Related
Standard disclaimer applies - figured I would put this just in case.
Okay, well first off I am going to start by explaining the thread title. EvilHero is basically what I call my device (evilvoice + hero) and this is a 2.1 Rom, I attached a .001 to let everyone know what stage it is in, which is the first stage. It works in what I set out for it to do. This is not for everyone, and may be only for me, but I am posting it here to get a little help and also to let other people decide for themselves if they want to use it.
This started because of Firerats MTD mod and CM6 and the inability to update my prl or do any ## codes. In using the MTD mod, CM6 RC1 only required around 105MB on system, but most 2.1 roms required a lot more space. While it is not hard to redo the whole MTD mod, it is very time consuming and you run the risk of messing up your phone until you get home, or at the very least, flash the rom you had on it before until you got home to a computer. I did a lot of searching for the smallest 2.1 rom around. This happened to be PureHero 2.1 by Konikub. I did not use any special tool to figure out size, just looked at how large the zip file was and went with the one that was the smallest, there might be smaller Sense 2.1 Roms out there, but thats what I used to select PureHero as my start.
Okay, so on to what I have done. Using PureHero 2.1 as the base, I ripped out everything except the ability to make phone calls, visual voicemail, SU, busybox, contacts, and the ability to use ## codes (including applying a MANUAL PRL update - for some reason, lost the Device Self Service tool in removing too much stuff, but no biggie since I can do a manual prl update). With this, I reduced the /system size to a mere 92.4MB...its even smaller than CM6 (a little misleading here, but I just meant that for the standard install that I was using of CM6, this rom was smaller, not that cm6 cant get smaller than this one). This is with GSD.apk on my system (but since removed in what I will be posting). It is quite stable after a first setup (meaning set your phone settings how you want them, you will probably get FCs and stuff, when done, reboot and you should not get the again except for the ones I am outlining below)
A couple of things to note:
Settings > Accounts & Sync FCs
Settings > Personalize > Default ringtone is the only thing under here that doesnt FC
Settings > Connect to PC even though it is here, it actually does nothing, even though I have the PCSCII.apk file (or whatever its called), it relies on more than just that file. Doesnt matter, I can still mount the sdcard in adb shell.
There is no market, text messaging, browser, email, video player, music player, youtube, email...like I said PHONE, ## codes, and that is PRETTY MUCH IT!
This was created to mainly be something to switch to do a prl update and switch back to CM6. Over my course of testing this rom, I have ditched the switching back to CM6. This is a modular rom - ADD WHAT YOU WANT! To give an idea: I added Opera for browser, Handcent for SMS (no MMS - need help!), K-9 for email, APKTor for market (yea not as great), I did end up adding Youtube back, andLess for music playing, have not decided on a pic viewer yet (havent even looked), Sprint Nav. Im not done adding stuff to mine, this is just what I have so far. None of these are included in the download as this is an "add your apps" rom - these are mine, you have a choice of what yours are. The only things outside of the basic Android system that is coming included is AndroZip, ADW Launcher - cause its damn near perfect, SuperUser by chainsdd, Visual Voicemail (everything but AndroZip was already included, I just updated them).
Some issues I would like help with to resolve
1. No MMS - HUGE ISSUE...maybe its because I took out MMS.apk...actually, I will put that back in and see what happens (for .002 - probably tomorrow night)
2. No market - HUGE...I never realized the benefit to the market until I had no access to it. There is nothing anywhere close to it. AppBrain requires market, so that wasnt going to be a replacement, APKTor was all I could find. My question is this: Can the market be put back in without too many google things being added back? What apk files have to be included for Market to work, I know it requires a google account. If I dont get any help, I guess I will figure it out myself, just wondering if anyone could take a look and help me out.
3. busybox can not be updated for some reason - also, when issuing a parameter on a command, it errors, but when busybox is put before, it works
Code:
df -h does not work
busybox df -h works
4. bash can not be added (or nano, remount) from the kitchen
5. Connect to computer does not work, I kept that stupid file...if its not gonna work, Im pulling the file.
6. Collins battery tweak does not work, I tested a Zen Kernel and still nothing, I guess it does not matter as I have almost everything turned off, the battery lasts a long time. Remember, adding stuff that uses data or GPS will drain the battery the same as any other rom, but this is made to compliment you...This is why I would like to get the battery tweak to work with it, so it will have better life when things get added.
Maybe people can reply with what they have added as their apps (some will be the same as it all depends on what you can find without a Market)
Credits:
Code:
Damageless (for such a great base)
Treve (for assisting D in everyway possible to put out a first class product)
Flipz (for the color sliders)
Darchstar (for AOSP aspects)
sdotcarlisle (for the amazing bootscreen)
gbhil (for his insanely awesome Kernels and overal GREATNESS)
JsChiSurf (for rocking the HERO HOUSE finding all these cool ways to change up things!!)
Avalaunchmods + TrevE (for the audio fix)
VinceOB - (for showing me good stuff)
Konikub (for putting together PureHero)
Most of this was copied from the PureHero post as he thanked them in that post, I feel since I used his as my base, I needed to thank the same people including him - If I did wrong, let me know
Removed Rom links
I am putting both up, I would try the unsigned if you can flash it, for some reason (in my tests) the signed did not work as well as the unsigned. Also, this has MMS.apk added, it is untested, but really should work as I only removed the app. I will be doing my own test on this rom later tonight or tomorrow.
PS. I am not a developer, I just removed things, edited files in notepad++ and tested. If something does not work, please bear with me in finding out what caused it. As I said previously, a lot of stuff is removed, so expect that. The only FC's I experienced is one for putting the power control widget on the launcher (1 time), and the 2 places in settings. Thanks and let me know what you think
Nice concept, would love to see where this goes.
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
Gtalk is needed to get the apps to download from the market.
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
Macanage said:
Gtalk is needed to get the apps to download from the market.
