Database Info

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?
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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.
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+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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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...
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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?
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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

Is it really worth it?

First of all, I would like to thank the devs for all their hard work and dedication. But I really would like some honest insight into this whole custom rom thing.
After reading just about every post on every thread in the development section, I have noticed that a lot of people have problems with the roms (some minor, some major) in one fashion or another. It seems that there is no rom that technically works 100% perfect. But this is not a complaint on my end.
What I want to know is, do all of you just love tinkering with your phone that much that you will reflash new roms every week, (or less) look for workarounds and fixes, and put up with glitches?
It was fun for me for about a week, but quickly got old. I was looking for that magical rom that would change my life, but never happened. Regardless of whether I was using custom or stock, I use my phone in exactly the same way all day. So I had to ask myself if the constant flashing and fixing was worth it just to find a perfect solution that doesn't exist to begin with.
I mean, don't people just want to use their phones instead of constantly trying new things? Or is it just a way of life now, and you don't care how much time you spend. Is flashing new roms and fixing things the purpose of having your phone? I thought it was to make phone calls and everything else we do day to day.
Maybe you could enlighten me as to why you are a flashoholic, and not a regular phone user.
And one other thing. If you are into tinkering so much, why not set aside a spare hard drive or partition on your computer and install some linux distros? The customization possibilties are literally endless with linux on the desktop, and can provide years of entertainment and challenges. It just seems odd that a bunch of pc users would use their (linux based) phones as a means to experiment, but not their desktop/laptop pc's. And yes, I realize some of you might use linux.
Sorry for the length, but just would like some insight into these questions.

i do it for that fresh look and new ideas some people have with there roms that i wish was standard
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Its for customization. Freedom. Choice. And feel. Nuff said.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium

And also, honestly it takes 30 seconds to flash a rom. Not really wasting mich time there.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium

Stock isn't too perfect either though...

MaliciousIntent69 said:
And also, honestly it takes 30 seconds to flash a rom. Not really wasting mich time there.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium
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backup old rom . old data . old apps. wipe data. wipe cache . 30seconds to flash that rom . srtup phone restore all the apps . restore all the old data if you saved.
i flash a new rom almost every 3 days but it takes about an hour of time each time sometimes even 2 if you messed up ^_^
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App

wolfen69 said:
First of all, I would like to thank the devs for all their hard work and dedication. But I really would like some honest insight into this whole custom rom thing.
After reading just about every post on every thread in the development section, I have noticed that a lot of people have problems with the roms (some minor, some major) in one fashion or another. It seems that there is no rom that technically works 100% perfect. But this is not a complaint on my end.
What I want to know is, do all of you just love tinkering with your phone that much that you will reflash new roms every week, (or less) look for workarounds and fixes, and put up with glitches?
It was fun for me for about a week, but quickly got old. I was looking for that magical rom that would change my life, but never happened. Regardless of whether I was using custom or stock, I use my phone in exactly the same way all day. So I had to ask myself if the constant flashing and fixing was worth it just to find a perfect solution that doesn't exist to begin with.
I mean, don't people just want to use their phones instead of constantly trying new things? Or is it just a way of life now, and you don't care how much time you spend. Is flashing new roms and fixing things the purpose of having your phone? I thought it was to make phone calls and everything else we do day to day.
Maybe you could enlighten me as to why you are a flashoholic, and not a regular phone user.
And one other thing. If you are into tinkering so much, why not set aside a spare hard drive or partition on your computer and install some linux distros? The customization possibilties are literally endless with linux on the desktop, and can provide years of entertainment and challenges. It just seems odd that a bunch of pc users would use their (linux based) phones as a means to experiment, but not their desktop/laptop pc's. And yes, I realize some of you might use linux.
Sorry for the length, but just would like some insight into these questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the easiest way to explain this without going into a bunch of detail. Customizing my phone is one of my hobbies. It is kind of the same thing as to when you buy a house or a car and want to fix it up or change things on it. When you change things on it, it makes it yours and nobody has one exactly the same.
Sent from my MB865 using xda premium

Wolfen - We all have a choice to accept things as they are, or to expect things to be a certain way and be disillusioned when they are not, or to take direct action through our own works to effect change.
Most people who've been here a while are here because they like to tinker with their phones. Those who provide custom roms are not paid for their work. Some accept donations, but there is no requirement for anyone to pay up front. If you do not understand or appreciate what people do here you are free to choose another path.
I do hope you stick around though, or at least check in every once and a while. I think there are some good things coming. For example, entropy512 just released a kernel that allows HDMI to work. The Collective, bigfau, qkstr and others continue to release stock-based roms that focus on improving stability, performance, features, and customizability.

