Related
I've been running the same ROM on my phone for the past 4 months which is UNHEARD of for me. I like trying and testing new roms (that actually work) but at this point there just isn't anything new. What happened to all the development?? I used to see a new ROM every week!
This device is a year old now. Development slows near that mark. I imagine more roms when Ics is released.
I dont really see this as a big deal -- so long as anything major gets taken care of...
Liquid gb 3.2 is working great for me, so im happy to stay on this...
Sent from my HTC ThunderBolt
RaFF_MyZZteR said:
I've been running the same ROM on my phone for the past 4 months which is UNHEARD of for me. I like trying and testing new roms (that actually work) but at this point there just isn't anything new. What happened to all the development?? I used to see a new ROM every week!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most of them left because people kept pestering them to slave away all day and night
Only half serious, but yeah there are quite a few people that are always asking like this stuff is easy to do. Phone is a year old and people lose interest in putting out new stuff when there's no updates to work off of from HTC and Verizon. That and there was quite a bit of drama involved with a few ROMs that took some of the motivation out of at least one or so developers from bad attitudes by users.
People theme and develop for a few reasons (typically in this order):
1) They own/use the device
2) They like modding and hacking software for fun
3) They like the community they're modding for
When they no longer do #1 (as many have gone to the Nexus or other devices), if they don't have both #2 and #3 going for them, it gets harder to find the motivation to keep on going.
When a major release comes out again like ICS, there will be more development and then it'll eventually trickle off again. That's the way it works, especially now that there are an abundance of android devices on verizon compared to 2-3 years ago when there was basically a handful.
If you want new all the time, then get a new phone. Most preferably the Nexus as it's going to get updates for at least the next 3 or more years. Otherwise, in a year from now, you'll be asking this same question again with any other device most likely.
Honestly I was never a "crack flasher" and never had the interest in trying most ROMs. I've used CM7 for 80% of the past 12 months and never found interest to try anything else.
yareally said:
Most of them left because people kept pestering them to slave away all day and night
Only half serious, but yeah there are quite a few people that are always asking like this stuff is easy to do. Phone is a year old and people lose interest in putting out new stuff when there's no updates to work off of from HTC and Verizon. That and there was quite a bit of drama involved with a few ROMs that took some of the motivation out of at least one or so developers from bad attitudes by users.
People theme and develop for a few reasons (typically in this order):
1) They own/use the device
2) They like modding and hacking software for fun
3) They like the community they're modding for
When they no longer do #1 (as many have gone to the Nexus or other devices), if they don't have both #2 and #3 going for them, it gets harder to find the motivation to keep on going.
When a major release comes out again like ICS, there will be more development and then it'll eventually trickle off again. That's the way it works, especially now that there are an abundance of android devices on verizon compared to 2-3 years ago when there was basically a handful.
If you want new all the time, then get a new phone. Most preferably the Nexus as it's going to get updates for at least the next 3 or more years. Otherwise, in a year from now, you'll be asking this same question again with any other device most likely.
Honestly I was never a "crack flasher" and never had the interest in trying most ROMs. I've used CM7 for 80% of the past 12 months and never found interest to try anything else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So does this mean its the end of the Thunderbolt. Its kinda a crying shame. We have had this device now for only a little over a year. That seems way to short to just up and move on to a new device. I cant believe I am saying this, but with the Iphone atleast there is a few years between the release of each new device. Sure they are always updating the software, but atleast your on same hardware. With a android base phone you HAVE to keep dumping out tons of money to keep up with the lastest and greatest. It gets expensive. With that said, which has been a big complaint in the community of technology, we keep buying the new products on the day it comes out. Its a wonder how anything goods come out for the new devices. Which in turn makes the Mods/Devs have to work harder to be able to keep up with the fast paced change of the Android world. It sucks how fast something gets thrown to the wayside.....I Love the Thunderbolt and I do not plan on getting a new phone when my contract ends. (I love being contract free) So Thank you Mods/Devs for the Roms that you have put out, and thank you for working so hard so I can enjoy this phones 5 mins of fame.
imagelost said:
So does this mean its the end of the Thunderbolt. Its kinda a crying shame. We have had this device now for only a little over a year. That seems way to short to just up and move on to a new device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The end? I think you tl;dr'ed my post. Development is just in a recession until something worth doing comes out again (ICS). It won't obviously be the same as it was when the device came out, but obviously nothing can ever hit the peak that a new device has in interest no matter what it is.
