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I'm not the person that buys a new phone every 6 months. I'm probably going to use my Nexus S for 2 years or more. And because of that, I want it optimized so that I won't get jealous at those multi-core phones.
I can optimize the OS by just downloading something like Launcher Pro, but I want more. I like applications like Adfree and ShootMe, and VooDoo sound also looks very nice. But, I want more! Custom ROMs increase the speed, and then I could always overclock. So Cyanogen Mod 7 is also on my list.
But the problem is, I don't know where to start. There are SO MANY options in the world of Android. Of course, with some Googling I can find the best Custom ROM (CM7), but the internet isnt very clear about it all. I am an average user, so I don't want to much risks. I also don't understand 'geek language' (you know what I mean ), so these forums don't help me much either.
I know how to root (there are tons of youtube videos), and I can probably find a youtube video for installing CM7 as well, but like I said, I don't know where to start. Can somebody give me a push in the right direction? I hate to ask, but I couldn't find something like a noob guide...
Go to the android development section for nexus S and all topics are covered
willcpfc said:
Go to the android development section for nexus S and all topics are covered
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm I see you can root with or without fastboot oem unlock. I know fastboot oem unlock wipes all data, but if you do it when you get your phone, that isnt a problem. Is there any other (dis)advantage?
It seems there are a lot of methods to root. What is the best one (not the fastest)? I like the one from AllGamer, but it says 'via Clockwork Mod'. I don't know what that is, or what it does. I know I look like an idiot now, but I really can't find good explanations on the internet. Everyone supposes that you know a lot of stuff already.
Androyed said:
Hmm I see you can root with or without fastboot oem unlock. I know fastboot oem unlock wipes all data, but if you do it when you get your phone, that isnt a problem. Is there any other (dis)advantage?
It seems there are a lot of methods to root. What is the best one (not the fastest)? I like the one from AllGamer, but it says 'via Clockwork Mod'. I don't know what that is, or what it does. I know I look like an idiot now, but I really can't find good explanations on the internet. Everyone supposes that you know a lot of stuff already.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the guides get you to the same result: root and a custom recovery with the exception of distortedloop's guide which keeps the bootloader locked and avoids an initial wipe. If you read through each thread, you'll realize that they all do the same thing. Some just helps you avoid terminal work, which is as easy as retyping what you see. Just pick one and follow all the steps. No reported advantages or disadvantages to unlocking the bootloader other than the wipe you are aware of.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Go to theunlockr.com It has alot of beginner friendly videos.
http://theunlockr.com/category/howto/android_how_tos/nexus-s-how-tos/
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Thanks, both of you!
Unlocking the bootloader is needed for flashing ROMs, right? If that's true, I think I'll unlock it right away when I don't have any data/apps installed. The only thing that will suck is the ugly padlock sign when you start your phone, but who starts his phone anway...
By the way, changes a unlocked bootloader anything else except for a slightly different boot animation?
Some other questions: will you get OTA updates from Google when you have root enabled? And what if you use a Custom ROM? And what if you use a Custom Kernel? And what if you use Clockworkmod (that is a custom recovery, right?)?
And where do you need a custom kernel for? Is it only to overclock your device? I saw it is also necessary for VooDoo sound, which I like very much. Same question about Clockworkmod: if it's a custom recovery, what does it do? Is it for back-up/rom switching?
Androyed said:
Thanks, both of you!
Unlocking the bootloader is needed for flashing ROMs, right? If that's true, I think I'll unlock it right away when I don't have any data/apps installed. The only thing that will suck is the ugly padlock sign when you start your phone, but who starts his phone anway...
By the way, changes a unlocked bootloader anything else except for a slightly different boot animation?
Some other questions: will you get OTA updates from Google when you have root enabled? And what if you use a Custom ROM? And what if you use a Custom Kernel? And what if you use Clockworkmod (that is a custom recovery, right?)?
