access files from usb cable? - Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]

any apps out there for android phones that allow you to attach storage device to your phone to access files?
example
plug a external harddrive into the usb port of my android phone and access the files on the hd
yes i know this will need an adaptor

This would require host-mode for the USB port. I understand that someone got it (sorta) working on Nexus One. There was a discussion about whether G1 can even do it as it requires some HW support as well. No one knows for sure and no one with the skills has chosen to invest the time finding out.

GinoAMelone said:
This would require host-mode for the USB port. I understand that someone got it (sorta) working on Nexus One. There was a discussion about whether G1 can even do it as it requires some HW support as well. No one knows for sure and no one with the skills has chosen to invest the time finding out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Necro-bump, wanted to know if there was anything new on this front. I know that tablets with Android OS and such will keep coming to compete with the iPad with its USB connectivity kit, so it makes sense that sooner or later, Android OS seems like it will want to consider heading in this route.
Here is the older hack that shows it is pretty simple for anyone with basic soldering skills to enable USB OTG host mode on certain android devices and could be adapted I'm sure for other android devices:
http://hackaday.com/2010/02/10/usb-host-mode-for-droid/
The main problem is that Android does not have much support for USB hosting (yet, I bet that its surely coming). The TI OMAP platform (hmm, Droid X?) already has linux host USB drivers made. A talented programmer could use these to write a Kernal mode support to insert into a custom ROM or let root users install an app from the market to interface with USB devices. This way users could connect USB to SPDIF DACs and adapters to use mass storage devices like external usb keys or hard drives. Even possibly a normal keyboard/game controller/screen printer/webcam if your crazy enough. Too good to be true?
Here is a start on the project which has gotten some impressive progress: http://groups.google.com/group/android-kernel/browse_thread/thread/c8471573d7553331/0b0887947678ff87

Someone may actually be making progress on this. See here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=794643

Amazing! Thanks.
sent via Droid X

Related

[Q] USB Host OTG Hack?