I also don't see how an iphone will solve your problems. You'll just be mad you can't do anything with your device (which seems to be your problem with Android too, but you won't be able to flash anything on an iphone).
To be completely honest, I sorta had an idea of the answer to my own question before I asked it but thought I'd open it up to other input as well. I am well aware that there hasn't been any new updates or upgrades from HTC or Verizon for our phones so I don't blame the developers for getting bored and moving on. I just wish the development continued as it had started. I had the original Motorola Droid (first generation) and the development on that phone was so strong that I guess I'm just saddened by the lackluster effort for further development.
Either way, big thank you to the developers who have and continue to develop for our phones. Cheers to you guys!
PS. Big, fat donation to whoever develops the first full working ICS ROM for our phones
Nothing but now the world have new phones and the developers work more in the new phones...
Enviado desde mi HTC Thunderbolt usando Tapatalk
yareally said:
The end? I think you tl;dr'ed my post. Development is just in a recession until something worth doing comes out again (ICS). It won't obviously be the same as it was when the device came out, but obviously nothing can ever hit the peak that a new device has in interest no matter what it is.
I also don't see how an iphone will solve your problems. You'll just be mad you can't do anything with your device (which seems to be your problem with Android too, but you won't be able to flash anything on an iphone).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So have they figured out how to fix the data issues with AOSP roms? That seems to be the biggest thing left to do until ICS comes out.
You can always develop your own roms to get your fix. It's what I've been doing. In fact I'm working on my own 3.5 rom atm.
RaFF_MyZZteR said:
I've been running the same ROM on my phone for the past 4 months which is UNHEARD of for me. I like trying and testing new roms (that actually work) but at this point there just isn't anything new. What happened to all the development?? I used to see a new ROM every week!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I took my old Thunderbolt out and flashed it with the ThunderStick Full Blown Sense 3.0 ROM because I was bored and it's pretty cool. I liked it enough to set it up for my wife, who's been using a Dinc with CM7 for a long time. She really likes it and the guys at the Verizon store were perplexed by the fact that it looked like a Rezound (Sense) when installing the SIM.
So i'm well aware that the 4.3 ota has screwed over a lot of us galaxy sIII verizon users. I used to happily install custom roms over CWM Recovery. Trust me, I know this has been asked time and again but there is a twist to my post so bare with me if you are one of those people with the fame of suggesting a feeble search when searching for a post with a similar topic in this case (as in related to this particular topic) usually just causes more confusion with an assortment of vague answers from the same people who suggested the search. Anyway, I am another dummy who installed 4.3 ota after running into some problems that led me eventually to reflash stock and to my dismay I accidentally used the 4.3 rom. It goes without saying what kind of problems I had to deal with after that, especially trying to deal with the ugly touchwiz interface.
SO MY QUESTION. Is there any progress from any devs that would suggest a fix in the near future? I am highly doubtful of this, and am pretty much considering dumping this phone altogether. But if someone can at least humor me, or suggest an alternative phone on the verizon network that is worth the but, and doesn't bring with it the problems that I have now, that would be great, I'm all ears.
