Database Info

Dear ROM Devs...

Thank you for all of your hard work on the D2. With the X, the competition is stiff, and it seems/feels like there are more of us that "ended up" with a D2 out of a warranty replacement than actually made the decision to buy one.
With that said, I am formally starting a bandwagon for an actual "stock" Android OS ROM. None of this color changing, applications because i like them, better home screen, etc., etc., stuff. I want to see an "actual" Android vanilla ROM for the D2.
I can't be the minority in this request.
I appreciate all of the work that you guys do, I really do. If I had the time to invest in this, I'd build the damn thing myself, but I dont, so I have to rely on you guys.
Thanks.

I'm on the bandwagon.

I believe doing this would require cracking m-shield/efuse in order to get a custom kernel in place, which to my knowledge hasn't been done, nor am I even sure if anyone is actively working on it.

psionicalpha said:
I believe doing this would require cracking m-shield/efuse in order to get a custom kernel in place, which to my knowledge hasn't been done, nor am I even sure if anyone is actively working on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm not asking for a kernel. i'm asking the ROM developers to go stock with their approach as opposed to customizing. That's why i used quotes on "OS". I want a clean ROM that reflects as much as the actual Android OS as possible.

640k said:
i'm not asking for a kernel. i'm asking the ROM developers to go stock with their approach as opposed to customizing. That's why i used quotes on "OS". I want a clean ROM that reflects as much as the actual Android OS as possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you root your device you can clean out the stock rom yourself. Follow the remove bloatware guide. Once you clean it out you can install launcherpro which IMO is the best home replacement out there. I believe it will be some time before there is a vanilla rom for the d2. We will always need the dialer and a few other apps that are tied into other blur apps.

MotoBoy said:
If you root your device you can clean out the stock rom yourself. Follow the remove bloatware guide. Once you clean it out you can install launcherpro which IMO is the best home replacement out there. I believe it will be some time before there is a vanilla rom for the d2. We will always need the dialer and a few other apps that are tied into other blur apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
removing "bloat" doesn't cut it for me. i'm already running launcherpro without root and it gets me by. the ROM devs are working hard to bring things back to normal and they're doing a good job. i just don't want to have to pick between a broken phone icon and a black notification bar.
i'm not asking for miracles. i recognize that most of blur is limiting this activity. that's why i'm asking for just a clean ROM. as apks become available and more of blur can be replaced, the ROM will get better.

640k said:
i'm not asking for a kernel. i'm asking the ROM developers to go stock with their approach as opposed to customizing. That's why i used quotes on "OS". I want a clean ROM that reflects as much as the actual Android OS as possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is harder than you think. Moto modified many services that build with dependencies on the kernel. If we had access to Motos kernel source, then we could just build the vanilla rom directly with google source and be done. Since this is not currently an option, you need to have services that happen to be compatible with the kernal and Motos current structure which is also difficult. Its easy for simple apps that can be switched out like mail and such. But not everything is that easy to swap out. Pull and replace some services on your phone and your phone won't start, because an alternative will not work because the blur service is expressly called, or expected to function in a very "Moto way".
I don't think people are avoiding the stock approach because they don't want stock, I think it hasn't happened (yet) because Moto has made it difficult. Right now its like a Jenga tower. We keep pulling blocks to see which one won't cause the tower to fall. Pull the wrong one...oops we won't pull that one next time. If we could rebuild it from scratch, it would be much easier, because you could build it in the image you wanted opposed to doing surgery to mimic what you want.

facelessuser said:
It is harder than you think. Moto modified many services that build with dependencies on the kernel. If we had access to Motos kernel source, then we could just build the vanilla rom directly with google source and be done. Since this is not currently an option, you need to have services that happen to be compatible with the kernal and Motos current structure which is also difficult. Its easy for simple apps that can be switched out like mail and such. But not everything is that easy to swap out. Pull and replace some services on your phone and your phone won't start, because an alternative will not work because the blur service is expressly called, or expected to function in a very "Moto way".
I don't think people are avoiding the stock approach because they don't want stock, I think it hasn't happened (yet) because Moto has made it difficult. Right now its like a Jenga tower. We keep pulling blocks to see which one won't cause the tower to fall. Pull the wrong one...oops we won't pull that one next time. If we could rebuild it from scratch, it would be much easier, because you could build it in the image you wanted opposed to doing surgery to mimic what you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this i get, and recognize. but if you read through current ROMs (all two of them), there ARE tweaks that i just don't want/agree with.
i dealt with this alot with WinMo and i've avoided putting ANY ROM on my D1. blur is so terrible, all i want is my D1 one back.. but in my D2's body.

I think these ROM developers simply have no choice but to do the tweaks they've done because Moto services can't just be taken out, they have to be replaced instead of the original so the phone would still work.
We just have to wait, time solves everything, even Moto

facelessuser said:
It is harder than you think. Moto modified many services that build with dependencies on the kernel. If we had access to Motos kernel source, then we could just build the vanilla rom directly with google source and be done. Since this is not currently an option, you need to have services that happen to be compatible with the kernal and Motos current structure which is also difficult. Its easy for simple apps that can be switched out like mail and such. But not everything is that easy to swap out. Pull and replace some services on your phone and your phone won't start, because an alternative will not work because the blur service is expressly called, or expected to function in a very "Moto way".
I don't think people are avoiding the stock approach because they don't want stock, I think it hasn't happened (yet) because Moto has made it difficult. Right now its like a Jenga tower. We keep pulling blocks to see which one won't cause the tower to fall. Pull the wrong one...oops we won't pull that one next time. If we could rebuild it from scratch, it would be much easier, because you could build it in the image you wanted opposed to doing surgery to mimic what you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
640k said:
this i get, and recognize. but if you read through current ROMs (all two of them), there ARE tweaks that i just don't want/agree with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apparently you don't get it. As stated, stock Android will require the kernel source, which we don't have.
As a former Ion and Nexus One owner who flashed probably a hundred ROMs, I can honestly say Froyo and root is enough to make me happy. Many of the tweaks custom ROMs offered are now built in (they came from AOSP to begin with) and the hardware has advanced to the point that swapper and overclocking aren't necessary. Frankly I'm not sure what more you could want that isn't possible without root and launcher replacements.

