Related
Ok, so I'm running RC33. I'm ready to root the G1 and take advantage of tethering via wifi.
I have a few questions, though.
I'd like to go back to RC33, I'm assuming there's a JF release that keeps root and upgrades to RC33?
Also, am I going to lose any information already on the phone, as if I were doing a factory reset, or is rooting just going to alter the OS, and my apps and data will still be on the phone?
And what is the potential of "bricking" this device? I'm going to follow the method exactly as posted on the first sticky (except I'm flashing up to RC33). If in the off chance that I do end up with a glorified paperweight, how do I revert it back to its former, locked down, version?
Oh, and hi. I'm new here, I like the device, although it's my 2nd now because of creaky hinge syndrome. I want to screw around with it, and I'm learning Java and I guess I'm learning coding for Android now, too. So, thanks for answering my noob questions.
Yeah, so nvm about the RC33 question... apparently I can't read.
BRB rooting...
1. u answered
2. Yes I am pretty sure you lose all information (atleast I did when I did it)
3. Just make sure its plugged in to a power source and you should be fine
4. Android uses java but not in the same sense as desktop programming... Android has its own classes for java that I believe are based on MIDP (java for mobile devices) so like you wont be able to take frostwire and run it on your phone, but most of the language will still carry over.
To add:
By rooting, you'll be using a factory image that WILL COMPLETELY wipe your phone.
Get mybackup from the market, and backup your bookmarks. You can back up your apps here too, but Astro (also free) is better.
Then, export any info from any apps you can (loot, OI Password Safe, etc) to the sdcard.
Make sure you have full battery.
Also, make sure to apply the hard_spl so that you can never ever brick your phone after this!
If you want a slightly more detailed guide (basically a hybrid of the de facto guide that illustrates what I consider some important points) PM me and I'll send it to you.
I fixed my creak by cutting off the nub.
When I first got my G-tab I was baffled by all the instructions and the literally thousands of posts in the forum. Even now, I haven't been able to find exactly how (or why) I should update my kernel. That said, I have TNT Lite running and I love my g-tab. Exploring the possible uses and utilities on it provides hours of fun. Now - here is my question. I stumbled on some instructions for installing the ROM and I have used those same instructions to install several patches to the Rom. I see all this commentary on Clockwork, side loading, etc. and I wonder if I am missing something. Today I just installed the .25 patch for TNT-Lite. I downloaded the rar file, unzipped it on my PC to get the Recovery folder and the update.zip file. I plugged the g-tab into the pc and switched it to usb mode. Then I moved the old recover folder and update.zip to a folder (cautious me) and put the new ones in the root. I disconnected the usb and started the g-tab in recovery mode (holding the power and volume+ key. It rebooted, applied the patch and I was done. That seems simple enough. It would seem that this would work for switching roms, applying patches and probably even upgrading the kernel (If I knew where it was and why I should do it). Am I missing something? Everything seems to work.
Sounds like you got the basics ok.
The real main reason to update the kernal as i see it is to add things like driver support for devices like gps and g3, so on, also minor fixs. If your not using your gtab for anything like this you maybe happy to stay stock. But if you like myself like to use your gtab to surf with g3 or as a sweet gps, then thats what the kernal updates allow. Im sure others can correct me if ive got anything wrong or add to what ive said.
You got the basic steps right, but installing ClockWorkMod Recovery has a lot of benefits.
First, built in backup and recovery will save your skin if the gTab get "cranky".
Second, installing ROMs and/or updates saves you a few steps. From "tar" files (TnT-lite), extract the update.zip file to a folder (I created a folder named "xda", just an example) and name it after the version of ROM/update.
CWM will flash "*.zip" file. This way you can keep multiple ROMs/updates on the card and switch between them.
CWM lets you clear cache, wipe Data partition, clear Dalvik-cache (use caution there), fix permissions and so much more! It is a great tool.
Sent from my gTablet-TnT-Lite-4.2.5 using TapatalkPro
So now we peel back another layer
OK so now the question of multiple roms comes up. I am not clear about the role of the rom - can I switch roms and keep all of my apps and data intact? I'm thinking like changing style sheets on a web page - presentation is different but the underlying data is still the same? Is it that easy?
And... if I am doing that perhaps I need to "clear cache" or "wipe data partition" but although I like to investigate new things I'm not willing to just walk up and push the big red button without knowing what it is for. So why would I "clear" or "wipe" things?
