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Hi all.
I am a programmer and I would like to do some Android application developing some day.
Now I have a Nokia N79, got it pretty cheap from my operator. Operator has changed his terms and now there is no way to get a cheap phone, so it seems I'll have to buy Android for a full price .
I was disappointed to find out that almost all mid-range Android phones have worse cameras than my N79. I really would like to buy something with not very large display (4" is overkill for me and I have small hands). But I just cannot find a phone which is good and small.
The other thing that bothers me is about developing and modding.
I have read on Sony Ericsson blog that SE officially supports unlocking their phones to have full access (warranty void) but there is a warning that the process is irreversible.
Now I a am a bit confused - why I cannot just use their update software and revert the phone as it was? After all, the other phones can be reverted to the original state even after rooting and s-offing and other tricks, can't they?
Also it is confusing how this rooting and updating stuff works on all the phones. If I have no root, does that mean that I cannot load a custom ROM? But how the phone vendor updates their new ROMs? Do they all the update together with the bootloader? But if they reflash also the bootloader, then why SE warns that there is no way back after unlocking?
Really confusing. Maybe there is some article or wiki about how each vendor protects their phone - wich needs hacking bootloader to get root access, which needs root access to load custom ROM, which vendor reflashes also the bootloader with their official updates and so on.
I have read that now with Android version 2.2 there is a way to install programs on flash cards even without rooting (Andorid SDK is used to modify setInstallLocation setting). Maybe there is a phone which can be rooted and reflashed without hacking its bootloader? Or maybe there are even phones which can load custom ROMs without rooting? I really do not like idea about messing with bootloader. If things go wrong with ROM, I can just upload the old one, I guess. But if bootloader goes bad, there is a good chance to get a brick.
So the main question is: which Android phone manufacturer has the most developer/modder-friendly policy and makes modding more safe?
Uhh, never mind, I was a bit confused with formulating the question, so I got everything messed up in one long mess. Actually this thread can be deleted...
Yes, there is one post that follows the process that I used for my SK17i Mini Pro a couple months ago.
I'm new to Android. Yup a Noob. I don't mind saying as we all have to start to learn somewhere and somehow.
Long story short. I've damaged my Very well liked SK17i. Physical is what I mean here.
I rooted it according to some instructions along the lines of:
1. upgrade to firmware xxx.
2. grab image xxx. etc.
3. use the tool to root it.
I diverged... I just installed Doomloards Custom Kernel after step 2 or so and installed it as it was already rooted! It has overclocking though I didn't use it and of course it had Boot recovery. Plenty of other useful tools aready in the .img.
I basically want the same thing for my Pro.
My whole purpose of rooting is for the rights root grants, and to use aps2sd. Sufficient for my functions. (CM mod etc, will have to be a lot more stable for me to consider them which is going to be some time down the road for this device.)
I kept everything else stock. I don't do custom roms etc. This is a daily phone and I need it to function and work for communication.
bboof posted something like what I'd prefer to do. I'm waiting for a reply as to whether his kernel will support aps2sd. (I do mean the XDAversion not anything from Android apps store unless there has been something wonderfully new there in the last 2 months since I bought my Mini Pro.)
I was fighting the Internet here and a machine with HDD problems making for a serious dog dog slow experience here. I'm in CHINA. Censorship and random sites blocked for the fun of it.
I have searched and searched. I have broken out my little 10in Computer here cause it's at least not so mind numbingly painfully slow. (haha Now just fighting the internet. At the moment XDA is not blocked! Started out that way earlier? Had to use a proxy.)
I have been at this for several hours. About 7 so far.
I have FOUND no info on a Custom Kernel for the Xperia Pro MK16i? SO other than bboofs, is there none? Yet I've found comments in others that there are? Even that doomlord has made one. I can find no link? I found such a comment in his one step guide and someone said, why? We already have kernels with root available to be flashed to the device? (Please I want this kernel? how to find it?)
I've googled any number of search parameters i could think of. I can't find.
If there's a Doomlord kernel, just like with my SK17i, I would guess specific firmware is needed? Please tell me which and where to get it... Thank you to any and all who can shed some light here. I live in a different time zone and if I can get an answer that enables me to do what I want... I might be able to order this MK16i tomorrow.It seems a great piece of kit with some nice 'upgrades' compared to my SK17i. (It was not available in Oct.)
What I have found so far. CM7 or was it 9? There's a custom kernel that seems to be required to be installed before trying the CM7 ROM.