Custom roms will never be 100% bug free. This is due to the nature of the beast. Only you can make the choice on if it is worth it. Custom roms are not for everyone. To be honest its not for most people. The ones that will use custom roms are those that enjoy troubleshooting and helping to find and fix bugs.
Now as per the nature of the site you will most likely get a ton of people that say it is very worth it. While they are not wrong, they are also not right. It is all up to you.
Thread closed

Skyrocket first time user coming from iPhone!

Hey guys, I've been using the iPhone since 2007 when they first came out and now I'm putting down my 4S and switching over to the Skyrocket and i'm very excited to do so. I've been on this forum reading up for a couple weeks now trying to familiarize myself with the modding etc. My phone should be coming in today so I have a couple quick questions.
First off, I really want to skip gingerbread and goto ICS but I have never learned an android phone and the workings but it shouldn't take me too long to get used to it. Should I keep GB a while and get used to it then make the switch?
Second, I was thinking about going straight to SKY ICS but it looks like it's not 100% worked out and I do want a fully functioning phone. Should I flash to SKY or pick another more stable build of ICS?
Any suggestions would be great!

I always come back to GB. All the Ics are pretty stable, but I like my bln, kernel tweaks, and 100% working.
There is also a small possibility that the Ics leaks are causing bricks. None that I know of for the skyrocket yet, though. They have been having problems with the note and various other models.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

from just the pure OS's workings i think ICS would be easier to get used to. though samsungs stock ICS doesn't look all that different from gingerbread.
None of the ICS ROMS are 100% stable but a lot work really well and have mostly everything (aside from a few small bugs) working perfect.
I'd say read around for about a week or so on the exact procedure on how to root, install cwm, install roms, and ect. Then when you are more comfortable working with the software and your phone go ahead and flash.
As far as which rom, SKYICS is very fast and very stable, just about as good as you can get with the stock samsung ICS. and it has various speed tweaks as well as S Voice (Like Siri but not as good) from the Galaxy S3 and also the TouchwizUX Launcher.
Theres also CM9 (Which I use) Which, instead of being samsungs ICS, it looks exactly like Stock Google ICS (The one that comes with the Galaxy Nexus)
It is also very fast, and looks amazing, i think much better than samsungs ICS.
And you can also get TouchwizUX and S Voice on CM9 once you get settled in with android and learn how to move apks.
All in all. its up to you. Do some reading for a while, learn everything you can, and then Try as many roms as you like and see what works good for you.

Both are great replies thanks guys. I definitely need to play around with some of the tools and familiarize myself with everything. I need to find the best backup programs/music programs/ etc and get used to those. I have all my contacts from my iPhone synced with Google contacts so I should be able to sync it with my Skyrocket once it comes in. I really would like S-Voice so I'll most likely go straight to SKY ICS once I get better with the phone, I don't want to eff anything up. The iPhone was pie to jailbreak. It looks like there's a bit more things involved with the android phone in terms of rooting/permissions/flashing and so forth. Will have to dig deeper. I've read the noob guide but it doesn't make a ton of sense until I get the phone in my hand lol.

Kevinl86 said:
Both are great replies thanks guys. I definitely need to play around with some of the tools and familiarize myself with everything. I need to find the best backup programs/music programs/ etc and get used to those. I have all my contacts from my iPhone synced with Google contacts so I should be able to sync it with my Skyrocket once it comes in. I really would like S-Voice so I'll most likely go straight to SKY ICS once I get better with the phone, I don't want to eff anything up. The iPhone was pie to jailbreak. It looks like there's a bit more things involved with the android phone in terms of rooting/permissions/flashing and so forth. Will have to dig deeper. I've read the noob guide but it doesn't make a ton of sense until I get the phone in my hand lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Titanium backup, poweramp, root explorer.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

Kevinl86 said:
Hey guys, I've been using the iPhone since 2007 when they first came out and now I'm putting down my 4S and switching over to the Skyrocket and i'm very excited to do so.
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i too am quite happy with the galaxy s2! my wife still uses the iphone4, i call it her "fisher price first touch screen"... makes her so mad.