And where do you need a custom kernel for? Is it only to overclock your device? I saw it is also necessary for VooDoo sound, which I like very much. Same question about Clockworkmod: if it's a custom recovery, what does it do? Is it for back-up/rom switching?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking the bootloader is not required for flashing roms. On previous devices, it was necessary but we have a method in distortedloop's guide which can work around that.
You can still get OTA updates with root, however updating will cause you to lose root. Custom roms usually have a script to disable OTA updates. Kernels and custom recovery will not affect OTA updates.
Custom kernels are "custom" in itself and often offer more features such as the ability to overclock, file system hacks, as well as sound/graphic hacks which may not be included in a previous developer's custom rom. It leaves room for the user to pick what is suitable for him/her.
Custom recoveries are recoveries with extended features. These features may include the ability to backup/restore, wipe device between ROM builds, and more. Its main feature which I enjoy the most, is the ability to navigate between folders of your storage and choose a ZIP file to flash. Standard recovery requires anything flashed to be in the root of your storage as well as named "update.zip". Custom recoveries eliminates this requirement and lets you keep the name of your zip files as well as organize them in folders. There are more features, but that's up to you to discover and see what you'll actually use.
And again, thanks!
After reading the post above and an awesome explanation on a dutch forum, I now know what all those 'custom' things do.
First of all, I'm interested in root. There are some very useful applications that can only be used with root. After that, I'm going to flash a kernel (not overclock it), probably Netarchy's, for some speed improvement and most important of all, voodoo sound improvement! The last looks very promising.
If I'll get bored after that, (I probably tried out dozens of homescreen replacements and their themes by then), I'm going to flash a Custom ROM, and experiment with custom ROM themes. This is probably going to be Cyanogen Mod, but I'm going to wait till a stable release comes out for the Nexus S. If I'm still bored (we are probably talking about 1.5 years ahead), I'm going to overclock for optimal performance...
This is why I love Android. Why would you buy a new device every couple of months? There is so much to tweak! When I tried to find some information about flashing ROMs, I sure have learned how many possibilities Android has. It isn't easy for the average user, but if you get something awesome like voodoo sound in return, it is defenitely worth it!
Sorry, I got still two questions left:
Custom ROMs don't change anything from the outside, right? They are only deodexed? Or is there a difference between, let's say, MoDaCo's ROM and CM7, from the outside?
I heard some Custom ROMs have certain themes, but I suppose you could just as easy install the stock Gingerbread theme when for example MoDaCo ships with a different theme. Custom ROMs support themes after all.
Also, what is the difference between a theme from a homescreen replacement and a theme from a Custom ROM? Themes from Custom ROMs can change apps, because it is a deodexed ROM, so themes will probably also change the looks of the dialer for example. And themes from homescreen replacements will only change the homescreen. But will a theme from a homescreen replacement also change the notificationbar and the icons? Or do you have to install a Custom Rom for that?
Thanks in advance!
Long story short, I run an android rooting business off craigslist, and a client wants me to root his Infuse.
He wants Gingerbread and WiFi tethering.
I can see we don't have any Gingerbread ROMs out yet, and that's just fine.
My main question is, which Roms support wifi tether and which one is the most stable?
Do you donate half of what you make to devs?
AFAIK they all support the tether feature.
Of course if I'm wrong you can just have your customer use Barnacle Wi-Fi tether once you root their Phone.
Personally I use Bionix and I love it. No issues at all.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App
LMAO! Hope your donating to the devs.
its not complicated... and u can unlock Original wifi and usb tether, no extra programs needed. all u need is to have phone rooted, then download titanium backup and look for a program with titanium called "tetheringmanager" then eith backup then uninstall, just uninstall or just freeze. works like charm, i use this technique for my infuse and my old samsung captivate
For Wi-fi tethering,
You can do 1 of 2 things
1)Root the phone and buy an app called SystemApp Freezer ($1). Then Freeze tetheringmanager
2) Root the phone and flash any of the 3 Rom's in circulation. They all support Wifi tethering. I'm on Infused 1.5 and Wi fi tethering works flawlessly.
