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[Q] Rooting + Flashing CWM

Hey guys, I just ordered this tablet today on sale from newegg. Pretty excited for it! I had a nexus 7 I purchased today but for $30 I feel I got a lot more tablet.
I have only rooted two devices in the past, my S3 and Droid X2, both were either 1 click roots or simply plugging into odin and flashing a rooted image.
I saw there were two different guides, one was very in depth..I also heard of tablets coming with a new software update that might not be rootable yet? Which is the best guide to follow for rooting this device?
Also, I noticed there are two CWM recoveries, one for JB and one for others. When I update to the latest JB OTA, and flash that, what happens when I install a custom ROM, should I flash the 'other' CWM then?
Thanks for the answers! Can't wait for this tablet to come in the mail!

duarian said:
Hey guys, I just ordered this tablet today on sale from newegg. Pretty excited for it! I had a nexus 7 I purchased today but for $30 I feel I got a lot more tablet.
I have only rooted two devices in the past, my S3 and Droid X2, both were either 1 click roots or simply plugging into odin and flashing a rooted image.
I saw there were two different guides, one was very in depth..I also heard of tablets coming with a new software update that might not be rootable yet? Which is the best guide to follow for rooting this device?
Also, I noticed there are two CWM recoveries, one for JB and one for others. When I update to the latest JB OTA, and flash that, what happens when I install a custom ROM, should I flash the 'other' CWM then?
Thanks for the answers! Can't wait for this tablet to come in the mail!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1697227
For rooting and installing custom recovery, check out the videos on the link there, especially the ones from allaboutandroid. There should be a step to unlock your tablet there as well...
I'm guessing you're still on stock ICS, yes? In that case, after you apply the OTA JB update from Asus, you should install the CWM for JB only. You don't lose recovery after you flash a custom ROM. Do not, however, attempt to flash a JB ROM on ICS recovery, and vice versa. That would soft brick your tablet. Hope that helps
Update: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1966910
Link to a post that explains the rooting process as well.

Thanks man. That first guide is a little overwhelming at first. Lots of information haha. I haven't received mine yet but really looking forward as its my first tablet. Really appreciate the links and everything. Unlocking the boot loader seems easy enough!
Edit: should I apply the JB OTA and then unlock boot loader? Or does it not matter since the boot loader unlock works on ICS and jellybean?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

duarian said:
Thanks man. That first guide is a little overwhelming at first. Lots of information haha. I haven't received mine yet but really looking forward as its my first tablet. Really appreciate the links and everything. Unlocking the boot loader seems easy enough!
Edit: should I apply the JB OTA and then unlock boot loader? Or does it not matter since the boot loader unlock works on ICS and jellybean?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, it doesn't really matter which step you do first, but you might as well apply the OTA first, and then unlock and flash custom recovery + root all at once. Also, there might be a chance that you won't be getting the OTA notification from the tablet itself if you unlock first (some users reported this, although it doesn't seem to be across the board)...
Update: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1845377
Another link for rooting and recovery, this one labelled 'noob-proof'. If you're installing the OTA first, start from Step 3..

Haha thanks. Really appreciate it. As I said all of my past rooting experience has been simple. This one is a bit more in depth but I can follow directions just fine
I recall reading somewhere about two types of recoveries. One for stock JB and one for everything else. If I flash a custom ROM will I need to change my recovery at all if I go with TWRP JB?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Yeap, this tablet was my first experience with android, and from what I heard there are more steps involved here than with the other tablets/phones. I actually skipped a step and soft-bricked my tablet once XP
No, unless you want to flash stock-based ICS ROMS, which by now is kinda outdated anyway (they even ported CM10 to the JB bootloader already). TWRP should do the trick for some time

sosroz said:
Yeap, this tablet was my first experience with android, and from what I heard there are more steps involved here than with the other tablets/phones. I actually skipped a step and soft-bricked my tablet once XP
No, unless you want to flash stock-based ICS ROMS, which by now is kinda outdated anyway (they even ported CM10 to the JB bootloader already). TWRP should do the trick for some time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds great, thanks for all the replies. I would hate to get my tablet and accidentally brick it (I would probably cry). It was between this and the Nexus 7 but I feel I made the right choice. My S3 already has a decently big screen, 3 more inches isnt worth $300 IMO. However 6-7 more I think is a winner!
Edit: Ugh, looks like an update was pushed out today. Curious if this will break the rooting methods or not...