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is actually more stuff needed, but yea, gtalk is def needed. Its funny, someone in the G1 forum posted what it depended on, and besides one framework file, I removed everything else. I really hate the implementation of gtalk. It runs all the time and I dont use it. In the same G1 thread, the poster was talking about editing the package so it wasnt dependent on anything, I may have my programmer buddy take a look at it when he gets a chance to see if he can finish the work. If there was a way for the market to not need googleapps.apk or gtalk/service.apk I would be ecstatic, as it stands now, I dont see me putting the market back.
Also, Rom links have been posted
And actually, just for the sake of argument, I modified cm 6 and gapps to minimize the size on my phone, and I have it at 89 mb but sol full functionality. I even will have maps and nav and voice search and all, but on data partition only. In could shrink a lot more actually, but don't feel the need.
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
cm6 has the ability to get real tiny...if I were to remove the same things, Id say itd be around 50-60mb (maybe im just dreaming here), the issue with cm6 is that fact it does not allow prl updating. I included the newest prl in the zip which gets dumped to your sdcard...j-i-c. Android 2.2 is smaller than 2.1 - there is no way a 2.1 rom will be smaller than 2.2 with the same functionality, it just wont happen, I know that, I just wanted a small 2.1 that did prl ...maybe sprint will release a 2.2 we can use...then I will look into slimming it down like I did this one.
This was never meant to go head to head with cm6...we are talking about 2 different systems - I guess I should have pointed that out...2.2 has the potential to be WAAAY smaller than even this one.
This is a great idea and Im going to watch your progress, Im hoping someday they figure out how to get prl updated on 2.2 Such a pain right now updating it. Thanks for your work!
04/07/2011 UPDATE -- GREAT COMPILATION OF INFO HERE: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1026660
And another FAQ:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=874258 - please use this as an updated reference!
Also, this FAQ is VERY helpful: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865245
A good third-party doc on how to install the VEGAn ROM (not written by gojimi, FYI): http://www.blendblog.net/Blendblognet/tabid/36/EntryID/67/Default.aspx
or use this one, if that link is down : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=12552736#post12552736
and lastly a good FAQ on the update.zip firmware process: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=892090
This post last updated March 27th 2011.
Figured I'd start doing a brain dump of what I know, so far. Assume TnT Lite 4.x, as this is what I use. But stock / zPad / cm6.1 / all other 1.1-based ROMs might also work unless noted.
Please feel free to add to this FAQ with apps tested, general information etc.
---------------------------------------------------------------
General pre-sales / new user / "should I buy this?" information
Viewsonic support site: http://www.viewsonic.com/gtablet/support.htm. Their customer service is very good and I have used them many times. The only issue i have right now is a lack of information, but I don't fault CS for that.
Should you buy this?
It's up to you, but be aware of what you are getting into. Here's a quick breakdown of what you will / won't get:
- You are basically paying for hardware that is not optimized for Android. It's fast, but it could be a lot faster and we're hoping that future updates will take advantage of that. The hardware is bleeding edge, right now.
- The LCD screen is basically a netbook screen. With that in mind certain angles are really bad. It's looks pretty good spot-on, just like a netbook.
- HDMI works, but you need a dock which is not officially available yet (there is a zPAd dock that can be purchased, overseas).
- 720p/1080p might work, but needs to be encoded a certain way.
- Standard video seems fine, in particular Xvid AVI's.
- There are issues with games, right now. Some work, some don't. Simple as that. EDIT: There is a g-sensor fix that might correct this, in certain mods.
- There's an official app store, but it's not as extensive as the full Google Market.
- Angry Birds works.
- There's no official Flash support, yet (even as of 3/2011). That may change in the future and there are ways to get an unofficial patch (see below).
- To make the device really usable, you need to mod it and will need to be familiar on how to sideload apps. This is my opinion, of course.
The mods are not supported by Viewsonic, so keep that mind!
---------------------------------------------------------------
General information on the different unofficial ROMS available
- Vanilla restore image. This is an attempt by our community to have a restore image in case your device is having issues or you need to wipe any mods off before returning it. It will wipe the system data, but not the user data. For the latter, you'd want to do a factory reset under Settings -- Firmware. The link also has links to the actual firmware updates that TnT Inc. supports.
- zPad v3. This is a port of the zPad ROM to the GTab. Rothnic has spearheaded this effort.
- VEGAn-Tab. This is still a 1.00 beta firmware to port the Advent Vega firmware to the GTab. As of March 2011, it is fairly stable and very usable. The main dev (gojimi) is working on a Gingerbread port.
- TnT Lite v4. This is a streamlined version of the stock firmware. It leaves the status bar and settings area intact, for example - but removes the main TnT homescreen and replaces it with a stock launcher. It also has the same bugs as stock.
- CyanogenMod. This is an early beta so keep that in mind - I would recommend this only for technical users. It is an attempt to port cm to the GTab. Bekit has spearheaded this effort. There are a few recent efforts, mainly for Gingerbread.
Some cm links:
IRC: #tegratab in freenode.
Forum: http://tegratab.com
Complete nvflash restore: http://db.tt/Wm25t7U
CM6.1 (Beta4): http://goo.gl/Z3jaC
3/2011 EDIT: See the development area for more ROMs as there are more than I can review, here. This site has quite literally outgrown this one FAQ I had created.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Known issues
I used clockworkmod via ROM Manager and now I get a "Magic Value Mismatch" Error
AVOID ROM MANAGER, please. As of this writing, it installs a version of clockworkmod that does NOT play nice many of the ROMs we have, and might even have issues with stock ROMs. PLEASE AVOID!!
If you get that "Magic Value Mismatch", you have soft-bricked your device and will need to use the nvflash tool to correct that. See the development area for the nvflash sticky.
Date / Time reset to 1970 after powerdown / reboot
Update your ROM to correct this -- it's a fairly old issue.
GMT +0 after every reboot
This is a known bug with orignal TnT stock and TnT Lite 1.x, which some of us have already called VS about. It's probably somewhere in the TnT Framework. This was fixed with the 11/22 TnT firmware and the subsequent TnT Lite 2.00+. If you are on stock and see this, update your ROM.