titanium backup does that for free
infused is probably the most popular. if done through rom manager you have the option for aosp lock screen. infused runs touchwiz launcher but gb launcher is also installed. it also supports touch wiz 4 if that is desired. the other roms are going for a more aosp look and have gingerbread launcher.
the standard way to root this phone is superoneclick from clshort fuse. but like others are saying, if you are profiting off this you should probably donate, especially to clshortfuse and to the original developer of rageagainstthecage.
the phone is not nand locked, recovery is signature verified and needs to be modded before flashing cwm.
alternatively you can just use odin (thank you samsung) and flash one of the voodoo enabled kernels achieving root and getting red cwm in the process. i really recommend the community kernel.
Thanks for the help guys!
I didn't know about freezing tetheringmanager, I'm thinking I won't even need to flash a custom ROM for him now. Of course, if I do I will donate (I already have to members of the MT3GS and G1 community) because if it weren't for the awesome devs, I wouldn't even be profiting.
Thanks again, if I have any more I'll be sure to ask them, you guys seem like a very helpful community
EDIT: So if I install the community Voodoo v7 kernal (using the method on the post) I will then be able to flash ROMs via ROM manager and CWM?
This thread seems wrong on many levels. I sure am glad devs don't charge for the stuff they do for us.
antuus said:
This thread seems wrong on many levels. I sure am glad devs don't charge for the stuff they do for us.
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Click to collapse
I'm kind of torn. It does seem wrong to me as well, but I also feel that if you are too lazy to learn to do this yourself, then you should have to pay.
RollerCoasting said:
EDIT: So if I install the community Voodoo v7 kernal (using the method on the post) I will then be able to flash ROMs via ROM manager and CWM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
someone correct me if i'm wrong, but i think you kinda have this backwards. you MUST have rom manager/cwm installed before you can flash a rom.
bradbusa said:
someone correct me if i'm wrong, but i think you kinda have this backwards. you MUST have rom manager/cwm installed before you can flash a rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ROM Manager is optional. CWM is a must.
What I'm asking is if I install the Voodoo community kernel on an unrooted phone, will it root it for me, allowing me to use Rom Manager to flash roms?
bradbusa said:
someone correct me if i'm wrong, but i think you kinda have this backwards. you MUST have rom manager/cwm installed before you can flash a rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are only required to have Rom Manger and or clockwork recovery IF you want to flash a rom using zipfile roms. There are many roms which we flash using ODIN and ODIN does not work with zipfiles, it only works with *.TAR files.
I have flashed both ways.. I happen to like the Odin rom flashing with TAR files a lot better because so far I have never had any problems using Odin.
However using zipfile roms with clockwork recovery do many times cause errors and other problems.
Main thing is that when flashing roms you MUST be 100% sure that the rom you are flashing is 100% compatible with your brand/model of phone.
RollerCoasting said:
What I'm asking is if I install the Voodoo community kernel on an unrooted phone, will it root it for me, allowing me to use Rom Manager to flash roms?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no. you have it backwards. again. root first. then install roms.
Ok so today I took the leap and rooted my g2x, now my question is what can I do with a rooted phone? Im new to android just coming from apple land. so I have been reading and reading and still not sure as what to do on my rooted phone. I have installed titanium and froze some apps but thats about it, So my question is how do I find out everything I can do to my phone.
jvx333 said:
Ok so today I took the leap and rooted my g2x, now my question is what can I do with a rooted phone? Im new to android just coming from apple land. so I have been reading and reading and still not sure as what to do on my rooted phone. I have installed titanium and froze some apps but thats about it, So my question is how do I find out everything I can do to my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try installing a custom rom and different kernel. You phone will will get a huge speed boost. Read the threads in the development section for more details.
There isn't much in the way of flashy stuff as far as root apps go, it's mostly simple, deep, and very, VERY useful.