640k said:
this i get, and recognize. but if you read through current ROMs (all two of them), there ARE tweaks that i just don't want/agree with.
i dealt with this alot with WinMo and i've avoided putting ANY ROM on my D1. blur is so terrible, all i want is my D1 one back.. but in my D2's body.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am like you. On my D1 I only used OEM ROMs that I modifed myself. I did the same to my D2 and it runs just like my D1. Their are only two differences. Backup assistant services is still running in the backgroud and I still have the messaging app. I removed all blur widgets and all the bloatware I don't need. If I can get rid of the backup assistant I would be very close to plain ROM. Once you remove everything you can safely you are not too far away from a vanilla ROM.

karnovaran said:
Apparently you don't get it. As stated, stock Android will require the kernel source, which we don't have and likely never will.
As a former Ion and Nexus One owner who flashed probably a hundred ROMs, I can honestly say Froyo and root is enough to make me happy. Many of the tweaks custom ROMs offered are now built in (they came from AOSP to begin with) and the hardware has advanced to the point that swapper and overclocking aren't necessary. Frankly I'm not sure what more you could want that isn't possible without root and launcher replacements.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well said. This is not my first android phone either. I have also used Cyanogen and others. Root is more than enough for me.
Back in the day, the custom Roms were pushing us into new territories, giving us features we didn't already have; that was why I wanted them. Now I have everything I need with stock and root. There are so many replacement launchers, lockscreens, etc. Going vanilla is just icing on the the cake; if it ever happens at all.
All of blur's UI flaws and app quirks hardly bug me much at all; I can happily live with them if I have to. Overall, the Droid 2 is a great phone as it is ( with root of course ).

I think i might get my head bitten off for this but id be happy with a stock deoxed rom with the stupid bloat apps removed.
I've come to like the blur widgets and features, well except for the contacts sync issue with facebook.

jerseyh22accord said:
I think i might get my head bitten off for this but id be happy with a stock deoxed rom with the stupid bloat apps removed.
I've come to like the blur widgets and features, well except for the contacts sync issue with facebook.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you goto droidforums.net and in the Xeudoxus ROM section you will see the xultimate thread which is what you need to deodex a rom yourself. If you have the android sdk installed already it is not much work to do. Just follow the instructions and read through the thread for problems that may pop up.

karnovaran said:
Apparently you don't get it. As stated, stock Android will require the kernel source, which we don't have.
As a former Ion and Nexus One owner who flashed probably a hundred ROMs, I can honestly say Froyo and root is enough to make me happy. Many of the tweaks custom ROMs offered are now built in (they came from AOSP to begin with) and the hardware has advanced to the point that swapper and overclocking aren't necessary. Frankly I'm not sure what more you could want that isn't possible without root and launcher replacements.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
apparently you don't get it.
you're not reading what i'm asking. there are ROM devs out now, doing the work. they can debloat and use as many stock apps as possible (or as available). i'm not asking for miracles. i'm asking devs not to customize what they're doing.
i'm asking for standard looks, not black themes. i'm asking for stock apps, where possible. i'm asking for it to work.
don't come in here and thread crap because you don't understand what i'm saying/asking.

MotoBoy said:
If you goto droidforums.net and in the Xeudoxus ROM section you will see the xultimate thread which is what you need to deodex a rom yourself. If you have the android sdk installed already it is not much work to do. Just follow the instructions and read through the thread for problems that may pop up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, i did it before i ran 928droid's theme and epic's rom to change the text to white in the notification bar. Lost it when i restored my nandroid of stock but i could do it again. Just saying if i flash a rom i want it deoxed

I am working on this. Please just wait.

Newbie here. I have rooted my D2, but I haven't yet installed a new ROM. Is there any way that I can use a D1 ROM in my D2?
Sent from my DROID2 using XDA App

640k said:
apparently you don't get it.
you're not reading what i'm asking. there are ROM devs out now, doing the work. they can debloat and use as many stock apps as possible (or as available). i'm not asking for miracles. i'm asking devs not to customize what they're doing.
i'm asking for standard looks, not black themes. i'm asking for stock apps, where possible. i'm asking for it to work.
don't come in here and thread crap because you don't understand what i'm saying/asking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe I (and others) misinterpreted, but you said stock and vanilla multiple times.
Sorry, but I just don't take well to people starting threads like this. Either do the work yourself, contact a developer directly to inquire about their intentions, or sit tight and wait. It's this kind of "gimme" attitude in forums that scares away talented people.

What the hell? Do it yourself. Are you really acting like this because you don't like black notification bars? If it upsets you so much, learn how to change it. Requests are fine. Acting indignant because you don't know what "I want a vanilla ROM" means is rude.

Android OS Like A Double-Edged Sword

I'm wondering what others thoughts are on this. I know the majority of people here will without doubt support and enjoy Android. I believe all the things I like and enjoy about Android come at a price. The customization we are allowed on a stock Android device is amazing. I'm still using a stock device now. Other than crapware I'm very happy with what I can do. To those who say that's one of the things iOS has over Android I say that's why Android has Nexus devices. Same with the "we don't have to wait for software updates with iOS" remark. Google has that covered with the Nexus devices too.
With all these choices and ability to download all kinds of applications I believe that's a big reason why Android devices have more problems than iOS devices. Let me explain more. We can change all these features (stock) that requires a hacked iPhone. But all these "Force Closes" and worse of all "Factory Reset" affect me way more than I ever experienced with iPhone devices. Every Android device I have owned has needed at least 3 Factory Resets. Versus maybe 1 time I did out of multiple iPhone devices. And with Android its not like you can plug it in to your computer and get everything back exactly how you had it with every application/info put back.
I would not doubt those reports that say Android devices are returned at a higher rate than iOS devices. How much higher I would question. I do install over 120+ applications on my stock Android devices. Now all my iPhone devices have handled those applications with no problem. It's only when I jailbroke my iPhone and installed about 4-5 jailbreak apps that my multiple iPhones started crashing. So 120+ STOCK iOS apps are fine. But 4-5 jailbreak apps made devices crash. My Android device is doing random reboots at times (not many or every day) and doing Force Closes with my 120+ STOCK applications. It may have been a jailbreak iPhone or not that I did a "Restore" (don't remember). Either way it was only once compared to more than I remember with Android devices.
I believe it's Apple's tight control that helps it not have as many problems like I experience with Android devices (yes I know they make the software and hardware). Having a iPhone I usually jailbreak it. Using Android I usually keep it stock. I enjoy all the features and specs Android devices offer to give it up. I like my iPhone 4 but not enough to use it over my Android device allowing 35+Mbps download speeds. But control and freedom seems to come at a cost.
NOTE: I do believe a lot of customers will not have over 120+ applications on there Android smartphone at one time. Or change all kinds of core functions (dialer, messenger service, using apps like Launcher Pro, etc.) And I believe these customers will have none of the problems I described.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App