Would it be possible to hack the infuse to support USB OTG? The SGS II is already factory supported and I was wondering if there was any way to implement that feature into the infuse for the use of external memory, USB keyboards/mice/headsets, etc. I also know that someone already hacked the Nexus One to support this. Also, would the HDMI out tell us if its supported (Since the phone is sending an image to a TV screen?)
Nothing at all?
Just wanted to give this a nudge up towards the top. Is this something that could be added via rom/kernel or does it have to be supported in hardware? Really interested in if this is possible given the recent release of DSLR Controller.
Do have any other first-gen SGS phones been modded to support it?
If so, it might be possible to get these mods implemented in our kernels - point me to a kernel for a first-gen SGS phone (NOT an SGSII) with this capability and I'll look at it.
Our hardware is fairly similar to the original SGS series, so a lot of things that work on those phones will work on ours. The SGSII is VERY different so backporting features like this is unlikely due to lack of hardware support.
Entropy512 said:
Do have any other first-gen SGS phones been modded to support it?
If so, it might be possible to get these mods implemented in our kernels - point me to a kernel for a first-gen SGS phone (NOT an SGSII) with this capability and I'll look at it.
Our hardware is fairly similar to the original SGS series, so a lot of things that work on those phones will work on ours. The SGSII is VERY different so backporting features like this is unlikely due to lack of hardware support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I'll keep an eye out and see if support gets added to any of the SGS phones, sadly for right now all I know of is support on the SGS2 and possibly on the Nexus S.
dotpkmdot said:
Thanks for the reply. I'll keep an eye out and see if support gets added to any of the SGS phones, sadly for right now all I know of is support on the SGS2 and possibly on the Nexus S.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nexus S hacks MIGHT be bringable to our phones - but far less likely than GS phones.
USB OTG mode is initiated by shorting USB pins 4 and 5. The phone can do it hardware wise. It's a matter of having the drivers for the accessory connected.
You don't just "have" OTG capabilities... It's a matter of what devices you support.
This would not be something which would occur at the device level. The hardware is connected to the phone, the phone runs Linux. Linux handles connections of the devices. Grab kernel modules from Linux for OTG devices.
If thats the case it would seem odd that so many developers work towards adding the support to phones.
The SGS2 doesn't have drivers built in to support connecting to canon DSLR's yet its the only phone at this point to officially support it... because it supports USB Host OTG mode.
AdamOutler said:
USB OTG mode is initiated by shorting USB pins 4 and 5. The phone can do it hardware wise. It's a matter of having the drivers for the accessory connected.
You don't just "have" OTG capabilities... It's a matter of what devices you support.
This would not be something which would occur at the device level. The hardware is connected to the phone, the phone runs Linux. Linux handles connections of the devices. Grab kernel modules from Linux for OTG devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dotpkmdot said:
If thats the case it would seem odd that so many developers work towards adding the support to phones.
The SGS2 doesn't have drivers built in to support connecting to canon DSLR's yet its the only phone at this point to officially support it... because it supports USB Host OTG mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out the GalaxyS hack pack for the USB chip. I can verify that the kernel knows when something OTG is connected. It brings up UART messages and you can see it in dmesg.
here you go... here's the relevant dmesg output from my device right now.
Code:
<4>[11037.766990] fsa9480_interrupt
<4>[11037.767292] [FSA9480] FSA9480_ReadIntRegister
<6>[11037.815966] ldo38_control : turn ON LDO3 and LDO8 (cur_stat=0, req=1)
<4>[11037.816113] [otg_clock_enable] clk_enable(otg_clock) OK.
<4>[11037.829314] FSA9480_ProcessDevice function!!!!
<4>[11037.829428] [FSA9480]FSA INTR = dev1 : 0x80, dev2 : 0x0 , Attach : 0x1
<4>[11037.829528] USB OTG
The last dmesg log was with no device attached. Here's with a USB Flash drive attached.
Here's one with a flash drive plugged into my little test setup.
Code:
<4>[12679.047442] maxim_vac_connect: disconnect status skip
<4>[12679.210991] fsa9480_interrupt
<4>[12679.211262] [FSA9480] FSA9480_ReadIntRegister
<6>[12679.266909] ldo38_control : turn ON LDO3 and LDO8 (cur_stat=0, req=1)
<4>[12679.267071] [otg_clock_enable] clk_enable(otg_clock) OK.
<4>[12679.280247] FSA9480_ProcessDevice function!!!!
<4>[12679.280375] [FSA9480]FSA INTR = dev1 : 0x80, dev2 : 0x0 , Attach : 0x1
<4>[12679.280476] USB OTG
<4>[12682.348957] [email protected] Total=32768bytes PrdSz=2048 #Prds=4, dmaEnd 0x4f168000
<7>[12682.442657] touch_led_control: 1
<4>[12682.929923] xrun: occurred buffer xrun[0]
<7>[12685.436920] touch_led_control: 2
<4>[12690.544885] [TSP] TA NON-Detect!!!
<6>[12690.559635] [BAT]:Vol=3893, Temp=330, SOC=63, Lv=63, ST=0, TT=0, CS=0, CE=0, RC=0, FC=0, Hlth=1, DS=0x800, VF=590
it does not create any new devices.
Right now USB host is not compiled in the kernel at all, so I'd expect this.
That's why I was asking if someone had found an example of a first-gen SGS with USB Host/OTG support compiled in. With an example kernel's defconfig and source I can analyze, it shouldn't be TOO hard to port that functionality to our device.
The current state is: FSA9480 tells the kernel that an OTG device is connected, kernel says "I dunno what that is. I'll give up and do nothing."
Usb otg through micro dongle
I think you people should try for this. I think it will work for ur device.
www.tombom.co.uk/blog/?p=124
vishal24387 said:
I think you people should try for this. I think it will work for ur device.
www.tombom.co.uk/blog/?p=124
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it won't. See the posts above - there are software components missing.
Again - if someone can point me to an example of a kernel where host mode is working on a first-gen GalaxyS device, I'll try to port it over. I'm not going to try and backport anything from a GSII.
Convincing the FSA9480 to signal host mode is only a tiny piece of the puzzle - see HDMI on Rogers Gingerbread as an example.
would these help entropy?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1450298
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1468531
this is an old thread. but things have changed since then. its been successfully integrated into the galaxy s and nexus s. hopefully it will result in a port since its atleast plausible now.
been awhile since this has been looked at, was wondering if anyone had any luck with this, would be greatly appreciated if i got any kind of response