[Q] A700 rooting question

Hi guys,
I've searched everywhere and can't get a definitive answer on this so here goes -
I'm a noob when it comes to Android, having recently defected from being an Apple Disciple (I got hacked off with iTunes and bored in general with the Daycare Centre which is iOS) and have recently acquired an Acer A700 tablet.
I have installed the JB update OTA and everything is working fine and am chomping at the bit to get it booted, but most of the posts I have read regarding unlocking the bootloader and rooting it relate to ICS.
My questions are -
Does the bootloader process apply regardless of Firmware? (Are there different versions for different Firmwares)
Can anyone point me in the direction of a decent tutorial on how to do this?
What happens regarding a future update? Do I have to revert back to stock and update from there or can i jump from one ROM to another? (I'm assuming that I can't use the OTA updates any more)
Sorry for the long OP and thanks in advance for your answers.

ianrobbie said:
Hi guys,
I've searched everywhere and can't get a definitive answer on this so here goes -
I'm a noob when it comes to Android, having recently defected from being an Apple Disciple (I got hacked off with iTunes and bored in general with the Daycare Centre which is iOS) and have recently acquired an Acer A700 tablet.
I have installed the JB update OTA and everything is working fine and am chomping at the bit to get it booted, but most of the posts I have read regarding unlocking the bootloader and rooting it relate to ICS.
My questions are -
Does the bootloader process apply regardless of Firmware? (Are there different versions for different Firmwares)
Can anyone point me in the direction of a decent tutorial on how to do this?
What happens regarding a future update? Do I have to revert back to stock and update from there or can i jump from one ROM to another? (I'm assuming that I can't use the OTA updates any more)
Sorry for the long OP and thanks in advance for your answers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. Seeing you are on JB, then you have a JB bootloader.
You need to go here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1953917
And download Vorbeths easyroot2.0. It's for the 700.
You have to unlock your bootloader first, which shouldn't be an issue for you. Easy instructions for that.
Then download his package to a folder on your PC. (not sure, but you may have to download each file individually) Open a command window (shift & right mouse click) and type in whatever his instructions say. Should be painless.
Make sure USB Debugging is turned on first in your tablet (Settings/Developer Options/USB Debugging), and make sure you have the Acer Drivers installed on your PC.
Then connect, wait 30 seconds, and run his batch file.
You should be ok.
MD
Oh yes, one more thing, once you unlock your bootloader, chances are you will not be able to get OTA. And the only way to re-lock the bootloader is to install a stock rom.

Thanks!
Thanks for the reply. I am now the owner of a fully rooted A700!
Had a few issues during unlocking the bootloader. That thing timeouts quick! Also, didn't realise you had to run the .bat file while the tablet was on the Bootloader USB protocol screen. I thought you had to wait until it booted fully into JB.
Anyway, took the plunge and thanks again for your help.

ianrobbie said:
Thanks for the reply. I am now the owner of a fully rooted A700!
Had a few issues during unlocking the bootloader. That thing timeouts quick! Also, didn't realise you had to run the .bat file while the tablet was on the Bootloader USB protocol screen. I thought you had to wait until it booted fully into JB.
Anyway, took the plunge and thanks again for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. I thought I mentioned it timed out in about 5 seconds These days I don't remember much
Yeah, I haven't looked at Vorbeth's script, so I don't know which screen he launches it from. With mine for the 701, you can be when the tab is running normal. No difference in the end result though
Happy Hunting!
MD

One last question - do I have to install Clockwork Recovery for re-flashing the stock images or is it just a case of renaming it update. zip and putting it on an SD Card? Any chance you can point me in the right direction of the most recent/stable build? Is it easy to install?
Thanks again.
Sent from my GT-I9305 using xda app-developers app

ianrobbie said:
One last question - do I have to install Clockwork Recovery for re-flashing the stock images or is it just a case of renaming it update. zip and putting it on an SD Card? Any chance you can point me in the right direction of the most recent/stable build? Is it easy to install?
Thanks again.
Sent from my GT-I9305 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, this is a trouble spot.
If you wish to install a custom rom, then you will need to install CWM. The most recent version.
If you want to try your luck at installing a stock rom, my opinion, is to leave the stock recovery inplace. I haven't had luck in installing stock update.zips, as Acer has made them very specific. So I can't be much help to you in that.
However, you can always flash back to CWM or a stock JB recovery pretty easy. Personally, unless you plan on flashing a custom, I would just leave the stock recovery.
MD
Sometimes "leaked" update appear here in the forums. They are unofficial. And you never know if they improve things, or make things worse. So be careful.

Moscow Desire said:
Well, this is a trouble spot.
If you wish to install a custom rom, then you will need to install CWM. The most recent version.
If you want to try your luck at installing a stock rom, my opinion, is to leave the stock recovery inplace. I haven't had luck in installing stock update.zips, as Acer has made them very specific. So I can't be much help to you in that.
However, you can always flash back to CWM or a stock JB recovery pretty easy. Personally, unless you plan on flashing a custom, I would just leave the stock recovery.
MD
Sometimes "leaked" update appear here in the forums. They are unofficial. And you never know if they improve things, or make things worse. So be careful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, just for future reference, how would I go about re-flashing the stock image? I'm assuming it's saved on the tablet in a separate partition?
I've decided to stick with the stock rooted ROM but would like to know how to re-flash for when Key Lime Pie and future updates are released.
And, seeing as how you haven't steered me wrong so far, I though I'd pick your brains one last time.
Hope you don't mind!

[Q]

Hi everyone
First off I would like to thank everyone who contributes on this board, I have been lurking for quite awhile even though I dont have any android devices, the reading is very interesting.
I have just got my first android device today delivered from BH Photo (I am in Australia) and have charged and powered it up. I have been reading on the forums about rooting and then unlocking. The android version appears to be 4.0.3 (ICS).
My questions are these:
Should I root this device and unlock the bootloader with ICS, then install TWRP and make a backup of it. Once this is done then update to JB? The firmware of the tablet is (I think this is right) IM74K:US_epad_9.4.5.26-20120720 and the kernel is 2.6.39.4 [email protected] #1
or
Update the device to JB then root it, but Im a bit confused with the unlocking part here what program is used to unlock the bootloader? Is it the Asus one? Also with rooting programs which one is more commonly used for both ICS and JB? Can I apply a manual update of JB using the Ausrtalian version instead of the US one.
Sorry for all the noob questions. I have read the index and after reading it still had some questions.
Thank you for your time

deathwalker01 said:
Hi everyone
First off I would like to thank everyone who contributes on this board, I have been lurking for quite awhile even though I dont have any android devices, the reading is very interesting.
I have just got my first android device today delivered from BH Photo (I am in Australia) and have charged and powered it up. I have been reading on the forums about rooting and then unlocking. The android version appears to be 4.0.3 (ICS).
My questions are these:
Should I root this device and unlock the bootloader with ICS, then install TWRP and make a backup of it. Once this is done then update to JB? The firmware of the tablet is (I think this is right) IM74K:US_epad_9.4.5.26-20120720 and the kernel is 2.6.39.4 [email protected] #1
or
Update the device to JB then root it, but Im a bit confused with the unlocking part here what program is used to unlock the bootloader? Is it the Asus one? Also with rooting programs which one is more commonly used for both ICS and JB? Can I apply a manual update of JB using the Ausrtalian version instead of the US one.
Sorry for all the noob questions. I have read the index and after reading it still had some questions.
Thank you for your time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to the Community!
There are a few on-going threads regarding this same topic. You might want to read those and make sure you understand the lingo/jargon being used (like: fastboot, bootloader, Recovery, adb. etc) as well as what it's for before you start your hacking.
Some things to keep in mind
Currently to have Root access in JB, you need to get root in ICS then use OTA Keeper to maintain Root for JB update.
The Bootloader unlocker tool is from ASUS and needs to communicate with ASUS servers for it to unlock.
Unlocking the bootloader will void your warrenty. Make sure you have a good device before you do it.
You have a version of tablet (9.4.5.26) that is able to use NVFlash that can help recover your tablet during a soft brick.
You should use an update that is appropriate for your device. If it comes with US, stay with US. Installing an update for a different region might not cause problems but there is no guarantee. Best to avoid the possibility by staying with the region it comes with.
For some reading material, I think that my blog post might help give you some additional details. However, I highly suggest that it be used for research only until you are aware of exactly what you are trying to accomplish. Remember to ask questions if things are confusing or if you are wondering what needs to be done next. 'Tis better to ask and be delayed than to be over-eager and bricked.
Hope this helps you during your first steps of XDA Android hacking!

I just got my TF700 last week and I wanted cleanrom on it and this is the order of stuff I did:
1. Unlocked bootloader
2. Nvflash setup
3. Installed TWRP
4. Flashed official Asus update
5. I lost TWRP so I installed it again
6. Flashed cleanrom
Probably not the most efficient way, but it was easy to do and didn't take too long.

hong90 said:
I just got my TF700 last week and I wanted cleanrom on it and this is the order of stuff I did:
1. Unlocked bootloader
2. Nvflash setup
3. Installed TWRP
4. Flashed official Asus update
5. I lost TWRP so I installed it again
6. Flashed cleanrom
Probably not the most efficient way, but it was easy to do and didn't take too long.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's the most efficient way.

I have nothing to add except for the remark that NvFlash is key -- GET IT WHILE YOU STILL CAN!
I'm not even kidding here. It gives you 100% flexibility in doing whatever you wish (up- as well as downgrading, even the bootloader!) and provides a key benefit in recovering your device when that whale-sized piece of excrement hits the large ventilator running at top speed.

Thanks to everyone that has replied to my post. I have successfully rooted the tablet and unlocked the bootloader. Before I do anything else Im going to run NVflash and back it up. I have a quick question though. I have download NVFlash to my computer and extracted it. Do I need to copy it across to the tablet and then enter fastboot? I havent got an extenal sd card will it save the images to the tablet's hard drive?
Cheers
Deathwalker

i followed this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3ypzUaKxvo&feature=youtube_gdata_player
i watched it before i actually did it once or twice to make sure i know what to do. you don't need an external sd card. following the fastboot steps will pull the files that you need onto the internal one in a folder

Last night I used NVFlash to make backup of the tablet. A big thank you to alienedd as I followed his blog and also the guide from androidmobi team and managed to get the img files done. Is there anyway to test bar for wiping the tablet?
Now all I have left to do is install OTA RootKeeper and TWRP, back up the existing tablet and then flash a custom ROM (Im thinking cleanrom)

You don't need OTA Rootkeeper anymore because you have unlocked you're bootloader. And custom roms like Cleanrom are already pre-rooted so after flashing the cleanrom you will have root anyway.

[Q] How to upgrade from ICS bootloader, nowdays?

Hi,
I'm still on ICS bootloader on my TF300T, some unofficial CM based ROM and a new TWRP. How can I update my bootloader to support newest ROMs? Is it possible without ADB (ex. through terminal)? Does anyone have a ASUS ICS OFW, so it's possible to update OTA? Thanks in advance.