I know current solutions consist of safestrapping (touchwiz based only roms as far i've read), or just rooting and installing mods to ease the situation. I've also read about other possible exploits like lokis which as far I know went nowhere.
carlofabyss said:
So i'm well aware that the 4.3 ota has screwed over a lot of us galaxy sIII verizon users. I used to happily install custom roms over CWM Recovery. Trust me, I know this has been asked time and again but there is a twist to my post so bare with me if you are one of those people with the fame of suggesting a feeble search when searching for a post with a similar topic in this case (as in related to this particular topic) usually just causes more confusion with an assortment of vague answers from the same people who suggested the search. Anyway, I am another dummy who installed 4.3 ota after running into some problems that led me eventually to reflash stock and to my dismay I accidentally used the 4.3 rom. It goes without saying what kind of problems I had to deal with after that, especially trying to deal with the ugly touchwiz interface.
SO MY QUESTION. Is there any progress from any devs that would suggest a fix in the near future? I am highly doubtful of this, and am pretty much considering dumping this phone altogether. But if someone can at least humor me, or suggest an alternative phone on the verizon network that is worth the but, and doesn't bring with it the problems that I have now, that would be great, I'm all ears.
I know current solutions consist of safestrapping (touchwiz based only roms as far i've read), or just rooting and installing mods to ease the situation. I've also read about other possible exploits like lokis which as far I know went nowhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No known progress, could be some progress behind the scenes. Remember, if someone does find an exploit for the s5 the s3 will likely have the same vulnerability. Nobody is going to tell anybody they're working on it.
Only phones I know of that can be unlocked are the HTC m7 and m8. I think all other phones are locked, but maybe the LG phones can be unlocked.
carlofabyss said:
So i'm well aware that the 4.3 ota has screwed over a lot of us galaxy sIII verizon users. I used to happily install custom roms over CWM Recovery. Trust me, I know this has been asked time and again but there is a twist to my post so bare with me if you are one of those people with the fame of suggesting a feeble search when searching for a post with a similar topic in this case (as in related to this particular topic) usually just causes more confusion with an assortment of vague answers from the same people who suggested the search. Anyway, I am another dummy who installed 4.3 ota after running into some problems that led me eventually to reflash stock and to my dismay I accidentally used the 4.3 rom. It goes without saying what kind of problems I had to deal with after that, especially trying to deal with the ugly touchwiz interface.
SO MY QUESTION. Is there any progress from any devs that would suggest a fix in the near future? I am highly doubtful of this, and am pretty much considering dumping this phone altogether. But if someone can at least humor me, or suggest an alternative phone on the verizon network that is worth the but, and doesn't bring with it the problems that I have now, that would be great, I'm all ears.
I know current solutions consist of safestrapping (touchwiz based only roms as far i've read), or just rooting and installing mods to ease the situation. I've also read about other possible exploits like lokis which as far I know went nowhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most Motorola Droids are unlock able now! I had a Motorola RAZR m before this phone, and when the new kitkat update rolled out, the old bootloader came back in, allowing you to root with towelroot and unlock your bootloader with the motopocalypse app! Check them out. Droid RAZR m is pretty cheap. Definitely worth it if you like customizations.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Free mobile app
Hi everyone!
I am currently looking to replace my slightly broken Google Nexus 5 with a Sony Z3 and as per usual I checked the XDA for common issues or anything that I may need to be aware of before purchasing one... So whilst I was here I decided to look through the ROM's / Kernels and these is a huge lack of ROM's for this phone...
What are the reasons behind this? Is this a pure lack of developers willing to spend their time on it? The source code not being available easily?
Is there a logical explanation for this?
I had two ROM's a while back for five different phones (links are below probably) and I was thinking of getting back into it again and being a Sony phone I thought "I have done it once, I can do it again!"
Any help / guidance / explanation will be great, looking forward to reading through the replies and hopefully purchasing my phone later this week
apmartin1991 said:
Hi everyone!
I am currently looking to replace my slightly broken Google Nexus 5 with a Sony Z3 and as per usual I checked the XDA for common issues or anything that I may need to be aware of before purchasing one... So whilst I was here I decided to look through the ROM's / Kernels and these is a huge lack of ROM's for this phone...
What are the reasons behind this? Is this a pure lack of developers willing to spend their time on it? The source code not being available easily?