[Q] Sensation USB Host Feature

I know that USB Host is a Honeycomb feature, but it seems that Samsung has somehow ported it to Gingerbread for the GS2. Does anyone know if any of the Sensation ROMs will ever be able to support USB host?
Btw, this is taken from the DSLR Controller post (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=16497326&postcount=257), but the package we would need is android.hardware.usb.host.
I'm interested in getting USB Host mode too for that very purpose. Hope it happens soon.
Hello,
any progres with USB host on HTC sensation?
I probably must kill my self becouse i bought sensationg betwean Samsung S2 with default USB support
Stupid nokia N8 support usb HOST....
I try google some posibilites but i didnt find anything
Thx alot Martin
If the t-mobile version of the galaxy s2(aka Hercules) can do it, then we should for we share the same class of SoC(the MSM8260 vs the APQ8060), the only difference being the APQ is without a Qualcom modem. Also they both support USB OTG according to the Qualcomm specs for the Gen 3 Snapdragons. Now we just need someone to port it over.
I found arcticle when Somebody aply usb host support tu HTC DHD
Included:
new kernel
2 new modules
and probably some new "software" for using it.
Could someone be interested in developing the usb host features?? If I had the technical competences, I would develop it...but I don't know how to do it!!
If someone it's interested in it, I could donate something
Thank you
would be very nice to have such option. just perfect to copy something from one's flash stick.
When i had xperia neo, a person(a gr8 person) ported the modules into xperia 2011 series- Doomlord
Some developer should contact him
Sent from my htc Sensation 4G using XDA App
this would be of interest to me, I'm guessing we just need one or two kernel modules, and an app to load/unload them
i'm intrested too, is there news ?
USB Host mode would actually the one feature missing to make ICS perfect
I am very interested in this feature too, but can't find any solutions :/
And there is any progress? The USB Host Diagnostics v1.2 says me only NO
works on ICS?
stevocz said:
works on ICS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So far not... We need devs
Sent from my HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio using Tapatalk
OTG USB on HTC MAGIC
I found this (Sorry i cannot post a link so you have to search for >> USB Host Mode on HTC Dream << on Blogspot) It is a step by step howto recompile a kernel with USB Host Support. Iwill try it on my old G1. But first I need a adapter or better a schematic for diy, so i can test if it works.
Greetings Hubert
tried today bricked kernel, which is supposed to have usb host... usb host diagnostics said no... and the device wasnt recognised...
Yesterday i got a USB cable with OTG.
Is this cable will be good?
http://allegro.pl/kabel-usb-micro-b-usb-2-0-katowy-90st-otg-i2151082743.html
------
The cable does not work at all. I can not even install the program USB Host Controller (e.g.). I ask because in HD2 had to connect the external power supply.
alien44 said:
Yesterday i got a USB cable with OTG.
Is this cable will be good?
http://allegro.pl/kabel-usb-micro-b-usb-2-0-katowy-90st-otg-i2151082743.html
------
The cable does not work at all. I can not even install the program USB Host Controller (e.g.). I ask because in HD2 had to connect the external power supply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the cable itself is ok, but since we don't have otg working yet it won't work. If we ever get otg working i don't know if you have to power every device, a lot of devices will need power like external hdd's.
google nexus one & desire
Hey guys,
wasn't there news that ICS would have quite a few usb drives implemented.
Anyway, I know there was a big fuss about usb host mode in the google nexus one section and since they were one of the first to get ics working, maybe somebody from there could help out. Like from the top of my head leedroid, or somebody like him.
Can't post any links sorry.