So anyone with more experience in Android. Can I use that CM7 Kernel for MK16i? What does it support? (I read back with my SK17i some problems with CM and aps2sd. Something about scripts clashing and all that.) I will not install CM Rom. I will keep stock ROM and I am guessing there may be some conflicts? Yes, no? Maybe?
As I'm asking about using custom kernels... WE all know that the Neo and Pro are the same unit. Just like the Mini and Mini pro were. With the physical difference of a keyboard.
Anyone have a clue or has anyone even TRIED! (Someone adventurous perhaps?) the Kernels for the Xperia Neo on the Xperia Pro? I am a noob, and I do use linux 98% of the time. I don't really work in Windows anymore. However, I'm not a coder or script writer. Also Android for lack of a better term has a few mods.
More or less, in Android, from my simple understanding and yes, correct me if I'm totally wrong or even partially, so I can gain understanding, the ROM is basically where all your program functions and such are. SO when we're talking about the keyboard for example. Parameters and such I would guess are in the ROM?
If all else being equal, I should be able to use a Neo Custom Kernel on my SK16i to achieve my simple result? Or do I have it confused?
What I understand is at least with aps2sd, a ramdisk mod is needed? Does the bboof kernel not only offer root but the modded ramdisk to support other features with everything else being stock? (Actually I'm guessing it should because of mods that should still have been made to allow for the recovery. Though everything else is 'stock'. Of course totally not sure or I wouldn't be here asking.)
Anyone know? I'm more or less sitting here spinning my wheels. I want to order the replacement and at the price difference, it seems silly not to buy the MK16i. (However basically want to be 100% certain I can manage my same little basic setup.)
Also, if anyone with more experience has some idea, I'll be happy to use another tool to gain the ability to put aps on my SD card and not take up the limited space on the device. So please recommend a tool that isn't too complicated.
How about link2sd? Does it also require a modded ramdisk space?
I just want to keep it simple. I don't often need so far, any great mods on my devices. Just root so being in CHINA I can actually use the appstore.
My SK17i does work despite the damage. SO I have ROMmanager the back up program. I haven't really used it yet. (Unable to pay for paid version again other limitations of CHINA. Including an inability to pay for VPN at the moment to stop fighting with the internet. Last time to work with my SK17i took me about 5 days! Coz every link to download the files was blocked!! It only took me about 3min following the instructions to actually update firmware. unlock bootloader, add Doomlords custom kernel. ) Hoping I can use Rom Manager to back up just my programs and shift them right over to the MK16i. Can I do that? Anyone with a bit more experience using the program and does this work with the unpaid version?
Hoping to do the same here... if there's no custom kernels or such available. Please tell me. If there are, links where to download etc.
All those who use various ways to put aps on your SDcard please let me know what works well and stable. Also the real way, not like some of the app store aps. I'll make a ext partition, that kind of approach, on my SD card.
THis is likely by far an advance question... what about running debian or some linux image in chroot on Android and obviously an Xperia. In particular the pro but has anyone tried with anything else? I saw a few links about it a few months ago and even someone has an app in appstore supposed to automate it. (Uh not so important as the primary. Getting root in a kernel and aps2sd support.)
Sorry if this post is long. I'm trying to save you guys wondering what I want, and having to ask me more questions.
In case it's important. I am buying a sim unlocked non carrier specific unit. I buy from Expansys. I live in China so buy from HK. Their products are good and stuff not made for CHINA! Which is the absolute must to avoid. Unless you like fiddling and trying to bypass the limitations they put on their products. Android units sold in CHINA of course are locked by carrier. of course remove Android app store!
Not even going into the necessity to have root so I can 'pretend' I'm in some other country to reach apps that google censors from China anyway.
I hope I've been detailed enough and someone can point me in the right direction.
I've got flashtool and other tools from when I did my SK17i back in October. (Fortunately. I dread to think of the internet fight if I had to try to get them all over again. I'll only need the files specific to MK16i and links to them.)
Please use the Q&A Forum for questions Thanks
Moving to Q&A
I am new to dealing with DRM keys and Sony's TA partition and I ask for a little understanding with my dumb questions.
I bought a white Z3 Dual (D6633) for my wife and immediately unlocked bootloader and rooted the phone. She is super happy with it since speed of the phone and camera quality is a big upgrade from HTC Sensations we both own and used until now.
Reading all this stuff about camera issues after unlocking bootloader + other things that stop working makes me really concerned that I have inadvertently and significantly crippled her phone... On the other hand having a root is absolutely critical for me and so far all phones in our household ended up with custom ROM eventually since manufacturers don't support phones with the new software forewer.