Like Titanium Backup. Also, Root Explorer, the best file manager available for Android. Complete control over the filesystem; nothing is off limits. SetCPU is another wonderful thing, you can underclock your CPU to save battery (and overclock if you use a compatible kernel). Ad Away and AdFree both do the same thing: block ads. Advertisements won't load, not in the browser and not in any application. They're not perfect though; some do get through. I've found Ad Away to be slightly more effective. Keyboard Manager isn't as popular as the rest I've talked about but it's a personal favorite; it lets you automatically switch between two different keyboards when you're in landscape/portrait orientation. I use Swype on portrait and Swiftkey X on landscape, and the switch happens completely automatically.
Also, this isn't a root app but it's in the same general philosophy and I can't pimp this enough, Tasker. It's an extremely powerful tool that basically lets you tweak the behavior of your phone in any way you can think of. It's hard to describe; I keep my GPS off to save battery but every time I start an app that I want to have it, GPS automatically comes on. I use a gameboy emulator but I hate that it vibrates on every button press, so every time the app starts, haptic feedback turns off. It's an automation tool.
But there's one enormous thing I haven't mentioned, because it's not an application at all: custom roms and kernels. You'll need to do some further work to get this, but search XDA for NVFlash. It will let you put Clockworkmod Recovery on your phone, overwriting the default recovery mode and letting you modify the system itself. Custom roms (operating systems) are the heart and soul of XDA, and a source of near-infinite joy in trying out new ones. The G2X has a fairly good repertoire, including the two biggest names in Android roms: Cyanogenmod and MIUI. As for kernels, they can let you overclock the phone to improve performance or undervolt it to save battery life. Discussion of the different roms/kernels and the merits thereof have been done ad infinitum, so a search of the forums should yield all you should need.
Thanks I already have clock recovery installed. So roms and kernels have to be installed together. What's kernel?
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
jvx333 said:
Thanks I already have clock recovery installed. So roms and kernels have to be installed together. What's kernel?
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't have to install custom kernels together with custom roms since custom roms have a stock kernel that will suffice. The type of custom kernel will be determined by the type of custom rom you choose. I am currently on cm7 (rom) and running faux 0.4.2 (kernel).
LordButtersI said:
There isn't much in the way of flashy stuff as far as root apps go, it's mostly simple, deep, and very, VERY useful.
Like Titanium Backup. Also, Root Explorer, the best file manager available for Android. Complete control over the filesystem; nothing is off limits. SetCPU is another wonderful thing, you can underclock your CPU to save battery (and overclock if you use a compatible kernel). Ad Away and AdFree both do the same thing: block ads. Advertisements won't load, not in the browser and not in any application. They're not perfect though; some do get through. I've found Ad Away to be slightly more effective. Keyboard Manager isn't as popular as the rest I've talked about but it's a personal favorite; it lets you automatically switch between two different keyboards when you're in landscape/portrait orientation. I use Swype on portrait and Swiftkey X on landscape, and the switch happens completely automatically.
Also, this isn't a root app but it's in the same general philosophy and I can't pimp this enough, Tasker. It's an extremely powerful tool that basically lets you tweak the behavior of your phone in any way you can think of. It's hard to describe; I keep my GPS off to save battery but every time I start an app that I want to have it, GPS automatically comes on. I use a gameboy emulator but I hate that it vibrates on every button press, so every time the app starts, haptic feedback turns off. It's an automation tool.
But there's one enormous thing I haven't mentioned, because it's not an application at all: custom roms and kernels. You'll need to do some further work to get this, but search XDA for NVFlash. It will let you put Clockworkmod Recovery on your phone, overwriting the default recovery mode and letting you modify the system itself. Custom roms (operating systems) are the heart and soul of XDA, and a source of near-infinite joy in trying out new ones. The G2X has a fairly good repertoire, including the two biggest names in Android roms: Cyanogenmod and MIUI. As for kernels, they can let you overclock the phone to improve performance or undervolt it to save battery life. Discussion of the different roms/kernels and the merits thereof have been done ad infinitum, so a search of the forums should yield all you should need.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that's a great answer and completely agree with that post. I gotta check out keyboard manager, even tho I only really use smaftkeyboard pro.
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium
+1 for Tasker. I'm new to the G2X but have been with Andriod since the beginning and Tasker is a must have. Control anything and everything that your phone does based off any kind of trigger. LOVE IT.
I just got my G2X from corporate and my Seidio case and am amazed with the speed. Haven't rooted it yet but have noticed several things that have made me want to. Resisting is futile.
WHy did u root your device? I want to do the same but scared to and don't know the benefits
keebs29 said:
WHy did u root your device? I want to do the same but scared to and don't know the benefits
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting gives you full access to your file system. Its similar to having an administrator account in Windows. The benefits of rooting come from what you can do with that access, not necessarily from rooting itself. You can make tweaks to your system that give you better battery life and better performance. You can completely change the theme of your phone. You can delete apps that the carrier installed that you wouldn't be able to delete otherwise. And most of that has been made much easier by developers releasing apps that do it all for you. A lot of them are in the Market.
An even greater benefit of the G2X is that it has an unlocked bootloader. This makes it very easy and hassle-free to install any custom OS (rom) that you want to ... assuming its compatible with the G2X. Its like having a completely new phone each time you install a new rom.
Lastnite after reading a lot I installed eaglesblood rom. So far so good. So if I want to install a different kernel what difference will that make?
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
I am a noob and would like to know how to root. I have read several forums and cant seem to get a def How To. Can you help?
tbird1976 said:
I am a noob and would like to know how to root. I have read several forums and cant seem to get a def How To. Can you help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Start here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1255214
It works with Froyo and Gingerbread.
Rooting isnt much fun. You don't really need root at all on the G2x unless you want to use a few special apps like Titanium backup or Root Explorer.
With most phones, rooting is required to begin the process of flashing a custom recovery like Clockwork Mod. With the G2x we don't need root to flash a recovery.
So root is useless more or less. At least dont expect magical and wonderful things to start happening.
All you need is to download a custom rom, nvflash CWM, reboot into CWM, and flash it. Roms is where the magic happen.
G2x - 2.3.7 CM7
Transformer - 3.2 Revolver OC/UV
player911 said:
Rooting isnt much fun. You don't really need root at all on the G2x unless you want to use a few special apps like Titanium backup or Root Explorer.
With most phones, rooting is required to begin the process of flashing a custom recovery like Clockwork Mod. With the G2x we don't need root to flash a recovery.
So root is useless more or less. At least dont expect magical and wonderful things to start happening.
All you need is to download a custom rom, nvflash CWM, reboot into CWM, and flash it. Roms is where the magic happen.
G2x - 2.3.7 CM7
Transformer - 3.2 Revolver OC/UV
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I have noticed a lot of people are confused about what exactly root is needed for. Like you said, you don't need root to install recovery and flash a rom.
That said, root is very useful even with an otherwise stock installation. It allows you maximum flexibility over what can be done with your phone. And not everyone wants to flash a custom rom and start completely over setting up their system.
I have CM nightly 179 on mine and boot time is around 15-20 seconds.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
how did you do it.
jvx333 said:
Ok so today I took the leap and rooted my g2x, now my question is what can I do with a rooted phone? Im new to android just coming from apple land. so I have been reading and reading and still not sure as what to do on my rooted phone. I have installed titanium and froze some apps but thats about it, So my question is how do I find out everything I can do to my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was their a particular method/guide you used to root your G2x.
Any info would be appreciated. I am anxious to do it.
I got lost trying and even tried "halfcab123" from youtube and he couldn't get mine rooted.
Whats your secret.??
Thanks,
[email protected]
jvx333 said:
Ok so today I took the leap and rooted my g2x, now my question is what can I do with a rooted phone? Im new to android just coming from apple land. so I have been reading and reading and still not sure as what to do on my rooted phone. I have installed titanium and froze some apps but thats about it, So my question is how do I find out everything I can do to my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you installed "rom manger/clockwork recovery" via the market i would recommend actually flashing clockwork recovery via nvflash (nv as in nvidia). i say "actual" flashing, meaning that it replaces the stock android recovery w/ clockwork recovery. you'll need this to put new "roms" or operating systems (though all android based) onto your mobile. see my procedure (for desktops/laptops running linux only; if using windows/mac, please look elsewhere) here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1259852
i also recommend cyanogenmod v7.1.0.1 stable for a rom
Rooted my lg g2x
I rooted my lg g2x, but I can't get new roms. Rom Manger will not download and install. When I go to cwm I can't find the rom. so can anyone help me with this, I really want to put cm7 on my phone. And all the ones I downloaded of my laptop was bad.
Downloaded rom would be on SD card in cwm.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
I want to return to the stock recovery for my Sensation 4G, so I can get the OTA ICS update when it's finally available.
Previously I used the Android Recovery Manager tool for this, but it doesn't have the most current recovery image for my software version (1.50.531.1).
Is there an alternative method I can use to return to the stock recovery? (Pardon my n00bery.)
PS: Meant to mention that I'm already on the stock ROM and would prefer not to have to completely reflash the RUU. All I need is the right recovery and I'll be set.
GoodbyeSky said:
I want to return to the stock recovery for my Sensation 4G, so I can get the OTA ICS update when it's finally available.
Previously I used the Android Recovery Manager tool for this, but it doesn't have the most current recovery image for my software version (1.50.531.1).
Is there an alternative method I can use to return to the stock recovery? (Pardon my n00bery.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To get official updates you should revert back to stock and have to flash a suitable RUU for your phone..
If you find my ans useful please hit thanks
You can use any recovery from an RUU to get back to stock recovery - they aren't RUU specific.
However, it's better to get back to stock using an RUU as flashing an OTA over a rooted phone can create problems. You can always root again afterwards if you want to
Good thing about S-OFF is you won't lose it by flashing an RUU so you have no issues there
EddyOS said:
You can use any recovery from an RUU to get back to stock recovery - they aren't RUU specific.
However, it's better to get back to stock using an RUU as flashing an OTA over a rooted phone can create problems. You can always root again afterwards if you want to
Good thing about S-OFF is you won't lose it by flashing an RUU so you have no issues there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you're saying that I could get back to stock recovery by using Android Recovery Manager and flashing the recovery from a software version earlier than my current 1.50.531.1?
I appreciate the note about not flashing an OTA update while rooted. I'll definitely avoid that.
Yep, I've attached the recovery from 1.50.401.1 to this post
EddyOS said:
Yep, I've attached the recovery from 1.50.401.1 to this post
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ooh! Many thanks!
Why not wait for a custom rom with this as base? Makes more sense to me :/
There are already a load out - go look in the Dev forum
Actually, I am curious about the "don't flash OTA while rooted" bit. I've done this before without a problem, but hadn't heard any warnings before either. Just wondering if there is somewhere I can go to read more about this.
As to why I don't just wait for a custom ROM -- won't it be easier to flash a custom ICS ROM coming from HTC's stock ICS RUU rather than trying to get there from my current stock gingerbread ROM? Just trying to make things easier on myself, I spoze.
So long as you flash the right FW package before booting the custom ROM it'll work fine
As for no OTA no a rooted phone it's traditionally been advised against as the OTA can break a bit of the System so it's always recommended to not flash an OTA on a rooted phone
EddyOS said:
So long as you flash the right FW package before booting the custom ROM it'll work fine
As for no OTA no a rooted phone it's traditionally been advised against as the OTA can break a bit of the System so it's always recommended to not flash an OTA on a rooted phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In that case, I'd say the only thing holding me back from going the custom route is finding a ROM that's as reliable as stock. As much as I love custom ROMs, my experience has been that a few weeks in I realize that some key feature that I rely on is broken, so I wind up going back to stock. Although I do follow the dev forum closely, and am super intrigued by some of the current ROMs, Virtuous Inquisition in particular. Once their list of bugs is a little more lean, I'll probably get to flashing that one.
GoodbyeSky said:
In that case, I'd say the only thing holding me back from going the custom route is finding a ROM that's as reliable as stock. As much as I love custom ROMs, my experience has been that a few weeks in I realize that some key feature that I rely on is broken, so I wind up going back to stock. Although I do follow the dev forum closely, and am super intrigued by some of the current ROMs, Virtuous Inquisition in particular. Once their list of bugs is a little more lean, I'll probably get to flashing that one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only main bug IMO is the Exchange issue not syncing. Other than that, for me, nothing holding me back from using this as my daily driver. But users may vary I guess. For me, bluetooth a2dp is the top of my list because I use a bt speaker in my truck. Other than that the VI 4.0 rom is pretty nifty.
The tracker link you posted, while lists a lot of outstanding issue, IMO are stemmed from the rom being modified in some way. I am not saying that all the issues will be solved by just flashing the unmodified rom, because there was an issue with the bundled kernel in 4.0 not working really well with the browsers. Another member repacked it with a kernel that worked and all is good again.
So I say make a backup of your stock setup and try it out. What do you have to loose? If you like stock, stick with stock. If you like to modify your stuff like most do here, then do a nandroid and start flashing!
kpjimmy said:
The only main bug IMO is the Exchange issue not syncing. Other than that, for me, nothing holding me back from using this as my daily driver. But users may vary I guess. For me, bluetooth a2dp is the top of my list because I use a bt speaker in my truck. Other than that the VI 4.0 rom is pretty nifty.
The tracker link you posted, while lists a lot of outstanding issue, IMO are stemmed from the rom being modified in some way. I am not saying that all the issues will be solved by just flashing the unmodified rom, because there was an issue with the bundled kernel in 4.0 not working really well with the browsers. Another member repacked it with a kernel that worked and all is good again.
So I say make a backup of your stock setup and try it out. What do you have to loose? If you like stock, stick with stock. If you like to modify your stuff like most do here, then do a nandroid and start flashing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I'm easily tempted so now I probably will, but doesn't a nandroid backup only get me halfway there? If I find myself wanting to restore that backup I'll need to flash my old firmware again, right? I guess I'm just nervous about messing with my firmware since I've never done that before, but it sounds like I should probably just get over it. =)
I got myself a brand new nexus S and Ive got some questions
Im debating on using a custom ROM or just go stock ICS.
A good reason why people use custom ROMs is because of better battery because of the kernel. so would it be possible to flash a better kernel on stock ICS?
If I am going with Custom,
whats the most Recommended:
way of rooting(1 click or manual, and why)
Custom recovery
best kernel
best ROM
is it possible to save a custom UI(so you could do dual booting through custom UI u made)
WoolyMarmot said:
I got myself a brand new nexus S and Ive got some questions
Im debating on using a custom ROM or just go stock ICS.
A good reason why people use custom ROMs is because of better battery because of the kernel. so would it be possible to flash a better kernel on stock ICS?
If I am going with Custom,
whats the most Recommended:
way of rooting(1 click or manual, and why)
Custom recovery
best kernel
best ROM
is it possible to save a custom UI(so you could do dual booting through custom UI u made)
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Click to collapse
You can flash a stock kernel on stock ICS, this is what i have done in the past and it was great. However I will note that the new ROM modifications that increase usable System RAM make a very noticeable difference with no negatives as far as i see. You also get things like notification power toggles, more lockscreen options and so on with a custom ROM.
Anyway, to answer your questions:
1) Best way of rooting: We have a Nexus device so i would not waste time using one clicks. Unlock the bootloader using fastboot, flash a custom recovery and then either flash superuser.zip or a custom ROM. This allows the most versatility when changing ROMs, mainly if you ever decide to flash or restore a stock ROM. The Nexus S allows you to lock the bootloader if you ever need to so warranty issues based on unlocked bootloaders are minimal.
2) ClockWorkMod is generally the most favorable, compatible and least buggy of the lot. TWRP, although good, has a couple of hidden bugs in it and is no longer being developed. Further, CWM now gives you the option between a Touch based recovery and a button based one. This is up to you as they're both essentially the same, but i still prefer the buttons.
3) There is no best kernel, just the best for you. Find the features you want in a kernel first, and then pick a handful and try them all. If you are using a ROM with fixes for the extra RAM (CM9, Slim, etc), you will need a kernel that supports this.
4) Same with kernels. CyanogenMod is generally a good choice. Although on the surface it looks just like stock it is heavily modified. Others have only minor modifications and additions, practically a stock experience with a couple of extra features. Pick a handful with features you want and try each for a couple of days. Feel free to switch kernels from the one that comes with each ROM.
Custom UI? If you mean bootloader or something like that, not really. There have been one or two devs who have tried to make this possible (not specific to the Nexus S) but i don't think their (working?) attempts have taken off. Don't get your hopes up here though.
Harbb said:
1) Best way of rooting: We have a Nexus device so i would not waste time using one clicks. Unlock the bootloader using fastboot, flash a custom recovery and then either flash superuser.zip or a custom ROM. This allows the most versatility when changing ROMs, mainly if you ever decide to flash or restore a stock ROM. The Nexus S allows you to lock the bootloader if you ever need to so warranty issues based on unlocked bootloaders are minimal.
4) Same with kernels. CyanogenMod is generally a good choice. Although on the surface it looks just like stock it is heavily modified. Others have only minor modifications and additions, practically a stock experience with a couple of extra features. Pick a handful with features you want and try each for a couple of days. Feel free to switch kernels from the one that comes with each ROM.
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Click to collapse
1. Im fairly new to android OS and while I do generally understand what youre saying its best you give me some links. The only root Ive done with a phone so far are 1 clicks
4. can you elaborate more of why cyanogenmod is a good rom. I hear about it alot and people recommend it,but why?
also, what ROM do you use yourself?
WoolyMarmot said:
1. Im fairly new to android OS and while I do generally understand what youre saying its best you give me some links. The only root Ive done with a phone so far are 1 clicks
4. can you elaborate more of why cyanogenmod is a good rom. I hear about it alot and people recommend it,but why?
also, what ROM do you use yourself?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It'll all make sense as soon as you do it, I assumed you had a read through some rooting guides for the Nexus S.
The Nexus S uses a little flashing utility called fastboot. fastboot gives us the ability to replace certain parts of our phone with customised versions. For example, you can replace the stock Recovery partition (which only lets you install Google-signed .zip files) with a custom one, such as TWRP or ClockWorkMod (which let you install any correctly-formatted .zip file). To be able to use fastboot, you need to unlock the bootloader. On our phones it is possible to lock it again afterward with no trace, but the phones warranty would technically be voided (<-- scare tactics). So basically, you unlock the bootloader, flash a custom recovery and then you can freely install a .zip file through the recovery which gives you root privileges. Afterward with this new recovery, feel free to install custom ROMs and the such straight through it.
I personally used Zedomax's guide found here. This does exactly what i stated above and gives you all of the tools to do it, as well as a video. Just follow the video to a T and you'll be fine, it is all pretty simply laid out. I personally use CWM recovery though, not TWRP as it is no longer being developed. I'm pretty sure i explained what each of the steps do above.
CyanogenMod, unlike most other ROMs, have a somewhat large team of developers working together. They add many features to many phones which are often ported to other ROMs, whether it be the concept or the code. It is a great ROM once stable with countless features and they generally do a great job making sure everything is just about perfect, and there is plenty of support and a large userbase. This doesn't mean it's the best, it is just one of the most known.
I personally use Slim ICS daily right now. Largest benefit at the moment is compatibility with CMs bigmem mod, the phone loves the extra RAM.
well in that case I dont wanna use cyanogenmod. I was thinking something as close to stock(or just simple) as possible because I plan on using themes and widgets to customize it.
1 more question before I root, does it matter which version of OS it has? For example, this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1007782
nvm, phone already rooted
new question: is it possible to dual boot roms? Ive been reading and they say its possible with using particular apps and an SD card, but the nexus S has no sd slot so...