Database Info

Why can't custom roms have OTA updates?

This has been something that I have been wondering for a while.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

because OTAs will remove root, and screw up the recovery and most likely b0rk the rom

slowz3r said:
because OTAs will remove root, and screw up the recovery and most likely b0rk the rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is not what I meant. I meant why can't rom developers send there own OTA's so the rom can pick up on them and download it Over The Air.

tominater12 said:
That is not what I meant. I meant why can't rom developers send there own OTA's so the rom can pick up on them and download it Over The Air.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suppose they could if they really wanted to, but it isnt that hard to plug into a computer and just flash an update from your ROM maker.
I think roms in the past have tried it before, just didnt end up working out I think

Doesn't ROM Mgr sort of do this already? Track new ROMs and updates for you and let you download and flash them?

yeah basically ROM manager is quite literally getting an OTA update from your specific ROM developer. i see what you mean that you dont get a pop up from them. but for all purposes, you check rom manager for a new version, download it, and it flashes it for you automatically, all OTA.

Oh, this is too funny. I normally wouldn't bother, but I just watched this Cyanogen Mod V7 Preview demo video on youtube, and at the 3:42 mark he shows the screen that allows you to enable OTA notification of ROM updates.
So, the answer to the OP is that they can, it's just most don't choose to for one reason or another...

Correct. The latest CyanogenMOD 7 Alpha 2-2 released January 6, 2011 for the Nexus S now has an OTA option.

Well I need to look through the rom more and the reason I do not like rom manager is because I do not want to pay $5 just for that but thanks everyone here.

tominater12 said:
Well I need to look through the rom more and the reason I do not like rom manager is because I do not want to pay $5 just for that but thanks everyone here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're using CM7 Alpha (latest), go to Settings then CyanogenMOD Settings, and it's there on top "Update Notifications"

tominater12 said:
Well I need to look through the rom more and the reason I do not like rom manager is because I do not want to pay $5 just for that but thanks everyone here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I paid the $5 as a thank you to Koush for all his development support of the devices I own, not for the features of it - I hardly use it at all.
I do however use his CWM recovery, his root instructions and files, and he's the main dev for Cyanogen Mod on the NS. Several of my phones are much better experiences because of his work. He doesn't ask for direct donations, he just says "if you like my work, please buy one of my apps."
YMMV.

This is the first time I have actually used a koush rom but I do see where you are coming from. I just thought that titanium backup and root explorer were better deals.
distortedloop said:
I paid the $5 as a thank you to Koush for all his development support of the devices I own, not for the features of it - I hardly use it at all.
I do however use his CWM recovery, his root instructions and files, and he's the main dev for Cyanogen Mod on the NS. Several of my phones are much better experiences because of his work. He doesn't ask for direct donations, he just says "if you like my work, please buy one of my apps."
YMMV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

Rooting/roms/flashing HELP

Hi. Im fairly new to the Android OS. I just switched from an iphone. And ive been seeing/hearing a lot of talk about rooting, flashing roms, etc. I know that there are probably many threads on this, but I just wanted to know what are the pros and cons of rooting, flashing roms and such. And if I decide to do so, how do I? What rom would be best (for my sgs4g)? Sorry if this was too muxh to ask. Thanks in advance
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA Premium App

edwenoid said:
Hi. Im fairly new to the Android OS. I just switched from an iphone. And ive been seeing/hearing a lot of talk about rooting, flashing roms, etc. I know that there are probably many threads on this, but I just wanted to know what are the pros and cons of rooting, flashing roms and such. And if I decide to do so, how do I? What rom would be best (for my sgs4g)? Sorry if this was too muxh to ask. Thanks in advance
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well right now, the best ROM you can have is Gingerbread, which just came out recently.
Rooting is very similar to Jailbreaking when it comes to iPhone; it allows you to perform speed tweaks, and enable functionality not available on standard software.
As for flashing these ROMs, make sure you download a program called ODIN.
Before that, install the Samsung USB Drivers and read THIS.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=849028
I compiled a few tutorials on some various tweaks on my site as well, and have a few download links for files if you need them.
Good luck!

danstheman7 said:
Well right now, the best ROM you can have is Gingerbread, which just came out recently.
Rooting is very similar to Jailbreaking when it comes to iPhone; it allows you to perform speed tweaks, and enable functionality not available on standard software.
As for flashing these ROMs, make sure you download a program called ODIN.
Before that, install the Samsung USB Drivers and read THIS.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=849028
I compiled a few tutorials on some various tweaks on my site as well, and have a few download links for files if you need them.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im not sure that Gingerbread would be the best choice right now for someone just starting out. It appears that the ROM that whitehawkx just releases still has a few bugs to be worked out. I would say that Bionix is probably a better choice for the moment.