To be honest, I think I've missed saving TA partition option completely while following root guide at http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3/development/root-stock-kernel-twrp-v01-test-28-09-t2889794 and I've began to wonder if it would be possible to transplant DRM keys from other Z3 with locked bootloader? I am assuming that each phone has an unique set of keys but if I were to move them from one device to a second identical one and therefore there would be no two phones using same keys, would it work or are they locked to the specific IMEI? Although Z3 Dual has 2 IMEIs and only one was asked for while unlocking bootloader.
What I plan to do is to get a second Z3 Dual for myself now but with copper finish and transplant ALL software to my wife's phone. I am quite sure that she will be fine with stock ROM forever but I tend to mess with hardware I own a lot and reflash ROMs very often and I am willing to give up a little bit for these reasons, although while learning how much one needs to give up with Sony, essentially significantly crippling the phone in the process I begin to question if I should give Sony any more of my money...
I am really hoping that some developer will be able to create a ROM restoring most of those lost features in the process.
czguy said:
I am new to dealing with DRM keys and Sony's TA partition and I ask for a little understanding with my dumb questions.
I bought a white Z3 Dual (D6633) for my wife and immediately unlocked bootloader and rooted the phone. She is super happy with it since speed of the phone and camera quality is a big upgrade from HTC Sensations we both own and used until now.
Reading all this stuff about camera issues after unlocking bootloader + other things that stop working makes me really concerned that I have inadvertently and significantly crippled her phone... On the other hand having a root is absolutely critical for me and so far all phones in our household ended up with custom ROM eventually since manufacturers don't support phones with the new software forewer.
To be honest, I think I've missed saving TA partition option completely while following root guide at http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3/development/root-stock-kernel-twrp-v01-test-28-09-t2889794 and I've began to wonder if it would be possible to transplant DRM keys from other Z3 with locked bootloader? I am assuming that each phone has an unique set of keys but if I were to move them from one device to a second identical one and therefore there would be no two phones using same keys, would it work or are they locked to the specific IMEI? Although Z3 Dual has 2 IMEIs and only one was asked for while unlocking bootloader.
What I plan to do is to get a second Z3 Dual for myself now but with copper finish and transplant ALL software to my wife's phone. I am quite sure that she will be fine with stock ROM forever but I tend to mess with hardware I own a lot and reflash ROMs very often and I am willing to give up a little bit for these reasons, although while learning how much one needs to give up with Sony, essentially significantly crippling the phone in the process I begin to question if I should give Sony any more of my money...
I am really hoping that some developer will be able to create a ROM restoring most of those lost features in the process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have read enough, you will know that taking other's TA to restore will result a HARD BRICK of your wife's phone.
Anyhow, I am also interested to know if there's another way out to restore those lost functions. Do update if you found any alternative method
The best thing you can do now is to give her your Z3 and take hers instead. She might not be happy when she finds out you accidentally crippled her phone.
There is no way, and there will not be way to restore DRM keys which you didn't backup.
Even if you send it to Sony.
We had fight with this since xperia arc (me personal) and without hope.
Just give up, change your new phone with her and learn something from this.
Wait couple of months for proper root.
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Free mobile app
I may give up on Sony
Well, it seems that there is nothing I can do now. As I've mentioned I've never dealt with DRM (I get clean content only - years of ripping CDs/DVDs, etc.) and that's one of the reasons I would never buy Apple products for example.
I don't think my wife will ever realize that she is missing anything because I gave her modified phone already, therefor she has no way to compare and as I've mentioned she is super happy with it as it is.
As far I am concerned, I think I will have to seriously reconsider buying another Sony product ever again. I could not care less about DRM and no access to Sony store, however, inadvertently crippling unrelated functionality by unlocking the phone so I can truly own hardware I've paid for is not acceptable.
As it has been said, it is a lesson for me. It's really disappointing because I have believed that I have finally found a truly flagship product with dual SIM functionality...
Well, I can only point out that Sony do tell you this
http://developer.sonymobile.com/unlockbootloader/unlock-yourboot-loader/
I get that from a first hit of a google search on "Sony unlock bootloader"
I understand your frustration, but I have been with Sony for years and I was aware of this potential problem. If I ever change OEMs I will ensure I treat myself as a noob again and do all the legwork and research I should do before diving in.
I know this does not help you, but I am just trying to get across that the information is out there.
If she doesn't know then what's the issue? Crippling means that the user is hampered by a loss. Her phone isn't crippled by any stretch of the imagination. Now if she tries to use miracast and it doesn't work, then you can say it was crippled, but if she never uses the feature then she's no worse off.