Is there a logical explanation for this?
I had two ROM's a while back for five different phones (links are below probably) and I was thinking of getting back into it again and being a Sony phone I thought "I have done it once, I can do it again!"
Any help / guidance / explanation will be great, looking forward to reading through the replies and hopefully purchasing my phone later this week
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason rom development is so slow is because of the DRM issue that no one can get passed, the vast majority of Z3 owners still have a locked BL, you can google search and read up that unlocking the phone's BL causes plenty issues, specially camera related. Until a root exploit is found i am afraid it will carry on being this slow..
corpsegrinder62 said:
The reason rom development is so slow is because of the DRM issue that no one can get passed, the vast majority of Z3 owners still have a locked BL, you can google search and read up that unlocking the phone's BL causes plenty issues, specially camera related. Until a root exploit is found i am afraid it will carry on being this slow..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did indeed have a quick google and I read about the issues you explained, all about DRM issues with Camera and a few other things.
Many thanks for your reply, hopefully they will remove some of this with android L.
I'm pretty sure the DRM can now be restored with a unlocked bootloader
CameronBanna said:
I'm pretty sure the DRM can now be restored with a unlocked bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not possible. The only thing possible is restore some features that you lose when you unlock the bootloader.
apmartin1991 said:
Hi everyone!
I am currently looking to replace my slightly broken Google Nexus 5 with a Sony Z3 and as per usual I checked the XDA for common issues or anything that I may need to be aware of before purchasing one... So whilst I was here I decided to look through the ROM's / Kernels and these is a huge lack of ROM's for this phone...
What are the reasons behind this? Is this a pure lack of developers willing to spend their time on it? The source code not being available easily?
Is there a logical explanation for this?
I had two ROM's a while back for five different phones (links are below probably) and I was thinking of getting back into it again and being a Sony phone I thought "I have done it once, I can do it again!"
Any help / guidance / explanation will be great, looking forward to reading through the replies and hopefully purchasing my phone later this week
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The main reason there are no roms for the devices at this point is NOT due to the DRM issues. The phone is easily unlocked and rooted - there's instruction all over google...it's actually due to the Xperia Z3 being a very new phone arriving right around the time that Lollipop hit the shelves on Nexus devices. DEVs are busy updating their ROMs to be based on the Lollipop platform. This is of much more importance to them as it gives them much more rep, than them wasting time on a new phone. As they say... being first in the game is a lot easier than working your ass off to catch up.
In my opinion, I think you should jump on the Z3. It's a great phone. Kick ass battery. Great stock rom, and google lollipop update coming soon, which will kick out a lot of the needs for a custom rom for day to day usage + Nova Launcher does a kick ass job filling in a few holes. I'm waiting until DEVs get the lollipop based roms ready and then you can be sure the Z3 will have plenty of custom rom options. For the same reason above, root w/ Locked BL (liked the Z2) probably won't be available for a while as well...but...
The DRM keys that are lost when unlocked, mainly affect the camera (night shots). That said though... it really doesnt. I've done quite a bit of testing in different low light conditions using the Sony Camera app, and using the Google Camera app (cause I love photosphere). The SOny camera app uses the algorithms locked in the DRM keys, while the google camera doesn't. The low light photos, in my opinion, have very minimal difference, unless one is taking a twilight shot using a tripod stand for the phone... in which case they deserve to be hit across the head with a bat.
As for the competition... I tried the Nexus 6 and it's simply too big. The Samsung S5 is nice... but just not sexy enough and the battery is not as good and touchwiz is not really all that great.
munsabin said:
The main reason there are no roms for the devices at this point is NOT due to the DRM issues. The phone is easily unlocked and rooted - there's instruction all over google...it's actually due to the Xperia Z3 being a very new phone arriving right around the time that Lollipop hit the shelves on Nexus devices. DEVs are busy updating their ROMs to be based on the Lollipop platform. This is of much more importance to them as it gives them much more rep, than them wasting time on a new phone. As they say... being first in the game is a lot easier than working your ass off to catch up.