davidstech11 said:
I'm wondering what others thoughts are on this. I know the majority of people here will without doubt support and enjoy Android. I believe all the things I like and enjoy about Android come at a price. The customization we are allowed on a stock Android device is amazing. I'm still using a stock device now. Other than crapware I'm very happy with what I can do. To those who say that's one of the things iOS has over Android I say that's why Android has Nexus devices. Same with the "we don't have to wait for software updates with iOS" remark. Google has that covered with the Nexus devices too. With all these choices and ability to download all kinds of applications I believe that's a big reason why Android devices have more problems than iOS devices. Let me explain more. We can change all these features (stock) that requires a hacked iPhone. But all these "Force Closes" and worse of all "Factory Reset" affect me way more than I ever experienced with iPhone devices. Every Android device is have owned has needed at least 3 Factory Resets. Versus maybe 1 time I did out of multiple iPhone devices. And with Android its not like you can plug it in to your computer and get everything back exactly how you had it with every application/info put back. I would not doubt those reports that say Android devices are returned at a higher rate than iOS devices. How much higher I would question. I do install over 120+ applications on my stock Android devices. Now all my iPhone devices have handled all those applications with no problem. It's only when I jailbroke my iPhone and installed about 4-5 jailbreak apps that my multiple iPhones started crashing. So 120+ STOCK iOS apps are fine. But 4-5 jailbreak apps made devices crash. My Android device is doing random reboots at times (not many or every day) and doing Force Closes with my 120+ STOCK applications. It may have been a jailbreak iPhone or not that I did a "Restore" (don't remember). Either way it was only once compared to more than I remember with Android devices. I believe it's Apple's tight control that helps it not have as many problems like I experience with Android devices (yes I know they make the software and hardware). Having a iPhone I usually jailbreak it. Using Android I usually keep it stock. I enjoy all the features and specs Android devices offer to give it up. I like my iPhone 4 but not enough to use it over my Android device allowing 35+Mbps download speeds. But control and freedom seems to come at a cost.
NOTE: I do believe a lot of customers will not have over 120+ applications on there Android smartphone at one time. Or change all kinds of core functions (dialer, messenger service, using apps like Launcher Pro, etc.) And I believe these customers will have none of the problems I described.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
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I like this, its an android user admitting to androids faults but still loving it rather than just avoiding the negatives, kudos my friend.

This is a cool story, bro, but can you please go back and break up the giant wall of text? It was really hard to read.

I will. Thanks for the heads up.
Sent from my ADR6400L using xda premium

good to see that xda's number one troll is back but op you probably would not have those issues is you rooted your device and maybe overclocked it

davidstech11 said:
1) With all these choices and ability to download all kinds of applications I believe that's a big reason why Android devices have more problems than iOS devices.
2) Every Android device I have owned has needed at least 3 Factory Resets.
3) And with Android its not like you can plug it in to your computer and get everything back exactly how you had it with every application/info put back.
4) My Android device is doing random reboots at times (not many or every day) and doing Force Closes with my 120+ STOCK applications.
5) NOTE: I do believe a lot of customers will not have over 120+ applications on there Android smartphone at one time. Or change all kinds of core functions (dialer, messenger service, using apps like Launcher Pro, etc.) And I believe these customers will have none of the problems I described.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) well yeah.. it's like Mac v PC. Macs are, by and large, more stable than PCs, but PCs are much more highly customizable and have a much larger array of applications. the problem is compatibility across a wide range of hardware and OS versions, which PCs have addressed well, but not completely (much like Android). You pay for ability to customize with the potential to screw something up. almost the exact same story with Android v iOS.
2) formatting/wiping partitions is rarely "needed". it can be the easiest way to get rid of an elusive problem, but most of the time there is never a need to completely wipe your device. chances are if you had googled whatever problems that made you decide to start from scratch, you could have fixed the problem without a wipe. with that said, sometimes it's nice to have a clean slate.
3) sure it is... it's called Titanium Backup and it has been around for a long time. it can backup and restore all apps and app data. also, nandroid backups. not something you can do on a non-rooted, nand-locked device at this point, but I imagine that won't be the case forever.
4) that's not because you have 120+ applications, it's because one (or some) of those applications aren't playing nice together. again, usually fixable with some googling and cleaning up. again, this is the price we pay for a fragmented OS spread across many different types of hardware. also, no external application is "STOCK" so I don't know what you mean by that. stock as in not rooted?
5) I'm pretty sure a great many people have 120+ apps installed. out of the box with basic functions only, you're already more than halfway there even on an AOSP rom.
lots of people dive into Android expecting to be able to change this and that without screwing something up. of course, lots of people don't realize that there is a method to Android's madness and start doing things they shouldn't.. that's when the force closes and instability occur. is it perfect? not even close. but with available smartphone OS choices, Android is the clear winner for me. iOS is slick and I love the iPhone, but I cannot support a company like Apple knowing the way they conduct business. WP7 looks promising, but it's still in its infancy and has several blaring omissions that make it unusable for me.

github said:
This is a cool story, bro, but can you please go back and break up the giant wall of text? It was really hard to read.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
agree,dont like read more .
make it clear，please

Good points. By "stock" I meant not rooted. As you mentioned already, being that I am not rooted I can't use Titanium Backup.
Factory Resets: It would be even more understanding it I rooted my device and started changing/adding things and then it starts messing up. Having said that I know we are allowed to change/add a lot without rooting our devices.
Window Phone 7: I agree that it looks promising. Nice polish to it. With Mango bringing some very nice improvements. Too early for me to say if I would switch over from Android though.