As far as restoring the TA partition, that's null and double null. The keys are encrypted using the hardware of the phone (likely the IMEI) so other signed items will not work. Your best bet is Android L. A completely rewritten Camera stack will be introduced where devs have complete control over the camera's hardware. So some enterprising dev might be able to write a camera app that exceeds the stock camera anyways. As far as anything else, that can be added via opensource alternatives that work fine.
You should be able to return it to the store and swap it for another.
czguy said:
Well, it seems that there is nothing I can do now. As I've mentioned I've never dealt with DRM (I get clean content only - years of ripping CDs/DVDs, etc.) and that's one of the reasons I would never buy Apple products for example.
I don't think my wife will ever realize that she is missing anything because I gave her modified phone already, therefor she has no way to compare and as I've mentioned she is super happy with it as it is.
As far I am concerned, I think I will have to seriously reconsider buying another Sony product ever again. I could not care less about DRM and no access to Sony store, however, inadvertently crippling unrelated functionality by unlocking the phone so I can truly own hardware I've paid for is not acceptable.
As it has been said, it is a lesson for me. It's really disappointing because I have believed that I have finally found a truly flagship product with dual SIM functionality...
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Click to collapse
This is not a personal attack but I'm getting a little bit fed up with reading all these posts about how it's Sony's fault that people f****d up. They clearly advise against unlocking and state that features will be lost. Ok they don't list exactly which but you accepted the risk when choosing to unlock.
I have had a Z3 since release day and I haven't unlocked the bootloader because I read up on it and found that the loss of DRM keys breaks too many things. I had no more information available than you so don't blame Sony for your lack of caution.
I always used Nexus devices before so, like you, I normally unlock and root straight away BUT I exercise due diligence when I get a new device and look into any potential problems first.
This is not Sony's fault, it is yours. Chalk it up to experience.
While we're on that subject, you really ought to give your phone (assuming it's still locked) to your wife. Leaving her a device you have degraded on the basis that she probably won't realise is pretty lousy thing to do.
Thank you guys for your responses. I must admit that I have neglected in-depth research about this issue beforehand. I never cared about loosing access to a specific OEM store and giving up guaranty. After years of unlocking phones and messing with custom ROMs I became overconfident and did not consider degrading so much functionality while keeping stock ROM... Obviously putting a custom ROM on it would be an entirely different story.
I guess this thread may serve as cautionary tale for others
In any case, coming from HTC phones where ROM cookers managed to shoehorn Bravia engine and also some Sony audio enhancements in to it, I really have a high hopes that some custom ROM will restore most of the features...
3Shirts said:
While we're on that subject, you really ought to give your phone (assuming it's still locked) to your wife. Leaving her a device you have degraded on the basis that she probably won't realise is pretty lousy thing to do.
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This is a bit personal, however, it really depends how you look at it and I don't feel that it was a lousy thing to do. Her having zero technical inclination or understanding and using phone mainly to chat and post some pictures on Facebook, I don't think there was any great harm done. Besides, while wasting too much time with Facebook she has many other exceptional qualities
I am the person who deals with anything electronics related in our home and by messing with phones we own I have managed to extend their functionality far beyond OEMs contribution. And as I have mentioned before, I do hope to continue to do so when Sony stops releasing a new software for this particular model.
This is a definitely a good lesson for me, it was a rush job, I've got her this phone for her birthday and it was delivered the same day I gave it to her. I needed to to obtain the root ASAP as she uses the specific software that does not work without root access.
Yeah, that bit was personal, lol!
I just meant that if you still have a locked one, it would be the chivalrous thing to do to give her that and root it with later when an exploit is found that doesn't kill the low light camera performance. If she's happy though, no harm down I suppose.
3Shirts said:
Yeah, that bit was personal, lol!
I just meant that if you still have a locked one, it would be the chivalrous thing to do to give her that and root it with later when an exploit is found that doesn't kill the low light camera performance. If she's happy though, no harm down I suppose.
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Click to collapse
I am currently really reconsidering if I should go with Sony for my personal phone as well. I am still a big HTC believer (not a fan anymore, they sucked for a few years) and I may stick with HTC Sensation for a little bit longer. By flashing a custom ROM on it, it does everything I need it to do and easily compares with features to todays phones while being 3-4 years old model (antique).
There is a bit more being affected by unlocking bootloader than just low light performance.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/general/loss-drm-keys-t2890936
It's more than I would expect: Bravia Engine (X-Reality, Super Vivid), S-Force Front Surround...
