[Q] Why is mobile OS installation flow not like PC OS installation flow - General Questions and Answers

Hi everyone!
I have this question in mind for a long time now. It gets confirmed every time a company decides to make a new mobile OS. Why is it so damn difficult to first install a mobile OS, but even more, why only people with some special knowledge and dedication can port an OS to a new mobile device?
I mean, on a computer we just have to select if we want i386/x86 or AMD/x86_64 installer what ever computer brand or other hardware we do have while on mobile, we need to have a very specific image for our device. We end up with hundreds if not thousands of images of the same version of the OS.
So my question is, why don't we have this work flow to install a mobile OS:
- Flash a generic image on the device
- Run it
- Auto compile a new kernel on the device itself
- Load generic drivers
- If generic drivers don't work, download specific ones
- Continue with installing other regular software
Technical answers are welcomed.
Thanks,
Dragnucs.

Because.
Building the kernel on the device would take a lot of time and most phones do not have the resources to do so (memory and CPU).
Adding a development environment (compiler, libs, etc.) to the install image would make the install image quite large.
Most manufacturers release incomplete code for their drivers. This makes a complete re-creation of them from source nearly impossible.
There is no repository for 3rd party binary device drivers (probably not "legal" to do so). Mobile phones often have a proprietary system UI framework which is never released as source code. The best you can do is either re-create your own (AOSP, CM, AOKP) or borrow the one from the stock firmware release (Touchwiz, Sense).
If your phone needs a "special" network driver, how are you going to transfer one over during your install if you don't already have one. (classic chicken vs egg scenario)
It is much easier to setup one generic build (on a PC or server), then have custom compile scripts for each device you intend to support. Also a lot easier to debug build issues on a full computer than trying to do so on a phone.
In the PC world, you have manufacturer's that have to release binary drivers to Apple/Microsoft for validation and make binary or source drivers available for Linux. In the mobile world, those processes do not exist.
-Mike
Dragnucs said:
Hi everyone!
I have this question in mind for a long time now. It gets confirmed every time a company decides to make a new mobile OS. Why is it so damn difficult to first install a mobile OS, but even more, why only people with some special knowledge and dedication can port an OS to a new mobile device?
I mean, on a computer we just have to select if we want i386/x86 or AMD/x86_64 installer what ever computer brand or other hardware we do have while on mobile, we need to have a very specific image for our device. We end up with hundreds if not thousands of images of the same version of the OS.
So my question is, why don't we have this work flow to install a mobile OS:
- Flash a generic image on the device
- Run it
- Auto compile a new kernel on the device itself
- Load generic drivers
- If generic drivers don't work, download specific ones
- Continue with installing other regular software
Technical answers are welcomed.
Thanks,
Dragnucs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Thanks buddy. :good:

Related

Is it possible to run application developed with Adobe Flash Builder on GTablet

Is it possible running applications for android developed with Adobe Flash Builder on GTablet? Want to use it like central device for my developments.
I can package the APK and if somebody want to participate in experiment I will send the file, and you just run it on your device?
Anyone?
mobilemodding.info said:
I can package the APK and if somebody want to participate in experiment I will send the file, and you just run it on your device?
Anyone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may wanna join the #tegratab channel on freenode irc. Usually a few willing testers and if you upload and post a link most likely will get instant feedback.
mobilemodding.info said:
Is it possible running applications for android developed with Adobe Flash Builder on GTablet? Want to use it like central device for my developments.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can answer my question myself since I got device I did some tinkering
You can run application developed in AFB like mobile application, if you will try to run something adopted from desktop, it wont run properly becasue IMHO mobile AIR does not contain all necessary libraries.
There is no way right now to debug on device, apparently it needed some special USB driver from Adobe in order to connect debugger with device via USB, I think this will be released when GTablet will pass certification with Adobe. I've tried to use USB driver of other Android deices - no success.
I've been using Burrito (Flash Builder) for the last few weeks with my GTab - it rocks. I've ported a couple of my other AIR apps. You're right in that not all of the AIR API is supported (yet) on Android, and not all of the device's sensors are supported either.. but it *is* still in Beta (last time I checked).
In short, I've been developing Android apps for a year now.. in Eclipse with java, using AppInventor, and using Adobe Flash Builder Burrito... and even with the missing API features, hands down Burrito is my favorite tool for Android development now.