Good points. By "stock" I meant not rooted. As you mentioned already, being that I am not rooted I can't use Titanium Backup.
Factory Resets: It would be even more understanding it I rooted my device and started changing/adding things and then it starts messing up. Having said that I know we are allowed to change/add a lot without rooting our devices.
Window Phone 7: I agree that it looks promising. Nice polish to it. With Mango bringing some very nice improvements. Too early for me to say if I would switch over from Android though.

pmcqueen said:
1) well yeah.. it's like Mac v PC. Macs are, by and large, more stable than PCs, but PCs are much more highly customizable and have a much larger array of applications. the problem is compatibility across a wide range of hardware and OS versions, which PCs have addressed well, but not completely (much like Android). You pay for ability to customize with the potential to screw something up. almost the exact same story with Android v iOS.
2) formatting/wiping partitions is rarely "needed". it can be the easiest way to get rid of an elusive problem, but most of the time there is never a need to completely wipe your device. chances are if you had googled whatever problems that made you decide to start from scratch, you could have fixed the problem without a wipe. with that said, sometimes it's nice to have a clean slate.
3) sure it is... it's called Titanium Backup and it has been around for a long time. it can backup and restore all apps and app data. also, nandroid backups. not something you can do on a non-rooted, nand-locked device at this point, but I imagine that won't be the case forever.
4) that's not because you have 120+ applications, it's because one (or some) of those applications aren't playing nice together. again, usually fixable with some googling and cleaning up. again, this is the price we pay for a fragmented OS spread across many different types of hardware. also, no external application is "STOCK" so I don't know what you mean by that. stock as in not rooted?
5) I'm pretty sure a great many people have 120+ apps installed. out of the box with basic functions only, you're already more than halfway there even on an AOSP rom.
lots of people dive into Android expecting to be able to change this and that without screwing something up. of course, lots of people don't realize that there is a method to Android's madness and start doing things they shouldn't.. that's when the force closes and instability occur. is it perfect? not even close. but with available smartphone OS choices, Android is the clear winner for me. iOS is slick and I love the iPhone, but I cannot support a company like Apple knowing the way they conduct business. WP7 looks promising, but it's still in its infancy and has several blaring omissions that make it unusable for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Completely agree.
BTW, is jailbreaking allowed in XDA?

If companies to distribute quality phones, because in the android smartphone market a phone that is stable, with a solid design will sell more than once then one that needs factory resets. It's up to the consumers to support companies that provide us with the phones that have quality standards similar to iPhones or the nexus phone.

I do agree that the openness of Android is indeed it's double-edged sword. I think Google really needs to lock down the OS so custom skins from manufactures aren't allowed to skin and dilute the Android experience. The iPhone is going to offer a better use experience over non-Nexus devices because Apple's hardware is being specifically made for its software. This type of hardware/software integration is only occurring with the Nexus branded devices at this time. Hopefully, Google will make use of their new acquisition of Motorola Mobility to make some really premium devices for their OS.

Akulamenuri said:
I due agree that the openness of Android is indeed it's double-edged sword. I think Google really needs to lock down the OS so custom skins from manufactures aren't allowed to skin and dilute the Android experience. The iPhone is going to offer a better use experience over non-Nexus devices because Apple's hardware is being specifically made for its software. This type of hardware/software integration is only occurring with the Nexus branded devices at this time. Hopefully, Google will make use of their new acquisition of Motorola Mobility to make some really premium devices for their OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The "skins" usually are fine with me. If more of the carriers went like Sprint and started allowing us remove bloatware it would be great. Not everyone wants to hack there device. Let alone know how to. As much as we spend we shouldn't have to.
I never owned a Nexus device but the Nexus S does look like it has silky smooth scrolling that I like. As for how the Nexus S would be with the applications I use it don't know. Hopefully the rumors about the next Nexus device going to Verizon are true. I would love to have a Nexus device with LTE. Vanilla Android sounds great to me.
Sent from my ADR6400L using xda premium

rizdog23 said:
good to see that xda's number one troll is back but op you probably would not have those issues is you rooted your device and maybe overclocked it
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Click to collapse
Since I don't comment or come here much. Who is the "number one troll" you refer to?
Sent from my ADR6400L using xda premium

davidstech11 said:
I'm wondering what others thoughts are on this. I know the majority of people here will without doubt support and enjoy Android. I believe all the things I like and enjoy about Android come at a price. The customization we are allowed on a stock Android device is amazing. I'm still using a stock device now. Other than crapware I'm very happy with what I can do. To those who say that's one of the things iOS has over Android I say that's why Android has Nexus devices. Same with the "we don't have to wait for software updates with iOS" remark. Google has that covered with the Nexus devices too.
With all these choices and ability to download all kinds of applications I believe that's a big reason why Android devices have more problems than iOS devices. Let me explain more. We can change all these features (stock) that requires a hacked iPhone. But all these "Force Closes" and worse of all "Factory Reset" affect me way more than I ever experienced with iPhone devices. Every Android device I have owned has needed at least 3 Factory Resets. Versus maybe 1 time I did out of multiple iPhone devices. And with Android its not like you can plug it in to your computer and get everything back exactly how you had it with every application/info put back.
I would not doubt those reports that say Android devices are returned at a higher rate than iOS devices. How much higher I would question. I do install over 120+ applications on my stock Android devices. Now all my iPhone devices have handled those applications with no problem. It's only when I jailbroke my iPhone and installed about 4-5 jailbreak apps that my multiple iPhones started crashing. So 120+ STOCK iOS apps are fine. But 4-5 jailbreak apps made devices crash. My Android device is doing random reboots at times (not many or every day) and doing Force Closes with my 120+ STOCK applications. It may have been a jailbreak iPhone or not that I did a "Restore" (don't remember). Either way it was only once compared to more than I remember with Android devices.
I believe it's Apple's tight control that helps it not have as many problems like I experience with Android devices (yes I know they make the software and hardware). Having a iPhone I usually jailbreak it. Using Android I usually keep it stock. I enjoy all the features and specs Android devices offer to give it up. I like my iPhone 4 but not enough to use it over my Android device allowing 35+Mbps download speeds. But control and freedom seems to come at a cost.
NOTE: I do believe a lot of customers will not have over 120+ applications on there Android smartphone at one time. Or change all kinds of core functions (dialer, messenger service, using apps like Launcher Pro, etc.) And I believe these customers will have none of the problems I described.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Samsung Galaxy S II and have more than 400 apps installed don't ask me why
And I have rooted it
Never ever I have crashes so either I'm lucky or my device is super good

rizdog23 said:
good to see that xda's number one troll is back but op you probably would not have those issues is you rooted your device and maybe overclocked it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how would rooting, in and of itself, have any effect on system instability?
and overclocking? what?
neither of these suggestions will fix instability issues...
getting root access will enable you to dig deeper for troubleshooting FC issues/random reboots/etc, but you don't just root your device and have everything magically work that was broken beforehand. that ain't how it works.
if anything, overclocking might cause more issues, especially if you don't know what you're doing. double especially if you're using an external app to control your processor like setCPU. the only purpose overclocking serves is to make the device smoother and snappier. it doesn't fix anything except for UI lag if that is something you're experiencing (as dual core phones come out with more ram, lag on android will be a thing of the past. it's already non-existent on my MT4GS)

davidstech11 said:
Good points. By "stock" I meant not rooted. As you mentioned already, being that I am not rooted I can't use Titanium Backup.
Factory Resets: It would be even more understanding it I rooted my device and started changing/adding things and then it starts messing up. Having said that I know we are allowed to change/add a lot without rooting our devices.
Window Phone 7: I agree that it looks promising. Nice polish to it. With Mango bringing some very nice improvements. Too early for me to say if I would switch over from Android though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You bro you are a nOob you know??? so learn more about rooting, because it's have more functionality's!!!!!!!

What's with this crazy aggressiveness towards those who say Andorid should be at full performance without the need to root and hack around?
I mean, I get saying "well, there's a lot of tweaks if you root", that's cool. But this hostility and rudeness? I don't get it.

remzicavdar said:
You bro you are a nOob you know??? so learn more about rooting, because it's have more functionality's!!!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol. I could care less what you consider me.
Sent from my ADR6400L using xda premium

Was this even worth it?

Ok, so I've had this phone for about a year now (I rooted it right out the box) and I've been installing new roms and kernals for about a year too. The problem is, I still don't even see a real benefit of rooting. I was a former iOS user and I jailbroke it to get free apps and themes and stuff, which I thought was pretty cool. However, I simply like android better, so I got my HTC Thunderbolt. But I feel that after rooting I have accomplished nothing. Sure I'm able to use SetCPU, but the overclock doesn't even make a huge difference, and it "wears off" within a few minutes. Also, different ROMs all feel the same to me, the only thing that may be different is the look. Gingerbread imo is just a different lockscreen, and I still haven't installed a single theme correctly. Can someone plz argue these points and tell me how to take full advantage of this rooted thunderbolt?

djthunda12123 said:
Ok, so I've had this phone for about a year now (I rooted it right out the box) and I've been installing new roms and kernals for about a year too. The problem is, I still don't even see a real benefit of rooting. I was a former iOS user and I jailbroke it to get free apps and themes and stuff, which I thought was pretty cool. However, I simply like android better, so I got my HTC Thunderbolt. But I feel that after rooting I have accomplished nothing. Sure I'm able to use SetCPU, but the overclock doesn't even make a huge difference, and it "wears off" within a few minutes. Also, different ROMs all feel the same to me, the only thing that may be different is the look. Gingerbread imo is just a different lockscreen, and I still haven't installed a single theme correctly. Can someone plz argue these points and tell me how to take full advantage of this rooted thunderbolt?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The biggest advantage of rooting my phone is to get rid of all that bloatware crap, block ads and get better battery life. I just got a replacement and had to be on stock for a day before I got a chance to root again. Battery life was horrible with stock. In addition, I personally dont overclock since the phone is running smooth with these roms.

Why root? For me the answer was easy "because I can". I like the fact that I can mod my phone and remove things from it I don't like. Stock is fine and if that is what floats your boat that's cool. It's the same reason you jailbroke you iphone, so it's there when you need it.

Easy response. Free wifi tethering.

For me the biggest reason was for wifi tethering. Blows my mind I would have to pay an additional $30 for tethering ... and that is only for 2GB. It's rare that I use it, but it's nice to have the option.
Other reasons were to either freeze or uninstall apps you can't normally uninstall. I've tried a few roms, but really like sense. So currently running BAMF 1.0.7

If you felt no need to root, then you tried the wrong ROMs or missed doing the useful things that come with it.

djthunda12123 said:
Ok, so I've had this phone for about a year now (I rooted it right out the box) and I've been installing new roms and kernals for about a year too. The problem is, I still don't even see a real benefit of rooting. I was a former iOS user and I jailbroke it to get free apps and themes and stuff, which I thought was pretty cool. However, I simply like android better, so I got my HTC Thunderbolt. But I feel that after rooting I have accomplished nothing. Sure I'm able to use SetCPU, but the overclock doesn't even make a huge difference, and it "wears off" within a few minutes. Also, different ROMs all feel the same to me, the only thing that may be different is the look. Gingerbread imo is just a different lockscreen, and I still haven't installed a single theme correctly. Can someone plz argue these points and tell me how to take full advantage of this rooted thunderbolt?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never heard anyone describe their root experience in such emotionally loaded terms. It's a phone, not a girlfriend. I'm not going to argue with you because I don't have a lot of feelings tied up in my phone and my emotions haven't been placated by rooting it. It's a useful tool that let's me do what I want. I like having a device where I don't run into some stupid wall when I want to do something to it. It's that simple.

loonatik78 said:
I've never heard anyone describe their root experience in such emotionally loaded terms. It's a phone, not a girlfriend. I'm not going to argue with you because I don't have a lot of feelings tied up in my phone and my emotions haven't been placated by rooting it. It's a useful tool that let's me do what I want. I like having a device where I don't run into some stupid wall when I want to do something to it. It's that simple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
tencharacters

djthunda12123 said:
Ok, so I've had this phone for about a year now (I rooted it right out the box)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How could you have had your TB for "about a year"? It came out barely 7 months ago.
That hyperbole aside, the reason I rooted my TB (which I did when I got mine back in March) was so that I could take control of my device. Since smartphones are really little computers I want full control of it. I wouldn't stand for not having administrator privileges on any of my other computers, why would I stand for it on my phone? That wouldn't fly if I bought a Dell laptop that was locked down because Dell thought that it would provide a more consistent user experience and it won't fly for me from HTC or Verizon.

loonatik78 said:
I've never heard anyone describe their root experience in such emotionally loaded terms. It's a phone, not a girlfriend. I'm not going to argue with you because I don't have a lot of feelings tied up in my phone and my emotions haven't been placated by rooting it. It's a useful tool that let's me do what I want. I like having a device where I don't run into some stupid wall when I want to do something to it. It's that simple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I didn't mean for it to be emotional, I just simply wanted to know the things I can now get out of my phone. Any ROM recommendatons?

djthunda12123 said:
Well I didn't mean for it to be emotional, I just simply wanted to know the things I can now get out of my phone. Any ROM recommendatons?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whether it's immediately obvious or not, many of these ROMs are extensively modified. BAMF, Gingeritis, and Synergy, just to name a few that are significantly divergent from stock. Some are little more than stock dressed up pretty. Basically, it boils down to what you want or like. I simply don't recommend ROMs because most of the people that do are idiots follow what they think is a cool trend.
Some people have no real need to root a device. You might be one of them. I'm not. I like playing with different ROMs, kernels, apps that require root, and scripts. It also blocks out XDA's uber-annoying video ads. Everyone has their own reasons and some do it just to be cool, it seems.

People here has obviously touch on most of the benefits of rooting. From debloating to free wifi tether to better battery life. This is all true and also why I rooted, but one of the coolest things for me is being able to flash a rom that allows you to be on a version of android or a UI maybe not available on your device yet. Take for example the TB, it is not suppose to ever get sense 3.0 and months before gingerbread was even release i was on gingerbread and running sense 3.0. Heck you can run sense 3.5 now if you want. So to me, being able to be "ahead of the curve" and run software on your phone that is not even out yet for your device is pretty bad a$$.

djthunda12123 said:
Ok, so I've had this phone for about a year now (I rooted it right out the box) and I've been installing new roms and kernals for about a year too. The problem is, I still don't even see a real benefit of rooting. I was a former iOS user and I jailbroke it to get free apps and themes and stuff, which I thought was pretty cool. However, I simply like android better, so I got my HTC Thunderbolt. But I feel that after rooting I have accomplished nothing. Sure I'm able to use SetCPU, but the overclock doesn't even make a huge difference, and it "wears off" within a few minutes. Also, different ROMs all feel the same to me, the only thing that may be different is the look. Gingerbread imo is just a different lockscreen, and I still haven't installed a single theme correctly. Can someone plz argue these points and tell me how to take full advantage of this rooted thunderbolt?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
loonatik78 said:
Whether it's immediately obvious or not, many of these ROMs are extensively modified. BAMF, Gingeritis, and Synergy, just to name a few that are significantly divergent from stock. Some are little more than stock dressed up pretty. Basically, it boils down to what you want or like. I simply don't recommend ROMs because most of the people that do are idiots follow what they think is a cool trend.
Some people have no real need to root a device. You might be one of them. I'm not. I like playing with different ROMs, kernels, apps that require root, and scripts. It also blocks out XDA's uber-annoying video ads. Everyone has their own reasons and some do it just to be cool, it seems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quoted both of you because I wanted to reply to both of you. First loonatik. Totally agree. Those three are the most popular and I agree with I don't recommend ROMS because im simply not that picky about the major three that for the most part are about as supermodded as you can get. And many of the mods work on all three sense ROMs. So use what ya like.
As for the OP. If you are having trouble installing themes on whichever ROM you're using post on the thread that those roms come on and there will be several people who can help you get it to work right. (yea there are some douche bags on here but for the msot part people will help). The best reasons I have for rooting and keeping my phone rooted are free wifi tethering mainly and also because like another poster said. If you bought a computer and they told you you had to keep all the crapware they send with it and couldnt uninstall it and that you could only use it a certain way then you would surely get a different computer or you would figure out a way to get around it. I like my car but i don't like my stock stereo that came with it. So i changed it. Should that void the warranty on my car? no but HTC and Verizon think it should. Im not ok with that. If you aren't happy with your rooted phone then you can unroot it and use it as stock for a little while just to see the difference. If it makes no difference to you then keep it unrooted but I think you'll probably see that there is a performance difference and a difference in battery life at least.

nbdysreal said:
Easy response. Free wifi tethering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just curious, what app do you guys use?

Synergyrom is by far the best ROM I've put on my tbolt imo, ...tried em all for bout a week each, but I've stuck w synergy in the end....silky smooth...great kernel...great debt support...and best of all..great batt life....with the extended battery, I can go 50+ hours on one charge with moderate use....heavy use I can still get 30-35 hours no sweat... ..all phones are different though...just try em all and c what your phone prefers...

I must be stupid, because I am going to recommend BAMF soab, it's a 3.5 ROM that is relatively fast, and I love all the new features. To each their own though.

Skynyrd420 said:
Synergyrom is by far the best ROM I've put on my tbolt imo, ...tried em all for bout a week each, but I've stuck w synergy in the end....silky smooth...great kernel...great debt support...and best of all..great batt life....with the extended battery, I can go 50+ hours on one charge with moderate use....heavy use I can still get 30-35 hours no sweat... ..all phones are different though...just try em all and c what your phone prefers...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm gonna take you to task on that. First off, the kernel in that ROM makes the entire ROM warez. Ziggy's work is illegal as hell and a blight to the Android/Linux community. Ziggy's kernels have also proven the worst performers as compared to Imoseyon's and Dreamkernel after repeated tests on the same ROMs. Not to mention his kernels have some serious lag issues no other kernel does. Frankly, I think the stock HTC 2.11.605.3 kernel is faster and smoother.

I am going to have to agree with every single person here. Also, I will be the first to admit it. I do feel cool when I get to reROM my phone and show it off to my friends with stock Android phones. Especially when they cry about not having some of the options available to those of us who ROM. Don't get me wrong I know it does not make me cool to ROM. I just feel cool. But in all actuality, the DEV's are the true cool ones. But, sadly some of my friends don't want to "risk bricking or losing there warranties". But, to each there own. I even have a friend with an iPhone. He loves it, it does exactly what he needs it to do un jailbroken.
The one thing that has been elusive to me though, is a good battery life. I am a fan of BAMF. And am running SoaB at the moment. As a matter of fact currently I can not get Callrecorder to work properly on this ROM. Call recording has been my savings grace so many times. Especially when I had to dispute a bill with VZW them selves. And frankly getting the person on the phone to refund what is owed back to me.is a pain in the rear some times. But, it gets done and recorded. Then, when my next bill rolls around and it has not been properly taken care of, I would call back again and have them read the notes back to me from my previous dispute. And if they say that there are no notes. I let them know that I am recording them and that I have the recording to my last dispute. That changes how the whole ball game is played. So for me, call recording is a must. But everything else every one else stated holds just as true for me also. Any way, good luck in the search for that holy grail of a ROM. I have to go. My phone is dying again for the second time today. Time to link up to the grid again.
Sent from my TBolt using XDA App

djthunda12123 said:
Any ROM recommendatons?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CM7. Solid as a fort and fast as hell.
Even thought I got my Stratosphere, it will be an eon (or two, if ever) that I'll see any development for it, so I kept my Thunderbolt around to fill that void.

Actully 4G phones have unlimited hotspot on Verizon, it's the 30$ plan. There isn't a cap at all, so not sure where you get the 2 gig cap on tethering.
Sent from my ADR6400L using xda premium

Do these comanies really think we like their interfaces (sense, touchwiz and so on)?