What attracted me to Sony was definitely dual SIM capability (there are practically no other phones with this feature that would work with North American frequencies), waterproofing and having quite impressive guts. HTC has some catching up to do still.
Well, there is still hope. On the Z1 focus on the camera was lost when unlocking the boot on 4.2 with no way to get it back if you had not backed up the TA.
However, once 4.3 came along that fixed the issue for people unlocking and for those who had previously unlocked and lost the ability for the camera to focus.
So, in a future update Sony may fix this issue, or they may not. But hope is not lost
gregbradley said:
Well, there is still hope. On the Z1 focus on the camera was lost when unlocking the boot on 4.2 with no way to get it back if you had not backed up the TA.
However, once 4.3 came along that fixed the issue for people unlocking and for those who had previously unlocked and lost the ability for the camera to focus.
So, in a future update Sony may fix this issue, or they may not. But hope is not lost
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was an actual bug though, so they fixed it. This is due to loss of DRM keys so is by design. They might do something but it's unlikely, the DRM keys are there to protect their algorithms
3Shirts said:
That was an actual bug though, so they fixed it. This is due to loss of DRM keys so is by design. They might do something but it's unlikely, the DRM keys are there to protect their algorithms
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still weird if you ask me, one reason I am in trouble is because I have never experienced and never expected reduced functionality with other OEMs.
If you unlock HTC you loose hardly anything except guaranty...
I'm considering buying one of these phones at the end of March, but I've been reading the forums about the Z3 and I have a few questions I'd like to ask about the phone to clear up a few issues I'm not sure about.
ANSWERED 1) Unlocked bootloaders -- Which models are able to be unlocked? I'm looking into getting a Z3 D6603, so I can use it on AT&T, and I've seen a few posts with locked D6603's and some with unlocked D6603's. Is there a carrier with D6603's that locks them down? Are the ones being sold as "International Factory Unlocked" referring to the bootloader or for the network (like this one)?
That's the model I need.
ANSWERED 2a) Root, TA, DRM, and Roms -- From what I understand, the phone needs to be rooted with the bootloader locked, the TA/DRM partition backed up, and then custom roms can be flashed while still allowing the DRM partition to be restored and all the stock features working as they should.
2b) Another thing I read was any custom kernel invalidates the DRM. Is it impossible to use a custom stock kernel with a stock rom while having the DRM features?
3) Custom roms, how well do they work in regards to stock? No need to go into low light camera/DRM issues.
ANSWERED 4) Root and Linux -- Can these be rooted from Linux? I don't want to "obtain" Windows to do a root job....though I will if that's what it takes.
Can root from Linux
ANSWERED 5) MHL -- Is it fast or stable enough to play emulated games and watch Netflix over?
Works good.
6) The Longshot -- Anybody ever tested one of these with a Motorola Lapdock? Just curious, I have a Lapdock and it needs a use.
Thanks in advance.
Also, I'm usually a pretty decent member of the community. Just haven't been on XDA in a while because my current phone, an Atrix HD, has some iffy hardware and doesn't like any non-stock tweak or rom. I'm lucky root and Titanium don't mess it up....When my phone started going bad, I pretty much quit compiling roms, kernels, and all of the fun stuff we like to do with our phones because I couldn't afford a new phone and didn't want to risk buying used on Ebay again.
I just happened to come across some money in an account I forgot that I had and figured I'd spend that $569 on a good phone versus the 1 cent from AT&T refurbished phone I've been doing (and can do this month actually; would rather drop AT&T and go prepaid). Would this phone be a decent purchase? My main specs needed are 2G ram, quad core, 1080p, video output, sdcard, & a friendly modding community.
1- All D6603's are unlockable, D6616's are un-unlockable (You can check from *#*#7378423#*#* Service info>Configuration>Bootloader unlock allowed = yes )
2a- Yes you can root with locked bootloader and then backup your DRM keys, all DRM keys are unique to its own device so you cant restore any other device's TA partition
4- You need windows
profprof said:
1- All D6603's are unlockable, D6616's are un-unlockable (You can check from *#*#7378423#*#* Service info>Configuration>Bootloader unlock allowed = yes )
2a- Yes you can root with locked bootloader and then backup your DRM keys, all DRM keys are unique to its own device so you cant restore any other device's TA partition
4- You need windows
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the quick reply.
1 -- Cool, just didn't want to buy a model that I couldn't unlock.
2 -- That's what I thought. Just wanted to make sure I read all that correctly.
4 -- Dang, that sucks. That isn't something I'd want to try with Wine.