I get the impression that I could switch between ROMs just like switching between browsers on a pc - today Chrome, tomorrow, Firefox and never Internet Exploder... Is that correct? It took me quite a while to get the market working and it still doesn't work optimally but I'd hate to undo all the work I've done getting the g-tab humming along by switching roms. Can I?
So - anyone care to expound on the structure and how it all hooks together? What parts can be swapped out and what parts form the foundation? I'd hate to brick the little guy in my ignorance.
One final note if you know and you answer - where did YOU learn about this. Is there a book somewhere to read?
Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.
The Need for A Wiki
I'm in the same boat as enigma. I'm not even sure what ROM is an acronym for, though I think it means operating system. A wiki would be a big help for many people. I bet people would be glad to contribute.
Well, I don't know about Android book, especially about "hacking android book" , but this (and others) forum has plenty of reading material and guides. Not to mention people (a lot more knowledgeable and experienced than me) who will offer advice and lend a hand. And Google search comes in handy too.
Switching ROMs is almost like switching the OS, or a flavor of. Very much like switching between Linux distributions; the base OS is the same, but the overlay changes the user experience. Some things do change deep down inside, that's why is advisable to clear data.
Android, like Linux which it is based on, uses separate partitions for different parts of the OS, like boot, recovery, data, cache and user data. Plenty of write ups and discussions on the web on that.
So when flashing a ROM, you'll rewrite boot and system. Your user apps and data/preferences pertaining to those apps are stored in data partition, and since you are changing the 'OS', the apps need to be recompiled for it. Backup apps, like Titanium Backup, come extremely handy here: backup and restore apps AND appdata with a few clicks.
Backups are stored on sdcard, which is a lot like Linux /home directory, and do not get wiped during flash. Also the CWM (sometimes called Nandroid) backups are also stored there. A backup-of-the-backup is always a good habit (copy of /sdcard to your PC for safekeep).
This is just a quick rundown, hopefully that answered some of the questions.
There is a world of information available out there in "ether-world", Google is your friend.
[EDIT]:
Some links:
http://android-dls.com/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page
http://lifehacker.com/#!5596108/how-to-choose-the-right-android-rom-for-you
and of course:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=841
(use the search on top of the screen)
Sent from my gTablet-TnT-Lite-4.2.5 using TapatalkPro
Doesn't my sticky on how to flash the roms help at all? I can try to make it clearer if you have suggestions.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=892090
TeamSpeed said:
Doesn't my sticky on how to flash the roms help at all? I can try to make it clearer if you have suggestions.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=892090
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, your Sticky is as clear as Florida sky.
I just installed Thumb Keyboard on my gTab last night and I guess I got carried away getting used to it!
Yes, I have found some very good step by steps (reflashed to vegan after reading that one). Step by steps are great but I 'd like to understand why I'm doing it. The market fix...I can follow the steps and it works but why? I wish I had time to research all these things but there are so many forums,so many posts to read! The explanation that did surface in this thread was great though. Thanks. I'll keep asking questions. There are a lot of smart people out there!
Hello everyone!
Feedback is much appreciated.
DISCLAIMER: Please note that this guide contains information gathered from all the HTC ChaCha (Status) sections, which means that a lot of users have contributed to this. I have only gathered all the information here so it would be easier for new/old users to check specific problems/questions. Please give thanks to the "comunity".
1. S-OFF and bootloader unlocking
First of all, you must understand that some phones will come with S-ON and others with S-OFF from HTC's factories.
S-OFF is available only with an XTC Clip and as of 17 January 2012 the bootloader can be unlocked via the htcdev site.
More info on these threads: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1449681
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1449635 (read the whole threads before asking silly questions, if the answer's not in there then maybe you have something worth asking for ).
Unlocking the bootloader will allow you to flash CWM, root your phone and install custom roms. Unlocking the bootloader will NOT give you S-OFF!
Root and CWM are not possible without S-OFF/unlocked bootloader.
Questions regarding custom ROMs: custom ROM will not give you S-OFF/unlocked bootloader since you need to have S-OFF/unlocked bootloader to install CWM to install a custom ROM. Therefore you cannot install a custom ROM on a non-S-OFF-non-bootloader-unlocked-non-rooted-non-CWM phone. Understood?
Addendum to #1 by myself (from thread questions):
How to check if your phone is S-ON or S-OFF:
- Go to Settings -> Power -> Uncheck Fast boot
- Turn off your phone
- Press and hold Volume Down button and press Power button
- Recovery screen will be shown (after the HTC logo). At the top left of the screen you'll see the text S-ON or S-OFF (besides other info related to HBOOT, RADIO version and whatnot).