In my opinion, I think you should jump on the Z3. It's a great phone. Kick ass battery. Great stock rom, and google lollipop update coming soon, which will kick out a lot of the needs for a custom rom for day to day usage + Nova Launcher does a kick ass job filling in a few holes. I'm waiting until DEVs get the lollipop based roms ready and then you can be sure the Z3 will have plenty of custom rom options. For the same reason above, root w/ Locked BL (liked the Z2) probably won't be available for a while as well...but...
The DRM keys that are lost when unlocked, mainly affect the camera (night shots). That said though... it really doesnt. I've done quite a bit of testing in different low light conditions using the Sony Camera app, and using the Google Camera app (cause I love photosphere). The SOny camera app uses the algorithms locked in the DRM keys, while the google camera doesn't. The low light photos, in my opinion, have very minimal difference, unless one is taking a twilight shot using a tripod stand for the phone... in which case they deserve to be hit across the head with a bat.
As for the competition... I tried the Nexus 6 and it's simply too big. The Samsung S5 is nice... but just not sexy enough and the battery is not as good and touchwiz is not really all that great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats a precise answer! Thank you for that. I would like to back it again that the low-light performance is really minimal at most. I'm definitely considering unlocking the bootloader now even to achieve root. Do you know if the D6653 and the D6603 are 'cross-compatible' with custom ROMs?
corpsegrinder62 said:
The reason rom development is so slow is because of the DRM issue that no one can get passed, the vast majority of Z3 owners still have a locked BL, you can google search and read up that unlocking the phone's BL causes plenty issues, specially camera related. Until a root exploit is found i am afraid it will carry on being this slow..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should probably edit / delete this post since it's not really correct and you're essentially driving people away from a great phone. DRM is not really an issue if you do some more research, unlocking the phone is easy and info is all over google, and rooting the phone; same story.
Reason no ROMs are available is b/c Xperia Z3 and Lollipop hit the shelves around the same time. DEVs are working to get lollipop based custom ROMs out, not ROMs based on old OS for a new phone.
---------- Post added at 08:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:23 PM ----------
squabbi said:
Thats a precise answer! Thank you for that. I would like to back it again that the low-light performance is really minimal at most. I'm definitely considering unlocking the bootloader now even to achieve root. Do you know if the D6653 and the D6603 are 'cross-compatible' with custom ROMs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No clue. I'm sure when custom ROMs will be available; that info will be clearly mentioned.
munsabin said:
Should probably edit / delete this post since it's not really correct and you're essentially driving people away from a great phone. DRM is not really an issue if you do some more research, unlocking the phone is easy and info is all over google, and rooting the phone; same story.
Reason no ROMs are available is b/c Xperia Z3 and Lollipop hit the shelves around the same time. DEVs are working to get lollipop based custom ROMs out, not ROMs based on old OS for a new phone.
---------- Post added at 08:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:23 PM ----------
No clue. I'm sure when custom ROMs will be available; that info will be clearly mentioned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whilst i do agree to your point, my point of view of the post is not exactly inaccurate but rather a different point of view to yours, think of it like this: many users start developing because they start to tinker with their new amazing device, many users themselves apart from developers try at developing aswell, and this all ads to rom and kernel growth as well as bug/beta testing which developers obviously need to keep developing, whilst yes Lollipop is a great thing and yes many devs are trying to get lollipop working instead of modding kitkat, there are still plenty users that will prefer kitkat over lollipop. The vast majority of users and devs are first working on a root exploit cause 80% (give or take my best guess here) of users are now frustrated from buying a device they cannot unlock or develop with unless they willing to risk their warranty or destroy 30% of the phone's functionality included by sony which we all love and taking such a risk knowing you got only one try to get it right, this is tricky.. so if you think of lets say 30 000 users on xda owning a z3, i can bet you not even 2000 of those are unlocked yet, and therefore slow development happens because all focus is taken to finding an exploit, which is great, i cannot wait for the day my Z3 can get unlocked when we can backup DRM. Im not disrespecting anyone here fyi, im just posting my opinion.