[Q] Installing any linux distribution on htc desire s

Hello,
I have bought the htc desire s in december'11 and I assess that I hate android and all the available custom roms so I try to get some other distribution to work on my desire s.
IMPORTANT: Please don't tell me something about the sense or how nice a chroot works, I am asking for a native installation guide.
All I want is a clean base-system (ubuntu/debian/gentoo/angstrom/...) that will boot.
Does someone know a way (howto/wiki/manpage ) to get a proper distribution to work on this device?
My Workflow:
-> install distribution
-> get wlan access to work
-> boot device with autoconnect (wlan) and sshd (openssh or dropbear)
-> connect via ssh and get an graphical frontend like X-server to work.
best regards
invalid id
Why did you buy an Android phone when you hate Android?
Anyway, are you planning to use the phone to make calls?
If so, you can't use any standard Linux distributions.
If you do some googling you should be able to find a guide to install Ubuntu and run X on it.
I think there's an official version for dual core phones, but unfortunately that does not affect this phone.
Ubuntu doesn't run native, but through chroot.
There are no native installation guides.
If you can remake any distribution to have 4MB kernel and load everything from another partition - you can try to make a native installation yourself. Look at the mounts in loaded system, look at the kernel code and see how you need to compile one, and make it.
Otherwise - sell the phone and buy something else.

[Q] [linux - Ubuntu] chinese/unkn android rom dumping, kernel upgrade, rom flashing

Hello there,
I have a few questions and googling, gives me millions of results that are not helpful in regards to what I am looking for,
I have googled "rom dump android unknown devices" and etc etc and also looked at the kitchen thread but I am not quite satisfied with it, as it uses windows also linux is present there as well.
I am currently running eclipse with android SDK and also virtualisation is working fine, but my main question is.
What's the easies way to dump a rom of an unknown device, (can it be done in linux, or only windows?).
How can I inject some fancy code into the kernel for these unknown devices?
And what software can I use for flashing those unknown devices.
I have used the search button on here, have looked at android tablet zone and and android tablets.
But there are no helpful answers although plenty to read, but again simple how to dump a rom of a unknown device, customise kernel and then flash it again?
Thanks
Jay

Generic Android OS for all phones?

Hello everyone,
Most phones have the same architecture/setup etc, Isn't there a generic Android OS available that can be installed on to any phone?
A generic OS that can work like MS Windows - detect hardware on any phone and install the necessary drivers etc from a database (hypothetically).
Where all the procedures etc is done for you, and would give you a fully functional clean OS/phone.