Aside from MHL performance which I've seen conflicting posts about, the only things I'm really unsure about now is if it's possible to run Stock + DRM + Custom Stock Kernel or DRM + Stock Kernel + Custom Rom (Like a CM/AOSP port with some Sony apps using the DRM).
I think I read somewhere that custom kernels either wipe the DRM partition or an unlocked bootloader can't use that partition and that it has to be locked back up for the DRM partition to be used (which makes me wonder why CM can't be flashed, the bootloader locked back up, and DRM/Sony apps then used....I was able to unlock and relock my Atrix HD bootloader with no issues....I know, I know, different phones act differently).
Sorry for all the questions, walls of text, and much appreciation to people who answer these questions. I just can't afford to drop $550 on a phone without doing some research first.
If you get from a carrier phone boot loader may not be unlockable just double check.as for mhl its great on mine I use a fosom mhl and its great for video I've used it for remote play and psx emulator no issue.make sure you backup DRM if you unlock but personally I find stock Roms run great
zombiej79 said:
If you get from a carrier phone boot loader may not be unlockable just double check.as for mhl its great on mine I use a fosom mhl and its great for video I've used it for remote play and psx emulator no issue.make sure you backup DRM if you unlock but personally I find stock Roms run great
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I'm going to be buying it for full price, brand new. No carriers will be involved (until I need a sim for it). Video and PSX emulation were my main concerns. Glad you mentioned PSX emulation, because that's something I'll be doing a lot.
Glad to know Remote Play works even though I don't have a PS4.
Knowing about the DRM and how to deal with it seems to be the biggest issue with these phones in regards to going custom.
Most of my caveats about stock roms are that in the past I was using the AT&T model of the phone, the AT&T stock rom, and dealing with those limitations. It's an almost universal thing that the AT&T/Verizon/Crappy-Carrier versions of phones suck when compared to the rest of the lineup (especially for people who do stupid stuff/things posted on XDA ).
Crap, I forgot one question I meant to put in the OP -- Are the Sony sound enhancements good? I'm a bit of an audiophile and those features are what made me pick this phone over all the others I've been looking at. A post about the loose headphone jack is actually making me nervous about getting this phone...all my phones except for 1 have had the audio jack go out...
Yeah I use the psx and it uses the dualshock 4 if you have one or a dualshock 3 its awesome hook it up and you got a console and with the mods psx games look amazing if you need help with that I can do that.
You can flash a generic ftf to have a clean ROM with no bloat
And the audio is amazing it has dual DAC for audio flac is great or 320 mp3s also sound amazing.
My headphone jack is solid and haven't read too much so should be fine
I watched 720p mp4s of vigings season one on my 50" and Yamaha 7.1 home theatre and its as good as any settop box for quality and sound
zombiej79 said:
Yeah I use the psx and it uses the dualshock 4 if you have one or a dualshock 3 its awesome hook it up and you got a console and with the mods psx games look amazing if you need help with that I can do that.
You can flash a generic ftf to have a clean ROM with no bloat
And the audio is amazing it has dual DAC for audio flac is great or 320 mp3s also sound amazing.
My headphone jack is solid and haven't read too much so should be fine
I watched 720p mp4s of vigings season one on my 50" and Yamaha 7.1 home theatre and its as good as any settop box for quality and sound
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Click to collapse
That's awesome. I have a DS3 I use with my PC so I'm already good to go on that front.
I've unpacked and mounted so many images to turn a stock fastboot into an unbloated, stock fastboot that having a generic file to flash will be great. I'll end up making my own custom stock rom tweaked to my preferences like I have for every phone I've ever owned.....makes recovering from dumb stuff that much easier.
Dual DAC, solid jack, emulates a lot of consoles, and competes with settop boxes in AV quality.....can't complain about that.
Nice yeah I love mine I use it for remote play with my ps4 from time to time and its flawless seems better then the vita for remote play. There are a couple of sound mods in the Dev section that add to the great audio like Dolby which is nice
zombiej79 said:
Nice yeah I love mine I use it for remote play with my ps4 from time to time and its flawless seems better then the vita for remote play. There are a couple of sound mods in the Dev section that add to the great audio like Dolby which is nice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw those mods and they peaked my interest. Mods like that really didn't work that well on my current phone. Some of the Xperia sound mod ports did work, most didn't.
I noticed that there aren't a whole lot of roms for this phone yet. Is it because CM isn't all that good as a base for this phone (yet, that can take time) or just because nobody here knows how or cares to take the time to get another rom going from the CM base? If the CM base works, I can get most other roms compiled and working (I just can't program to be of any real development help).