Games cannot be played because they are titled by 90 degrees
This is a known bug with stock TnT / TnT Lite. No fix from the vendor, but certain ROMs (like VEGAn and TNT Lite) have a hack for this (care of dev gojimi!)
720p / 1080p h264 video problems
My understanding is that h264 HD playback works, but only to a certain point. Basically, videos encoded in "Main" Profile work, but those with "High" Profile do not. You can use a tool like mediainfo to see how your file in encoded.
I have used the excellent Handbrake application and an iPad profile, changing h.264 to MPEG-4 in the config, and that has worked for me on the device.
MicroSD is not being read by applications
This is a common issue with tablets, and I had seen this on my Pandigital Novel. Some applications are written to only read from /sdcard, which is the internal memory on our device. microSD is /sdcard2. So this is very hit and miss. On the zPAd, they actually map the microSD to /sdcard/sdcard1, which means that apps might be able to find that easier.
EDIT 1/2011: Some of the newer mods have an SDCARD2 fix, but it could cause media files to be deleted. A possible fix (to turn this feature off) is to create an empty file on the root of your microSD and call it ".nomedia". I have not heard of problems with the very latest mods or stock ROM.
There is no Market
Some of the mods do add the Google Android Market, but even so there are very few available apps visible. There is a fairly easy way to get around this, which is documented here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=845175
My device went to sleep and now I can't bring it back to life
This is a known issue with stock / TnT Lite 1.x+ -- the only known "fix" I know, other than opening up the device, is to let the battery drain until the device shuts itself off - this should take about 24 hours. Once this happens, you should be able to power it up again and recharge it. Newer ROMs may not have this issue.
Does the device accept 32GB microSD cards?
Yes. I own a 32GB microSD so I can confirm that.
My touch screen is all wonky / I have dead zones
See this post for a possible fix: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9774374&postcount=27
Also, try this GUI version (thanks gojimi!) : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=934500
I have a zPad dock, but my Ethernet port is not working
See this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=10242366#post10242366
---------------------------------------------------------------
Other General Information
Cases / accessories
So far, nothing supported but a few DIY's. We are building out a accessories section here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=843
Running a firmware update / restore
All the ROMS use a standard firmware updater that can be used by non-technical users. Here is an explanation on how it works:
There is an "update.zip" file and a recovery foder with a file called "command". To flash your firmware, you place those on the root of your device's /sdcard. So, if your device is your F: drive for example, you should see F:\update.zip and F:\recovery\command.
Then, shutdown the device and boot up by holding the power button and volume up keys simultaneously for a few seconds - once you see the recovery text pop up in the upper left side, you can let go. The update will begin and the device will reboot about a minute later. After the reboot, I would highly recommend doing a device restore as that fixes a lot of issues (Settings -- Security -- Factory Data Reset).
You can also do this on a microSD - you just need to edit the command file and change "SDCARD" to "SDCARD2". For Windows users, don't add a .txt extension on the file as that won't work. The file name needs to be called "command".
The only ROM exceptions are the fully stock ones form Viewsonic / TnT, as I haven't touched those. You can use them in clockworkmod, or get the /recovery/command file from another ROM and then rename the stock ZIP to "update.zip" and combine them.
How to wipe data with Clockworkmod recovery (thanks to short/y for writing this!)
Boot into recovery (i.e. power down the device then power it up again while holding the volume up key) until you get the message that it's booting the recovery image.
Once you see the CWM (i.e. Clockworkmod) text screen, use the volume buttons to scroll down to the entry that says "wipe data/factory reset" (on CWM 2.5.1.2 it's the 3rd entry).
Press the Home key and, on the screen that comes up, scroll down to the line that says "Yes" and hit Home.
Once it's been formatted, return to the previous screen with the Back arrow until you're on the main screen where you can continue the process (flashing or booting).
thanks for putting all this information in one spot! ill be checking this thread when mine comes in tomorrow (was supposed to be today... so much for paying a little extra for expedited shipping.... grrr)
Thats really sad to know that it does not run videos well? I don't want to have to encode
videos to be able to watch on this thing...Not even with the side loaded apps?
Gajun said:
Thats really sad to know that it does not run videos well? I don't want to have to encode
videos to be able to watch on this thing...Not even with the side loaded apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried several, with similar results. HD playback is very finicky with this device, at least as of this writing.
I have heard people state that h.264 720p works, but I have yet to see this in full 16:9 mode. 2:35 does seem to work. If someone has a file for me to test, I'll certainly download it. I hope that I can be proven wrong, here.
Gajun said:
Thats really sad to know that it does not run videos well? I don't want to have to encode
videos to be able to watch on this thing...Not even with the side loaded apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My G runs tnt 2.0. I downloaded an AVI and it plays well, but in 2.35 mode only, I couldn't zoom in...
Gajun said:
Thats really sad to know that it does not run videos well? I don't want to have to encode
videos to be able to watch on this thing...Not even with the side loaded apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Downloaded AVI's and FLV's work just fine with Rockplayer. I play AVI's in Hardware encoding mode, and FLV's with Software encoding mode.
Have you tried Act1 video player? I have used it for over a year on my Adroid phone and it will play pretty much anything. I installed it on the gtab earlier and playback is just as smooth as my computer. Plus it has the option to change aspects to suite the screen. One of the options, Full(stretch to full screen) looks great while playing an avi or any other format on the Tab.
Is it able to do GPS?
I loaded the NHL Game center app fine
But it wont let me watch games due to lack of gps signal
any ideas?
Thanks
sitnlow4life said:
Is it able to do GPS?
I loaded the NHL Game center app fine
But it wont let me watch games due to lack of gps signal
any ideas?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No GPS on this thing.
sitnlow4life said:
Is it able to do GPS?
I loaded the NHL Game center app fine
But it wont let me watch games due to lack of gps signal
any ideas?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use the GPS on your phone via Bluetooth, assuming you have a smart phone
Google voice
No voice but texting works.
Steps I took
on my evo fully installed voice (switched roms recently didn't have it installed)
used Titanium to back up the app
Copied the 3 files to my titanium folder on the g tab
Restored the app
Lauched google voice. Got to where it said configure inbox then went back back back back to exit
inbox popped right up.