Kernel Hacking Bounty

Kernel hackers on XDA
I may have a lucrative project for you. My company is looking for someone to help us hack the kernel for an off brand tablet chip. We are in the market for a low cost tablet solution but need it to support USB host and 3g which the low end tablet chipsets do not currently support.
We are discussing put together a fairly large bounty for this project but in the meantime I would love to get XDA's thoughts on what a project like this would take as far as time and what the probability of success.
Please feel free to respond or pm me for further details.
We would need to know specs. Device. OS. Any available source code. Stuff like that before we could even guess at an ETA
Sent from my Droid2Global using Tapatalk
atc3030 said:
We would need to know specs. Device. OS. Any available source code. Stuff like that before we could even guess at an ETA
Sent from my Droid2Global using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So that is part of the problem. There are multiple options for each.
The basics are we are looking at a Android 3.2 or 4.0 tablet with a rockchip or boxchip processor and at least one usb/micro usb port.
In the meantime we have been looking at using a Archos G9 tablet but have been unable to figure out how to get the device to print and charge from the single micro usb port. It appears the micro usb port cannot charge from host mode (unless there is some sort of internal setting we are missing). Instead we have looked at switching the usb mode via software. The problem is although the device is rooted we do not appear to have the ability to change files in the sys folder.
It is my understanding that were we able to change files in the sys folder we would be able to change the usb mode by:
# echo b_peripheral > /sys/devices/platform/musb_hdrc/mode
# echo a_host > /sys/devices/platform/musb_hdrc/mode
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I recommend using a a500 tablet. It has USB host. You can get them cheap on eBay.
mattrb said:
I recommend using a a500 tablet. It has USB host. You can get them cheap on eBay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I also need 3g and I haven't found the a501s for anywhere near as low a prices as the Archos w/3g.