Seems better than Vita for Remote Play? I wasn't expecting that to be posted be anybody. Seems is a standard of measurement that I use as well .
EDIT:
Ignore than 2nd sentence. I hadn't checked out the cross device development area yet. I'm not the biggest fan of these Universal AIO Device Roms that have been being released lately.
Just in case anybody else is reading this Giefroot V3 contains everything necessary to work on Linux, just gotta use install.sh instead of install.bat (and probably run it as root too).
Yeah I use a fee xposed modules on mine all work great.
Lack of Roms is due to everybody waiting for lollipop which should be out soon then we will see some good Roms
I'm a big ps4 gamer and I'm serious about remote play if you have a 5ghz router its butter. I've played through several games using it and only a couple times it kind of lagged out.
Yeah I don't go for AIO Roms too iffy
zombiej79 said:
Yeah I use a fee xposed modules on mine all work great.
Lack of Roms is due to everybody waiting for lollipop which should be out soon then we will see some good Roms
I'm a big ps4 gamer and I'm serious about remote play if you have a 5ghz router its butter. I've played through several games using it and only a couple times it kind of lagged out.
Yeah I don't go for AIO Roms too iffy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depending on the device and rom, Xposed can be great. I've had both good and bad results with it.
I've yet to own a device with official KitKat or Android over version 4.1.2, though I could get unofficial Lollipop if I thought my cruddy Atrix HD's mainboard wouldn't get iffy with it (It hates all my devices non-stock roms...used to run them flawlessly).
I have a dual 2.4/5ghz router. The 2.4 covers everybody else while I have the 5ghz spectrum to myself. As far as I can tell, everybody else in my neighborhood is running 2.4ghz, so the full 5ghz spectrum is available to just me.
On the AIO roms....on one hand I really do applaud the developers for doing that. It allows them to support more devices because all they need is a popular device on a product line and then they're able to just take user reports, logs, etc and use that to hook a lot more people up with roms.
On the other hand, and why I don't like them, is libraries from Device A might work on Device B, but Device B's libraries on Device B run a bit faster or a bit more stable -- it takes power users a good bit of time and effort to determine what needs to be in what Device's vendor repo, what can be universal, what needs to be Device specific.
I think I've decided on getting the Z3 Tablet Compact SGP612/B because it's basically a Z3 D6603 with a crappier camera and an 8" 1080p screen. It was also the recommended one to use on the AT&T forums*. I'll have to use a BT headset and carry a tablet around with me because it'll be doubling up as my phone, but with the right case, that won't be an issue for me. Makes me wonder if I can rig up a system to BT or WIFi connect a phone to the Z3TC to act as my headset for phone calls.....never actually looked into doing that or thought about it until just this post...
Thanks for all the help in answering my questions about this.
*Not going to be using AT&T, but their towers have real good coverage in my area and I'll be using a prepaid carrier that uses the AT&T towers.
Nice I have 5ghz but there are 3 devices connected still get would 45 down 15 up
I'm thinking of getting the z3 tablet too but might wait for the z4 or just get both lol my fiancé gets my old devices so no biggie lol
thread closed as requested by the OP
also thank you for updating your OP with the found information
Hi folks,
I've been reading a lot about rooting android phones and now that I have a Z5 Dual, I would like help to define if it is pertinent or not to root my Z5.
Context: I haven't bought mine through a carrier, I do not have bloatware (but Sony's).
And with recent Android releases and the M forthcoming, why should I be rooting my Z5.
I've seen posts here about people doing so with their Z5. I would like to know why also.
Is looking to use orbot and orbweb for increased anonymity a sufficient motivation?
Thanks for your advices.
Eric
The only way to root the device -as of today- is to open the unlocked bootloader of your device. This means losing permanently your DRM Keys which reduces photograph quality and access to PlayStation services (PSN app, Remote Play, among others).
If you plan on reselling your Z5 for maximum profit, losing your DRM keys will significantly lower the value of your device.
I would recommend remaining unrooted for a couple of months and wait for more refined rooting methods to emerge.
Thanks for this answer, it gives me a good "cons" - as of today - like you say.
But considering that one day a proper rooting method is found, what would be the "pros" of rooting, regarding all the options already in stock android.
What would I be getting more ?
Have a good day
Eric
Nothing if you don't what to use root access for, I would say it's for more advanced users that really want to maximise their device's potential and customise it to their likes
Lambo16 said:
Nothing if you don't what to use root access for, I would say it's for more advanced users that really want to maximise their device's potential and customise it to their likes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you.