YMMV
Quick newbie question.... how to I drag/drop from my computer to the microSD? I'm on TnT lite.
Thanks!
-J
jdnyc said:
Quick newbie question.... how to I drag/drop from my computer to the microSD? I'm on TnT lite.
Thanks!
-J
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't work on stock on TnT Lite. It's a bug that I hope VS will fix with their next release (crosses fingers).
roebeet said:
720p / 1080p h264 video problems
My understanding is that h264 HD playback works, but only to a certain point. Basically, videos encoded in "Main" Profile work, but those with "High" Profile do not. You can use a tool like mediainfo to see how your file in encoded.
I have used the excellent Handbrake application and an iPad profile, changing h.264 to MPEG-4 in the config, and that has worked for me on the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. There is no iPad profile on handbrake
2. Which player did you use to play your encoded video?
Another newbie question... how do remove the Phone icon from the dock? I've tried a bunch of settings in ADW but can't get it to work.
Thanks!
jdnyc said:
Another newbie question... how do remove the Phone icon from the dock? I've tried a bunch of settings in ADW but can't get it to work.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Drag and drop any other icon which you need on top of it.
Thanks for the phone icon tip. One (hopefully) last question for a while. I'm using TnT Lite and have ADW. How do I change the wallpaper on my main screen? I can't find this option either. Really tried to find it but failed.
jdnyc said:
Thanks for the phone icon tip. One (hopefully) last question for a while. I'm using TnT Lite and have ADW. How do I change the wallpaper on my main screen? I can't find this option either. Really tried to find it but failed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Long click on any empty space on your screen and choose wallpaper
Thanks. That wasn't working on my primary screen for some reason but worked on an empty one. k. Used up my stupid question tokens for the day...
artisticcheese said:
1. There is no iPad profile on handbrake
2. Which player did you use to play your encoded video?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have on on the Linux version - my bad that I assumed the same on other versions - is there an updated profile, perhaps?
Guys,
I just became the, now rather dubious, owner of a gTablet that a colleague brought for me from the States. So far I am not that impressed. Several apps that supposed to be on there, aren't (no Kindle app out of the box, and no gMarket, despite what the manual says).
SO, I try the announced update procedure: fails.
First time fails at 8%. Second time fails at 13%, third time fails at 28%, fourth time fails at 4%. Is this a joke of some sort? Also the download is rather slow, as in, they use smoke signals to get the message across!
Does anyone have the update as a file that I can run as an apk perhaps?
I also have to point out that the GUI rather sucks. The settings menu misses about 50% of the Android 2.2 options (I have a HTC desire. Waaaay more settings options...)
After my complaints,lets get to figuring this out.
1) Can someone point me to the update pack if it is available for download via my Mac and can be installed using that ES explorer program it has installed?
2) Does the update provide Google Market or the original weblink? Does it use a different gui or still the same simpleton gui?
3) if not, is there a simple ROM flash I can do that gives me a different GUI and google Market?
I have flashed my HTC Hero before, which was not a big deal. However, I want things done simple, so if there is a good ROM with a nice GUI and simple instructions for a noob (I got two left hands when it comes to this sort of stuff), and Google Market, I would gladly see a link.
Any support will be very welcome!
you found the right place
ksporry said:
Guys,
I just became the, now rather dubious, owner of a gTablet that a colleague brought for me from the States. So far I am not that impressed. Several apps that supposed to be on there, aren't (no Kindle app out of the box, and no gMarket, despite what the manual says).
SO, I try the announced update procedure: fails.
First time fails at 8%. Second time fails at 13%, third time fails at 28%, fourth time fails at 4%. Is this a joke of some sort? Also the download is rather slow, as in, they use smoke signals to get the message across!
Does anyone have the update as a file that I can run as an apk perhaps?
I also have to point out that the GUI rather sucks. The settings menu misses about 50% of the Android 2.2 options (I have a HTC desire. Waaaay more settings options...)
After my complaints,lets get to figuring this out.
1) Can someone point me to the update pack if it is available for download via my Mac and can be installed using that ES explorer program it has installed?
2) Does the update provide Google Market or the original weblink? Does it use a different gui or still the same simpleton gui?
3) if not, is there a simple ROM flash I can do that gives me a different GUI and google Market?
I have flashed my HTC Hero before, which was not a big deal. However, I want things done simple, so if there is a good ROM with a nice GUI and simple instructions for a noob (I got two left hands when it comes to this sort of stuff), and Google Market, I would gladly see a link.
Any support will be very welcome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Forget about the stock update and read about TNT lite or the vegan beta Rom if you feel experimental. You can get market flash and pretty much all the Google goodies.
ksporry said:
Guys,
I just became the, now rather dubious, owner of a gTablet that a colleague brought for me from the States. So far I am not that impressed. Several apps that supposed to be on there, aren't (no Kindle app out of the box, and no gMarket, despite what the manual says).
SO, I try the announced update procedure: fails.
First time fails at 8%. Second time fails at 13%, third time fails at 28%, fourth time fails at 4%. Is this a joke of some sort? Also the download is rather slow, as in, they use smoke signals to get the message across!
Does anyone have the update as a file that I can run as an apk perhaps?
I also have to point out that the GUI rather sucks. The settings menu misses about 50% of the Android 2.2 options (I have a HTC desire. Waaaay more settings options...)
After my complaints,lets get to figuring this out.
1) Can someone point me to the update pack if it is available for download via my Mac and can be installed using that ES explorer program it has installed?
2) Does the update provide Google Market or the original weblink? Does it use a different gui or still the same simpleton gui?
3) if not, is there a simple ROM flash I can do that gives me a different GUI and google Market?
I have flashed my HTC Hero before, which was not a big deal. However, I want things done simple, so if there is a good ROM with a nice GUI and simple instructions for a noob (I got two left hands when it comes to this sort of stuff), and Google Market, I would gladly see a link.
Any support will be very welcome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A good start would be the following guide.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865245
Understand that there are newer versions of the rom referenced, also there's VEGAn, a rom based on the Vega.