[FEELER] Universal Webtop-Like HW & SW Platform

I am posting this thread seeking feedback and judging interest in such a project.
Most Android devices these days have USB OTG / host functionality as well as HDMI-out.
Motorola exploited this on the Atrix and Bionic with docks that are essentislly a powered USB hub and HDMI adapter or the webtop which 9s a dock with a battery, screen, keyboard and touchpad. Their setup allowed you to run a modded Ubuntu on the screen ajd had a window to access the normal phone interface.
Now with the progress of the Android platform, they have abandoned it mostly, as of 4+ the aforementioned HW only allows you to use android in tabet mode.
What I am proposing is a likely OpenSource project to develop:
- universal hw for all android devices
- custom jailed linux and xwm/interface adapted for touch/hdpi/small screens
- custom android x server allowing integration
- custom android x client/rsp (rdp) for android to allow viewing of phone interface on screen
The goal being a well designed version allowing a hybrid of linux apps and android apps in tablet mode seamlessly integrated.
Let me be clear that I am trying to judge interest and brainstorm, I am NOT asking about the feasibilty or technical requirements or burdens.
Eventually with enough interest, other OS apps could be integrated and virtualized.
I have 20+ years sw engineering, design and development experience and am willing to put in my efforts to seed this project if the interest is there.
Well no responses - but some THANKS.. So I'll take that to mean there is some interest.
I am actively developing this and a whole suite of tools to accompang it starting with a universal, configurable, network (bt/wifi/3G/RG) and hardware syncronizable audio driver. Follkwing that I will be working on a 2-way android/linux x-server/client system.
Each tool will be released as an individual piece and eventually will (hopefully) come together to build a system to enhance android and bridge the ever narrowing gap between android and a pc.
I really would be interested in some feedback especially regarding the hardware aspect.
forbiddenera said:
Well no responses - but some THANKS.. So I'll take that to mean there is some interest.
I am actively developing this and a whole suite of tools to accompang it starting with a universal, configurable, network (bt/wifi/3G/RG) and hardware syncronizable audio driver. Follkwing that I will be working on a 2-way android/linux x-server/client system.
Each tool will be released as an individual piece and eventually will (hopefully) come together to build a system to enhance android and bridge the ever narrowing gap between android and a pc.
I really would be interested in some feedback especially regarding the hardware aspect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sounds very interesting :good:
forbiddenera said:
I am posting this thread seeking feedback and judging interest in such a project.
Most Android devices these days have USB OTG / host functionality as well as HDMI-out.
Motorola exploited this on the Atrix and Bionic with docks that are essentislly a powered USB hub and HDMI adapter or the webtop which 9s a dock with a battery, screen, keyboard and touchpad. Their setup allowed you to run a modded Ubuntu on the screen ajd had a window to access the normal phone interface.
Now with the progress of the Android platform, they have abandoned it mostly, as of 4+ the aforementioned HW only allows you to use android in tabet mode.
What I am proposing is a likely OpenSource project to develop:
- universal hw for all android devices
- custom jailed linux and xwm/interface adapted for touch/hdpi/small screens
- custom android x server allowing integration
- custom android x client/rsp (rdp) for android to allow viewing of phone interface on screen
The goal being a well designed version allowing a hybrid of linux apps and android apps in tablet mode seamlessly integrated.
Let me be clear that I am trying to judge interest and brainstorm, I am NOT asking about the feasibilty or technical requirements or burdens.
Eventually with enough interest, other OS apps could be integrated and virtualized.
I have 20+ years sw engineering, design and development experience and am willing to put in my efforts to seed this project if the interest is there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just saw your post; I owned 2 Motorola RAZR (a RAZR i for now) and I really miss the webtop! I used it a lot so I am very interesting by your project. It's a shame that Motorola let go this idea, I think it was something that can make Motorola outstanding from other brands.
I'm sure there is a lot of people interested by that kind of app.
ichi go said:
I just saw your post; I owned 2 Motorola RAZR (a RAZR i for now) and I really miss the webtop! I used it a lot so I am very interesting by your project. It's a shame that Motorola let go this idea, I think it was something that can make Motorola outstanding from other brands.
I'm sure there is a lot of people interested by that kind of app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope so, I have started slowly developing the low levels of the stack of tools required for this.
If you are interested in making this a reality, then I need support. Moral support, testing, food, hardware.. etc.. Mostly I need to know there's a demand and that people will use it and benefit from it.
Currently I require a few things for testing and development, if anyone wants to.help.
- USB OTG / Host adapter for microusb. x 2
- Powered USB hub.. The source in my city has one for $10, but do not sell the power adapter to.go with it.
and, would be beneficial:
- A droid Bionic HD dock or Webtop dock, unfortunately my phone was not sold in Canada and ship them to me for my friend in the states and I cannot get these here.
please spread the word if you are interested, rally support and it will get done.
The first thing I am developing for this is a universal low latency audio driver replacement for android / linux with extended.ipc/net routing capabilities. Partly because I am a musician and need such elsewhere is why I am starting with audio.. I also intend to get the audio plug on my moto dock working on nonstock
forbiddenera said:
I hope so, I have started slowly developing the low levels of the stack of tools required for this.
If you are interested in making this a reality, then I need support. Moral support, testing, food, hardware.. etc.. Mostly I need to know there's a demand and that people will use it and benefit from it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you have my support in whatever you need. ive been a webtop guy since day 1, wonderful technology but *WAY* ahead of it's time (and lets not even talk about how i spent $300 bucks on my first lapdock, and $50 on my second when they canned the webtop project lol. i will caution you that it doesn't seem like there is much demand anymore for the dual environment setup. i have quite a bit of market insight as to why this is, but at any rate, innovative development is never appreciated until it is actually developed, no?
forbiddenera said:
Currently I require a few things for testing and development, if anyone wants to.help.
- USB OTG / Host adapter for microusb. x 2
- Powered USB hub.. The source in my city has one for $10, but do not sell the power adapter to.go with it.
and, would be beneficial:
- A droid Bionic HD dock or Webtop dock, unfortunately my phone was not sold in Canada and ship them to me for my friend in the states and I cannot get these here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aside from several years of commercial software testing experience, i have at my disposal for testing:
Motorola Atrix 4G (only moto phone unlocked kernel + webuntu mod)
Motorola Droid Bionic
Samsung Galaxy Nexus (uses MHL)
Motorola Xoom tablet (HDMI out)
- 1 bionic lapdock, 1 universal lapdock 100
- bionic HD dock
- MHL USB > HDMI adapter
- USB OTG cable
looking forward to contributing and seeing this become a reality my friend.:good:
I am still wanting to push this forward. I really need a HD DOCK with USB tho.. If anyone can help, post or PM me.
cheers
I am still wanting to push this forward. I really need a HD DOCK with USB tho.. If anyone can help, post or PM me.
Or a lapdock, or a usb otg and powered hub, or... I do have an hdmi cable and use webtop 3 all the time for watching tv..
Unfortunately google basically stopped moto from doing this.. We can all run linux but using it on vnc is sloppy, android x server doesnt work proper yet.. And even webtop 3 isnt that bad of an idea..
cheers
forbiddenera said:
I am still wanting to push this forward. I really need a HD DOCK with USB tho.. If anyone can help, post or PM me.
Or a lapdock, or a usb otg and powered hub, or... I do have an hdmi cable and use webtop 3 all the time for watching tv..
Unfortunately google basically stopped moto from doing this.. We can all run linux but using it on vnc is sloppy, android x server doesnt work proper yet.. And even webtop 3 isnt that bad of an idea..
cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If someone or a few ppl can chip in to split the cost itd rly hlp.. yks
Hey, every idea you've posted seems good. The only thing I see holding back is, well, you have no credentials to show what you can/have done. I'd love a webtop for my phone, and an external android ssd(rasberry pi?) sounds sweet!
Anyways, what I'm trying to say is, I personally would love to see these projects come to life and help out with the funding side of things(unless you've got some extra time to teach) I do have a passion for developing, it's just not a skill yet.
Tell/show me more of what you can give/make to these protects you have planned and I'll tell/show you what I can fund/help with.
Really cool idea. I'm interested and if you develop even a crude "example" I'm sure the community will hop on board too.
Best of luck and I'll be keeping an eye out .
topdnbass said:
Really cool idea. I'm interested and if you develop even a crude "example" I'm sure the community will hop on board too.
Best of luck and I'll be keeping an eye out .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been using webtop3 with just an hdmi cable for a bit - and at the least something like that should be available to every device with hdmi/mhl (eg. dynamic dpi change, phone screen becomes touchpad and kb unless hw mouse/kb avail) but also with all Android devices being linux, there should be a better way to run linux apps than vnc or a half-finished barely functional x server (not damping on the devs).
I have 15-20 years experience in coding almost all languages on almost all platforms. Done a ton of webstuff, none of it's really online or available (NDA). I worked with AOL/nullsoft for a short bit for sc_trans and thus ran my own radio, IdealSound. Unfortunately the AOL BW dried up and I had to kill it, but I am reviving it. I don't have a lot to show now, but give me a few weeks...
Anyhow, I see a ton of potential in android, I like open source, and, I think it's terrible that google axed wt3 even. wt2, I understand why.. wt3 is just dynamic dpi on hdmi and a different launcher profile (and a touchpad).
There needs to be more, and, I use android enough to be willing to invest time into this. Unfortunately, I am not able to invest $.
I envision multi-app android multi-tasking (two apps one screen? windowed?) and seamlessly running linux apps, like gimp, integrated ala parallels style (=using win appson mac seamless)
I eat Linux for breakfast and poop Java. And that's pretty much what android is.. I need dev tools tho.. my biggest concern really, is google and what they have planned conflicting with what I want to do.
I do plan to KISS (keep it stupidly simple) as much as possible though. Any dev I do will be very modular.
forbiddenera said:
I have been using webtop3 with just an hdmi cable for a bit - and at the least something like that should be available to every device with hdmi/mhl (eg. dynamic dpi change, phone screen becomes touchpad and kb unless hw mouse/kb avail) but also with all Android devices being linux, there should be a better way to run linux apps than vnc or a half-finished barely functional x server (not damping on the devs).
I have 15-20 years experience in coding almost all languages on almost all platforms. Done a ton of webstuff, none of it's really online or available (NDA). I worked with AOL/nullsoft for a short bit for sc_trans and thus ran my own radio, IdealSound. Unfortunately the AOL BW dried up and I had to kill it, but I am reviving it. I don't have a lot to show now, but give me a few weeks...
Anyhow, I see a ton of potential in android, I like open source, and, I think it's terrible that google axed wt3 even. wt2, I understand why.. wt3 is just dynamic dpi on hdmi and a different launcher profile (and a touchpad).
There needs to be more, and, I use android enough to be willing to invest time into this. Unfortunately, I am not able to invest $.
I envision multi-app android multi-tasking (two apps one screen? windowed?) and seamlessly running linux apps, like gimp, integrated ala parallels style (=using win appson mac seamless)
I eat Linux for breakfast and poop Java. And that's pretty much what android is.. I need dev tools tho.. my biggest concern really, is google and what they have planned conflicting with what I want to do.
I do plan to KISS (keep it stupidly simple) as much as possible though. Any dev I do will be very modular.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
like I said before, I'm very interested and would like to be on your team when this idea takes flight.
PM me and let's get started.
let me know what you need to get started, I'll reply with what I can offer.
also give whatever details of why you need what and so on, that you deem appropriate or necessary.
looking forward to hear from you.
Test Monkey
Just saw this today. If it helps, I may have a useful assortment of gear to test this kind of thing out on, when it comes to that.
Motorola Droid X2 cdma (no HDMI, but if you were going for a dock adapter that added HDMI over usb)
Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE (micro HDMI)
Motorola Photon (micro HDMI)
A Motorola LapDock (Fits both of the Photons, but won't recognize the touchpad or keyboard)
Hisense Sero 7 Pro Tablet (mini HDMI)
The Q is the only one I use daily, so I can monkey around with the rest pretty recklessly. I know my way around adb & CWM / TWRP, but I'm no dev. Just been flashing custom ROMs since the early windows mobile days, so I'm not scared of much.
I'm currently trying to cobble together a software-based solution for myself with the LapDock, using a combination of methods used by other folks on other gear, so I might also have some links worth following for stuff that's been done already. Either way, good luck.