^ Haha good stuff! Me and my lady are both on 4S right now until my Skyrocket comes in. She is upset I'm getting a new phone already but she will be jealous I'm sure and want one after she plays around with it.

Kevinl86 said:
^ Haha good stuff! Me and my lady are both on 4S right now until my Skyrocket comes in. She is upset I'm getting a new phone already but she will be jealous I'm sure and want one after she plays around with it.
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Click to collapse
I dunno, a lot of girls can't give up their iCrap. They just love 'em to death

xcrazydx said:
I dunno, a lot of girls can't give up their iCrap. They just love 'em to death
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Click to collapse
Yeah and I used to be one of those fanboys, I got her into the iPhone. I just think it's time to graduate into something an adult should use and isn't so locked down. I'm getting tired of squinting at the damn 3.5" screen and having to follow apples rules.

Kevinl86 said:
Yeah and I used to be one of those fanboys, I got her into the iPhone. I just think it's time to graduate into something an adult should use and isn't so locked down. I'm getting tired of squinting at the damn 3.5" screen and having to follow apples rules.
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Click to collapse
Me too. Didn't know what I was missing. For the girls, it's more of a fashion statement, I think.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

xcrazydx said:
Me too. Didn't know what I was missing. For the girls, it's more of a fashion statement, I think.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
Yeah I'd have to agree with you there. She LOVES her white 4**** to death haha.

I used to have an iPhone and I do like the app ecosystem better, and it does look more polished. But the skyrocket beats it in everything else I can think of. But yeah. Being in high school the iPhone is more of a flashy accessory... everyone thinks iPhones the best. Until I show them what the skyrocket can do of course ;P
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium

wizdum69 said:
i too am quite happy with the galaxy s2! my wife still uses the iphone4, i call it her "fisher price first touch screen"... makes her so mad.
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Click to collapse
LoL that's a good one. I usually refer to it as a smartphone with training wheels.

My wife calls it her Ipaid. But welcome to Droid.

My fiance wanted to pick up the 4s, I showed her the Note and it is has been love since then. I do not think I could go to an OS that does not allow modding, that would be my only hang up with switching to an iOS device for my phone.

Kevinl86 said:
Hey guys, I've been using the iPhone since 2007 when they first came out and now I'm putting down my 4S and switching over to the Skyrocket and i'm very excited to do so. I've been on this forum reading up for a couple weeks now trying to familiarize myself with the modding etc. My phone should be coming in today so I have a couple quick questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad you finally came to your senses...
Welcome to Android.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using XDA

Kevinl86 said:
I have a couple quick questions.
First off, I really want to skip gingerbread and goto ICS but I have never learned an android phone and the workings but it shouldn't take me too long to get used to it. Should I keep GB a while and get used to it then make the switch?
Second, I was thinking about going straight to SKY ICS but it looks like it's not 100% worked out and I do want a fully functioning phone. Should I flash to SKY or pick another more stable build of ICS?
Any suggestions would be great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I came from the iPhone 4 about 6 weeks ago and immediately started digging around on the web for info on Android and landed here.
I stuck with 100% stock for about a week before taking the plunge into rooting. Did a lot of reading on here because I didn't understand the terminology (CWM, Flash, TiBU, ODIN, et. al). Once I felt comfortable, I went through the process and had no issues.
Ran like that for a couple of weeks, but the dev section drew me in. Before long I was researching ROMs, and gravitated to SkyICS UCLE4. Read about 20 pages into that thread before chickening out.
THEN I found the ICS 4.0.4 ODIN one-click thread. More reading.... Decided to go for it. Held my breath, re-read the instructions for the 50th time and clicked start.
Worked perfectly. No glitches in the process, no "wth did I just do?"
So I ran with that for another week, but that SkyICS thread was getting bigger, with people raving about battery life and smoothness... like a moth to a flame.
So I spent three days reading all 190+ pages in that thread (or whatever it's up to now).
Just last night, decided to go for it with base 3, update 7 of SkyICS.
I've almost memorized the instructions, BUT it paid off. My SR is running Seanz ROM and I couldn't be more happy with it. Nailed it on the first try - no glitches, no reflash, no problems other than setting the lockscreen wallpaper, which I couldn't give two rats' sh**s in the rain about - and its a known problem anyway. Who cares.
My first suggestion (and one that's repeated ad nauseum here) is read, read, read. Take it slow. Read the instructions for whatever you want to do repeatedly until you really get it.
My "n00b" advice: Get the phone, tinker with it, set it up how you like it, then research how to root it and back it up (your apps, your data, your entire ROM). Make multiple, off-phone backups in case you fudge something. Then learn how to restore. Then TEST restoring to your backups. That's your first hurdle!
Once you have that confidence in your backup & restore process, you'll feel a lot better about looking at the ROMs available and picking the one to suit your needs. Read the feed back, make mental notes, and decide whether the risk is worth it to you.
Personally, I owe seanscreamz a beer or three.
Good luck!
(sorry for the book, but hey, it's my first post here.)