CameronBanna said:
I'm pretty sure the DRM can now be restored with a unlocked bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most DRM is not restorable, although it can sometimes be backed up and then restored with various other phones.
iFlasher said:
It's not possible. The only thing possible is restore some features that you lose when you unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is correct from what I hear.
munsabin said:
The main reason there are no roms for the devices at this point is NOT due to the DRM issues. The phone is easily unlocked and rooted - there's instruction all over google...it's actually due to the Xperia Z3 being a very new phone arriving right around the time that Lollipop hit the shelves on Nexus devices. DEVs are busy updating their ROMs to be based on the Lollipop platform. This is of much more importance to them as it gives them much more rep, than them wasting time on a new phone. As they say... being first in the game is a lot easier than working your ass off to catch up.
In my opinion, I think you should jump on the Z3. It's a great phone. Kick ass battery. Great stock rom, and google lollipop update coming soon, which will kick out a lot of the needs for a custom rom for day to day usage + Nova Launcher does a kick ass job filling in a few holes. I'm waiting until DEVs get the lollipop based roms ready and then you can be sure the Z3 will have plenty of custom rom options. For the same reason above, root w/ Locked BL (liked the Z2) probably won't be available for a while as well...but...
The DRM keys that are lost when unlocked, mainly affect the camera (night shots). That said though... it really doesnt. I've done quite a bit of testing in different low light conditions using the Sony Camera app, and using the Google Camera app (cause I love photosphere). The SOny camera app uses the algorithms locked in the DRM keys, while the google camera doesn't. The low light photos, in my opinion, have very minimal difference, unless one is taking a twilight shot using a tripod stand for the phone... in which case they deserve to be hit across the head with a bat.
As for the competition... I tried the Nexus 6 and it's simply too big. The Samsung S5 is nice... but just not sexy enough and the battery is not as good and touchwiz is not really all that great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for a brilliant reply, I am waiting for CES to finish this week and then if nothing major is announced I will be buying a Z3, as soon as lollipop is out and in a good state I will make a ROM if I have the time
squabbi said:
Thats a precise answer! Thank you for that. I would like to back it again that the low-light performance is really minimal at most. I'm definitely considering unlocking the bootloader now even to achieve root. Do you know if the D6653 and the D6603 are 'cross-compatible' with custom ROMs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They may need different drivers as they have a slightly different chipset in them, most devs should be able to account for this
munsabin said:
Should probably edit / delete this post since it's not really correct and you're essentially driving people away from a great phone. DRM is not really an issue if you do some more research, unlocking the phone is easy and info is all over google, and rooting the phone; same story.
Reason no ROMs are available is b/c Xperia Z3 and Lollipop hit the shelves around the same time. DEVs are working to get lollipop based custom ROMs out, not ROMs based on old OS for a new phone.
---------- Post added at 08:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:23 PM ----------
No clue. I'm sure when custom ROMs will be available; that info will be clearly mentioned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He should not delete his answer, his answer was a good one albeit not as detailed as the rest. DRM is an issue to contend with as some users like it and want to keep it.