They are putting so much effort into these new interfaces - now all redone for ICS. And you look at these new interfaces and you say to yourself - WHY?!
Take Samsung's new TW for ICS. Why oh why would they take anything that is so fresh and new and put the same old TW - making the phone look like it's old before it even came out?
Now HTC are doing the same.
They are all missing out on the fact that users would rather just have it 'the way it is". This is the reason XDA is so full with people changing the roms, and so on.

benyben123 said:
They are putting so much effort into these new interfaces - now all redone for ICS. And you look at these new interfaces and you say to yourself - WHY?!
Take Samsung's new TW for ICS. Why oh why would they take anything that is so fresh and new and put the same old TW - making the phone look like it's old before it even came out?
Now HTC are doing the same.
They are all missing out on the fact that users would rather just have it 'the way it is". This is the reason XDA is so full with people changing the roms, and so on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is sad. I've had opportunity to play with vanilla ICS on my HD2 and love it so much I was hoping HTC wouldn't mess it up with Sense or the same old thing. I have an Inspire waiting for the update and want vanilla ICS...or something resembling it. I guess rooting will have to be an option to get what it should have.

You may not like it, but alot of people do. Sense is a beautiful thing. The companies absolutely have to implement their own UI. To the casual user, this is the only selling point that distinguishes one company from another. A non-tech savvy person could care less how many Ghz the CPU runs at, or how many cores it has...they are going to pick the one with the pretty screen. If us at XDA don't like sense or touchwiz, we flash an AOSP based ROM...problem solved.

lowandbehold said:
You may not like it, but alot of people do. Sense is a beautiful thing. The companies absolutely have to implement their own UI. To the casual user, this is the only selling point that distinguishes one company from another. A non-tech savvy person could care less how many Ghz the CPU runs at, or how many cores it has...they are going to pick the one with the pretty screen. If us at XDA don't like sense or touchwiz, we flash an AOSP based ROM...problem solved.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree. I did think that for a long while, but made my own little survey. I asked literally anyone that I know and has an android if they would rather give more to speed or to looks. Across the board ppl say "speed, speed, speed". These modern smartphone are insanely hungry - they sometimes need to run more tasks than my personal PC. Yes, you do get the occasional teenager that says that "the way it moves [sense] is soo cool". But all things aside, I am not sure these teenagers are the biggest buyers. I may be completely wrong here though, and perhaps this is what counts. I am in my late 20's so the ppl i ask are my circle of age

benyben123 said:
I disagree. I did think that for a long while, but made my own little survey. I asked literally anyone that I know and has an android if they would rather give more to speed or to looks. Across the board ppl say "speed, speed, speed". These modern smartphone are insanely hungry - they sometimes need to run more tasks than my personal PC. Yes, you do get the occasional teenager that says that "the way it moves [sense] is soo cool". But all things aside, I am not sure these teenagers are the biggest buyers. I may be completely wrong here though, and perhaps this is what counts. I am in my late 20's so the ppl i ask are my circle of age
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My opinion on it was null until I used ICS. Having Sense or TW on GB or FroYo is no big deal to me or any kind of tragedy. But ICS is altogether a much different affair. It is the best Android Google has ever conceived and it will feel like a horrible downgrade covering it up with an OEM UI.
With GB or FroYo, I could install any 3rd-party UI if I didn't want Sense or TW and I didn't mind. Right now, in fact, I'm using an authentic iOS UI on my Inspire. But with ICS, it's already the best UI humanity will ever be graced with using. Sense or TW will only muddy it.

benyben123 said:
I disagree. I did think that for a long while, but made my own little survey. I asked literally anyone that I know and has an android if they would rather give more to speed or to looks. Across the board ppl say "speed, speed, speed". These modern smartphone are insanely hungry - they sometimes need to run more tasks than my personal PC. Yes, you do get the occasional teenager that says that "the way it moves [sense] is soo cool". But all things aside, I am not sure these teenagers are the biggest buyers. I may be completely wrong here though, and perhaps this is what counts. I am in my late 20's so the ppl i ask are my circle of age
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't disagree with you one bit. I never go away from AOSP ROM's. I'm just saying why they do it. It's like asking Nike to make some shoes without the swoosh...
But you can't disagree that they don't cover both end of the spectrum by using their own UI. The manufacturers know that if the techy people don't like it, we just get rid of it.

benyben123 said:
I disagree. I did think that for a long while, but made my own little survey. I asked literally anyone that I know and has an android if they would rather give more to speed or to looks. Across the board ppl say "speed, speed, speed".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, duh, if you ask your question like that... But the problem is, with such a question, you're not getting the data you want to get. The way to get what you really want know, they would need to be using (and for more than 30s) both interfaces on the same phone. Only then could you get a valid answer as to which interface they prefer.

:O
I cant DISAGREE MORE
Sense (and HTC's build quality) is all that is keeping me AWAY from Samsung.
And on that same note, Touchwiz and Blur are all that keep me away from Samsung and Motorolla....
If HTC stopped making Sense I would switch to IOS. Stock android is UGLY and lacks the functionality of Sense.

Well hopefully Samsung (and other mfgs) move towards the GUI being "less intrusive" to the OS. Have it as a launcher option instead of being imbedded into the OS. This would make OS updates quicker and give people a choice (as in keep it, use vanilla, or use another 3rd party launcher like LP, Go, etc).

adelmundo said:
Well hopefully Samsung (and other mfgs) move towards the GUI being "less intrusive" to the OS. Have it as a launcher option instead of being imbedded into the OS. This would make OS updates quicker and give people a choice (as in keep it, use vanilla, or use another 3rd party launcher like LP, Go, etc).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't agree more emphatically with this. This is exactly what they all should be doing. It would please everyone all at once.

adelmundo said:
Well hopefully Samsung (and other mfgs) move towards the GUI being "less intrusive" to the OS. Have it as a launcher option instead of being imbedded into the OS. This would make OS updates quicker and give people a choice (as in keep it, use vanilla, or use another 3rd party launcher like LP, Go, etc).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, you are wrong here. It is not intrusive enough, and that is the main problem. Sense, touchwiz, blur, etc. are just overlays. This fact causes the ROM to be huge and use up resources which causes the lag. If it was "more intrusive" and built into the framework of the ROM, the performance gains would be huge.

I hated touchwiz on the sgs, although it added some nice functionality it had alot of annoyances. However I love tw on sgs2. But this of course is on GB. If they just stuck the same looking tw on Ics I'd be upset. Ics changed the ui so dramatically (imo positively) that I feel that manufacturers should also adjust. Of course I feel that since we all know companies will throw in their own overlay, I hope it will now be in a way that will not interfere as much with the update process.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using Tapatalk

Now with the ICS they can stop putting so much effort in messing with Android UI. There are some changes that I really like, such as Samsung notify bar and contact.