The Gtab stock needs a lot of help but it is a very good product with a little TLC and some grunt work:
Different devices/users different opinions. I am more than satisfied with the performance and feel of my Gtab without flashing a different ROM and what I did was follow these instructions:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=827209
I used root explorer instead of AndRootFile
Then I changed my launcher to ADW.Launcher
Side load flash (Instructions/.apk on XDA-developers)
Do the market fix to get all market (Instructions/.apk on XDA-developers)
add titanium backup
add ROMManager
Note: When I applied the latest update from Viewsonic (fixed the video driver, now AngryBirds, etc working) I had to re-root the device but everything else works fine.
Even fixed the issue with Gtab not seeing Ad-hoc network from phone (Instructions can be found on internet). Now my Gtab rocks, connects to my home Wifi or if not available connects to my Phone Wifi.
I can still launch the default tapNtap if I want to and Viewsonic upgrades apply fine. I had an issue with update also....Support had me set the sleep to "off" and then it worked fine, however the update image was posted on XDA-developer:
Bobtran,
Interesting perspective. Could you run Quadrant and show us what that score is?
I have had TnT up to 2.2 then swithed to VEGAn beta3 now. Q =2411
Most everything runs very very fast...
All, Thanks for the suggestions and the useful links . I might be flashing mine this weekend.
As for which ROM to use, what are the pros and cons for one over another? E.g. if I were to take the TnT ROM (I think it's at 2.4.1 now?), how does that fare against, say, the Vegan Beta4 (I think the latest is beta4 from what I read on some posts)
Bobtran, did you have a link for the update image? seemed like you were going to post it, but got cut short...
Guys,
I am trying to install Clockwork Mod v08 as per one of the links. First issue is that the tablet won't mount the SDcard to my desktop. SHouldn't be a big issue as I can coy/paste the required files from the internal storage to the SDcard via ESexplorer (standard installed on the gTablet).
However, how do I know it installed correctly? I don't see a new app and the boot install goes very fast. There is an opened box with an arrow pointing down and a load bar that seems to have green hashed filling, as if it's preparing to install. Then suddenly the splash screen pops up. The box with arrow and progress bar are there for a second or so, maybe 2. Seems rather quick. Is this correct?
EDIT: I wanted to say the boot screen didn't come up when starting up with vol+ and pwr, but just noticed, it does... so should be ok
well, seems I have been successful in flashing the new ROM (TnT 2.4.0) using CWM-v08.
Question though, the instructions in the TnT installation guide (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865245) seem to say that the market fix only is a partial fix (note that the comment applies to TnT2.2).
Now that I installed the TnT2.4.0 ROM, I was wondering if the market fix is also only partial for TnT2.4. If yes, can I run the patch at
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=827209
and if yes, would that give me full Market access? If not, what's involved in getting full Market access?
As a side question that may not belong here but wouldn't be answered in the appropriate forum section: I have an XT701 phone that needs a Market Fix. Would the fix at
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=827209
also provide my phone with the Market? Just a side question, if no answer, that's fine...
n2thecloud said:
Bobtran,
Interesting perspective. Could you run Quadrant and show us what that score is?
I have had TnT up to 2.2 then swithed to VEGAn beta3 now. Q =2411
Most everything runs very very fast...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I flashed to TnT lite yesterday so can't do that anymore without starting from scratch. Just testing the waters so to speak.
ksporry said:
All, Thanks for the suggestions and the useful links . I might be flashing mine this weekend.
As for which ROM to use, what are the pros and cons for one over another? E.g. if I were to take the TnT ROM (I think it's at 2.4.1 now?), how does that fare against, say, the Vegan Beta4 (I think the latest is beta4 from what I read on some posts)
Bobtran, did you have a link for the update image? seemed like you were going to post it, but got cut short...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I was but I couldn't find it. Did some more research and here it is:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=847653&page=4
see post #35
ksporry said:
well, seems I have been successful in flashing the new ROM (TnT 2.4.0) using CWM-v08.
Question though, the instructions in the TnT installation guide (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865245) seem to say that the market fix only is a partial fix (note that the comment applies to TnT2.2).
Now that I installed the TnT2.4.0 ROM, I was wondering if the market fix is also only partial for TnT2.4. If yes, can I run the patch at
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=827209
and if yes, would that give me full Market access? If not, what's involved in getting full Market access?
As a side question that may not belong here but wouldn't be answered in the appropriate forum section: I have an XT701 phone that needs a Market Fix. Would the fix at
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=827209
also provide my phone with the Market? Just a side question, if no answer, that's fine...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the market fix, just see the link that I have in my first post, in the TnT Lite thread. That fix could also work on other devices. It's the same fix in the link you just posted.
Hello,
I've had my GTab for quite awhile now and have tried quite a few custom ROMs. Some I liked a lot and some I didn't. Finally had to stick with TNT 3588 because on all the custom ROMs debugging was automatically enabled and every time I would connect via USB it would crash my laptop. It differs for everyone.
So I broke open a couple of ROMs, supplements and Gapps (google apps) I liked and cherry picked until I put together a stable enhancement package of the following:
Google Apps plus Google Market
Angry Birds
GMail
Google Services Framework
Live Wallpaper
Live Wallpaper picker
Maps
Street
Vending
Visualization Wallpaper
Voice Search
Youtube
System Framework
Google Android Maps
nvidia Display
nvidia graphics
The nvidia display/drivers were critical to getting rid of some of the bad viewing angles. My screen is incredible. This package allows you to still receive VS updates however you can access google market and connect usb as normal. Does not take away the original TNT stock - contacts, gallery, calendar, weather, etc. You can load AW launcher or Launcher Pro and all other apps with some improvements including Flash 10.2. Youtube runs best in browser for me. However, the newer "stand-alone" version will work too.
This is basically a 3588 "Enhancement Pack"
Run your updater to update to 3588 if you are not already running it and then...
Install clockwork mod 8 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1008245&highlight=clockwork+mod)
Hold in power button while pressing up volume key to you see loading recovery kernel, let go, rock volume down, up, until you get into clockwork mod.