Hah thanks. But I just had a few more questions. Do I need to be rooted to install gingerbread? Is flashing necessary? And is installing the new software just as easy as jailbreaking like an iphone?
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA Premium App

First off. Post in the correct section. This belongs in General. Please try searching before making a new thread. You know that this has been answered several times in multiple threads. I came from and Iphone too and I took the time to do the research. First just go to the Bible for SGS 4G. You'll find it here in this section. Make sure you read everything. I too was a noob but I took the time to read everything before posting a new thread on what's been answered just for your convenience.

edwenoid said:
Hah thanks. But I just had a few more questions. Do I need to be rooted to install gingerbread? Is flashing necessary? And is installing the new software just as easy as jailbreaking like an iphone?
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would suggest doing TONS of reading on all the topics related to flashing/rooting/etc... Another reason why I think Gingerbread would be a bad choice for you right now is because I don't think ClockworkMod works with it yet. Without CWM you won't be able to do things like installing zips from your SD card and doing complete backups of your phone in case you mess something up. Yes, you will need to be rooted in order to flash to a new ROM. Flashing is only necessary if you want a ROM. Like what you have? Then don't flash.
Android is a pretty easy OS to use when you get used to it. But make sure that you take it slow and read everything carefully. Hope this helps.

Thanks for all the feedback everyone.. I'll be sure to look into this morw before I decide what to do.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA Premium App

yentlequible said:
Im not sure that Gingerbread would be the best choice right now for someone just starting out. It appears that the ROM that whitehawkx just releases still has a few bugs to be worked out. I would say that Bionix is probably a better choice for the moment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ehh, I've been running on Gingerbread and aside from a single bluetooth issue, I really have no complaints.
Bionix is a good choice too, though. You may be right in suggesting that as a beginners ROM.
So, Go with Bionix, edwenoid, it'll allow you to do many more tweaks.
Remember, this might seem pretty complicated at first, but I've had a Galaxy S 4G for only about a month now and i'm not too bad at this whole tweaking thingamajig

Thread closed please search before you post.

Don't use rom manager aka rom mangler!!! Thanks management!!!

Thanks management
SORRY luc or any mod that will delete this lol just going though the recent threads and no matter what we say they always seem to install it!!!
close or delete at your leasure
please use krylons cwm final
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1099374
if you installed rom manager delete it and take the update.zip from krylons thread and put it to the root of your sd card..
*Note*
Newer kernels dont require this as cwm is built directly into the kernel..

ROM Mangler now thats funny thanks for the laugh epic win sauce that octane is lol
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda premium

I just got done reading this thread about not using Rom Manager EVER on the SGS4g, so I went ahead and used it and my phone boot loops now....what gives? I figured that it may work with a vibrant ROM as I heard it works on the regular galaxy s, so I Odin back to stock, reinstalled Rom manager and flashed cm7 for the vibrant...now my phone won't even boot...what gives? Can someone tell me what I'm doing wrong? It's almost like Rom manager doesn't work on this phone or something. Someone should make a step by step guide for flashing this phone...you know, like an SGS4G Bible.
Sent from my boot looping SGH-T959V.

My screenz lookz like a ra1nb0w! Zomg wtfbbq!!!1!11!!!
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App

That would be freaking awesome if this helps.... however people would have to read BEFORE using their "knowledge" of all things android.

htaak said:
I just got done reading this thread about not using Rom Manager EVER on the SGS4g, so I went ahead and used it and my phone boot loops now....what gives? I figured that it may work with a vibrant ROM as I heard it works on the regular galaxy s, so I Odin back to stock, reinstalled Rom manager and flashed cm7 for the vibrant...now my phone won't even boot...what gives? Can someone tell me what I'm doing wrong? It's almost like Rom manager doesn't work on this phone or something. Someone should make a step by step guide for flashing this phone...you know, like an SGS4G Bible.
Sent from my boot looping SGH-T959V.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+ 1
Sent from my GT-P7510 using xda premium

jigglynuts said:
That would be freaking awesome if this helps.... however people would have to read BEFORE using their "knowledge" of all things android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whats funny is that because this is in the wrong section... I guarantee 50 noobs have read it... Put it in the right section and those 50 will ask some stupid ass question about it.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App