2. root
Thanks to adlx.xda
After you'll S-OFF your phone or unlock its bootloader, you can root it using: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1184118
It works.
I repeat, root is not possible without S-OFF or unlocking your bootloader first.
3. CWM
Thanks to Mikevhl
You can find it here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1164468
Tested and works fine. Please note that the sd card partition will not work on the stock ROM. You'll need a custom ROM for that. For the extended partition I mean.
4. Internal Memory too low?
The first problem that ChaCha (Status) has is the small internal memory. How to fix this? Simple:
- Start your phone (first time, perform the initial setup, add you accounts, email settings and whatnot)
- Download your apps (from Android Market, HTC Likes, HTC Hub, etc.)
- Go to Settings and perform a factory data reset
- After the initial setup and you have all your apps again, go to Setup -> Applications -> Move all downloaded apps to SD card.
- You should have at least 50 MB after all the apps are installed (even more)
Addendum to #4 by myself (from user questions):
APP2SD
Write it down somewhere . Now, jokes aside, HTC probably figured that the 150MB internal memory the phone has won't suffice even the "economy-class" users so they included the APP2SD application (APP2SD = Application to SD). How does it work? Simple as 1-2-3:
- Download any application. Any.
- Go to Settings -> Application -> Manage Applications
- Now the first tab is being called "Downloaded" (hmm, I wonder why?!). Well, yeah, basically all the applications/widgets that you download will be in this list right here.
- Select any application from that list and in the next screen press the "Move to SD card" (which is the bottom right button on the screen.
That's about it I guess. Oh, right, almost forgot.. Just one more thing. When an application is being moved from phone to SD card, some data will still remain on the phone (so that the phone knows where the application is, settings, user data, etc.). Don't be scared as this is usually less than 30% of that application's size. Please note that you cannot move ROM/HTC/stock applications (with 1-2 exceptions).
One thing to note though: I have seen that internal memory remains occupied by downloading/installing/uninstalling stuff and those silly remnants won't go away (unfortunately). What you must do under these circumstances is to reset your phone to factory data. I'm assuming that it must be done once every 2-3 months.
Just make sure you have the following options settings activated before you reset your phone:
- Settings -> Privacy -> Activate Back up my Settings and Automatic restore
- Now back out of this menu and go to Accounts & Sync and Sync your accounts (Google, HTC Sense, Mail)
- Now back to Settings - SD & phone storage, browse to the bottom and select Factory data reset
- After the initial setup of the phone, add your accounts back and Sync
- Normally, most of your apps and settings should be restored (except apps installed from other sources)
Second addendum to #4 by droople:
LINK2SD
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=919326
5. Titanium Backup
Tired of those silly bloatware apps and widgets that come with the stock? Then install Titanium Backup and remove them. Some things I removed are all the Facebook stuff (apps, widgets, etc.), Twitter, Gtalk, News, Stocks, News&Weather. Remember to make backups in case something goes wrong.
Do not (and I repeat) remove .apk's of installed applications with Root Explorer.
Addendum to #5 by sabesh:
System updates for Google Maps and YouTube can be integrated to the ROM via Titanium Backup. It's quite an easy thing to do, open up Titanium Backup, press & hold for two seconds on Youtube and from the list that appears select "Integrate update into ROM" (it's below, scroll the list).
6. Use the Search button!
Ladies, gentlemen.. I beg of you.. Use the search button. Everywhere! Android Market App. There's a small magnifying glass at the top, next to the text "market". There is a magnifying glass on your touch keys (4th button). Two buttons that nobody uses
7. Use https://market.android.com
You still find it difficult to find something on Android Market App? Simple. Use the above link, search what you want via your web browser (make sure you are logged into the site with the same GMail account as the one used on the phone), open one app then click on the install button. It's that simple. Of course, your phone needs to be connected to the internet but that shouldn't be a problem, eh?
8. Custom ROMs - and stock mods (stock ROM with modifications)
Ok, ok.. I know that these shouldn't be here (as it's quite easy to find them in the threads) but just to be on the safe side:
Check this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1698206
Stock ROMs and OTAs: http://www.swtesting.ro/alex/downloads/
If you use any of the above ROMs remember to give them a thanks and a well-thought feedback (this would greatly help everyone).
9. Themes&Apps
There is an entire section available (it's quite new and young, so to speak) where you can take a look regarding different themes and apps tried by the ChaChaChaChaCha owners: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=958590
There are other threads in the section, but the one above already contains a list of tried and working apps (scroll down).