I understand your answer and it does make sense. I won't consider myself as an advanced user indeed, but I would like to know what I would have access to doing so.
I am interested in diving into rooting and as my readings went I understand that I can (most of the time) increase the efficency of the phone and this is what I am looking for. (i.e battery usage, reception, etc...).
However I am also interested in more secure ways to communicate and is rooting an answer to that ? I am curious.
Thanks.
EricLeRouge said:
Thank you.
I understand your answer and it does make sense. I won't consider myself as an advanced user indeed, but I would like to know what I would have access to doing so.
I am interested in diving into rooting and as my readings went I understand that I can (most of the time) increase the efficency of the phone and this is what I am looking for. (i.e battery usage, reception, etc...).
However I am also interested in more secure ways to communicate and is rooting an answer to that ? I am curious.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean more secure ways to communicate? And as another user said rooting is not worth it at the moment as you loose DRM key. I would wait for a better root exploit and also if I were you I would also wait for your device's warranty to run out.
At this point, there is not much I would root my device for apart from trying to get extra battery life. I used to have a rooted Xperia Z1 mainly so I could over clock it and install camera mods, which I don't need anymore.
tl;dr I would wait till your warranty runs out (1 year for me) and wait for a better root exploit.
Sent from my E6653 using Tapatalk
dont do it. it will void warranty... And stock is not bad i guess.
Eventually you'll be able to root with no consequences; DRM keys will be left untouched and dependant apps will perform as always. Just not yet.
Regarding the abstract benefits of rooting the Z5? Better control of OS components and a general feeling of self realization.
Specifically, after rooting, you could install the xposed framework and tinker with every minutia imaginable. My Z3 lasts 3 days with no charge. While I can barely make it through the day with my Z5. To paraphrase The Martian, I'm gonna science the **** out of it.
Sent from my SGP611 using Tapatalk
Hobbes2099 said:
Eventually you'll be able to root with no consequences; DRM keys will be left untouched and dependant apps will perform as always. Just not yet.
Regarding the abstract benefits of rooting the Z5? Better control of OS components and a general feeling of self realization.
Specifically, after rooting, you could install the xposed framework and tinker with every minutia imaginable. My Z3 lasts 3 days with no charge. While I can barely make it through the day with my Z5. To paraphrase The Martian, I'm gonna science the **** out of it.
Sent from my SGP611 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did this happen for the Z3?
I'm about to upgrade from a Nexus 5, I've always rooted my phones, ran a stock rom and then used xposed to customise the look.
I'm hoping I can eventually do this with the Z5, but I guess its a waiting game, will just have to get used to non root
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Hobbes2099 said:
Eventually you'll be able to root with no consequences; DRM keys will be left untouched and dependant apps will perform as always. Just not yet.
Regarding the abstract benefits of rooting the Z5? Better control of OS components and a general feeling of self realization.
Specifically, after rooting, you could install the xposed framework and tinker with every minutia imaginable. My Z3 lasts 3 days with no charge. While I can barely make it through the day with my Z5. To paraphrase The Martian, I'm gonna science the **** out of it.
Sent from my SGP611 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your answer, it gives much more visibility on what I should be able to tinker with after root - when available in a proper form.
As for Lambo16, I was reading about being able to get more security after rooting as you get more control over kernel and so. Then I was wonderring how much of a difference it would do with actual android stock rom.
EricLeRouge said:
As for Lambo16, I was reading about being able to get more security after rooting as you get more control over kernel and so. Then I was wonderring how much of a difference it would do with actual android stock rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You still need to know what to do. I wouldn't know how to change any of that stuff.
I will probably root my device as soon as I loose warranty and when there is a better exploit.
Sent from my E6653 using Tapatalk
mrbubba999 said:
Did this happen for the Z3?
I'm about to upgrade from a Nexus 5, I've always rooted my phones, ran a stock rom and then used xposed to customise the look.
I'm hoping I can eventually do this with the Z5, but I guess its a waiting game, will just have to get used to non root
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Eventually it did. Rooting for locked bootloader was available for the Z3 by the time I got my Z3. I was able to get my Z5 much earlier this time.
Through a combination of Prime Launcher and disabling specific apps and disabling app notifications, I was was able to mask bloat ware (Xperia care, Xperia lounge, what's new, others).
Unfortunately, this superficial tweaking kept the battery untouched. So I wait. Meanwhile, I enjoy my Sony Xperia Z3, rooted, hibernated and xposed.
Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk