USA T-Mobile Defy owners - Rom 6.39 OTA update - Defy Android Development

NOTE: THIS IS AN UNINTENTIONAL DUPLICATION OF THE EARLIER POST.
If you purchased your phone in the last three weeks and from this date onwards (Feb 8), you have the latest 6.39 US rom preinstalled. (Currently being rolled out for older devices through the OTA).
This means that you have a high likelihood of bricking your device if you attempt to flash a non US rom – or possibly any rom.
This is my experience so I decided to post this thread in this section, as a caution.
After a heroic 24 hour effort last week, I gave up on trying to unbrick my last device and this time (last night) decided to take the safer road and see if the updated rom could at least still be rooted….
As mentioned elsewhere, it still can be rooted using superoneclick (run from the pc – instructions in other threads)
I’ve attached the file that worked for me below, and will briefly describe the route I’ve followed this morning to get to a smoothly running, rooted Defy that still runs 2.1 but cleanly bypasses blur and looks and feels good:
• Root using the file below or find it in other threads – there are a few versions to choose from.
• Install Tenfar’s recovery (big thanks!), found elsewhere or attached below. (Again there are a few versions to choose from including a newer version from tenfar but the one attached below worked for me)
• Make a backup using recovery – remembering that it always has to be run from the recovery app and can’t be booted into from a switched off state or battery pull – (power on volume down) This is at the core of the locked boot loader issue - correct me someone if I’m wrong.
Once backed up you can set about downloading app remover/freezers, overclock apps (setcpu) and an alternate launcher – ADW. (Aside from a bunch of other apps that require root and are lotsa fun!)
My approach to the bloatware:
I first tried freezing apps one by one (deleting/removing them will affect your ability to get future OTAs smoothly without restoring the original backup so instead unfreeze them later)
…but froze one too many – bluraccount app and got froze out of the phone interface (Blank screen - not having any way to run the functions/apps or change settings, and a factory wipe/restore or using the stock recovery didn’t fix this by the way) and four hours later found a backdoor to reinstalling recovery and restoring the backup – sweaty work believe me.
(How to: By multi tapping the home button it opened up the internet app – then navigated to a link to the online “appbrain” app and clicked a link there to download directly from the market. This then automatically opened up the market app on the phone which was otherwise unavailable by any other means. Once the market app was opened, I downloaded, installed and immediately clicked to open linda file manager then used it to navigate to the SD card to find the recovery app mentioned above, clicked to reinstall which opened the install dialogue, I then chose to open it because it was already installed and chose to boot into recovery from where I restored the earlier backup - voila! All better)
I decided then to only remove non moto/blur related apps and install ADW free and basically take the blur interface out of the equation while getting a visual upgrade.
While this approach leaves the blur account sync and other blur related apps intact, if you have the updated rom, you’ll know that it’s fast and smooth anyway, making this a workable compromise because the blur interface/launcher is basically the other half of their annoying equation.
I chose not to permanently overclock to protect the phone long term and also preserve battery life, but it does give it an immediate kick!
Once ADW and some free themes are downloaded from the market, it’s accessed by going into any area or menu of the phone, say settings, then clicking the home soft key.
This opens a dialogue asking how you’d like to execute this command, ADW or Home (blur) - click the box saying remember choice (make default) – note the instructions on how to undo this choice later and say goodbye to blur baby!
To access ADW settings – because you’re now looking at a different desktop/home screen (for want of a better term) – click the menu soft key (bottom, far left) and choose ADW settings.
From here you can change all manner of launcher (phone interface) settings:
How many icons around the app drawer button, how fast it opens, making it 3D and transparent (sorry you’re going to have to figure this out for yourself – OK, ADW settings, drawer settings, zoom effect speed 100 – background color – move the alpha slider to the far left then click in the middle of the color wheel) themes, how many rows of apps, auto hiding the task bar, and on and on.
Basically a smooth running visual overhaul to add to the rooted, free to do whatever you want device.
And for those of you who are concerned about still running éclair (2.1) – I’d say that once you’ve basically achieved a 2.3 (gingerbread) visual experience with ADW, have disappeared blur for all intents and purposes, have a device that runs smoothly (and let’s face it it’s a defy) you basically won’t miss the little extra’s that come with froyo and if you really do – just hang in there for the upgrade.
It’s gotta come sometime.
Peace out

Related

This one goes out to the US T-Mobile Defy owners - OTA 6.39 ROM

If you purchased your phone in the last three weeks and from this date onwards (Feb 8), you have the latest 6.39 US rom preinstalled. (Currently being rolled out for older devices through the OTA).
This means that you have a high likelihood of bricking your device if you attempt to flash a non US rom – or probably any rom.
This is my experience so I decided to post this thread in this section (despite grumblings) as a caution.
After a heroic 24 hour effort last week, I gave up on trying to unbrick my last device and this time (last night) decided to take the safer road and see if the updated rom could at least still be rooted….
As mentioned elsewhere, it still can be rooted using superoneclick (run from the pc – instructions in other threads)
I’ve attached the file that worked for me below, and will briefly describe the route I’ve followed this morning to get to a smoothly running, rooted Defy that still runs 2.1 but cleanly bypasses blur and looks and feels good:
• Root using the file below or find it in other threads – there are a few versions to choose from.
• Install Tenfar’s recovery (big thanks!), found elsewhere or attached below. (Again there are a few versions to choose from including a newer version from tenfar but the one attached below worked for me)
• Make a backup using recovery – remembering that it always has to be run from the recovery app and can’t be booted into from a switched off state or battery pull – (power on volume down) This is at the core of the locked boot loader issue - correct me someone if I’m wrong.
Once backed up you can set about downloading app remover/freezers, overclock apps (setcpu) and an alternate launcher – ADW. (Aside from a bunch of other apps that require root and are lotsa fun!)
My approach to the bloatware:
I first tried freezing apps one by one (deleting/removing them will affect your ability to get future OTAs smoothly without restoring the original backup so instead unfreeze them later)
…but froze one too many – bluraccount app and got froze out of the phone interface (Blank screen - not having any way to run the functions/apps or change settings, and a factory wipe/restore or using the stock recovery didn’t fix this by the way) and four hours later found a backdoor to reinstalling recovery and restoring the backup – sweaty work believe me.
(How to: By multi tapping the home button it opened up the internet app – then navigated to a link to the online “appbrain” app and clicked a link there to download directly from the market. This then automatically opened up the market app on the phone which was otherwise unavailable by any other means. Once the market app was opened, I downloaded, installed and immediately clicked to open linda file manager then used it to navigate to the SD card to find the recovery app mentioned above, clicked to reinstall which opened the install dialogue, I then chose to open it because it was already installed and chose to boot into recovery from where I restored the earlier backup - voila! All better)
I decided then to only remove non moto/blur related apps and install ADW free and basically take the blur interface out of the equation while getting a visual upgrade.
While this approach leaves the blur account sync and other blur related apps intact, if you have the updated rom, you’ll know that it’s fast and smooth anyway, making this a workable compromise because the blur interface/launcher is basically the other half of their annoying equation.
I chose not to permanently overclock to protect the phone long term and also preserve battery life, but it does give it an immediate kick!
Once ADW and some free themes are downloaded from the market, it’s accessed by going into any area or menu of the phone, say settings, then clicking the home soft key.
This opens a dialogue asking how you’d like to execute this command, ADW or Home (blur) - click the box saying remember choice (make default) – note the instructions on how to undo this choice later and say goodbye to blur baby!
To access ADW settings – because you’re now looking at a different desktop/home screen (for want of a better term) – click the menu soft key (bottom, far left) and choose ADW settings.
From here you can change all manner of launcher (phone interface) settings:
How many icons around the app drawer button, how fast it opens, making it 3D and transparent (sorry you’re going to have to figure this out for yourself – OK, ADW settings, drawer settings, zoom effect speed 100 – background color – move the alpha slider to the far left then click in the middle of the color wheel) themes, how many rows of apps, auto hiding the task bar, and on and on.
Basically a smooth running visual overhaul to add to the rooted, free to do whatever you want device.
And for those of you who are concerned about still running éclair (2.1) – I’d say that once you’ve basically achieved a 2.3 (gingerbread) visual experience with ADW, have disappeared blur for all intents and purposes, have a device that runs smoothly (and let’s face it it’s a defy) you basically won’t miss the little extra’s that come with froyo and if you really do – just hang in there for the upgrade.
It’s gotta come sometime.
Peace out

[Q] The application icons get jumbled

I am not sure if this is how android is designed to work. In the application launcher I have the view type set as 'customizable grid'. I rearranged the icons on to different pages to categorize them as per type of application. This left empty slots on pages which did not have enough icons to fit the complete page. All the changes were saved. Now if I power off my infuse and bring it up again I see that a lot of the icons do not stay where i fixed them before powering off. I would expect this setting or configuration to stay intact. Is it not supposed to work how I expect? Thanks for reading my post. My phone only has stock applications.
On a side note - Does android have capability of creating folders within the application launcher app. I know it can be done on the home screens.
i have a similar issue, it seems to be that applications that you pay for and have a free download with a pay key like rom manager on a reboot it loads the icon for the unlock key which disapears after you attemp to open it. it may be that the extra icon not being in the config file reapearing causes it to alter the configuration. i dont remember if this was always an issue and it minght be related to the modded launcher from gtg. try another twlauncher30 version. maybe one from the captivate/i9000 section, maybe the 5x4 app drawer version.

CM10 Usability enhancement tweaks

First of all many thanks to all those people who have made it possible to run CM10 on our mobiles - Kabaldan most importantly for developing CM10 and skrilax for the nightly builds. Also all developers like zepellinrox, fufu for the various applications, scripts and tweaks.
Since other users asked for a list of tweaks/modifications etc. I prepared this post.
The things I am proposing below are working for me, they might not work or be suitable to you and the way you use your device. I am just sharing my experiences.
Before installation:
- Fast micro sdhc card (4K random writes at 2 MB/s)
- 1 Ext 3 partition of 950 MB
- 1 Swap Partition of 950 MB
- Fufu open recovery minimod v.0.23
- Wipe all
After installation
- Install miui cam app from the link below. The first time camera is run, it asks for default application just choose the miui
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1687161&d=1359486822
- Install Quickpic. The first time gallery is run, it asks for default application, just choose quickpic.
- If there is a trouble with alarms of the default clock application (app freezing after choosing alarms) just erase cache of the app.
- Install FTL Launcher Lite (free mode is ok – no need for the paid one).
- Activate swap. I am using 98swapon script by fufu and I activate the whole of the available swap on my card. With the settings I use after a couple of days it usually stays below 100 MB. If you want experiment with fixed 64 MB, 80 MB or 128 MB.
- Install script manager from market
- Download the latest zeppelinrox script and the supercharger starter kit
From the starter kit install only sqlite3+zipalign_installer_v6.sh
Run the supercharger script and install it and activate what you want (I have activated everything and use 512 MB multitasking settings)
After that you will achieve 50% activation of the script.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=18703418&postcount=5021
- Download Ultimate Jar Power Tools windows version. In order to install it you need to activate usb debugging and run the application as administrator from the pc. I think you also need Motorola drivers so that the phone is recognized by the pc. I activate everything.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1914159
- I install autostarts, this is a program with which you can disable startup items. It is a paid app, I have not searched if there is a free alternative. I disable almost all non-system apps that I do not want running after boot and some system ones with great care like maps.
- I disable hardware acceleration for most apps I usually run. I have found this makes things a bit faster. This is because we are running with a CM9 graphics driver (maybe this is not the only reason, please correct me).
- After installing about 50 apps I have some trouble with play store. The app downloads but never installs. I have to exit play store, open a couple of apps that need much memory (e.g. navigation software, browsers etc.). After that I fire up play store again and the app starts installing. Also it has happened with some big apps in size (above 20 MB) that it says no free space is available. After clearing the cache of apps like web browsers, skype, navigation software, etc. the installation is possible.
- In order to make vibration stick even after reboot, it must be activated in profile settings. If the choice is made through the drawer it is lost after a reboot.
Most probably I have forgotten something; I will add it later on…
950MB for swap? Really? Too big.
Improve speed by setting all (3; windows, scale and speed) animations to disabled in Dev Options.
Uninstall Gallery and Trebuchet when you have installed an other app (QuickPic, FLT or Lightning Launcher) same for the Cam App.
I will keep this reply updated with all infos I can remember.
Never intended to use 950 MB swap with milestone and whenever I have seen the swap going over 150 MB in usage the phone is at the edge of usability. There are scripts and apps with which you can set a specific part of the swap partition for swap so you can actually set whatever you want from the 950 MB.
When going from one mobile to the next I usually don't format the card, since mp3s and so on will remain there. I formatted the card assuming that I would use it with my future phone as well and anyhow 32 GB are more than I currently use (about 15 GB). My last memory card of 8 GB came from my previous phone.
I was doing tests to see when the phone started to lag and this is why I had let it unlimited to the full 950 MB. It was about the time I installed zepellinrox script with ultimate jar tools. One side effect was that swap grew very slowly in comparison with before. I noticed that even after 3-4 days rarely it exceeded about 100 MB. Fufu also said that he would include in his script the option to set a specific size of the swap in the next version. So I kinda let it there.
Thanks _crAss_ for the usefull post and the work you put into it to help others. Whenever I have the time I will take the plunge into CM10 to see how it goes. As soon as I get it to my liking and if I enconter any problems/issues I will report it here so others might read as well.
Thanks again. :good:
I think one the most important of all this tricks is the fast SD Card. But I'm unable to find a good one. Mine is a SDC10/8GB from Kingston, but is not really fast at 4K writes. Do someone know good models? I want to buy a new one if it complies the necessary speed.
There is a post at another forum with lots of benchmarks. I give the link below. The problem is that different production dates give different results. I got the transcend Ultra 32 Gb, the results are not the same as the ones reported in that post, but are comparable and fortunately the 4K random writes is good. My old card was a Toshiba class 6 bought years ago, presenting class 10 speeds in sequential read/write. Unfortunately 4K writes were down to 0.016 KB/s making it unusable for swap (I used to use the internal memory for swap then).
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1582172
Also yesterday I installed viber and experienced huge battery drain, about 10-10% per hour. Even though I disabled everything through autostarts it kept popping up in running apps list and I guess it constantly tried to connect to no avail (since I activate wifi or 3G only when I want to log on to the internet). The new battery I have with moderate use goes up to 2 days, so imagine my shock of going down to almost in a couple of hours with screen off during the night...
I´ve installed CM10 on my phone and I´m in the process of configuring all the apps I need on it. I will just give my first impressions of the pros ands cons.
Pros:
- CM10 seems smoother than 9 (when everything works correctly), but this might be due to cpu overclock settings (I´ll explain later);
- Still did not experiment with other cm10 exclusive functions like Google Now for example, but if they work that is a plus for me;
- Contacts Import/Export from SDCard option available from the Phone app;
- SMS sending on Enter issue with CM9 seems not hapening on 10 (I remember using it before and it did not happen on 10). Still need to further check on that.
Cons:
- Power button options do not include a screenshot option (as CM9 did);
- Notification bar when pulled hides the icons on top (I do believe on cm9 they remained there), and the user can´t see, in real time, the changes made;
- Network icon stays blank when conection is very,very low/no conection is possible (happens a lot with ****ty Vodafone at may house), to the point that I do not know if I do not have any conection at all (on CM9 when the network was inexistent a "x" appeard instead of the network strengh bars);
- Camera app does not have the option (nor the media/camera sounds renaming option helps) to disable shutter and focus sounds (it could be useful for people who wanted to use the stock camera for photos and panorama and another camera for video). I´m using UCam at the moment and the option is there. Did not try MUIU camera nor Zoom Camera as other options yet as mencioned somewhere, but I believe at least MUIU camera does not have panorama option (a feature I love to use and used alot on CM9);
- Overclock feature does not stick even after a screen on/off situation. It always reverts back to maximum 1000MHZ cpu clock (what I talked above-maybe the smootheness I feel is due to the cpu clock this high?). Most probably. My battery came to 20% from 100% in less than 6 hours with the cpu clocked like that.
On CM9 I used to use 600MHZ for comon tasks and 800MHZ for heavier tasks/heavy games (along with Swap enabled) and it did the trick perfectly. More than 800MHZ the cpu just gets to hot and the battery drain is too high in my opinion. Using the overclock script mod (when you need to change/scale everything to the clock you need) simply does not cut it for the use I´m after (quick change between options). Will try and see if old Milestone Overclock does the job on CM10.
From the top of my head these seem to be the things that popped out at first glance (and some really anoying - like the cpu thing). Will test it further and report back :good:
P.S: Is it possible to disable the CRT screen off style? I do prefer a simpler "old" school screen off style.
First of all which governor have you set? With it set to inteactive most of the time it settles at 250 MHz when doing nothing. I get (with a new battery) very long standby times. Even when fooling around with the phone a lot I can get easily a full day.
The screenshot in the power button menu can be activated in settings (System-Power menu).
If I remember correctly the animations can be turned off in Developer options.
_crAss_ said:
First of all which governor have you set? With it set to inteactive most of the time it settles at 250 MHz when doing nothing. I get (with a new battery) very long standby times. Even when fooling around with the phone a lot I can get easily a full day.
The screenshot in the power button menu can be activated in settings (System-Power menu).
If I remember correctly the animations can be turned off in Developer options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. The governor setting is set to interactive, but still when I do use the phone it ramps up to 1000MHZ which, at least in my phone,the battery has got to years plus, it shortens battery life a lot, and I do believe the cpu gets to hot for my liking really. I installed Set CPU, the problem with it is that sometimes when rebooting the stock governor settings stick and override the Setcpu one´s. Other times it does not happen, and Setcpu one´s prevaile...
Relating the screenshot option, I found the menu I needed thanks to your input:good:. Still I can´t find any option for the CRT animation under development options or any other option really. Maybe it is not present on CM10? Other things I notice on CM10 is that sometimes when turning the phone on (booting) it does not always lock on my network provider, even filling in the pin number. Sometimes I go and notice the network is not activated at all and have to put the phone to fligh mode and back again for it to lock in. Other than that I´m installing all my apps and will see how it goes. For now it is snappy enough
Ricfil said:
I´ve installed CM10 on my phone and I´m in the process of configuring all the apps I need on it. I will just give my first impressions of the pros ands cons.
Pros:
- CM10 seems smoother than 9 (when everything works correctly), but this might be due to cpu overclock settings (I´ll explain later);
- Still did not experiment with other cm10 exclusive functions like Google Now for example, but if they work that is a plus for me;
- Contacts Import/Export from SDCard option available from the Phone app;
- SMS sending on Enter issue with CM9 seems not hapening on 10 (I remember using it before and it did not happen on 10). Still need to further check on that.
Cons:
- Power button options do not include a screenshot option (as CM9 did);
- Notification bar when pulled hides the icons on top (I do believe on cm9 they remained there), and the user can´t see, in real time, the changes made;
- Network icon stays blank when conection is very,very low/no conection is possible (happens a lot with ****ty Vodafone at may house), to the point that I do not know if I do not have any conection at all (on CM9 when the network was inexistent a "x" appeard instead of the network strengh bars);
- Camera app does not have the option (nor the media/camera sounds renaming option helps) to disable shutter and focus sounds (it could be useful for people who wanted to use the stock camera for photos and panorama and another camera for video). I´m using UCam at the moment and the option is there. Did not try MUIU camera nor Zoom Camera as other options yet as mencioned somewhere, but I believe at least MUIU camera does not have panorama option (a feature I love to use and used alot on CM9);
- Overclock feature does not stick even after a screen on/off situation. It always reverts back to maximum 1000MHZ cpu clock (what I talked above-maybe the smootheness I feel is due to the cpu clock this high?). Most probably. My battery came to 20% from 100% in less than 6 hours with the cpu clocked like that.
On CM9 I used to use 600MHZ for comon tasks and 800MHZ for heavier tasks/heavy games (along with Swap enabled) and it did the trick perfectly. More than 800MHZ the cpu just gets to hot and the battery drain is too high in my opinion. Using the overclock script mod (when you need to change/scale everything to the clock you need) simply does not cut it for the use I´m after (quick change between options). Will try and see if old Milestone Overclock does the job on CM10.
From the top of my head these seem to be the things that popped out at first glance (and some really anoying - like the cpu thing). Will test it further and report back :good:
P.S: Is it possible to disable the CRT screen off style? I do prefer a simpler "old" school screen off style.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear Ricfil,
I also agree with most of your findings.Are you using the stock launcher 'Trebuchet'?If you install 'Lightening Launcher' and delete Trbuchet CM10 will become more smooth.More over Lightening Launcher is lighter than than Trebuchet and FTL Launcher also.
Regarding UCam,it's present update is much worse than the previous making it user unfriendly and it's camera mode unusable.So I uninstalled it and tried with MIUI Camera.Although it is much light with 463 KB it is spartan and lacks major options like video flash.video zoom ,panorama camera etc.So I installed Zoom Camera now and found it is the most smoothest than the stck,MIUI&UCam having a low weight of 550 KB,with all functions like,Video Zoom,Video Flash,Shutter Sounds,Panorama, abundant options of focusing&colour filters etc.It's also is the most user friendly and it is having frequent updates also.
Coming to Battery Drain,if you install an apk from Playstore namely 'Greenify',it will considerably reduce the battery drain by hibernating unwanted applications running in the background all the time.It will allow the apk to run only when it is needed.
About CRT I don't know much much about it.So will you please through some light on it so we can understand in detail?
Thanking you...
Ricfil said:
- Power button options do not include a screenshot option (as CM9 did);
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you enable this option (Settings > System > Power menu)? I loved this feature in CM10 (don't remember if it is available in CM9).
Ricfil said:
- Network icon stays blank when conection is very,very low/no conection is possible (happens a lot with ****ty Vodafone at may house), to the point that I do not know if I do not have any conection at all (on CM9 when the network was inexistent a "x" appeard instead of the network strengh bars);
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was changed in CM10. When you have no signal, the icon is a unfilled triangle with a thin border. But if there is signal, but it is too low, you see the dark grey bars.
Ricfil said:
P.S: Is it possible to disable the CRT screen off style? I do prefer a simpler "old" school screen off style.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't find the option, maybe kabaldan didn't put it yet.
pnsdhrn said:
Dear Ricfil,
I also agree with most of your findings.Are you using the stock launcher 'Trebuchet'?If you install 'Lightening Launcher' and delete Trbuchet CM10 will become more smooth.More over Lightening Launcher is lighter than than Trebuchet and FTL Launcher also.
Regarding UCam,it's present update is much worse than the previous making it user unfriendly and it's camera mode unusable.So I uninstalled it and tried with MIUI Camera.Although it is much light with 463 KB it is spartan and lacks major options like video flash.video zoom ,panorama camera etc.So I installed Zoom Camera now and found it is the most smoothest than the stck,MIUI&UCam having a low weight of 550 KB,with all functions like,Video Zoom,Video Flash,Shutter Sounds,Panorama, abundant options of focusing&colour filters etc.It's also is the most user friendly and it is having frequent updates also.
Coming to Battery Drain,if you install an apk from Playstore namely 'Greenify',it will considerably reduce the battery drain by hibernating unwanted applications running in the background all the time.It will allow the apk to run only when it is needed.
About CRT I don't know much much about it.So will you please through some light on it so we can understand in detail?
Thanking you...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:good: Thanks for the info man.
Relating Lightning Launcher, I´ve tried it before but the learning curve for it is to much for me right now. I need something easy ti use and fast. This Launcher is so amazing in the way it has got so much it can do that it tends to be to overwhelming, for me at least. I´m using the good "old" Launcher Pro on CM10 and for now it is doing the job pretty well in my opinion. Fast, stable, with all I need.
Another subject I notice is when titanium restoring apps some of them restore to the sdcard (not internal memory-ext partition). if I try to move them to the ext partition(internal memory) with the built in app configuration of CM10 an error appeares relating low memory on internal memory-when there is plenty of memory in there-on the ext partition. A workaround I found was using Titanium himself to move the apps to internal memory. It does the trick for me
Relating the camera aspect, I´m fortunate enough to have an old UCam version (agree with you, last one is not indeed user friendly-I much prefer the version I´m using). Will have to check Zoom Camera to see how it goes for me. By the way, did you unistall stock Camera and Galery? If so, did you do it the normal (aplication configuration) way?
Will definetly check the Greenify app also. But still the 1000MHZ clock is there, which is too much in my opinion at least. I´ve already created 2 10 overclock files with one of them with max cpu clock at 800MHZ (for heavy stuff-like games and such) and one with 600MHZ (for common tasks). They work great, the problem is that the script only sticks at boot, If I could find a way to make it stick when the system is on that would be awesome (to swap between them on the fly ). It probably isn´t possible-at leats for now.
The CRT aspect I mencion is the effect you see when pressing the power/on/off button to turn the screen off (that quick white line effect you see, like it happened with "old" CRT TVs (don´t know if your familiar with them, those big boxes of the 70s/80s/90S
Do you have a way to turn that effect off? On CM9 there was an option for it. On 10 I can´t seem to find it.
Will continue configuring the phone and will be posting back:good:
Thanks again.
---------- Post added at 12:33 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:24 AM ----------
Tiago Costa said:
Did you enable this option (Settings > System > Power menu)? I loved this feature in CM10 (don't remember if it is available in CM9).
This was changed in CM10. When you have no signal, the icon is a unfilled triangle with a thin border. But if there is signal, but it is too low, you see the dark grey bars.
I didn't find the option, maybe kabaldan didn't put it yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Screenshot issue:
Obrigado. O user _crAss_ ajudou-me com essa opção é já a encontrei
Thank you. User _crAss_ helped me with that option and I´ve already found it.
Network Icon:
Yhea, I did get that. I guess I prefered the x icon when no network was available, because I do not know if when the signal is to low any bar appear (and if so, that might confuse me between very low signal and no signal at all). When the signal is good the bars are clearer?! I do believe this change is way more confusing than using the CM9 method, but... opinions
CRT style screen off:
Yhea, same here... :good:
Obrigado.
Thanks again
Ricfil said:
When the signal is good the bars are clearer?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, they are almost white, it's very easy to distinguish them. But when data is activated and working well, they turn blue.
Ricfil said:
Obrigado.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
De nada ! You're welcome.
Ricfil said:
:good: Thanks for the info man.
Relating Lightning Launcher, I´ve tried it before but the learning curve for it is to much for me right now. I need something easy ti use and fast. This Launcher is so amazing in the way it has got so much it can do that it tends to be to overwhelming, for me at least. I´m using the good "old" Launcher Pro on CM10 and for now it is doing the job pretty well in my opinion. Fast, stable, with all I need.
Another subject I notice is when titanium restoring apps some of them restore to the sdcard (not internal memory-ext partition). if I try to move them to the ext partition(internal memory) with the built in app configuration of CM10 an error appeares relating low memory on internal memory-when there is plenty of memory in there-on the ext partition. A workaround I found was using Titanium himself to move the apps to internal memory. It does the trick for me
Relating the camera aspect, I´m fortunate enough to have an old UCam version (agree with you, last one is not indeed user friendly-I much prefer the version I´m using). Will have to check Zoom Camera to see how it goes for me. By the way, did you unistall stock Camera and Galery? If so, did you do it the normal (aplication configuration) way?
Will definetly check the Greenify app also. But still the 1000MHZ clock is there, which is too much in my opinion at least. I´ve already created 2 10 overclock files with one of them with max cpu clock at 800MHZ (for heavy stuff-like games and such) and one with 600MHZ (for common tasks). They work great, the problem is that the script only sticks at boot, If I could find a way to make it stick when the system is on that would be awesome (to swap between them on the fly ). It probably isn´t possible-at leats for now.
The CRT aspect I mencion is the effect you see when pressing the power/on/off button to turn the screen off (that quick white line effect you see, like it happened with "old" CRT TVs (don´t know if your familiar with them, those big boxes of the 70s/80s/90S
Do you have a way to turn that effect off? On CM9 there was an option for it. On 10 I can´t seem to find it.
Will continue configuring the phone and will be posting back:good:
Thanks again.
---------- Post added at 12:33 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:24 AM ----------
Screenshot issue:
Obrigado. O user _crAss_ ajudou-me com essa opção é já a encontrei
Thank you. User _crAss_ helped me with that option and I´ve already found it.
Network Icon:
Yhea, I did get that. I guess I prefered the x icon when no network was available, because I do not know if when the signal is to low any bar appear (and if so, that might confuse me between very low signal and no signal at all). When the signal is good the bars are clearer?! I do believe this change is way more confusing than using the CM9 method, but... opinions
CRT style screen off:
Yhea, same here... :good:
Obrigado.
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Ricfil for the reply.
regarding stock gallery apk,I uninstalled it using TitaniumBackup with deletion of Backup and wiping of Data.
Coming to setting of CPU,have you used the facility in Settings/Performance/Processor/Maximum CPU frequency to set maximum to 800?
Regarding installation apks,I use the following method.After installation using Playstore or side loading the apks which show in the internal memory are moved to SD Card using Titanium Backup.AT first Titanium will ask whether Ext partition has to be activated.I opted yes.Thereafter Titanium will move all the apks to sd .In it there is also option to move the apks to internal memory.
And thanks for the information for CRT.Iam familier with it with my CRT TV.But I am sorry to offer a remark since I didn't give a particular noticce for it.
Thank you again
Tiago Costa said:
Yes, they are almost white, it's very easy to distinguish them. But when data is activated and working well, they turn blue.
De nada ! You're welcome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. I guess I´ll have to live with the color adaptation in the network icon on CM10 . I guess it must be ok, after a few days/months of usage.
Thanks.
---------- Post added at 08:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:23 PM ----------
pnsdhrn said:
Thanks Ricfil for the reply.
regarding stock gallery apk,I uninstalled it using TitaniumBackup with deletion of Backup and wiping of Data.
Coming to setting of CPU,have you used the facility in Settings/Performance/Processor/Maximum CPU frequency to set maximum to 800?
Regarding installation apks,I use the following method.After installation using Playstore or side loading the apks which show in the internal memory are moved to SD Card using Titanium Backup.AT first Titanium will ask whether Ext partition has to be activated.I opted yes.Thereafter Titanium will move all the apks to sd .In it there is also option to move the apks to internal memory.
And thanks for the information for CRT.Iam familier with it with my CRT TV.But I am sorry to offer a remark since I didn't give a particular noticce for it.
Thank you again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. If I understood correctly, you unistalled the galery.apk of the phone using titanium, and after also deleted the galery backup on Titanium?... Did not quite get it May I simply unistall the camera and gallery whithout the phone go bootloop or something like that (my main issue, since no backup was made yet)?
Regarding Titanium apps installation, mine did not ask where I wanted the apps to be installed, they simply install and the stock app2ext script installs the apps onto the ext partition (when it works-since some apps do not install using the stock functions on my phone). That is why I mencioned I´m using titanium to "force install" apps to internal memory (ext partition). I´ve managed to install them all, will see if they are not broken or something like that.
On a side note. I´m pretty shure when I first installed CM10 (5 months ago) it had the option on keyboard settings to choose to disable the enter key to send sms messages (hardware keyboard). That was one of the things that made me switch to it again, since CM9 does not have this option. But lately I´ve been looking for that option and it is no longer there. At least I can´t find it...arghhh I HATE the lack of that feature. Pisses me off! LOL. Maybe kabaldan took the option out? Hope not...
Also today, a feature I was having pretty comonly the first time I installed CM10 happened again. The "Telephony problem-phone needs to reboot" dreadfull window appeard again, no network resulted from there and a reboot was the only way out of it. Some bugs I guess... that is why CM10 is still in Alpha stage I believe...
See you.
P.S: I´ve just read a private message from a fellow forum member named Sunxperous who was kind enough to help me out regarding the CRT style effect option. Better than using my on words, I believe he might not mind if I put here what he explained about the options to enable and disable that setting. It went like this:
Hello
I do not have the number of posts required to post in the development forums, so here is a private message with regards to the screen-off CRT animation.
I believe the option you are looking for is found under Settings > Developer Options, "Window animation scale". A scale of 1x renders the CRT effect, a scale of 0.5x and off disables the CRT effect.
I read elsewhere on the forum that turning the animation scales off or setting them at 0.5x makes the phone feel snappier. I liked the CRT animation, hence I kept "Window animation scale" at 1x.
I hope this helps, and if it does, do enlighten fellow Milestone users in the thread about it.
Sun
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Big thanks for his contribution and once again thanks for the info :good:
Ricfil said:
Ok. I guess I´ll have to live with the color adaptation in the network icon on CM10 . I guess it must be ok, after a few days/months of usage.
Thanks.
---------- Post added at 08:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:23 PM ----------
Ok. If I understood correctly, you unistalled the galery.apk of the phone using titanium, and after also deleted the galery backup on Titanium?... Did not quite get it May I simply unistall the camera and gallery whithout the phone go bootloop or something like that (my main issue, since no backup was made yet)?
Regarding Titanium apps installation, mine did not ask where I wanted the apps to be installed, they simply install and the stock app2ext script installs the apps onto the ext partition (when it works-since some apps do not install using the stock functions on my phone). That is why I mencioned I´m using titanium to "force install" apps to internal memory (ext partition). I´ve managed to install them all, will see if they are not broken or something like that.
On a side note. I´m pretty shure when I first installed CM10 (5 months ago) it had the option on keyboard settings to choose to disable the enter key to send sms messages (hardware keyboard). That was one of the things that made me switch to it again, since CM9 does not have this option. But lately I´ve been looking for that option and it is no longer there. At least I can´t find it...arghhh I HATE the lack of that feature. Pisses me off! LOL. Maybe kabaldan took the option out? Hope not...
Also today, a feature I was having pretty comonly the first time I installed CM10 happened again. The "Telephony problem-phone needs to reboot" dreadfull window appeard again, no network resulted from there and a reboot was the only way out of it. Some bugs I guess... that is why CM10 is still in Alpha stage I believe...
See you.
P.S: I´ve just read a private message from a fellow forum member named Sunxperous who was kind enough to help me out regarding the CRT style effect option. Better than using my on words, I believe he might not mind if I put here what he explained about the options to enable and disable that setting. It went like this:
Big thanks for his contribution and once again thanks for the info :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regarding uninstallation of gallery.apk,I uninstalled it using Titanium with deletion of Backup.You can uninstall without deleting Backup.If Backup is deleted you can't restore the apk with Titanium.
Titanium will ask only in the first time after flashing the ROM with a full wipe and reinstalling Titanium as to whether ext sd card is to be configured for installing the apks.If we agree to it then it will install the apks to ext sd card automatically all the time afterwards without repeating the same question.
In relation to keyboard settings for "enter key' I also do not see any options in Settings/language input.
But I experience a problem with MMS.?The phone does not send MMS eventhough I completed the APN set up for the MMS as per the default settings specifications provided by my Carrier provider.When I press the SEND button the MMS shows 'Sending'.But it never sends.What should be the problem and what is the remedy?
Thanking you once more....
pnsdhrn said:
Titanium will ask only in the first time after flashing the ROM with a full wipe and reinstalling Titanium as to whether ext sd card is to be configured for installing the apks.If we agree to it then it will install the apks to ext sd card automatically all the time afterwards without repeating the same question.
But I experience a problem with MMS.?The phone does not send MMS eventhough I completed the APN set up for the MMS as per the default settings specifications provided by my Carrier provider.When I press the SEND button the MMS shows 'Sending'.But it never sends.What should be the problem and what is the remedy?
Thanking you once more....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Titanium did not ask that on first time for me. I´m pretty shure it didn´t. Nevertheless, I found the way mencioned before to install all the misisng apps to internal/ext partition.
Relating the mms issue, I havent tried to send an mms yet. Will let you know how it goes when I do. If you did enable "activated data" option on definitons>wireless & networks>more>mobile networks, have network data enabled on the carrier side and it still does not send it, it is probably another CM10 bug I guess. I´ve read about people also having problems with tethering and the likes... Things meant to happen in "a work in progress" I guess...
Regarding Grennify, I´ve already configured all the apps possible to be hibernated on the app, but still, system apps like Maps, Google Play and others (which are always turning on on background memory) cannot be "grennified", with a warning that those system apps can´t be "touched"... It would be cool if this app would actually let users grennify all available apps...
Just remembered, things I don´t like on the notification area on CM10: The fact that the drop down isn´t semi-transparant like on CM9 and date is above the icons with big letters (personal opinion, but I prefered the smaller below the icons date letters on CM9). Small issues I believe .
Things I do like on CM10 notification area:
Available info regarding calls received, sms received and the option to directly send an sms back/call someone on the fly. I also like the fact that the user is able to quick delete all running background apps on multitasking menu by simply clicking one button. Good thinking! :good:
Thanks for the heads up.
Ricfil said:
Titanium did not ask that on first time for me. I´m pretty shure it didn´t. Nevertheless, I found the way mencioned before to install all the misisng apps to internal/ext partition.
Relating the mms issue, I havent tried to send an mms yet. Will let you know how it goes when I do. If you did enable "activated data" option on definitons>wireless & networks>more>mobile networks, have network data enabled on the carrier side and it still does not send it, it is probably another CM10 bug I guess. I´ve read about people also having problems with tethering and the likes... Things meant to happen in "a work in progress" I guess...
Regarding Grennify, I´ve already configured all the apps possible to be hibernated on the app, but still, system apps like Maps, Google Play and others (which are always turning on on background memory) cannot be "grennified", with a warning that those system apps can´t be "touched"... It would be cool if this app would actually let users grennify all available apps...
Just remembered, things I don´t like on the notification area on CM10: The fact that the drop down isn´t semi-transparant like on CM9 and date is above the icons with big letters (personal opinion, but I prefered the smaller below the icons date letters on CM9). Small issues I believe .
Things I do like on CM10 notification area:
Available info regarding calls received, sms received and the option to directly send an sms back/call someone on the fly. I also like the fact that the user is able to quick delete all running background apps on multitasking menu by simply clicking one button. Good thinking! :good:
Thanks for the heads up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maps and Google Search can be greenified by converting it user apk using Titanium or by uninstalling them and reinstalling from Playstore.I didn't try to greenify Playstore as it may become harmful sometimes considering the unpredictable nature of it.But I think it won't run in background all the time if we get out of it after it's use by long pressing the back button if this button has assigned 'kill apk function'.
And waiting for your report on MMS after your test in convenience,
with thanks....
pnsdhrn said:
Maps and Google Search can be greenified by converting it user apk using Titanium or by uninstalling them and reinstalling from Playstore.I didn't try to greenify Playstore as it may become harmful sometimes considering the unpredictable nature of it.But I think it won't run in background all the time if we get out of it after it's use by long pressing the back button if this button has assigned 'kill apk function'.
And waiting for your report on MMS after your test in convenience,
with thanks....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok man. Thanks. I´ve used Titanium to convert Maps and Google Search to user apps and it works wonders Play Store does not work, whenever you go to update an app, Play Store crashes and never launches again, with an error. It must be a system app I believe - when coverted back all went ok. On the first launch Greenify seemed to ocuppy lots of ram on my phone, making it sluggish, but after a reboot all started to go well It seems a pretty nice app indeed.
Relating the mms option, I do not use it a lot, but when I get my operator monthly feed on the phone again (low on cash at the moment ) will try to send one an see how it goes. Will report back here.
Take care man.

All about Android on the SCH-I815 - what works and what doesn't

Hello,
What we have done here is to explain a little about the diff OS's (or known as Roms in the android world) currently available, and how they work on the sch-i815 Galaxy 7.7 tablet.
ICS 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) - Released On March 29, 2012,
One of the biggest overhauls of the Android operating systems since the project unleashed three years ago. An entirely new typeface optimized for high-resolution screens improved readability and brought a polished, modern feel to the user interface. You could say Google finally got Android right with this one and that’s all we are going to say about ICS.
JB 4.2 (Jellybean)
Android 4.2 - This effort affected many aspects of the OS, such as improved vsync timing for faster frame rates on the display itself, triple graphics buffering for preventing dropped frames in video games, and improved overall touch-screen response. In practice, there's definitely a noticeable improvement over, say, Android 4.0 "Ice Cream Sandwich." You can easily resize and move around icons and widgets on each home screen panel or delete apps by swiping the icon up, which causes it to disappear. The system font ("Roboto") already looked sharp and smooth before, and still does. But menu animations, finger swipes, and scrolling feel at least as solid as they do on iOS, if not better.
But Android removed Flash support with Jellybean asking web developers to start using HTML5 – So all the websites that require flash support for video’s and graphics will not work like they did. There are hacks (included in our download) that work to fix this issue as well as web browsers that function differently than others and that will display any page as it should be. As of now many developers have switched to HTML5. Also, the Tablet turns itself on after a few minutes if plugged in to charge while the tablet was off. Just put it to sleep yourself or let it power down on its own.
KK 4.4.4 (KitKat)
Faster Multitasking --
Takes system performance to an all-time high by optimizing memory and improving your touchscreen so that it responds faster and more accurately than ever before. This means that you can listen to music while browsing the web, or race down the highway with the latest hit game, all without a hitch. With KitKat, Google shrank the operating system so that it can run on many more devices, thus helping close the gap between low-end and high-end devices.
I find, it feels significantly faster and extremely more responsive then the others.
BUT -THE WITH KITKAT – The JB hack for flash support no longer works. What does this effect – Well, You Tube video links still embedded in web pages now require you to open the You Tube app to view – MY CHOICE use the Puffin browser to view any pages that have flash requirements. ALWAYS WORKS !!! Also I use Google Chrome for my browser – because it links to my PC and auto syncs my bookmarks between the two.
There is also an unresolved issue where many apps that are designed with specific graphic coding will distort the screens image when the tablet is rotated. A tap tap on the recent apps icon fixes everything but you should not have to tap tap. This issue is under repair and I have a lot of faith in our developer’s that it will be resolved soon.
NOW, what I think is best, is for each individual to be allowed the different experiences of each rom for themselves. Since we installed TWRP on the Tablet you can easily switch back and forth between the different Rom's at will. TWRP also allows you to do complete backups of your tablet and its settings periodically. You will need to get a 32 or 64 GB microsd card for daily use as well as back-ups. Yes - an 8 GB card will work but why???
*****OPEN TWRP to install our Rom's*****
With the tablet in the off position press and hold the power and volume up buttons together. You will first see the Samsung label and then after about 10 - 15 seconds the window turns into a blue screen that says "Teamwin" and then passes you into recovery mode.
*****Installing Ice Cream Sandwich*****
Download the ICS file from here => http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23622183712459012
Place the downloaded file on to your microsd card and place into your tablet.
Open TWRP (as described above) - select "wipe" - "Format Data" - type "yes" and Press return - when completed press the Home icon at the top right of the screen.
Next - select "Install" - Navigate to where you have downloaded the "electron_TWRP_ICS-LP11_i815.zip" file on your microsd card and select it - SWIPE to install.
When complete - select reboot. It can take a couple of minutes, but you will get to the “choose your language” choice eventually and you can go from there. DONE
*****For Jelly Bean and KitKat the process will be different.*****
We will use a restore image instead of a .zip file.