10. Battery (No)Life
"Dude, I'm serious.. I just hit the 24 hours record before the phone was empty!" - Hmm, maybe I'm being a little bit sarcastic, or maybe harsh.. Or both. But the point is that I have this phone, I love it for the QWERTY (Yes, I am the QWERTY European type) keyboard-awesomeness that it holds and I do love texting, sending emails, surfing the web (even with the small screen, I couldn't care less), gaming on android.. Now that's one huge problem. That's why it's bold out. Gaming eats a whole lot of battery. And by a whole lot of battery I mean 10-15% in 30 minutes or something like that. Wi-Fi/mobile data also eat a lot of battery but in comparison with gaming, that's nothing.
There were already thoughts and impressions about how battery life can be improved or managed with this phone which you can read
here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1171136
here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1122217
Well now, since a lot of people have been complaining, it seems that some battery makers have already started shipping some stuff (good or bad, don't know yet). You can check this thread for example http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1258028 where you can see the discussions about the 2430mAh battery. You can also read the other threads within the ChaCha Accessories section which contain other batteries/battery packs and mobile power sources. It could help you and others.. Maybe.
11. [S-ON] How to downgrade chacha to lower firmware version
by ajeevlal, can be found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1320392
It doesn't matter the reasons you would want to downgrade your firmware, it matters only the fact that it's possible with S-ON. Users have various reasons and thankfully, ajeevlal was smart enough to find a way to perform a downgrade for the unbranded(this one was tested) S-ON users. Use the "Thanks" button on the page above.
12. [S-ON] TempRoot
by qzfive with some help from ajeevlal which you can find here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1319386
The thread above is reported MIA (missing in action) so use this one: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1338872
Great news S-ON'ers (is this the correct term? Or should it be S-ON's? Hmm... I'm wondering.) you can now have *TEMP* root on your device, without the need of the XTC or the htcdev site. Of course this doesn't mean that you can flash CWM, therefore you cannot flash a custom ROM, but you can still flash busybox, and you can get a bunch of neat features that users without it can't get. You should really check it out and see if your device gets healthier until the bootloader is unlocked.
13. Facebook button remapping for unrooted(!) HTC ChaCha
by anmipo which you can find here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1440515
One day, after he woke up from the subconsciousness of the 2012 "end-of-the-world" year, anmipo decided that he should take the weight of the world in his hands and decided to develop this nifty little app for "THE PEOPLE", to use and cherish and prey to it's powers.
Now, onto serious business, like the internet. This application will help you change that FB button, which is assignable by the way, the easy way. Go check the thread and get the application. And give the man some props! Congrats.
14. Facebook button remap
by "the users who don't use the search button", check these threads:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=971125
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1226618
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1189441
15. CID
by "thread discussions" suggested by adlx.xda
The CID, Carrier ID, is designed to lock a device to a specific carrier SIM. Even if some devices come unlocked, the CID is designed and designated before reaching the re-seller which by then won't be able to change it (or it will be able, who knows ). As many questions regarding keyboard/language features have spontaneously combusted around the forum, I am suggesting users to get what adlx.xda said: https://market.android.com/details?id=org.tritonsoft.cidgetter&feature=search_result . This application, CID Getter, will display your CID so when you are posting questions about the key "X" not working on the ROM "X" you can also add this CID info in the same post. It will be easier for people to know what is the original region of your device and why is this happening.
16. ADB
by adlx.xda
As some of you know, the adb (Android Debug Bridge) is a command line tool that lets you communicate with an emulator instance or connected Android-powered device. It is a client-server program that includes three components:
- A client, which runs on your development machine. You can invoke a client from a shell by issuing an adb command. Other Android tools such as the ADT plugin and DDMS also create adb clients.
- A server, which runs as a background process on your development machine. The server manages communication between the client and the adb daemon running on an emulator or device.
- A daemon, which runs as a background process on each emulator or device instance.
You can find the adb tool in <sdk>/platform-tools/.
As some people don't really want to install the SDK, since it's used mostly for development, adlx.xda suggested that a small adb kit can be used by users who want to push/pull/flash files onto their devices without spending a couple of hours downloading, installing and setting up the whole kit.
Therefore, you can get the small kit from here: http://alex.swtesting.ro/downloads/adb-and-moto-fastboot-win32.zip
More to come. I'm sure of it...
Last OP update: 09.02.2012 @ 10:29 (GMT+2)
Addendum to #5:
System updates for Google Maps and YouTube can be integrated to the ROM via Titanium Backup.
this should be stickied
Added the custom roms section, themes&apps.
I've noticed that things are in wrong sections already , roms in general section etc. Maybe a tidy up of the chacha section in order!
Good guide tho cheers
Sent from my Chacha
qbert456 said:
I've noticed that things are in wrong sections already , roms in general section etc. Maybe a tidy up of the chacha section in order!
Good guide tho cheers
Sent from my Chacha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, mainly that's why I wanted to make this "everything" guide. Because different threads are in wrong sections and people tend to ask the same questions over and over again.. I really hope this helps everyone, especially new ChaCha users.
Hello,
Quick question, how can i find if my phone is S-OFF or S-ON? I am planning to buy that xtc clip...
thaks
Gosh, good one. Didn't thought anyone would ask.
Settings -> Power -> Uncheck Fast boot
Now power off your phone. Hold Volume Down button then press Power button.
In the recovery screen you'll see at the top left S-ON or S-OFF.
I am new ti android. But as the guy from which i bought it told me that he unlocked it, it is true.
It's S-OFF HBOOT 1.04.0000
Radio 7.47.35.17
Now i can install those new customs ROMs ?
Hello, I am a noob too but one thing you need to realise is that - read around.
If your handset is S-OFF (you are lucky) - you can boot any of the three available roms (when i say 'Three' i mean the number (not the 3G Network):
FreakCha by freakysands: http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1258758
Superdroid by FCW: http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1206921
CAMDroid by TechMayhem: http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1255929
So go ahead and download and flash or SD whatever. And remember to ROOT & Clockwork Mod!!
I rooted my phone with success bought Titanium Pro and managed to save some space on my phone, very glad about that now i'm not sure if i want to install one of those 3 ROMs because some applications which i need are deleted and some of them are installed, which i don't need.
I'll wait for others. Thanks for this great guide!
negrufabian said:
I rooted my phone with success bought Titanium Pro and managed to save some space on my phone, very glad about that now i'm not sure if i want to install one of those 3 ROMs because some applications which i need are deleted and some of them are installed, which i don't need.
I'll wait for others. Thanks for this great guide!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since it's the first setup, after you install all your apps, sync your account with GMail, activate from Settings Backup & Restore, perform a factory reset data, re-sync your account (all your apps should reinstall automatically, mine are) and move all your downloaded apps to SD card (go to Settings -> Applications -> Manage -> select any application and click the Move to SD card button). You should be getting to around 60-70MB.
Already downloading all my apps, i read all day this forum and made necessary prep
i'm glad now that i bought 2 weeks ago a wireless router
Cool, glad it works
Guide info:
Added Addendum to #1 and #4.
Dude - 1.20 Light is not a Custom-ROM it is a Stock with a few applications removed - i do not reckon it should be under Custom-ROMS section (as the guy says it is his own setup) so put it under a section called 'stock roms' and leave a foot note or something to save confusion for noobs - thanks. Plus he says it's a backup not a zip update - so pretty lame. Thanks dude.
Whatever!? i don't spend all day searching web about tech stuff so go ahead and laugh as much as you want.
kthxbye
negrufabian said:
Whatever!? i don't spend all day searching web about tech stuff so go ahead and laugh as much as you want.
kthxbye
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dude - i was not talking to you - i was talking to Alex C. And it was about to do with a stock ROM nothing about you and I was not being offensive when i said noob - I JOINED THIS MONTH.
Relax.
Good job alex, I'm also suffering from the low internal memory problem after some time (after reset) whoever thought chacha with 100+mb internal memory is sufficient in HTC should be shot! Memory isn't that expensive nowdays either. That said, kudos on getting a good thread going for chacha users
Sent from my HTC ChaCha A810e using xda premium
sadakochin said:
Good job alex, I'm also suffering from the low internal memory problem after some time (after reset) whoever thought chacha with 100+mb internal memory is sufficient in HTC should be shot! Memory isn't that expensive nowdays either. That said, kudos on getting a good thread going for chacha users
Sent from my HTC ChaCha A810e using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cheers man, much appreciated!
True with the memory though. Quite cheap but too bad that HTC decided to stick with the low memory hardware
TechMayhem said:
dude - i was not talking to you - i was talking to Alex C. And it was about to do with a stock ROM nothing about you and I was not being offensive when i said noob - I JOINED THIS MONTH.
Relax.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok ok sorry
Regarding space problem now i have 70 mb of free space which is cool!! Thanks for that Alex
Sent from my HTC ChaCha A810e using xda premium
And...First post on XDA.