It should say at the top of the screen ClockworkMod Recovery 0.8.
From clockwork mod 8, use volume up key to go down the list until you see
-mounts and storage
then hit your home key (the little house under the search symbol on the upper right-hand side of GTab)
-mount /system hit home key again to unmount
Then move down once more and press volume up key to go to
-mount /data, again hit home key to unmount
Next, go down to the last icon on GTab, the arrow key, to return to first menu to
Find (4th down from reboot option)
-install zip from sdcard, hit home key, hit volume up once more to
-choose zip from sdcard, hit home key again
Find the folder from the file listing you put the file in. (It helps if you create a folder beforehand for all your ROMs or xda files in one folder so you can easily pan down the list having all files in one place).
Go to in your folder, hit the home key, and let the file run.
TNT 3588 Gapps nVidia Drivers download here
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?my4ohg6afnl12p3
Afterwards return to the first menu in clockwork mod by pushing the arrow key, the last key on the upper right-hand side of GTab, until you see -reboot system now. Use volume up key, go down two lines to
-wipe data/factory reset hit home key again, let run until it goes back to the clockwork mod
Then
-reboot system now menu and hit home key to reboot.
Special Note: You will have to run the market fix. First sign into market using your info, completely finish that process. You should see some apps. Go to settings, applications, system applications, Google Services Framework-force stop, clear data. Market-force stop, clear data, exit and reboot. Sometimes you have to reboot twice, but, it worked on the first try for me.
Re-open and use. This isn't the newer version, but, it does give you access to all the apps, only difference is GUI. The other version was problematic in this enhancement pack.
This Enhancement Pack is for those who may want to ease into modifying their GTab or who may want to keep the Viewsonic Stock OS until VS issues another update. Plus, have access to Android Market and Nvidia display enhancement & drivers.
As with all ROMs, supplements, enhancements, firmware or modifications, use at your own risk, should not cause any problems unless you did something terribly wrong.
edirector said:
The nvidia display/drivers were critical to getting rid of some of the bad viewing angles. My screen is incredible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Call me skeptical, but how can drivers of any kind improve the viewing angles? I was under the impression that the capacitive layer on the screen is what causes the viewing angle problem. Am I missing something?
lostpilot28 said:
Call me skeptical, but how can drivers of any kind improve the viewing angles? I was under the impression that the capacitive layer on the screen is what causes the viewing angle problem. Am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good question but I stated display & nvidia drivers. The drivers are for the tegra 2 . And those improved the overall system.
Has anyone tried this?
Also, Where did you get the drivers from? Would you be so kind and provide us with a video showing off how the screen was improved?
I think this is going to be exactly what I'm looking for. Going to to try it out as soon as my tab gets in.
edirector said:
Good question but I stated display & nvidia drivers. The drivers are for the tetra 2 . And those improved the overall system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, technically, your post stated that the drivers improved the viewing angles. I'm just wondering how they do that since the viewing angle problem isn't bad because of the software...it's the screen itself.
lostpilot28 said:
Well, technically, your post stated that the drivers improved the viewing angles. I'm just wondering how they do that since the viewing angle problem isn't bad because of the software...it's the screen itself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, the drivers came from the devs on this site. I've tried quite a few supplements, ROMs and enhancement packs TNT 2.4, 3.14, 4.23, 4.24, 4.25 and Gapps xtra. The last two 4.24 and 4.25 was extremely fluid. Inside the 4.24 was a system/framework folder and inside the framework folder were these two files: com.nvidia.display & com.nvidia.graphics.
I cannot use the other ROMs because of the auto debugging permanently left on which crashes my laptop which I've only had a about 2-3 months and it is painful to see it go down. So I noticed when I ran 4.24 marked overall improvement with G Tab. While everyone else is saying they see issues with the screen I'm saying I don't. I have to really have it at an odd angle I wouldn't normally view anything at to see distortion. My screen is popping, mostly eye candy. I have a 3D LED laptop display and use both simultaneous and notice very little difference between the two displays. Both have nvidia chips.
Some on this website (see the why is everyone complaining about viewing angle thread) say that it is possible those who got a later model of GTAB (2011 oppose to 2010) might have gotten one with a improved screen. I can not answer that you will have to ask Viewsonic.
Try the enhancement and tell me what you think. That's all I can say too you, and you can ask the devs why they put those two files in that ROM and what purpose they think they serve. Most times manufacturers (since they say nvidia) issue drivers, firmware and such for purpose of improvement.
Is it possible to install this update by using standard recovery?
I like the classic stock 3588 interface. I would like to get market and maps.
Could you let me know if these updates can be installed by using standard recovery.
Edirector,
I vaguely remember roebeet et al were talking about increasing framerate or something like that, and I'm pretty sure that tweak made it into some of the newer ROMs, so maybe that's why you're seeing improvement?
Jim
lostpilot28 said:
Call me skeptical, but how can drivers of any kind improve the viewing angles? I was under the impression that the capacitive layer on the screen is what causes the viewing angle problem. Am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Add me to the list of skep...
I do not think the market will be complete without build.prop edit..
edirector said:
Some on this website (see the why is everyone complaining about viewing angle thread) say that it is possible those who got a later model of GTAB (2011 oppose to 2010) might have gotten one with a improved screen. I can not answer that you will have to ask Viewsonic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
def gonna think about this. Kind of a newbie and still very excited for my GTab from Woot. But this doesnt seem to bad. I hope there is some sort of screen update for the 2011 Gtabs. that would be great!
P00r said:
Add me to the list of skep...
I do not think the market will be complete without build.prop edit..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take it up with the developers of this site, no just joking. It works I'm using it. Also, I ran the package by Roebeet before I posted it. He stated it was an enhancement pack. All it is allowing you to do is keep the VS stock, plus, add market and the nvidia drivers, nothing more, or, nothing less. You can still get your updates from VS. Perhaps, it is not for you. That is Ok but there are a lot of upcoming new GTab owners who want to mod, but maybe not totally stray from the stock OS or ease into it.
quake101 said:
Has anyone tried this?
Also, Where did you get the drivers from? Would you be so kind and provide us with a video showing off how the screen was improved?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using it now and I can install apps from google market from the app or browser. I've bought a few, both ways. All the build props and such were there, they are from the site devs. I ran the package by Roebeet before posting.
Just trying to make it easy on the new GTab owners not more difficult. I went through serious trial and error so I know how that feels, also, I have basic computer skills A+ Certification. Mainly with computers the hardware and software need to work in concert. If you listen to this enhancement package you can hear the music playing sweetly. lol
P00r said:
Add me to the list of skep...
I do not think the market will be complete without build.prop edit..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't played around wth this pack yet, but you shouldn't require a build.prop change (I think). I make the following changes in the build.prop, Market related:
1- the mahimahi change (to add more apps)
2- the T-Mobile change (again, to add more apps)
3- The setupwizard Disable.
That last one is the only one I might have to test - if you do a data wipe, the SetupWizard will likely pop up. I'm not sure if it will actually work or get stuck at the first screen - honestly, I disabled it so long ago that I don't recall anymore. Too many tablets and mods.
OK, my GTAB is a dev unit so it's always getting flashed. So I looked it over.... kind of strange being a user for once!
It's exactly as stated - an "Enhancement Pack" for build 3588. It has the additional apps and drivers mentioned. I'm not sure where the Nvidia drivers originated, but they are not from build 3991.
Market works. Solid instructions there.
No standard recovery, as the updater-script is written in such a way that only clockworkmod can run it (I tried standard recovery first). My only concern there is my usual nervousness with having clockworkmod for future patching.
Nenamark scores are in the 28fps range
Quandrant is ~1800
(those match up with 3588 stock norms, tmk)
Angry Birds causes an FC (that's normal when you try to drop it in /system)
Not rooted (edirector never claimed that it was, but just be aware of that)
Overall, a good first try imo and thanks for doing this! Suggestions: Angry Birds should be removed since it can't live in /system, and although the Nivdia drivers were altered I don't personally see a difference anywhere. I know my screen angles like the back of my hand by now and they look the same to me, post-installation.
Thanks again! If anyone wants just the Market and Gmail / Maps / YouTube, this is a good firmware to use. And the lack of a build.prop is a good thing - it could conceivably run on older ROMs like 3389 (not tested of course, so stress the "could" part). Future ROMs we obviously don't know about, yet.
roebeet said:
EDIT: Data wipe was OK, it actually goes into the GTablet setup screen and not the Google setup screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So did you walk through the rest of the package and check it out? I really didn't alter from what you were offering just included the nvidia drivers with gapp. Some of those xtra programs in the gapp were causing conflicts so I took it down to bare bones.
I liked what you did with TNT 4.25 that was really smooth until I connected the usb cable from my laptop to GTab and crashed it. I gave away my old equipment. Might have to pick up a test dummy on the cheap off ebay for such purposes. I like using the different ROMs. But since I am planning on buying another tab with a different operating system no point in buying another GTab. Thanks, for checking it out!
edirector said:
So did you walk through the rest of the package and check it out? I really didn't alter from what you were offering just included the nvidia drivers with gapp. Some of those xtra programs in the gapp were causing conflicts so I took it down to bare bones.
I liked what you did with TNT 4.25 that was really smooth until I connected the usb cable from my laptop to GTab and crashed it. I gave away my old equipment. Might have to pick up a test dummy on the cheap off ebay for such purposes. I like using the different ROMs. But since I am planning on buying another tab with a different operating system no point in buying another GTab. Thanks, for checking it out!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I updated my dup post, above yours.
I saw some of the early responses so I wanted to put in my two cents -- I hope I wasn't going over the line, I tried to review it as a any other user. It's surprisingly hard to do that, which is quite bizarre in itself.
roebeet said:
OK, my GTAB is a dev unit so it's always getting flashed. So I looked it over.... kind of strange being a user for once!
It's exactly as stated - an "Enhancement Pack" for build 3588. It has the additional apps and drivers mentioned. I'm not sure where the Nvidia drivers originated, but they are not from build 3991.
Market works. Solid instructions there.
No standard recovery, as the updater-script is written in such a way that only clockworkmod can run it (I tried standard recovery first). My only concern there is my usual nervousness with having clockworkmod for future patching.
Nenamark scores are in the 28fps range
Quandrant is ~1800
(those match up with 3588 stock norms, tmk)
Angry Birds causes an FC (that's normal when you try to drop it in /system)
Not rooted (edirector never claimed that it was, but just be aware of that)
Overall, a good first try imo and thanks for doing this! Suggestions: Angry Birds should be removed since it can't live in /system, and although the Nivdia drivers were altered I don't personally see a difference anywhere. I know my screen angles like the back of my hand by now and they look the same to me, post-installation.
Thanks again! If anyone wants just the Market and Gmail / Maps / YouTube, this is a good firmware to use. And the lack of a build.prop is a good thing - it could conceivably run on older ROMs like 3389 (not tested of course, so stress the "could" part). Future ROMs we obviously don't know about, yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you hit the google market through the app it will automatically recognize it and ask you to update it. You are correct about angry birds. So you don't have to remove it, if you don't want to, just go to the market app and let it do the work.
Thanks, for the encouragement. It's your work essentially, I just mixed a straight cocktail no tonic mix. Some of us are learning. Also, I didn't think to put cwm in there, because I usually side-load it on after flashing. A very good point and noted.
Edit/ answered my own question, nice write up!
How do I include the Google Calender with this pack? Already have the pack installed, then realized the Calender was missing. Thanks.
I never came across this issue with my G2, but during google's 10 cent sale I bought a few games (asphalt 6 was the main one I wanted) and when I first got my sensation it came preloaded with N.O.V.A 2
Since rooting my phone neither one of those is now available, they don't show up in the market and when I tried to push the apk file it still doesn't work. When I check the market on my desktop it says my phone is incompatible. I have tried multiple roms, thinking it may have been a sense 3.5 issue, but it happens on 3.0 roms as well.
Have any of you run into this issue? Why does this happen, and how can I fix it?
kingston73 said:
I never came across this issue with my G2, but during google's 10 cent sale I bought a few games (asphalt 6 was the main one I wanted) and when I first got my sensation it came preloaded with N.O.V.A 2
Since rooting my phone neither one of those is now available, they don't show up in the market and when I tried to push the apk file it still doesn't work. When I check the market on my desktop it says my phone is incompatible. I have tried multiple roms, thinking it may have been a sense 3.5 issue, but it happens on 3.0 roms as well.
Have any of you run into this issue? Why does this happen, and how can I fix it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't comment on before or after rooting my phone because I did it straight away, but I can't 'see' either of those games in the Market. I also can't buy Shadowgun. Apart from those people running pirated copies, there are clearly also people who can buy and download these games. I just don't get it. At first I thought people must be using Chainfire's Tegra app, but I don't think it's just that. I guess it should be possible to change something on the build.prop but I can't work out exactly what the key difference is.
After I posted I found this:
http://www.redmondpie.com/how-to-in...-from-android-market-for-unsupported-devices/
I haven't tried it yet but I'll post back when I do. Nova 2 worked just fine on my phone before I rooted it, and I bought asphalt6 with my phone (again, before I rooted and installed new roms) I'm assuming not everybody has these problems, so I'd love to know why some of us have issues and others don't?
Thanks for the link. I'm debating whether or not to flash a stock ROM first to see what happens.
Also, the other factor that clouds the issue is that developers can remove devices from their compatibility list in the Market as and when they choose. For example, looking on their forum, this appears to be the case with the Sensation and Madfinger's Shadowgun.
So from what I'm learning I need the original buildprop from the stock sensation in order to make this work. I tried the directions from the link I posted and clearly changed something because I got an email welcoming me to the nexus s, but my market still tells me asphalt 6 is not available for my sensation.
Here's to add to the link posted.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=20048765&postcount=5
Thanks, I'll try those edits and see what happens.
Purely for info. Flashing back to a stock ROM (1.50.401.1) didn't work for me, though I was still S-off, just in case that matters in some way that I don't realise.
Tried altering my build.prop as per the OP's link but it didn't work for me. Haven't tried kpjimmy's link yet.
I'd still like to find out for sure if anyone can buy these games without an altered build.prop, and if so, why? (excluding anyone who's using chainfire's app...)
So after spending an hour trying things out my phone's nearly dead and I'm at work so I won't be able to recharge it until I get in the car, but as I type it's downloading asphalt 6. It also thinks it's a Nexus S as it asked me if I wanted to update to IceCream sandwich. A little scary as I'm assuming that would brick my phone. Anyhow, here's what I've done so far:
Clear Market Cache & Data. Settings > Applications > All > Market > Clear data.
Launch ES File Explorer. Enable both Root Explorer and Mount File System under Settings > Root Settings.
Navigate to /system. Here you will find the build.prop file. Take a backup of it by copy-pasting it to your SD card.
Open & edit /system/build.prop
Change the following lines to make your phone identify as a GSM Nexus S:
ro.product.model=Nexus S
ro.product.brand=Google
ro.product.name=sodu
ro.product.device=crespo
ro.product.manufacturer=samsung
ro.build.fingerprint=google/soju/crespo:2.3.4/GRJ22/121341:user/release-keys
ro.build.description=soju-user 2.3.4 GRJ22 121341 release-keys
Save file and remember to change the chmod type button back to read only in the system folder
Reboot the phone
My build prop had 2 entries for build description and I edited both of them. I'm going to try to get NOVA 2 as well, I'll post back after I try playing both of them. I just don't understand why it was so flipping difficult to get these?
And why don't all rooted/rom'ed sensations have this issue?
My last 2 questions I might find on my own, but maybe somebody has an answer so I don't have to experiment. If I wipe/reset and reinstall my current rom, will that rebuild the build.prop file back to original?
AND....if I do get both these games working and use Titanium to back them up, will I be able to reinstall them without re-editing the buildprop file again?
More to come, stay tuned...
Ouzo said:
I also can't buy Shadowgun.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shadow Gun was available to us on the market until very recently.
Madfingers found out that there were driver issues that they couldn't fix... or something like that, so they pull it for the Senny for now.
there is a sticky on their forum regarding it.
far as Asphalt 6, log onto Gameloft's site via your phone(user agent set to Android) and you can purchase it directly from the site.
That still doesn't answer the question of why isn't the Market working correctly?
I'm assuming u have a US sensation? My thinking is if you flashed a Rom that is based on the euro sensation then maybe the market identifies the phone as a euro sensation and blocks certain apps that aren't available in Europe....maybe?
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using xda premium
I started with a US updated to the latest release. I rooted it and tried in this order (or close to it):
Android Rev. 4.1
Energy
Elegancia
TMXSS (maff1989's rom)
I had forgotten about asphalt and nova until I was on Elegancia, but on the TMX rom, which is a stock us version basically, it didn't work. I really don't understand the inner workings of android, I'm not even close to a developer level, so if this might be a stupid question...does the buildprop file change with each rom? Basically if I reflash the rom I'm using now it'll rebuild the buildprop?
Yes, build prop changes with each ROM
Ouzo,
this doesn't answer the original question, but it's looking like going directly to Gameloft's website worked for me, at least with Nova 2. The problem though is even though I paid for it once through market the Gameloft site doesn't recognize that, so if I want either game I am going to need to either pay twice or request a refund from google.
Good news that you can download NOVA via Gameloft's website, though to be honest I'm not going to do that because I don't want to create a second account to access their games. I didn't like the idea of giving them my mobile number - knowing my luck I'd end up getting a load of marketing calls from all over ; )
I'm also just feeling stubborn about this. There must be people on here who know. Hopefully they'll read this thread and enlighten us. I'm going to carry on experimenting with other ROMs and see if any unlock the reason why.... Wonder if Sensation XE owners/ROM users can see NOVA etc in the market?