume that this process is done by many of You lots of time.
-Backup of necessary data with current ROM
-flash a new ROM
-Restore data from backup
-Reconfigure small items not included in backup
Would You be able to estimate how long You spend on this process (on average).
Reasoning:
I recall times (years ago) when I was spending hours on such process just to understand that it was not really worth it. I am talking Windows Mobile 6.? here.
My wish is to find a stable, yet fast ROM. allowing me to use my tablet without the need to go through the above process too often, so I will not be an 'experienced' user of the process.
I will certainly spend more time then most of You do, would like to get a feeling how long I should 'reserve.
I do not like the idea of stopping the process halfway, continuing the next day, not being able to use the tablet in the meantime.
Ruud Westerhout said:
Hello all,
I presume that this process is done by many of You lots of time.
-Backup of necessary data with current ROM
-flash a new ROM
-Restore data from backup
-Reconfigure small items not included in backup
Would You be able to estimate how long You spend on this process (on average).
Reasoning:
I recall times (years ago) when I was spending hours on such process just to understand that it was not really worth it. I am talking Windows Mobile 6.? here.
My wish is to find a stable, yet fast ROM. allowing me to use my tablet without the need to go through the above process too often, so I will not be an 'experienced' user of the process.
I will certainly spend more time then most of You do, would like to get a feeling how long I should 'reserve.
I do not like the idea of stopping the process halfway, continuing the next day, not being able to use the tablet in the meantime.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My recomendation is to use titanium backup, you can find that in the play store. It takes me about 30 min to get about 90 apps installed and then tweak some setting to get my roms where I like them.
Also for future reffence this is a development only forum. Please use the question and answer forum for things like this.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using Tapatalk HD
Oops, wrong from my side.
@MODs, would You please move this thread, thank You.
But thanks for the estimate.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
10-20 min
Install the CleanRoms, which usually allow you to perform the updates directly over what you already have. I usually do a Titanium every time I install a new app, and then the backup using TWRP takes about 20-30 minutes. The updates usually are another 10-15. that is about it.
Thanks all for your answers, this is very promising. With my lack of experience in would hope for 1 hour tops, I will soon try.
Titanium full and media sync are available and doing their respective automatic work on normal and Nandroid backup, so I am set to check timing.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
Ruud Westerhout said:
Thanks all for your answers, this is very promising. With my lack of experience in would hope for 1 hour tops, I will soon try.
Titanium full and media sync are available and doing their respective automatic work on normal and Nandroid backup, so I am set to check timing.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After you do it for a month, it will be automatic finger movement to actually flash fresh takes about 5-7 min. I never back up anything, I install apks from Play, that take maybe another 10 min.
Ooh wow, this is a complete new world
I had a Nandroid Backup made and sync to my NAS, so I am ready to go.
I have also a Titanium Backup on my SD Card, so I can make a restore quickly.
I did this process twice now in a (for me) really short time.
-wrote down my choices during preparation
-did a US flas first to check if that would solve my GPS problem (it did not)
-did not know the JB launcher so wanted to play with it immediately
First reaction : WTF, it did not work, I still have my background, ooh no, I still have my WiFi connection, GMail is receiving mails, Tapatalk new forum entries. How . .. how . . . ooh, now wait, did this process simply find my Titanium Backup and do all work for me. It can't be. Really ?!?!? WOW, this is fantastic !!!
After second flash :
-WW Version to check GPS receipt (Yes, now it is working !!)
-Wow, it even remembered the JB launcher changes I made to the first backup
After a little playing :
-Yes, it IS faster then I had until now, changed from Deodex to ODEX CROMI 10.4.4.23 version
-Swiftkey needed to be downloaded manually (who cares )
-TouchDown Account is really active, all is available
-Google Now avilable although Play does not provide it (nice !)
-WTF 21 Degrees, You are crazy (aah, You were on Fahrenheit),
Yeah -6 is better (well not better, but more true)
Overall, YES, this is way faster and easier then I expected. I can do this more often.
Thanks all !
Well, out of the box I upgraded to jellybean, the used Asus's stock unlocker (yes it works wid jellybean then flashed the cwm jelly edition, then CROMI...
That all took hmm about a six pack, heh, heh hope that helps ( Stay Thirsty My Friends)
Hi fellow XDA's,
My girlfriends plays a lot of Tiny Station on my GNex, but every time i wipe my device, for installing new ROMs, it takes the save game with it in the fall.
I backup every app I have, including it's data and so on (I've tried with both TWRP and TB), but this games progress is still deleted, and my girlfriend needs to start over.
As far as I've noticed, this is the only game, where I loose the progress
I've put of flashing a new ROM for a while now, for the sake of this game, but I really want to flash the new AOPK ROM.
I've e-mailed the developer a couple of times, but they do not respond at all.
TL;DR: Can anybody help me figure out, where Tiny Station saves its progress?
Market link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.droidhen.tinystation&hl=en
bumpa bump
bump