vegitto said:
Hi,
I'm still on ICS bootloader on my TF300T, some unofficial CM based ROM and a new TWRP. How can I update my bootloader to support newest ROMs? Is it possible without ADB (ex. through terminal)? Does anyone have a ASUS ICS OFW, so it's possible to update OTA? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Theres a couple ways safest i've found is normal download and update. As far as ota if your unlocked no luck there but you can download from asus website place on root of sd or internal storage and wait for triangle to come up in notification back like as if ota. I would go through each update starting from where you left of before flashing cm especially going to 10.4.2.20 to 10.6.1.8 as it uses 10.4.2.20 as base for update from there. Remember once on jb bootloader your stuck there cant downgrade back to ics and theres some major changes to 10.6.1.8 and would have to reroot once get there but with the changes becarful as to what recoveries and roms u use once on 4.2.1 u can only use roms based on that and have to use the twrp 2.4.4.0 patched recovery but there are also alot of unknowns as to asus' new update so caution read and ask before flashing because many are bricking with no fix except nvflash right now. So also i would do and nvflash back up as if something should go wrong its your best and only way outnonce on 10.6.1.8 but back up before going through all this because as of now nvflash isnt available for jb 4.2.1. Goodluck and becarful.
Heresna good thread to read and ask questions on how to go about getting to 10.6.1.8 aka 4.2.1 most of all read and ask before getting into a pickle.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2187982

aerdely said:
Theres a couple ways safest i've found is normal download and update. As far as ota if your unlocked no luck there but you can download from asus website place on root of sd or internal storage and wait for triangle to come up in notification back like as if ota. I would go through each update starting from where you left of before flashing cm especially going to 10.4.2.20 to 10.6.1.8 as it uses 10.4.2.20 as base for update from there. Remember once on jb bootloader your stuck there cant downgrade back to ics and theres some major changes to 10.6.1.8 and would have to reroot once get there but with the changes becarful as to what recoveries and roms u use once on 4.2.1 u can only use roms based on that and have to use the twrp 2.4.4.0 patched recovery but there are also alot of unknowns as to asus' new update so caution read and ask before flashing because many are bricking with no fix except nvflash right now. So also i would do and nvflash back up as if something should go wrong its your best and only way outnonce on 10.6.1.8 but back up before going through all this because as of now nvflash isnt available for jb 4.2.1. Goodluck and becarful.
Heresna good thread to read and ask questions on how to go about getting to 10.6.1.8 aka 4.2.1 most of all read and ask before getting into a pickle.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2187982
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Note: Good info!
You forgot unzip once after download.

tobdaryl said:
Note: Good info!
You forgot unzip once after download.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea of course good catch. THANKS. Also in some cases may need to rename as in some times when get to 10.4.2.20 or 10.6.1.8 may have to rename. US_epad-user-10.6.1.8.zip of course not alway US could be WW for world wide or etc but as your updating may not always be the case just i've heard of some having to do this. This also works for downgrading and renaming your current firmware version as a previous version to do a reinstall had to do that once to fix a random reboot problem and works. I've heard of some downgrading as far as first jb build but thats as far as i've seen anyone can go.
Good luck as far as getting back to stock not totally sure you may know better than me or can ask some one on the thread i gave you i've never been rooted because affraid to void warranty just to safe but been doing alot of reading a research for when i decide to do so. Rooted like 10 of my passed other phones why not this one eventually just being safe from what i've seen happen to people with this new update.

aerdely said:
Theres a couple ways safest i've found is normal download and update. As far as ota if your unlocked no luck there but you can download from asus website place on root of sd or internal storage and wait for triangle to come up in notification back like as if ota. I would go through each update starting from where you left of before flashing cm especially going to 10.4.2.20 to 10.6.1.8 as it uses 10.4.2.20 as base for update from there. Remember once on jb bootloader your stuck there cant downgrade back to ics and theres some major changes to 10.6.1.8 and would have to reroot once get there but with the changes becarful as to what recoveries and roms u use once on 4.2.1 u can only use roms based on that and have to use the twrp 2.4.4.0 patched recovery but there are also alot of unknowns as to asus' new update so caution read and ask before flashing because many are bricking with no fix except nvflash right now. So also i would do and nvflash back up as if something should go wrong its your best and only way outnonce on 10.6.1.8 but back up before going through all this because as of now nvflash isnt available for jb 4.2.1. Goodluck and becarful.
Heresna good thread to read and ask questions on how to go about getting to 10.6.1.8 aka 4.2.1 most of all read and ask before getting into a pickle.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2187982
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll second this advice. I just upgraded my tablet from ICS yesterday, too, and this is exactly what I did. It worked great. I stopped at the last 4.1 update, though, because CM won't work on 4.2 yet.
And I second^2 the advice about setting up NVFlash before flashing the Jellybean update. I did that, too. Of course, I was doubly motivated by the fact that I had just recovered from a seven-month soft-brick (which was why I was still on ICS).
Anyway, good luck, and enjoy the Jellybean update.
Putting the ILLA in KILLA since 1985