taranis17 said:
I came from the iPhone 4 about 6 weeks ago and immediately started digging around on the web for info on Android and landed here.
I stuck with 100% stock for about a week before taking the plunge into rooting. Did a lot of reading on here because I didn't understand the terminology (CWM, Flash, TiBU, ODIN, et. al). Once I felt comfortable, I went through the process and had no issues.
Ran like that for a couple of weeks, but the dev section drew me in. Before long I was researching ROMs, and gravitated to SkyICS UCLE4. Read about 20 pages into that thread before chickening out.
THEN I found the ICS 4.0.4 ODIN one-click thread. More reading.... Decided to go for it. Held my breath, re-read the instructions for the 50th time and clicked start.
Worked perfectly. No glitches in the process, no "wth did I just do?"
So I ran with that for another week, but that SkyICS thread was getting bigger, with people raving about battery life and smoothness... like a moth to a flame.
So I spent three days reading all 190+ pages in that thread (or whatever it's up to now).
Just last night, decided to go for it with base 3, update 7 of SkyICS.
I've almost memorized the instructions, BUT it paid off. My SR is running Seanz ROM and I couldn't be more happy with it. Nailed it on the first try - no glitches, no reflash, no problems other than setting the lockscreen wallpaper, which I couldn't give two rats' sh**s in the rain about - and its a known problem anyway. Who cares.
My first suggestion (and one that's repeated ad nauseum here) is read, read, read. Take it slow. Read the instructions for whatever you want to do repeatedly until you really get it.
My "n00b" advice: Get the phone, tinker with it, set it up how you like it, then research how to root it and back it up (your apps, your data, your entire ROM). Make multiple, off-phone backups in case you fudge something. Then learn how to restore. Then TEST restoring to your backups. That's your first hurdle!
Once you have that confidence in your backup & restore process, you'll feel a lot better about looking at the ROMs available and picking the one to suit your needs. Read the feed back, make mental notes, and decide whether the risk is worth it to you.
Personally, I owe seanscreamz a beer or three.
Good luck!
(sorry for the book, but hey, it's my first post here.)[/QUOT
I think this story is true for most new android owners who want to do more with their phones. But, like it's only scary the first time. Not to worry it's easy and most of the time painless. Once you have taken the plunge you will be hooked. And like the millions of other flash junkies around the world.... We welcome you. Addiction may require professional treatment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Wow thanks guys this is a ton of helpful info! Can't wait to get the phone today and start tinkering. Ive been reading a TON since Monday about everything android so I'm very excited.

Welcome to Android! Thank goodness you don't have to use that dreadful iTunes anymore. Remember, you can change your launcher if you don't like the UI, I use launcher pro, but if you go ICS, try apex launcher. I use the Dragon Go plugin that you can get through the Swype beta( beta.Swype.com) for my SIRI, but there are others. Learn how to install the URL]http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1367396 14 Toggle Status Bar. Buy an external battery charger that comes with a couple batteries from Amazon for like $15 bucks, and finally, learn about widgets, your best friend. Good luck!
Sent from my SGH-I727R using xda premium

[Q] Best Stock Android ROM?

Hey guys, apologies if I'm not posting in the best possible section for this, but I've been wondering for a while.
I've been getting sick of TouchWiz. Not just the launcher (I got Nova the moment I could, and am still using it) but the customizations of the phone itself and the small annoyances that Verizon baked in, such as the always-on WiFi indicator. I've been debating going to a stock ROM for a long while, and I've made my decision to break free of the ridiculousness that is Verizon and Samsung's customizations, as they've made the phone slow, and I know it can run much better than it is right now. So here's my question:
What's the best stock Android ROM currently? I'd preferably want one that is
Being currently developed. I don't want a ROM with a lazy developer. (If ROMs are a few weeks late, I won't mind, but I don't want to be waiting forever to get the next .1 added to my version number.
Quick and minimal. Literally as close to stock Android as it can be. If there are things that need to be kept, such as the camera app, that's fine, but I'd like to rid myself of as much TouchWiz as I can.
Free of bugs. I know most ROMs aren't perfect. I'm fine with that. I need something to work as a stable daily driver, and I don't much care to hop on the next nightly I can find.
On the latest version of Android without bugs.
I have experience with rooting and flashing with Odin, but I haven't done it in a while, so if the method to root+flash is more than a one click or a couple of console commands, I'd like to be guided if possible. I have no want to brick my phone, as you can well imagine.
Also, if there's a list of stock ROMs for the Verizon GS3, I'd like to be pointed in that direction, if possible.
Thanks! I hope to hear from someone soon!

Not being rude but, if you were to take the amount of time you put into making this thread and actually looked throughout the forums you'd find a thread already on this or get this, you could go to the development threads and read the ops. Mind blowing right?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

Yeah, I know that. I could surf through bunches of ROMs, but I posted here as a question for community feedback on a bunch of them, that might help me make a decision.
Is asking for opinions and information less efficient than going through a list that's new territory for me?
I'm not stupid. I want advice and info from experienced users. Is that so hard to ask for?

Great thread idea. Surprised no one else has done this.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

You described most of the roms that this phone has. Most give you an option to keep phone stock, Based on each thread, they're all amazing to use daily. As far as being on the latest version you simply have to look at the thread title.
You'll definitely need to go through several threads and try them out to see what suits your needs best. It's not an easy task when there are several awesome developers on your phone!

farenteria said:
You described most of the roms that this phone has. Most give you an option to keep phone stock, Based on each thread, they're all amazing to use daily. As far as being on the latest version you simply have to look at the thread title.
You'll definitely need to go through several threads and try them out to see what suits your needs best. It's not an easy task when there are several awesome developers on your phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Didn't know I was delving into such a huge bunch of ROMs. Back in the X and Droid 2 days, I had to surf through a bunch of different ROMs that really weren't reliable. I know things have changed, but this seems pretty extreme.
If you know of any, which ones have you heard are the, well, "god-tier" ROMs? Any developers who are notable that I should check first?
Thanks again!

I wouldn't judge god tier roms, I'm happy to say that all of these roms on this device forum are just as reliable, it's only a matter of how your phone plays with the rom you end up choosing, since all devices play differently. Even if these threads are meant to be locked since they bring nothing but just opinions.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

I will say that there isn't a rom that is the best. It is all about your preference. I have had bad experiences with Synergy,Axis and CleanRom doesn't mean that these are sh***y roms.

Addiso said:
I wouldn't judge god tier roms, I'm happy to say that all of these roms on this device forum are just as reliable, it's only a matter of how your phone plays with the rom you end up choosing, since all devices play differently. Even if these threads are meant to be locked since they bring nothing but just opinions.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I was just looking for information on the best Roms for the GS3, but since all of the Roms are apparently great, could you list a couple? Even if they aren't "god-tier", are there at least some that fit the qualifications and are well known? I know there's not going to be a "These are the best ROMs ever" list, but are there a few that are highly maintained, or some developers that are well known besides CyanogenMod?
Sorry if I seem new to this whole thing.

Barebones stock is pretty much all I've been for almost a month, and at this point I'm not ashamed to admit I'm a flashaholic, but i only flash his updates (andybones) and the great news is that he keeps the rom consistent in updates and solid Smoot performance.
Also hypredrive just got updated to rls 15 and that's another amazing rom that gets a monthly update and its worth the wait and a very determined developer.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

buckoman said:
Thanks! Didn't know I was delving into such a huge bunch of ROMs. Back in the X and Droid 2 days, I had to surf through a bunch of different ROMs that really weren't reliable. I know things have changed, but this seems pretty extreme.
If you know of any, which ones have you heard are the, well, "god-tier" ROMs? Any developers who are notable that I should check first?
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should give every rom a go, but you can start testing with Synergy. Try it for a week, and then test another rom

Sorry, "Best" is a term that is subjective and can only be defined by the individual, the post above/before me is a good idea.
XDA is not a support site, users are expected to use and test on their own.
Best Rom Threads = Closed Threads

[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.