I'm looking into the steps necessary to remove the non-vital T-Mobile / LG apps from this phone if for no other reason than to free up system resources. I've done quite a bit of reading on how the Android OS handles memory, etc and this shouldn't be a terribly difficult process, But this phone is my lifeline and I can't screw this up! (Read: I can't afford a bricked device)
Looking within XDA itself, I came across several "help, I've screwed this up" threads and one Development thread, but unfortunately those are all assuming that you are going to actually mod the device, not root/remove/unroot the device as I'm suggesting. A search online gave me a couple resources into things like 'Safe' files to remove, an intro into the ADB, and two different methods to root the device. Others yet have suggested using things like Titanium Root for backing up the device on a 'just in case' level of thinking.
Here's the series of steps that I'm pretty sure I'm looking to stick to.
1) Gather info/tools;
2) Backup phone (Read: User is smart and does his own data archive for essential data);
3) Master Reset phone;
4) TempRoot phone;
5) Create a flashable copy of the factory ROM (for when I get around to upgrading);
6) Remove bloatware and create a copy of modified ROM;
7) Unroot and enjoy more resources;
During the 'Remove Bloatware' process I'd be removing as much as safely possible, but nothing that'll compromise the functionality of the phone. As much as I really don't use the Genius function, I can see how removing that might somehow break the Home UI. I would go as far as removing things like FB, Twitter, etc because I can always download a newer version of them and save a few kb/mb of space on the system partition in the process. If after all of this I become comfortable enough In this, then I'll consider doing the same for mom's Exhibit 2. I'd kill to have her battery life though. >.<
Phone Stats: As reported by SystemPanel Lite
Build ID: GRK39F
Model: e739
Host: Ubuntu
Type: gichul.yoo
User: user
Version: V10u-Jan23-2013.2EDE7D073
Release: 2.3.6
SDK: 10
Kernel: Linux version 2.6.35.7-perf([email protected])(gcc version 4.4.3(GCC)) #3 PREEMPT Wed Jan 23 15:07:10 KST 2013
I've asked TMO and they say that this device will more than likely not be receiving any future OTA updates so I shouldn't have to be concerned with that. Warranty is not a concern, but not having a device is. This thing keeps me on task for many things in life and that's key for my lifestyle and medical limitations. This is my second smart phone so I'm comfortable with interacting with the system recovery screens, etc so long as I know the process being followed is accurate. Lastly, if there are any specific apps that would help in this process, then please let me know. If needed I can provide a list of currently used apps that relate to system maintenance, etc.
Greetings,
I am currently working on a 100% Android Marshmallow v6.0.1 variant for the Samsung On5 SM-G550T/1 (T-Mobile).
THIS IS NOT A THREAD ON HOW TO ROOT YOUR PHONE
This thread assumes you have already rooted and installed TWRP on your phone and have basic understanding on to backup and recover your phone.
If you need that sort of help, please see my other thread:
https://goo.gl/jWNVNX
Reasons for Project:
I started this project for two reasons:
- Frustration for the lack of support for an otherwise great phone.
- Stumbling across the Samsung Factory Test Rom doing research for other projects.
This ROM has a a 100% Native Driver Set for Android v6.0.1 on the SM-G550T/1. The driver set is identical for the TMO or MetroPCS variants, but the EFS folder will remain different for each.
I'm going to outright confess that I am not a programmer and this is truthfully the first ROM I am trying to develop on my own. I'm a Project Manager and Software Designer by trade, but I rarely get this deep into ROM developments. I figured it was a good project to take on to learn the nitty griddy of what a truly pure Android Experience looks like. That being said, I'd greatly appreciate any help anyone can contribute and will make all my work freely available to anyone wanting to help provided that everyone participating goes into it with good faith that they have no intent on making substantial gains from this project.
Usage of these ROMs/Files/Programs are subject to the following licenses:
- Google's Android Open Source Project Licnese (AOSP):
https://source.android.com/setup/start/licenses
- Google's Individual Contributor License Agreement:
https://cla.developers.google.com/about/google-individual
- Apache Software License, Version 2.0
http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
- Samsung Open Source Release Center (OSRC) License:
http://opensource.samsung.com/reception/
That being said, I believe this remains a good enough device, IMHO, to transition people into Android or to provide to people not requiring a fully featured phone.
KNOX Status:
The Factory Test ROM is mostly clean having all the drivers intact and lacks most Samsung Bloatware "tampering". It *DOES* have some preliminary containers for KNOX installed, but none of it is active and takes up less then 1 MB of total space after cleaning passes to remove as many traces as could be removed without breaking things. It is currently being "managed" by an init.d script that generates the folders. I haven't been able to track down yet.
Known Issues:
- 100% Pure Android Menus.
- Rooted/Super User.
- Sound, Camera, GPS, TMO Modem, Wifi, Bluetooth 100% working.
- 100% Native Tethering.
- Adblocker pre-installed (for both Apps and Websites).
- The smallest amount of KNOX installations outside of Lineage. >1mb of KNOX is present with the only items being present are installer containers.
- I'm trying to track down Init.d files that loads with Android and automatically disables/flushes WIFI.
- By default, the power button is set a 100ms push time to turn off (not show power menu). I'm trying to figure out a work around for this.
- I'm trying to find a compatible Contacts Storage file.
- There is no shutdown menu.
Please note that any released versions of this ROM will have makeshift ways to get around these issues.
Downloads:
Please see the second post in this thread.
How to Install:
#01.) Backup your device.
#02.) Download the zip file for the TWRP backup.
#03.) Unzip the TWRP backup.
#04.) Load the downloaded restore into your TWRP Backup Directory.
#05.) Boot into TWRP Recovery.
#06.) Restore the ROM copied into your TWRP Backup Directory.
#07.) Reboot.
Note: No personal data has been configured.
References:
Update Log:
https://goo.gl/CEGCx9|
Required System Apps for Samsung Phones:
https://goo.gl/emTvgX
Things I Could Use Help On:
- A very good way to figure out what Init.d files are doing what without reading through them.
- A good way to change the PIT so we can move 2 gig from the System Rom into the User Rom space.
- Easy methods for changing key button presses.
- A shutdown menu setup.
- A way to make this into an installer.
Note that all those things I'm working on ALREADY, but suggestions would be helpful.
Thanks in advance for any help anyone offers.
Donations Welcomed:
Dev elopement of this ROM is timely, I appreciate any contributions you wish to provide.
https://goo.gl/esVVqA
DOWNLOAD LINKS:
[2019-03-11] Android (v6.0.1) Build #13 [RC] - Google
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=1395089523397913770
- Note, due to Google Now being installed on this one, I can't configure the home long press as the restart menu.
[2019-03-11] Android (v6.0.1) Build #13 [RC] - Diagnostics
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=1395089523397913771
[2019-03-02] Android [v6.0.0] Build #10F [RC]
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=1395089523397908668
i would love to test this rom
Its been taking a little longer then I expected to get it working correctly --- I've been having trouble tracking down some bugs, but with a little luck, I'll post the Google variant tomorrow.
Here is a "working" version to look at:
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=1395089523397901430
It's a restore for TWRP (not an install).
It has all the aforementioned bugs, but is pretty clean only with a few basic utilities installed on it.
I'm trying to track down a number of things:
How to change the Power Button function:
In my most current build, I have made the power button simply put the device to sleep with a long hold of the home button bringing up the power menu. I can't for the life of me figure out where the power button menu lives at or how to define it.
Normally, you'd go edit /system/usr/keylayout/Generic.kl, however, editing it button 116 (the power button) for "Power" only makes it turn off. I can remap it easily as sleep. I compared several other ROMs who use the exact same parameter.
My current version, I just use an app to remap several of those functions; but I don't feel like that's a "release worthy" fix.
Factory Mode:
I can't figure out how to get this version of the ROM to get out of factory mode. The only real problem this causes is, on bootup, it will display a message saying as such and then disable WIFI and turn off the sound. Both, of which, can be immediately be turned back on. It also disables power saver modes.
At first, I thought this was an Init.d file, but after doing some digging I determined this has to the /efs/factoryapp/factorymode file. I may need to swap elements from another EFS to get this fixed.
Contacts Storage:
This is another one I can't seem to track down, but I have a working idea how to fix it. At current, anything that uses Contact Storage won't work. I wonder if the contact storage I have on the system is simply incompatible for some reason. I'm going to try to pull over those system apps from another working rom.
Storage
I've mapped out all the partitions but am having trouble figuring out how to actually change the partitions. There is a whole 2 GB being wasted on the system partition. I'm actually very surprised that no one has ever released a rom with this fixed.
I've tried using parted, but my ADB Install is messed up something major and I cant track down that problem. Reinstalled ADB hasn't fixed it. Its largely a PC problem on my end; a problem I'm dragging my feat going and trying to fix. This is an issue I REALLY wish I could use PC tools for :-\. I've done these changes a thousand times on Windows based machines, but never on a Linux based OS.
Now that I think about it, maybe I should try doing this from the terminal prompt in TWRP. I just wish the keyboard in TWRP didn't suck :-\.
Other Thoughts:
Beyond those very vexing bugs, I have to honestly say that I feel like this experience on this rom is vastly superior to that of the stock Samsung Experience. Sure, these issues are vexing, but I'm also seeing much less system overhead (CPU usage, RAM usage) with this Rom then anything else outside of Lineage.
Update
Here's an update for everyone who might be interested:
The last couple of week's I spent an ENORMOUS amount of time trying to track down as much as I can to get this ROM to work as intended.
For those interested, I've developed a completely new spreadsheet describing everything that's bloatware versus needed items:
https://goo.gl/emTvgX
This spreadsheet will probably be handy for EVERYONE working on Samsung related devices. When its a little more clean, I'll throw it some place better; but since this is specific towards this device, I'll keep it here for now.
It describes everything in /system/app/ and /system/priv-app/ in Samsung's default install and which of those items are actually needed for a 100% clean Android Experience.
I've also rolled through the architecture and have cleaned a lot of "junk" out of the system. Overall, I've pulled it the system from around 1.3 gb installed all the way down to about 800 mb and still feel confident I can trim more out of it.
I've also made it a point to install as much updated system apps as possible. Its been a game of juggling Google, Samsung and other ROM apps to find what works. In general, there are only one major programs left that are Samsung based in any way and that's the Samsung Phone Service app; which seems like its required to interface with the specific hardware on the phone. I've tracked down a number of native Google teleservice.apk-s and none have worked to date.
I am, sadly, still having the aforementioned problems:
- Contacts won't sync despite being able to connect to the contact services and seeing what backups are available. Manual restores work and updating contacts TO the server works now.
- The Power Button turns off the device immediately. The problem resides in a configuration somewhere that's telling the "Power" function to not bring up the power menu. The power menu is in the system, but appears to be renamed or something. I'm having trouble tracking this down. For documentation sake, in theory you should be able to just go to /system/usr/keylayout/General.kl and edit button 116, but that doesn't work.
- The phone is still locked into "Factory Mode". Various documentation says that if you go to /efs/FactoryData/factorymode and edit the contents to "ON", it should resolve this issue, but it doesn't. I feel that the problem resides in the CSC folder and EFS folder, but I haven't gotten around to testing yet. I suspect if you swap the CSC and EFS folders out and set all the correct permissions it might fix that. As it stands now, however, its only a minor inconvenience.
Overall, there's a lot more junk to sift through on the last two problems. The first problem I am kind of stumped on.
If you want to download the ROM and look at it or run it, you can follow the below link. It's currently setup with my "trouble shooting environment" making key places to tinker with easily accessible.
DOWNLOAD HERE:
https://goo.gl/MuPqE3
@LighthammerX
Im very grateful for this site where we can come and learn from one another. I just wanted to say thanks for taking time to work on this device and then sharing your findings. I've been using my on5 for 2 months now after other device died. I'm in the process of moving now but once I'm done with that I'm going to scope out this bad boy and see if I can figure out a few things. Appreciate you sharing your information with us all. Cheers.
Sent from my on5ltemtr using XDA Labs
Thanks. I'm glad to see there's some interest here. IMHO, with the right setup, this little phone is actually a very nice device today.
I actually took a lot of what I learned from hack this ROM apart and applied it to Super Starz to get it running a lot cleaning as my daily runner until/if I get these few bugs figured out.
Personally, I think the most valuable thing I've been learning is just how bloated Samsung Devices truly are out of the box.
I'm going to go ahead and dump my progress log here too so you guys can see what I've been toiling with in hopes someone has some specific feedback on issues and if I am in the right place or not:
https://goo.gl/CEGCx9
As of the writing of this post, I'm virtually confident any problems I am experiencing has nothing to do with /efs/ or /system/csc/.
I've found some inconsistencies in /etc/ and in a few other directories in /system/.
I still wonder if there isn't a init.d file I haven't tracked down yet, but personally I find folder compares faster and easier to try to normalize then I do init.d files.
When it comes to folder compares, I can do a fast reboot and see if things break. When it comes to lines of code, I have to do a bulk of edits, reboot and hope for the best.
Just as an FYI, I plan on completely rewriting the OP when things are at a place where things work.
For anyone following the thread, the Downloads Section has been updated.
This seems really interesting ? I've been trying to find a good ROM for a while with little success, so hopefully this might be the one. I just have one question: what are the differences between the Google and Diagnostics versions of this ROM?