Help needed updating Mediawave MW22-A32 from 4.4.4 to OS6.0+

Hi all! Android noob looking for suggestions.
Manufacturer: Mediawave PC (now Techland PC)
Hardware Model: MW22-A32
Current OS: 4.4.4
Chipset: Rockchip RK3288 (supposedly capable of Android 8.1)
Rooted with SuperSU
Purchased this 22" touch display off eBay and wanted to load an app that requires Android 6 or higher. The manufacturer does not offer an update package for this device and indicated what I have was a special build for a single project that is now likely being refreshed and hardware liquidated. Tech Support indicated I needed to simply buy a NEW device that already has the OS updated.
I would like to think we can update to a newer version of OS, but I have no idea where to start. I checked a few online videos, but they seemed to point to pre-packaged OS bundles from tech enthusiasts for specific mass market tablet models.
Is an upgrade like this possible without having device specific files/firmware? If so, can you point me to a guide or walkthrough for how to do this as an Android novice? Thank you!
In order to upgrade existing Android OS as 1st thing of all things you need to find a
1. Custom Recovery
2. Custom ROM
both suitable to the mentioned device.
jwoegerbauer said:
In order to upgrade existing Android OS as 1st thing of all things you need to find a
1. Custom Recovery
2. Custom ROM
both suitable to the mentioned device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can I create a recovery from the existing image? Is there a utility that will export that?
Look inside here:
[DEV]How to compile TWRP touch recovery
All of TWRP 3.x source is public. You can compile it on your own. This guide isn't going to be a step-by-step, word-for-word type of guide. If you're not familiar with basic Linux commands and/or building in AOSP then you probably won't be...
forum.xda-developers.com
jwoegerbauer said:
Look inside here:
[DEV]How to compile TWRP touch recovery
All of TWRP 3.x source is public. You can compile it on your own. This guide isn't going to be a step-by-step, word-for-word type of guide. If you're not familiar with basic Linux commands and/or building in AOSP then you probably won't be...
forum.xda-developers.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using the 'Official TWRP App', I created a copy of both the boot and recovery image.
For the next step, if the device manufacturer will not supply an updated ROM, can you use the hardware profile help find a close custom rom that may work here? if so, do you have any suggestions on next steps? I installed the 'Droid Info' app to view hardware info, but it was not as detailed as I had hoped.
Can't answer your questions because I never compiled TWRP at my own.
Were you ever able to update this device? I have one that i want to update as well.
I also bought one of these off of ebay and would like to know if you figure out how to upgrade to Android 8.1.
$175 - https://www.ebay.com/itm/304190850043
Sellers other items:
Jjsurplus1090 Reviews - eBay Store Seller Profile
Jjsurplus1090 is a seller on eBay and has received feedback from more than one thousand consumers and has a positive feedback rate of 98.8%.
www.findthisbest.com
$998? - https://www.neweggbusiness.com/product/product.aspx?item=9siv2hu9829613
Manufacturer Contact Info: http://techlandpc.com - 510-490-6768 - [email protected]
MediaWave PC
MediaWave PC. 52 likes. Embedded And Digital Signage Hardware Specialist
www.facebook.com
MW22-A32 | Techland PC
http://techland.webandapp.design/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/MW22-A32.pdf
Side question: Does anyone know if there is a webcam or camera that will work with this device?
https://datasheet.lcsc.com/szlcsc/Rockchip-RK3288_C191247.pdf
Rockchip RK3288 model number AIO MW22-A32
I sent an email to [email protected] and will report back once I get a response:
I purchased one of these recently and the OS is Android 4.4.4
Do you know where I can download the ROM, Recovery image file?
I believe that I saw that your website stated the OS to be Android 7.1.
Is it supposedly capable of Android 8.1?
<and thank you very much>
Yet another question...
The unit I purchased seems to have only 1GB DRAM?!?
Any way to increase this? Any advice is greatly appreciated!
2015 Rockchip Light Biz OS for Android Laptops/Desktops, UI for productivity on RK3288 and RK3368
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Complete Guide [With Download Link] to Install Lineage OS 17.1 In Google Rockchip RK3288 Chromebook RK3288 Chrome OS Device jerry cheets. Let's Customize Your Google Rockchip RK3288 Chromebook RK3288 Chrome OS Device jerry cheets With Latest Lineage OS 17.1.
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Custom ROMs For Google Rockchip RK3288
List of Custom ROMs for Google Rockchip RK3288 Chromebook RK3288 Chrome OS Device jerry cheets - Download & Install Guide - TweakDroid
Here is the available Custom ROMs list for your Google Rockchip RK3288 Chromebook RK3288 Chrome OS Device jerry cheets & Custom ROM Installation Guide for Google Rockchip RK3288 Chromebook RK3288 Chrome OS Device jerry cheets.
tweakdroid.com
Flash ChromeOS Rockchip RK3288?
How to flash firmware to Rockchip devices in Windows and Linux (2021 Edition)
How to flash firmware to Rockchip devices in Windows and Linux (2021 Edition) - CNX Software
We've written several articles detailing methods to flash firmware to Rockchip devices in Windows or Linux over the years, with tools like RKAndroidTool,
www.cnx-software.com
I called 510-979-8822, asked for customer support, left a voicemail
I reached out via LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-goduco-240ab47/
I also sent an email to [email protected] and [email protected]
It looks like their facebook page is dead or gone. This tweet is supposedly a link to one of their device photos:
https://twitter.com/i/web/status/11045078102Their twitter page has not been active since they first joined in March 2010 - https://twitter.com/techlandpc
Firmware Upgrade Guide For RK3188 RK3288 RK3368 Devices
UPD: Rreflashing guide for linux Host PC added. BEFORE START What you need: 1. Image file 2. Host PC (Windows) 3. USB OTG Cable Supported host OS: 1. Windows XP (32/64bit) 2. Windows 7 (32/64bit) 3. Windows 8 (32/64bit) All manipulations I...
forum.xda-developers.com
donclark said:
Firmware Upgrade Guide For RK3188 RK3288 RK3368 Devices
UPD: Rreflashing guide for linux Host PC added. BEFORE START What you need: 1. Image file 2. Host PC (Windows) 3. USB OTG Cable Supported host OS: 1. Windows XP (32/64bit) 2. Windows 7 (32/64bit) 3. Windows 8 (32/64bit) All manipulations I...
forum.xda-developers.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don - were you successful?
TXdev said:
Don - were you successful?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did not attempt. TechlandPC did respond and said that this model maxed out at 4.4.4. I was not convinced that the updated firmware will work with this device and could not find anyone specifically doing it to this device - and did not want to brick it. I was able to delete some large system apps and free up some space with OAndBackupX (Andorid 4+)- https://f-droid.org/en/packages/dk.jens.backup/
Interested in this aswell.
I know the topic is a few months old but I’m currently looking at possibly purchasing the 22” or 15” in models and wanted to see if there were any further updates? What is everyone using them for? I hope to use them with home assistant and fully kiosk…anyone know if it’s possible? Seems like there is enough interest, maybe we can get this tablet upgraded?
Crazyshakespeare15 said:
I know the topic is a few months old but I’m currently looking at possibly purchasing the 22” or 15” in models and wanted to see if there were any further updates? What is everyone using them for? I hope to use them with home assistant and fully kiosk…anyone know if it’s possible? Seems like there is enough interest, maybe we can get this tablet upgraded?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I purchased the 22" for my 83yr mother. I created a desktop stand for her to use it to view her gmail, facebook, etc. Its fairly limited because of the small space on the device, So I found a way to move many of the apps to an external usb. It also does not have a camera - which would have been nice for her to be able to use to make videochats, but I could not get an external usb camera to work (tried 4 different makes/models). I never did attempt to flash and upgrade it.
Oh wow Don…good on you for getting your grandmother up and going with it. I’m a little scared to take the plunge not knowing if it can run what I need…how good is the browser (is the system sluggish?) They two I’m looking at say they have built in cameras (I too was hoping to use it) but I bet it will be a no go :/
Crazyshakespeare15 said:
Oh wow Don…good on you for getting your grandmother up and going with it. I’m a little scared to take the plunge not knowing if it can run what I need…how good is the browser (is the system sluggish?) They two I’m looking at say they have built in cameras (I too was hoping to use it) but I bet it will be a no go :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it says in the description that it comes with a camera - you may be ok. Mine clearly stated that it did not have a camera.
It is responsive and works well. I did do something to make it sluggish but I do not remember specifically... it may have been that I came very close to maxing out the storage which caused the issue.
The other thing that I was really disappointed in is that it does not have an HDMI in. So I could not push video to it. It does have an HDMI port, but I havent tested if it does push video to another device since I didnt have a need to do that.
It’s good to hear it’s responsive (or was lol) maybe I should just bite the bullet and get it…if I can just get it to run Home assistant it will be golden…if you think of anything else or figure anything out let me know!

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