I love Timescape UI, and from what I saw, the ICS update will mix Timescape with ICS, it will be so beautiful, i think. I just have to wait until I buy my Nozomi
Sent using Mini CM7 Pro by Paul

You can either: flash a custom rom or just live with it. No biggie for me though.
Sent from my E10i using XDA App

sooyong94 said:
You can either: flash a custom rom or just live with it. No biggie for me though.
Sent from my E10i using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to root first before you can flash a custom ROM. And from what I see of the rooting process of the Inspire, it's pretty complicated and technical. So rooting isn't really a viability in this case.

MartyLK said:
You have to root first before you can flash a custom ROM. And from what I see of the rooting process of the Inspire, it's pretty complicated and technical. So rooting isn't really a viability in this case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, it's not very hard though....
Root phone
Install recovery
Boot to recovery and install
???
PROFIT!!! (For typical Android phones)
Then if everyone is so paranoid about manufacturer skins or updates why don't they simply get a Nexus? Problem solved. Or they can go for other platforms such as WP7....

Because we aren't iOS or WP7 where everyone has the same layout, style or icons, and we all look the same.
Personally I hate the stock look, it looks bland and right now cliched due to the unchanging appearance. (yes, I will say the ics launcher still looks like gingerbread/froyo/eclair to me, just a different color, whoopteedoo)
However I like the other poster's ideas of including the ics stock interface, as this was also proposed in the sgs 2 forums. Rather give us the touchwiz/sense/blahblah and include ics stock if we don't like.

sooyong94 said:
Well, it's not very hard though....
Root phone
Install recovery
Boot to recovery and install
???
PROFIT!!! (For typical Android phones)
Then if everyone is so paranoid about manufacturer skins or updates why don't they simply get a Nexus? Problem solved. Or they can go for other platforms such as WP7....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have a look at the Inspire process. I understand the general process and can do it rather painlessly on most other phones, but the process for the Inspire is overwhelmingly intimidating.

MartyLK said:
Have a look at the Inspire process. I understand the general process and can do it rather painlessly on most other phones, but the process for the Inspire is overwhelmingly intimidating.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True dat. I wonder why HTC is locking their bootloaders when other phone manufacturers like Sammy and SE are doing right now. Even Moto is going to unlock their bootloaders too.

[Q] Will a new ROM be all I ever dreamed of....?

Hi all! I'm a noob to the site and a noob to smartphone modifications, so please forgive me for my questions and concerns. I've used forums for years on many topics and found the knowledge base to be incredible, so I hope you guys will help me out, too.
So, while my Skyrocket has generally worked very well for the past 2+ years, I have always felt it's not living up to its potential. I've read numerous threads on many forums to see what my fellow Rocketeers were doing. I think I've come to the conclusion that flashing a new ROM is the way to go, but I am a bit wary since I've never done this nor know anyone who has. My thinking goes along the same lines as my experience with computers... If you buy a Dell, HP, etc., you get the garbage that the manufacturer bundles in along with Windows. If you wipe the HD and install your own clean copy of Windows, you can usually get better performance without all that other stuff. Hence, the idea for a new ROM for the phone.
A few things have me wondering, though... There seem to be more ROMs available than flavors of Linux! I know choice will end up being a personal thing. My goal is really simple... I just want a clean OS that is stable, efficient, and runs the basic functions I am accustomed to. So, I am not looking to experiment or push the envelope. I want a phone that doesn't crash at the worst possible time, and one that can actually make phone calls! I assume that I will still be able to use the Google Play store to download apps (after installing the plugin thingy). My phone is from AT&T and is unlocked. Will it say unlocked after flashing a new ROM? Will Visual Voicemail still work? I occasionally use FoxFi to create a mobile hotspot. Will I still be able to use it? Or do other ROMs already have this feature unlocked (or bypassed)? I use apps on my phone mostly for email (Yahho/Gmail), calendar, FB, Instagram, YouTube, taking photos/video, viewing forums, and the like, besides making phone calls. In other words, what should I expect from a new ROM? How will things be different? I'm really trying to gauge if this is a worthwhile endeavor for me.
Sorry for the long post. I appreciate your opinions and experience.

It's always worthwhile.
The Skyrocket, to me, was always a case of OEM software that limited its potential. If you really sit down and tweak it, custom ROM, new governor, overclock, it's a beast of a phone that can still keep pace today. You'll have to balance performance with battery life--overclocking and switching to a more aggressive governor doesn't do you any favors there, and some ROMs are better about battery life than others. It's a great phone with a lot of life left, though, much more so than the vanilla S2 because the Rocket has LTE capability.
To hit your other questions, any app that is available on the Play Store will work. If a ROM needs a second gapps flash to get the Play Store (along with everything else Google ships) back, that will be made available and is a very easy install. I've never unlocked a phone, but I don't believe that a new ROM would lose that. Wait for someone else to reply, but I'd be shocked if it did. As far as what you want, there's a ROM to suit any desires. Most ROMs are pretty basic and look and feel like you'd expect a Skyrocket to. Some are designed to feel a little more like iOS, some are designed to be stripped-down (and faster as a result), and some are based on stock firmware and very closely replicate the original experience. It's up to you to read through the dev forum for the Rocket and pick the experience that's best for you.
As far as how difficult it is, spend a couple hours reading about flashing, how it works and why it works. Once you have that basic understanding of it and can follow a few simple instructions that are pretty universal across ROMs, you're set.

Well, I'm giving this a try tonight. Fingers crossed!

One piece of advice: when you pick a new rom from "Android development" read the WHOLE thread associated with that rom, with special attention the the first couple of pages. Make sure you understand the process and any potential pitfalls.
First rom I tried I spent probably six hours reading. It was worth it.

Success!!! I now have the latest CandyKat running! It ended up being not too bad at all. Now I need to figure out how things are different from the AT&T Jelly Bean this replaces.
Thanks for the advice and thanks to everyone who contributes to the site,

I have Kandykat. It seems to be a good solid rom. The Google Now launcher is buggy though. I changed to Nova launcher. Other than that it's been fine.

Thanks for the tips, Chris. I've been using Launcher3. What's the difference between these launchers? Everything seems to be running fine on my rocket now. Any tips on increasing battery life? Any tips on some nice customization?

Google Now launcher seems to have the annoying habit of forgetting the screen setup (app positioning) during reboot. Launcher 3 also exhibited the same problem. Launchers are a matter of taste, but Nova launcher seems solid and looks right to me. YMMV. It's easy to try a few.