First we set a point to restore to –
Place your microsd card into your tablet.
Open TWRP (as described above)
Select “Backup” and then On the left side of the screen deselect all boxes except “Boot”
On the right side of the screen you should see a button that reads internal storage or microsd. If it reads internal storage then press it and select micro SD card.
Now do the “Swipe to Back Up”.
When done tap the “Home” icon at the top right and then select “Reboot” and then “Power Off”.
Remove the microsd card and place it into your PC.
Download the JellyBean image from here => https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23622183712460084
After download completes you will need to unzip the file. This should give you a folder named Jellybean.
Using you PC's file manager navigate to the folder “TWRP” and open it. Now open “Backups” and then open the “long numbered folder” on the microsd card– place the Jellybean folder here. You now have two folders in the long numbered folder. Eject the microsd card from your PC and put it back in to the tablet.
Open TWRP (as described above)
Select “Restore” – you should now see the “Jellybean” restore file. Select it.
Use the “SWIPE to Restore”
When it is done select reboot and you are done.
Notes
All three OS's have different launchers, or you might know it as the standard desktop, this arranges the graphics, placement of things like clock, notifications, etc. - but we strongly suggest that you install the NOVA launcher, from play store, and use it vs the Samsung Touchwiz or Google Now or trebuchet Launchers that come with theses OS's. NOVA is Highly customizable, performance driven, by far the best home screen replacement for Android 4.0+, and it can be backed up to the external microsd card. So, when you switch from OS to OS you can easily restore the NOVA launcher settings and arrangements you prefer.
Also, the reason we are supplying you with restore files for the JB and KitKat roms is to get the rom to a place we feel is best – including the nova launcher – Adblock and adfree. Many custom add-ins for the experience we think you will like best.
If you care to go further and start from a more raw point then follow development for our tabs here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-7-7/development
Enjoy – it’s a lot to learn!!
saved for later
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Lt.col.johncross said:
for later
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ff
yah
yeah
Request for help installing new rom
Was hoping for a brief step by step how I can install one of these newer roms on my sch-i815. And advice would be great.
I currently refreshed/restarted it back to original 4.0.4 ice cream, rooted with the king root app
Not sure how to go about.. Seems like every tab is different... When I hold down my pwr and -vol I get Odin screen wanting to download ... Something ha--newb here
Where do I get twrp from. As stated above my says odin

Overall love

Yes, yes, it's possible to love a phone. Heck, you sleep next to it, don't you? Rate this thread to indicate your love for the Xiaomi Mi 9, all things considered. A higher rating indicates that the Xiaomi Mi 9 is an incredible phone that you enjoy tremendously. You love it.
Then, drop a comment if you have anything to add!
I absolutely love the lock screen that shows the earth and moon in sync with realtime. And you can check notifications this way, swipe them away if you want, and when you put the phone down it will go to sleep immediately! And it will wake when you pick it up. Nice little touches.
It's great. Fast, bluetooth is working, sound quality is great, feels so premium, battery seems like it's doing well, the screen is magnificient, the camera fast and accurate. For a phone without OIS, I was pleased my little parakeet running up my arm could be captured sharply, she never stops moving.
So far, day one? I'm in love.
Real review
- super hard to unlock bootloader
- very easy to root then, with OTA and everything staying (main difference vs Samsung - no OTA, no bluetooth, no encryption etc)
- no Lockdown feature, even with external activities
- there's no SD card and TWRP doesn't support USB, so you're broke when travelling, USB flash with flashfiles won't help
- absolutely bloated, incl. chiness apps even in EU version (need to disable all *xiaomi* and *mi* apps, firewall the rest)
- they override every app, every dialog, and modify even innocent com.android packages, so it's super hard to debloat
- insane settings, too much and not easy to read. Easily the hardest to set phone ever
- many of those million settings simply don't work, especially permissions, lot of glitches like double power key to flash is blocked by screen off action
- example of stupidy is battery section, have to click so much to see the chart and there's no % anywhere! Basic value. Like you virtually have no chance to know %, unless you set such status icon. why not reveal % when expanding notification menu like other models?
- some settings are strong, like complex Data limits, AI remapping, call recording available without hack etc
- "AI" button easily programmable via Xposed
- nice to have apps like Music and Video which vanilla OxygenOS skips, but they're weak and no DLNA which is advertised
- volume buttons on the right? excellent, never ever could touch those on the left easily. However no easy shortcut for Dont Disturb (only the stupid long press to mute just ONE volume) and no activity for it available (to let Xposed handle it).. OnePlus wins with the dedicated button easily
- data collection and privacy agreements virtually everywhere, in any simple app (that's why AOSP would be lovely choice instead of XIAOMI ROM)
- battery life is insane when active (like pure 10 "configuration day" hours or 7.5hr with 31hr overall), got mediocre in standby after configuration (no good kernel exists, stock kernel is crap, not aware of deep doze, so pushing Naptime and Servicely at least, so far pushed it to est 78hr wifi_standby vs 178hr standby on 6T! update: pushed it to 267hr in a quick test, but real test req full charge and >3hr standby to be meaningful, anyway potential is there), still early to say what will be final 3g and wifi standby (in progress)
- notification ecosystem is very good (except by default they disabled notifications for most apps!), you can customize popups, AOD magic light (however AOD won't show any app icon for me), and the LED make sure you know about notification or charging (and charging produces very nice animation - very important for Qi to know you place phone right!)
- AOD exists unlike in OnePlus, and in battery app its got its own category
- overall fast, currently the fastest phone on market
- yet another Pie implementation of navbar with some crazy gestures from the left/right which collide with its own GBoard gestures (still the Oreo task manager was better)
- QC charging is fast and supports QC2-3-4 (that is very very good unlike properietary OnePlus charging, who's got OnePlus chargers around? Noone. Who's got QC chargers? Many), fast Qi not working on legacy chargers (not a showstopper as i like slow charge to treat battery right, and will have one 27W Qi for urgency)
- super fast face unlock during day, poor during night just like 6T as there's no infra, however 6T can raise identification chance to 100% with ugly but working display flash
- unreliable fingerprint unlock (same as on 6T, doesn't work in 50% cases and won't autolearn nothing)
- looks much better and less bulkier than 6T even in supplied cover. also 12g lighter but still heavy unlike sweetspot-weight champions S10 (157g) and S10e (150g)
- notch is bad, it cannot disappear smart like on 6T (with status bar still on, yes the newest versions adds change of shape - useless), to add to insult, the cutting of corners is wrong (prepare to see ugly fullscreen with different type of corner rounding)
- camera is poor in dark, no night mode (6T night mode is awesome)
- no IP certification, but ok to clean under water, not ok to immerse as the rubber in SIM card is poor quality, however display to phone is stuffed with branded water sealing solution
- camera is raised a lot, will scratch (the sapphire nonsense doesn't work)
- night mode renders some gfx unreadable, but this is problem with every android phone
- screen is nice, and super bright if needed
Overall hardware is no brainer for the price, software is total crap.
doggydog2 said:
- super hard to unlock bootloader
- there's no SD card and TWRP doesn't support USB, so you're broke when travelling, USB flash with flashfiles won't help
- absolutely bloated, incl. chiness apps even in EU version (need to disable all *xiaomi* and *mi* apps, firewall the rest)
- they override every app, every dialog, and modify even innocent com.android packages, so it's super hard to debloat
- insane settings, too much and not easy to read. Easily the hardest to set phone ever
- example of stupidy is battery section, have to click so much to see the chart and there's no % anywhere! Basic value. Like you virtually have no chance to know %, unless you set such status icon. why not reveal % when expanding notification menu like other models?
- unreliable fingerprint unlock (same as on 6T, doesn't work in 50% cases and won't autolearn nothing)
- camera is poor in dark, no night mode (6T night mode is awesome)
- camera is raised a lot, will scratch (the sapphire nonsense doesn't work)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well a nice feedback list, I just try to keep some points to clarify/to propose another perspective from another users to help others
- there's no SD card and TWRP doesn't support USB, so you're broke when travelling, USB flash with flashfiles won't help --> This is not really a problem to many users, just find a computer and not many people really have a need to do anything flashing without a computer.
- absolutely bloated, incl. chiness apps even in EU version (need to disable all *xiaomi* and *mi* apps, firewall the rest) --> Just put all those apps to a folder to forget it, and don't use them. easy, it doesn't take that much space. In EU rom, there's very few apps like that, and I can avoid them completely without removing or de-bloating them.
- insane settings, too much and not easy to read. Easily the hardest to set phone ever --> I found no problem this, you just change the one you need, in English there's nothing seems difficult to understand, at least to me.
- there's no % anywhere! Basic value. Like you virtually have no chance to know %, unless you set such status icon. why not reveal % when expanding notification menu like other models? --> just turn % battery on that just one tick.
- unreliable fingerprint unlock (same as on 6T, doesn't work in 50% cases and won't autolearn nothing) --> It works 80% number of times for me, of course, can't compete with real physical fingerprint, but definitely not 50% for me.
- camera is poor in dark, no night mode (6T night mode is awesome) --> Defaut camera has night mode, + Google camera is a much better choice
- camera is raised a lot, will scratch (the sapphire nonsense doesn't work) --> Yep, buy a camera glass protector + a case with the higher back which protect the camera
Some info hopes can help others as well.
It's weird that there are actually alternative ROMs, kernels, but not published here. Just installed the kernel with lovely wakelocks disabled. Hope it helps the terrible battery life.
The Xiaomi software is the worst seen while on XDA, cannot imagine it's even worse in non-EU version. Already thinking how life was easy with "configure and forget" 6T except omission of QC, QI and LED diod, which are the huge hardware advantages i'm dying for.
To make this phone usable, one needs to get rid of the software. The horror called MIUI. However switching to vanilla ROM brings common problems like on Samsung (Bluetooth not working, limited fingerpint, limited camera, no OTA). So the best would be heavily debloated ROM published here, injecting some vanilla stuff back. I'd remove Pemission manager, Security manager, clouds. Good luck!
Extra bizzare behaviour:
- if you don't set float notifications for the app, they will never show up (disabled for all by default so have to click hundred times just to change this settings, and another thousand clicks to recover other choices), however if you turn it on, they float notifications will be forced! (like VPN starting, navigation starting - events that never show up as popups)
- if you click clean memory from Security manager, battery manager or even "X" button in task manager, it will kill ALL apps (incl. apps which have highest priority due to notification, incl. VPN!) - how insane can this be?
- DLNA proudly in spec, but their apps can't cast or read UPNP folders, while all others can. But at least they can connect to Alibaba servers...
- nonstop popups about app going full screen (while there's no visual difference! already navbar gone because of Pie gesture setting)
- nonstop popups about downloading files on 3G (they had to touch this sacred group of processes too - Media+Download manager)
- you can change notification bar Setting icon to Search icon, feature mimicking the best Samsung's tool "Finder" except this one is weaker but with ad/spyware . Not only it won't trigger search but also you can't get to settings anymore (what if you don't have Settings icon in app launcher? reflash ROM?)
- boot keyboard.. are you kidding me.. unresponsive, hardly can type password there.. Shift equals Caps lock. Tt behaves like TWRP keyboard, don't type more than 1 character per second
I absolutely love Xiaomi devices but don't use them until I install xiaomi.eu rom. Of course you need to unlock it first and install TWRP but it's a must to get rid of some of the annoying things you wrote on your list. The roms are great and I use it on all of my Xiaomi devices. Check it out: https://xiaomi.eu/community/link-forums/roms-download.73/
razor_amd said:
I absolutely love Xiaomi devices but don't use them until I install xiaomi.eu rom. Of course you need to unlock it first and install TWRP but it's a must to get rid of some of the annoying things you wrote on your list. The roms are great and I use it on all of my Xiaomi devices. Check it out: https://xiaomi.eu/community/link-forums/roms-download.73/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The xiaomi.eu is so much better than the stock ROM ?
ManuBBXX said:
The xiaomi.eu is so much better than the stock ROM ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is the same thing. but the developer version it has no ads, no bloat, clean and fast.
Here is the version that I use, scroll down the page and choose which options you want. This is a custom rom based on the latest Xiaomi.eu developer rom. The only difference is that you can add root and adblock.
https://mi-globe.com/rom-builder-features/?id=18&codename=cepheus&phone=Mi+9
@doggydog2 several things on your list are not correct. You are stating the USB OTG doesn't work? ( It does work) Spend some more time understanding how Miui works and then you will be able to cross off most of your list. Also you would be better off using the developer rom, or the Mi-Globe rom listed above.
tsongming said:
It is the same thing. but the developer version it has no ads, no bloat, clean and fast.
Here is the version that I use, scroll down the page and choose which options you want. This is a custom rom based on the latest Xiaomi.eu developer rom. The only difference is that you can add root and adblock.
https://mi-globe.com/rom-builder-features/?id=18&codename=cepheus&phone=Mi+9
@doggydog2 several things on your list are not correct. You are stating the USB OTG doesn't work? ( It does work) Spend some more time understanding how Miui works and then you will be able to cross off most of your list. Also you would be better off using the developer rom, or the Mi-Globe rom listed above.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no OTG in TWRP that's valid except one recovery ppl avoid as it's Chinese. It's a huge deal especially when you have a device without SD card. Just today had to escape home early to recover the phone..what a new way to operate.
After hundreds of flashes, test of all available ROMs (except this one), recoveries, kernels and full functional check on this particular phone i've a good overview. Overall Xiaomi is a very outdated, over modified bloated ugly software. They should start from the scratch to be honest. Yes 10 years ago ppl would celebrate their extra functions, but today it's intrusive, useless or duplicit. That's why unique Samsung features are now dead (multiwindow etc) as Android implemented it. Xiaomi insists on their irrational UI, worst Settings UI hierarchy in the industry and replacement of everything. There's literally nothing innovative in the UI except single functional extra - data usage control - and you get more functions in AOSP. Few non-innovative things to like? Sure, notif lights, charging animations, call recorder not hidden.. But that's nothing new. The stuff like disabling all notifications and auto starts until users enables it, is insane. Memory management is a joke. Overriding all system dialogs is pathetic. Inserting wait times in confirmation popups is aggressive. Intrusive download manager is good just to block desired downloads from Google etc. Fantastic Pie features (QuickStep, switch apps by navbar) are disabled. Minimal difference in Global vs EU version spotted, i'd prefer global one and delete few extra spy/bloat/malwares myself just because of the ugly icons.
But anyway, I like that webpage. Thanks. It's cool to cook a ROM. Wished the updates were via OTA and directly from OS. They rip some more crap off, which is so much needed in Xiaomi phones. The question is: does mi-globe keep modified 3rd party app icons like Xiaomi.EU? Does Magisk18.1 work? I'd like to try luck with version 18 to improve battery life.
doggydog2 said:
no OTG in TWRP that's valid except one recovery ppl avoid as it's Chinese. It's a huge deal especially when you have a device without SD card. Just today had to escape home early to recover the phone..what a new way to operate.
After hundreds of flashes, test of all available ROMs (except this one), recoveries, kernels and full functional check on this particular phone i've a good overview. Overall Xiaomi is a very outdated, over modified bloated ugly software. They should start from the scratch to be honest. Yes 10 years ago ppl would celebrate their extra functions, but today it's intrusive, useless or duplicit. That's why unique Samsung features are now dead (multiwindow etc) as Android implemented it. Xiaomi insists on their irrational UI, worst Settings UI hierarchy in the industry and replacement of everything. There's literally nothing innovative in the UI except single functional extra - data usage control - and you get more functions in AOSP. Few non-innovative things to like? Sure, notif lights, charging animations, call recorder not hidden.. But that's nothing new. The stuff like disabling all notifications and auto starts until users enables it, is insane. Memory management is a joke. Overriding all system dialogs is pathetic. Inserting wait times in confirmation popups is aggressive. Intrusive download manager is good just to block desired downloads from Google etc. Fantastic Pie features (QuickStep, switch apps by navbar) are disabled. Minimal difference in Global vs EU version spotted, i'd prefer global one and delete few extra spy/bloat/malwares myself just because of the ugly icons.
But anyway, I like that webpage. Thanks. It's cool to cook a ROM. Wished the updates were via OTA and directly from OS. They rip some more crap off, which is so much needed in Xiaomi phones. The question is: does mi-globe keep modified 3rd party app icons like Xiaomi.EU? Does Magisk18.1 work? I'd like to try luck with version 18 to improve battery life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have time at the moment to address every point you make in detail. But I wanted to respond with a couple of brief suggestions that hopefully help. When I first tried Miui, I also hated it. But, I ended up trying it again and again via custom roms and eventually grew to love it. Many of the quirks have a workarounds, and some things that seem to be missing can be found deep in device settings, developer options, or app settings. You can often find some good info using the Mi Community app.
First full disclosure, I have a Mi8, my brother is the one with the Mi9. He travels alot for work and isn't very technically adept, so he is mostly fine with his phone as it is. As you know the Mi 9 is still so new and many of the stock AOSP features will be available to you when custom roms arrive...it will not be long.
The OTG issue that you are experiencing is tied to the version of TWRP that you are using. OTG will end up working and apparently it does work with some versions. I would guess that you are already experimenting on your own to find the right one.
Since no official version yet exists here is one that I found that supposedly works well : https://mega.nz/#!CH5jgYTB!yNqOiVoo3cf0_15jIwZ-btO52cvpOG7iZrRCe19V2Nc and Here is another one: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=79431805&postcount=215
Unfortunately, you will have to wait for a highly stable TWRP to become available that is able to survive through updates and remain in tact. We had these types of issues with the Mi8 as well, and I have had similar issues with my previous phone. But eventually things should work as expected.