Thanks, I'll NVflash first... Just where do I get androidroot.mobi bootloader from? Can't find it.

vegitto said:
Thanks, I'll NVflash first... Just where do I get androidroot.mobi bootloader from? Can't find it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The NVFlash thread links to a page at androidroot.mobi about the NVFlash release. That page links to a guide. At the bottom of the guide are two things you have to download (there are many links to downloads, but you only need the two that correspond to your OS and tablet). One is the NVFlash binary. You'll know because it only contains one file called NVFlash. The other includes the specific files for your tablet, including the bootloader.
So, just follow the guide on the AndroidRoot.mobi site, and you'll be fine.
Edit: Here's the guide I'm talking about: http://androidroot.mobi/t3_nvflash/
If you're using Windows, you may actually need to download three files, the third being the drivers.
Putting the ILLA in KILLA since 1985

In windows, the android SDK/Fasrboot are more clear to me, so I'll now just download the ROMs and files for later use. Thanks everyone

[Q] Advice on 1 Year old TF300T

Good day and thank you
I can usually find out what i want by reading the forums, but this time I need advice
my tablet is one year old and out of warranty.. and working
TF300T running 4.2.1 JOP40D.WW_epad-10.6.1.27.5-20130902
I understand that i get the unlocker from asus
but I want to unlock the bootloader , install recovery manager and make a backup
and have the ability to change the rom
on my old cell phone ICS , it was root then install CWM for backup's
I don't want to mess anything up assuming things
but from all the reading in the forums and bleeding eyes... it seems there's so many bricked devices... just terrible
did i miss a forum or walkthru on how to NOT brick the tablet
please any help would be great
thank you and take care
ttyl
Cam

aweman said:
Good day and thank you
I can usually find out what i want by reading the forums, but this time I need advice
my tablet is one year old and out of warranty.. and working
TF300T running 4.2.1 JOP40D.WW_epad-10.6.1.27.5-20130902
I understand that i get the unlocker from asus
but I want to unlock the bootloader , install recovery manager and make a backup
and have the ability to change the rom
on my old cell phone ICS , it was root then install CWM for backup's
I don't want to mess anything up assuming things
but from all the reading in the forums and bleeding eyes... it seems there's so many bricked devices... just terrible
did i miss a forum or walkthru on how to NOT brick the tablet
please any help would be great
thank you and take care
ttyl
Cam
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"...but from all the reading in the forums and bleeding eyes..." for that?! Nah...
1. Unlock: get the apk from asus site (V8) for it. If you run into problems, downgrade to 4.1 and use ver. 7 instead. This is not an unknown issue. Once you're unlocked, it will remain so forever;
2. Recovery: if you stay on 4.2, you can't use CWM. Must install TWRP (2630-4.2 is the latest, I believe). You can use CWM on 4.1, but if you're gonna upgrade anyway, might as well flash TWRP throughout. Choose your recovery carefully: 2.6.3.0 is for 4.1 bootloader (10.4.x.xx); 2.6.3.0-4.2 is for 4.2 bootloader (10.6.x.xx - your current rom). Do it otherwise and you risk bricking your device! That done, you can change roms to your heart's content.
Basically, downgrade to 4.1 if need be, unlock, upgrade to 4.2, flash TWRP, then custom roms. Don't mix roms with incompatible bootloaders though: read the rom threads carefully, Usually, they will warn you at the beginning which bootloader is required for a particular rom. Hint: 4.3 roms definitely need 4.2 bootloader. Have fun.
Note: if you happen to upgrade to 4.2 and like it that way, you can flash Nvflash bootloader (10.6,x) and use CWM 4.2 recovery instead. Credit to Noahvt for pointing that out. A glitch in my case: I could flash, but could not back up. CMW is unreliable, and should be used only as a last resort, as in you don't have a working touchscreen.