wanna know whats even funnier
the mods stickied it lol

htaak said:
I just got done reading this thread about not using Rom Manager EVER on the SGS4g, so I went ahead and used it and my phone boot loops now....what gives? I figured that it may work with a vibrant ROM as I heard it works on the regular galaxy s, so I Odin back to stock, reinstalled Rom manager and flashed cm7 for the vibrant...now my phone won't even boot...what gives? Can someone tell me what I'm doing wrong? It's almost like Rom manager doesn't work on this phone or something. Someone should make a step by step guide for flashing this phone...you know, like an SGS4G Bible.
Sent from my boot looping SGH-T959V.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's something I've been seeing WAY too much these days!
EDIT: I just noticed I have 69 thanks. ;D

Yeah stickies. Bet it still gets asked twenty times a week though.

What consequences will have installing Rom Manager?
What if I installed it but didn't use it?
I'm experiencing a lot of crashes and reboots and maybe I've finally found the reason.

mozXegX said:
What consequences will have installing Rom Manager?
What if I installed it but didn't use it?
I'm experiencing a lot of crashes and reboots and maybe I've finally found the reason.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it would have effected people trying to install roms though it ....

mozXegX said:
What consequences will have installing Rom Manager?
What if I installed it but didn't use it?
I'm experiencing a lot of crashes and reboots and maybe I've finally found the reason.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you installed it and didn't use it, no problem.
If you used it to 'install', then you earned a one way trip to using Odin to get everything back.

Raver, if you don't mind could you please make the title have capital letters and not lowercase like it does. There is no reason for it other than everytime I open the forum, it bugs me. Also, what is up with the "bold" html command ""?

I wonder what goes through other peoples heads when they decide hey I'm going to root my phone and install a custom Rom. I mean the first thing I did was a Google search on how to root SGS4G. That lead me to XDA. Then I found the actual SGS4G forum and began searching for guides. This was the same process for my MT3G and my G1. I don't understand why people would just grab Rom manager and assume it's a cure all. Boggles the mind.

Locobato said:
I wonder what goes through other peoples heads when they decide hey I'm going to root my phone and install a custom Rom. I mean the first thing I did was a Google search on how to root SGS4G. That lead me to XDA. Then I found the actual SGS4G forum and began searching for guides. This was the same process for my MT3G and my G1. I don't understand why people would just grab Rom manager and assume it's a cure all. Boggles the mind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats how i did it for this phone and my g1 too!

Locobato said:
I wonder what goes through other peoples heads when they decide hey I'm going to root my phone and install a custom Rom. I mean the first thing I did was a Google search on how to root SGS4G. That lead me to XDA. Then I found the actual SGS4G forum and began searching for guides. This was the same process for my MT3G and my G1. I don't understand why people would just grab Rom manager and assume it's a cure all. Boggles the mind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that works out fine if the first thing you get led to is xda, but if you are unlucky like me then you end up at joe schmoe's tech blog or something similar and they tell you that any android phone can be "hacked" with superoneclick and rom manager. thats where the true issue lies, imo: that not the sites state the same info and most of that is wrong.

Thanks raver!

Locobato said:
I wonder what goes through other peoples heads when they decide hey I'm going to root my phone and install a custom Rom. I mean the first thing I did was a Google search on how to root SGS4G. That lead me to XDA. Then I found the actual SGS4G forum and began searching for guides. This was the same process for my MT3G and my G1. I don't understand why people would just grab Rom manager and assume it's a cure all. Boggles the mind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 Sure there were multiple sites related to the subject, which is why you take a little bit of time to examine more than one. I know I didn't just click the first option and run with it.

This post got me thinking. We have the SGS4G Bible but apparently it can be a little overwhelming and too much information for some people to digest before they start modding their phones.
Keeping the biblical theme maybe a simplified "SGS4G TEN COMMANDMENTS" that contain the ten most common questions and answers, noob mistakes, and does and don'ts in one place. Simple, easy to read, and easy to refer people to. For example...
Commandment 1: DO NOT USE ROM MANAGER...EVER!
Commandment 2: DO NOT FLASH VIBRANT ROMS....EVER! - THE SGS4G IS NOT A VIBRANT!
etc, etc....you get the idea.
Any thoughts?

[Bounty] Someone who will help me root/unlock bootloader/flash stock android rom

Hey,
I'm offering a $20 bounty to whoever would like to have a Skype chat with me (video preferably) and help me root/unlock bootloader/flash a rom. I come from the land of jailbreaking iPhones and this whole root stuff seems a hella more complicated.
Here is my situation:
I am updated to the latest version of android (4.0.4) with the latest OTAs from Verizon. My baseband is the latest VRLG7 version. I would like someone who has gone through this whole process or someone with credibility on XDA.
There is so much compatibility checks that you must do that it is too hard for a newbie like me to risk my $600+ device.
I am running stock TouchWiz with no mods or root or anything.
Please reply and I will PM you shortly.
Thanks!

There is still the option of posting your doubts here on XDA, and paying nothing..
If you are still unsure of what you are doing, then perhaps you should read up on this stuff, and maybe even watch some videos on people doing things like this. Modifications to the firmware of the phone should not be attempted unless you know what you are doing.

I would help you for free. But I'm at work for another five hours. So I'm no help right now.
There's a root tool you can use.
From there, use unlock boot loader app from market.
Install Rom manager. Flash recovery.
Install room as needed. I have files at home to use. I can upload them later.
There are guides all over the forum. Look in the development section.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Biggest mistake you can make is to pay someone else to walk you thru this and in the process, learn nothing about your new phone.
Everything you need is in these forums. Read all the stickies ... read them again ... and then, again. Rooting and unlocking your bootloader are pretty much one click propositions.
Then, when you are ready to play with root privileges, you will understand modems, kernels, ROMs, rom themes, build.prop tweaks, etc. ... and won't do something stupid, like trying to flash an I9300 ROM to your I535.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

pdinphx said:
Biggest mistake you can make is to pay someone else to walk you thru this and in the process, learn nothing about your new phone.
Everything you need is in these forums. Read all the stickies ... read them again ... and then, again. Rooting and unlocking your bootloader are pretty much one click propositions.
Then, when you are ready to play with root privileges, you will understand modems, kernels, ROMs, rom themes, build.prop tweaks, etc. ... and won't do something stupid, like trying to flash an I9300 ROM to your I535.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, everything you need is in these forums, but I could definitely see it being more reassuring, less stressful, and less time consuming to have someone explaining the process as it's happening. Hands on learning and instruction.
The fact that he is willing to pay someone $20 for their time and expertise is pretty cool of him. A lot of users on here just expect tech support for free, lol.
If you still want a live walk through, I'd do it.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

click on the link in my sig and donate the 20.00 to Team Sbrissen Mod to help them get a s3!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1908591

I completely understand the fear. I've been rooting and roming since the Original Droid and I still get nervous each time I try doing it with a new phone. However some amazing people here put together some truly impressive tools and tutorials. Follow them step by step and you'll succeed. Destroying the phone to a point where it's not fixable is usually not that easy.
Personally I used this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1762709 and everything was SUPER easy.
Once you do it a few times you really do lose the fear, in my case it always comes back with each new phone.
Just for the record, I'm very happy with my S3 and the only reason I even rooted was to make it not turn on when the home button was pressed. I had it in a pouch and it kept getting pressed in my pocket.

Wow. Just a few hours and I got PM's from people showing me how to do it all for free. You guys are truly amazing. It's so great that we have such a large community on XDA with such helpful and supportive people.
My new reasons that people should switch to android.
1. Great OS with endless customization
2. A rock star community of wonderful people
Thanks so much guys.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Welcome to freedom , just read up because everything you need to know is either in this forum/YouTube or you can Google it .if you need help I can helpyou with the basics.(for free)first golden rule after you root is make a backup of your system using cwm..ez-recovery.can't stress enuff how that will get you out of trouble and head aches.all I can say is read read and read more....

To unlock the bootlaoder make sure u get ez unlocker v1.2 i heard the later version arent working right if u want i have a copy of the v1.2 us loaded in my dropbox this is a link of it
http://db.tt/4zyQrkwa
Oh and back up ur imei
Sent from Land Line using Clean Rom 2.½ PayPhone

Update

Ok i want to update my sidekick but what should i update it with and what should the mounts look like and stuff

You may find this thread very helpful.
Sent from my Sidekick using xda app-developers app [also, where's my L, Samsung?]

my phone is not stock tho i just want to make sure if i already put a custom rom in it will i be able to install another rom without worrying about anything

You asked about updating and what the mounts should look like. If you are aready rooted and using CWM then just skip to the part that explains wiping and installing.
Sent from my Sidekick using xda app-developers app [also, where's my L, Samsung? Where? I want it back now!]

so i am safe to just install the rom then

well

What are you trying to do? Install a new ROM? I'm guessing you have a custom ROM already but want to change it to another custom ROM? When you say safe, safe from what? Can you please elaborate?

Foorperif said:
so i am safe to just install the rom then
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nobody is responding to you because
1 your questions been answered already
2 you didn't read anything because if you did you would have easily found the answer
3 read the forums
And just to proove I'm not being a total ****
You can switch to any Rom from a custom Rom as long as the firmware base is the same.
Always wipe all data and cache factory reset before flashing a new Rom unless specified in the Rom that there is no wipe needed.
Never restore data with titanium backup when changing Roma it can cause conflicts and crashes.
Sent from my Amaze using xda app-developers app

eMJaaay said:
What are you trying to do? Install a new ROM? I'm guessing you have a custom ROM already but want to change it to another custom ROM? When you say safe, safe from what? Can you please elaborate?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i mean safe as in i wont brick it because i did brick it before with my old one and i really dont want to brick it again
so i did back up my data with titanium but are you saying i shouldnt restore it

Foorperif said:
i mean safe as in i wont brick it because i did brick it before with my old one and i really dont want to brick it again
so i did back up my data with titanium but are you saying i shouldnt restore it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your using the same Rom restoring data is fine but if its a different Rom just restore apps with no data
Sent from my Team Nightmare Amaze4G with Sense 4.0

ok what rom should i get because my sidekick keeps freezing on me and i am getting mad at it

Foorperif said:
ok what rom should i get because my sidekick keeps freezing on me and i am getting mad at it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*facepalm*
Sent from my Team Nightmare Amaze4G with Sense 4.0

Foorperif said:
ok what rom should i get because my sidekick keeps freezing on me and i am getting mad at it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get an iphone...

As someone said lady GET AN I PHONE! I have never told someone that ,but I've never come across someone so unsuited to a rooted phone.
You are driving pple crazy who are trying to help !!!!
Custom roms are not for everyone. You can't expect others to read your mind ,or answer every single tiny point. Go and learn. Go and find info. It takes time and effort to pick the skills up. Its not hard but you have to put the effort in if you expect others to spend time helping you !
Someone close this thread Please!!
Sent from a secure location...........

all i was asking is what is a good rom
ok i got it fine now thank you for helping me

Foorperif said:
all i was asking is what is a good rom
ok i got it fine now thank you for helping me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using GOV3.2 and have had very few problems with it

Hahaha....Good Lord.
Sent from my SGH-T839 using xda premium

Roms are like clothes for our phones. You dress according to the enviorment in which you will be around. We canot tell you what combintion is the best. It totaly depends on you. Invest time in finding out what rom offers you what you need. Honestly... in my own personal opinion, there is no rom besides glorious overdose that worth installing. Half of what the other roms offer cause glitches in the rom.. and are themed... something you can do yourself. I appreciate the work done on this phone and to the devs currently deving for this phone, kudos. Let's go byond the "impossible" and make this phone a bit more exciting. Cause deving isn't for fame. Its for the thrill of having the chance to creat something someone somewhere will enjoy.

riflez said:
Roms are like clothes for our phones. You dress according to the enviorment in which you will be around. We canot tell you what combintion is the best. It totaly depends on you. Invest time in finding out what rom offers you what you need. Honestly... in my own personal opinion, there is no rom besides glorious overdose that worth installing. Half of what the other roms offer cause glitches in the rom.. and are themed... something you can do yourself. I appreciate the work done on this phone and to the devs currently deving for this phone, kudos. Let's go byond the "impossible" and make this phone a bit more exciting. Cause deving isn't for fame. Its for the thrill of having the chance to creat something someone somewhere will enjoy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At this time last year, I was anxiously awaiting GOV. There were others but I only trusted ayoteddy at the time. After some time, I tried others and always went back to GOV.
I do these roms because after using root uninstaller to customize it my way, I figured that I should learn how to do this myself.
My roms will never be like GOV....it is perfection. I just do this to occupy my time. I am a recovering alcoholic and this has been sort of like a hobby for me.
My list of fave roms include GOV, GenericGinger, ICS Domination, Clean Fusion (Although now it cannot play YouTube within the web browser) and TouchMIUIwiz.
Sent from my SGH-T839 using xda app-developers app