I don't know how well you know Miui, some of the things you are missing can probably be activated deep within settings. For example, if you turn off Miui Optimization within developer options you can the install and use your missing Pie features. Such as https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.wellbeing&hl=en_US
I use gestures instead of the NavBar, now that I have become used to it I can't stand using buttons. Also, I do get notified of OTA updates while using the Mi-Globe rom. I can select the rom to download automatically > about phone> system update settings. Once I receive that notification, I will usually manually go to the Mi-Globe page and download their updated version, and dirty flash it over the previous version. Occasionally I will need to reflash Root. But most of the time it persists. I keep a magisk flashed backup boot image in downloads just in case.
I use Magisk 19 Canary and have never had issues with root.
Good Luck
tsongming said:
Since no official version yet exists here is one that I found that supposedly works well : https://mega.nz/#!CH5jgYTB!yNqOiVoo3cf0_15jIwZ-btO52cvpOG7iZrRCe19V2Nc and Here is another one: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=79431805&postcount=215
Unfortunately, you will have to wait for a highly stable TWRP to become available that is able to survive through updates and remain in tact. We had these types of issues with the Mi8 as well, and I have had similar issues with my previous phone. But eventually things should work as expected.
I don't know how well you know Miui, some of the things you are missing can probably be activated deep within settings. For example, if you turn off Miui Optimization within developer options you can the install and use your missing Pie features. Such as https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.wellbeing&hl=en_US
I use gestures instead of the NavBar, now that I have become used to it I can't stand using buttons. Also, I do get notified of OTA updates while using the Mi-Globe rom. I can select the rom to download automatically > about phone> system update settings. Once I receive that notification, I will usually manually go to the Mi-Globe page and download their updated version, and dirty flash it over the previous version. Occasionally I will need to reflash Root. But most of the time it persists. I keep a magisk flashed backup boot image in downloads just in case.
I use Magisk 19 Canary and have never had issues with root.
Good Luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for a good reply.
Yes TWRP situation is tight right now, with "xiaomi9" vs "cepheus" errors, variety of gapps errors etc.. Testing all of them. Good to know this beta exists, i missed this recent info even when active on forums currently. I tried now and it looks great. Luckily on this phone encrypted sdcard doesn't cause any problem with flashing, so i'm ok to wait for TWRP updates.
I agree the full screen gestures are fantastic, i used them on Note9, 6T and Mi9. All of these phones customize original Pie navigation. Once i saw the original behaviour in AOSP ROM, the Pie task manager "Recents" with "QuickStep", and the navbar, i enabled buttons as this is so productive.. Scroll through full screen app previews back and forth, or swipe up app drawer from any app, hmmm. So cool.
Alright, OTA looks great. Although I believe OS doesn't know about your customization, so you better go to the webpage to decide which package to download.
I'm going to try this ROM. I'm not a gfx guy, i hardly ever used a wallpaper, but i really don't like the EU changes to app icons system-wide. I just can't look at 10 year old shortcut like TitaniumBackup looking different. Please let me know if you are aware of a fix. Thanks.
doggydog2 said:
Thanks for a good reply.
Yes TWRP situation is tight right now, with "xiaomi9" vs "cepheus" errors, variety of gapps errors etc.. Testing all of them. Good to know this beta exists, i missed this recent info even when active on forums currently. I tried now and it looks great. Luckily on this phone encrypted sdcard doesn't cause any problem with flashing, so i'm ok to wait for TWRP updates.
I agree the full screen gestures are fantastic, i used them on Note9, 6T and Mi9. All of these phones customize original Pie navigation. Once i saw the original behaviour in AOSP ROM, the Pie task manager "Recents" with "QuickStep", and the navbar, i enabled buttons as this is so productive.. Scroll through full screen app previews back and forth, or swipe up app drawer from any app, hmmm. So cool.
Alright, OTA looks great. Although I believe OS doesn't know about your customization, so you better go to the webpage to decide which package to download.
I'm going to try this ROM. I'm not a gfx guy, i hardly ever used a wallpaper, but i really don't like the EU changes to app icons system-wide. I just can't look at 10 year old shortcut like TitaniumBackup looking different. Please let me know if you are aware of a fix. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I forgot to mention DM verity, you can get it and read about it here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/universal-dm-verity-forceencrypt-t3817389.
Regarding the OTA, in my case it usually pretty seamless since Mi-Globe is based on the EU weekly build. ( I prefer these builds because they have more features and zero ads) However, the Global Stable to Weekly or vice versa usually requires a little more work. But you are correct, I want to know for a fact what I am flashing so I will usually just manually download the update if using the Mi-Globe build.
Backup
I haven't had alot of luck with using Titanium backup recently on any of my phones that have recent Pie roms. I remember reading something about it being due to some changes Google made with security in late February? However, the built in Local Backup has worked for me every single time except once. It will backup all apps, and many of the settings not covered by Google restore. Its my main source of restoring settings and for me works better than Titanium backup. There is also the option of using Mi-Cloud ( which I also use redundantly) Then of course we can sometimes restore a TWRP backup data.
There are several other options, including free options that are similar to Titanium backup. Programs such as Migrate I have not used it yet. but I have read that it works. Like the Miui Local backup, Migrate supposedly restores everything. Including apps, that are not from the playstore, apps data and even flashed system apps such as Pixel/Sony/Samsung Live Wallpapers and then the remaining Google restore just takes a couple of minutes
Running global MIUI now. the Battery life is great.
The cooked version with Magisk 18 indeed doesn't work. Just upgrade to v19.
QuickStep magisk plugin doesn't work, i keep trying even if it looks like first OS must be able to provide Pie functionality, then you can tweak. Therefore: AOSP only Stuck with this
XiaomiEU app icons can be removed here: non-destructively rename /system/media/theme/miui_mod_icons (thanksgod)
tsongming said:
Also, I do get notified of OTA updates while using the Mi-Globe rom. I can select the rom to download automatically > about phone> system update settings.
Good Luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
didn't find this setting, instead i was offered with xiaomi_eu version from today so i downloaded and pressed install which is quite comfortable. The only glitch is need to wait til TWRP installation is done and press Vol+ button (new Magisk 19.1 feature since today) to root with dedicated TWRP button 'Install root' (comfy). Then do some maintenance as many permissions are reset. Luckily disabled apps stay disabled. I'd like to script this and stick to xiaomi_eu as practically there's just miuidaemon extra feature in miglobal.
two problems:
- "can't connect to camera" for portrait mode in stock cam
- TWRP sees unencrypted files, other TWRPs won't boot
tsongming said:
It is the same thing. but the developer version it has no ads, no bloat, clean and fast.
Here is the version that I use, scroll down the page and choose which options you want. This is a custom rom based on the latest Xiaomi.eu developer rom. The only difference is that you can add root and adblock.
https://mi-globe.com/rom-builder-features/?id=18&codename=cepheus&phone=Mi+9
@doggydog2 several things on your list are not correct. You are stating the USB OTG doesn't work? ( It does work) Spend some more time understanding how Miui works and then you will be able to cross off most of your list. Also you would be better off using the developer rom, or the Mi-Globe rom listed above.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This mi-globe rom seems insane !!
Great for the money but with software bugs that affect the usability. Video stuttering at 30fps and notifications issues.
As always, MIUI is the problem from a Xiaomi device.
4 me, xiaomi.eu is not an option, since they use chinese builds as a basis. If anyone known a project similar to him, but based in global ROMs, I appreciate it. Tks!
I think the MI9 is the best phone out there because of
1. Software (it rocks, especially RevolutionOS debloated)
2. Camera (the best one on the market as of now)
3. Performance/Display
4. The notch (I feel uncomfortable having retractable camera + I think a waterdrop notch looks sick)
It charges really fast and battery time is pretty good! Amazing phone for 400€!
Bought mine for 300£ the 128gb version. At that price could have bought a oneplus 6 but this phone is amazing. Compared to the oneplus 7pro the size is great and performance is really good. Will definitely buy again. The only pain is having to wait for the bootloader unlock!
Bought mine 6/128 Gt version at 498 € price. After a week I decided to switch to xiaomi.eu rom and with some additional tweaks (debloating with Xiaomi ADB/FastBoot Tool) I start to feel that the software starts to match with the hardware. I love the design, it feels comfortable in your hands (I use the soft case what was delivered with the phone) and with the tweaks it feels quite snappy and powerful tool for everyday tasks. MIUI mostly sucks but luckily you can use Nova launcher. I've been satisfied with the camera at this point (especially with the ultra wide lens) but I think it can still be improved and I should give a try for the GoogleCam as well.

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