[Completed] Is it possible to root a WM8880/GA-1311F-based laptop?

Hello, I'm really new to Android devices. In fact, this is my first Android-based device ever. But I do have a lot of experience with Linux and Windows, and it's weird how locked down ARM-based hardware actually is. Android isn't as bad as Apple, but it's still a lot less freedom than I'm used to having. I'm getting the impression that installing custom ROM would be almost as much of a pain as installing the Homebrew Channel on a Wii.
Anyway, one thing that I should point out about my device is that it has no touchscreen at all. It has a touchpad and a keyboard in a laptop form factor, but it runs Android. It has SD card slots, USB ports, and an Ethernet port. It's a netbook with smartphone hardware. I'm curious what I can do with it, and I wouldn't be losing much if I bricked it.
If it were possible, I'd be interested in figuring out how to compile a custom version of Linux for it and flash it to ROM. I really think X with a light Window manager would work well on that hardware. If I can't, though, I would be content with a newer version of Android. It's currently running Jelly Bean and I'm wondering what the new versions are like.
The only thing I've been able to find out about the device is that it's based on a WonderMedia Prizm WM8880, has 1GB of RAM, 8GB of storage, and a 1.5GHz Cortex A9 processor. Mali-400 Graphics. In Google Play, the device is listed as No Carrier WonderMedia GA-1311F. I did a search for GA-1311F, and I found no results.
Note that I don't have an actual Manufacturer or model number, everything I can find digging around leads back to the chipset manufacturer, WonderMedia or some company called WMT. It seems like WonderMedia has ties to VIA technologies, and that they definitely don't make the device I'm using. So that means I have no idea who the manufacturer is.
Is any of this information helpful, or is my device unable to be hacked simply because the manufacturer is too obscure?
Sorry to bump my own thread, but I thought I would mention that I've managed to find out about a method called KingRoot that often works on Android 4.2. I managed to install the APK, but the program got to around 60% and then said my device couldn't be rooted.
I'm not crazy about most of the other methods because they require a USB cable that I don't have. Most Android phones or tablets would presumably have a mini-USB port with a small end for the phone and a large end for the computer, like my Windows Phone does. This machine only has regular-sized USB ports, however, and thus I would need to buy a USB male A to USB male A cord that's capable of performing the same function. I hate to waste the money on it not knowing if it will even work, though. I'm also wondering if I need to worry about crossover vs. patch cables like I would with Ethernet, etc. It's starting to seem like more trouble than it's worth.
There was another method I tried called OneClickRoot, but they told me that I needed to have that same dreaded cable hooked up to my PC, AND pay them $20 on top of it. I'm pretty sure that's ridiculous.
I'm probably going to figure this out eventually, but I'm really frustrated that this is tougher than hacking my Wii was. Embedded systems with non-standard hardware are an amazing pain to deal with.
EDIT: Even thoughc it said it failed, all of a sudden BusyBox installed successfully after I restarted the computer. I think I may have done it, although I'm not sure. Apparently I have a Linux kernel on here already somehow... is that the part of Android that's based on Linux?
imgur.com/HiRyqW2
Still, there's not much I'm finding that tells me how to set up anything much better than using a terminal and a VNC viewer within Android to view a Linux system running on top of it. I guess that could be useful if I had a beefier Android device, but with this it's only useful for a command line.
Hi,
Thanks for using XDA Assist.
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Good luck & welcome to Android

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