corpsegrinder62 said:
Whilst i do agree to your point, my point of view of the post is not exactly inaccurate but rather a different point of view to yours, think of it like this: many users start developing because they start to tinker with their new amazing device, many users themselves apart from developers try at developing aswell, and this all ads to rom and kernel growth as well as bug/beta testing which developers obviously need to keep developing, whilst yes Lollipop is a great thing and yes many devs are trying to get lollipop working instead of modding kitkat, there are still plenty users that will prefer kitkat over lollipop. The vast majority of users and devs are first working on a root exploit cause 80% (give or take my best guess here) of users are now frustrated from buying a device they cannot unlock or develop with unless they willing to risk their warranty or destroy 30% of the phone's functionality included by sony which we all love and taking such a risk knowing you got only one try to get it right, this is tricky.. so if you think of lets say 30 000 users on xda owning a z3, i can bet you not even 2000 of those are unlocked yet, and therefore slow development happens because all focus is taken to finding an exploit, which is great, i cannot wait for the day my Z3 can get unlocked when we can backup DRM. Im not disrespecting anyone here fyi, im just posting my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a good answer too, and your bang on, not everyone wants to lose DRM keys or risk losing stuff they like. I will be patient until I start ROMing myself again or until someone manages to hack around this known issue. Sony have always been tight arses with ROM developers...
@apmartin1991 - root w/ locked BL is now available. No need for custom roms IMO when you've got xposed framework available. Xblast Tools will give you a LOT of what you'll find on custom roms, plus you'll be running on stable stock rom. Kernels can be modified once you've rooted your phone with locked BL, saved TA partition (for future), and unlocked bootloader. But unlocking bootloader will kill camera night shots.
Hey folks just wanted to say that I really love my V10. But coming from Nexus and some of the other LG series I am going crazy with the lack of "things" to tinker with. I am not exactly a flash-a-holic but I am definitely a tinkerer (if thats a word). I like to flash custom Roms and fool around with xposed and maybe a little mod here or there. It's crazy how this phone still has virtually no developer support or any kind of custom rom scene. (yes I understand why about the locked bootloaders etc etc). It's been so long I almost feel like I'm rusty and probably forgot how.. Haha.
Nevertheless I love it and it's a great phone (although a bit on the heavy side as time goes on). My wife just got the Galaxy S7 and it's so nice and small and bright and waterproof. Does make me think about looking other ways. I dunno. I hope LG doesn't just make this phone like a stepchild to the flagship series. Still barely gettin marshmallow update in other countries and not really anything new with the 2nd screen for any apps or anything. I guess this is borderline off topic but just some musings I've had the last week or so. Later!
Sent from my LG-H901 using XDA Free mobile app
I feel the same way. I have been considering selling this and getting something else.
Sent from my LG-H900 using Tapatalk
If you have a version that is rootable, use the many xposed modules out there. I have tweaked mine to be better than what my nexus 5 was. If you have been around long enough as I have, you will have learned that when ROM's are not available that a Root Explorer is a very good friend. I will go in depth
Base things one uses with a unlocked bootloader / Alternatives to a locked bootloader.
Custom Recovery: TWRP (Or W/E you like) / FlashFire (Install zips, make backups)
Custom ROM: CyanogenMod ( Or if Im using a device DHacker is supporting then I would use that to test the **** out of it) / Stock/BloatStock ( Xposed Modules can do almost everything any custom ROM can if not more than what a Custom ROM could do)
Custom Kernel: Dont need one, never needed one. If it was forced via the ROM then it was used. / Plenty of apps to do little things like Overclock or RAM management etc.
It's my belief people new to the Android Platform go for Custom ROMs is to get everything in one place in one ROM build. Hence why Android is beginning to absorb most of the popular things in the modding community to the aosp nexus builds, slowly if I might add.
All in all, research, time, and stock img files are your best friend to learn from trial and error.
I don't understand you. You got the phone for a reason. And that reason still is valid. There are always newer phones available the moment you buy something.
DarkestSpawn said:
If you have a version that is rootable, use the many xposed modules out there. I have tweaked mine to be better than what my nexus 5 was. If you have been around long enough as I have, you will have learned that when ROM's are not available that a Root Explorer is a very good friend. I will go in depth
Base things one uses with a unlocked bootloader / Alternatives to a locked bootloader.
Custom Recovery: TWRP (Or W/E you like) / FlashFire (Install zips, make backups)
Custom ROM: CyanogenMod ( Or if Im using a device DHacker is supporting then I would use that to test the **** out of it) / Stock/BloatStock ( Xposed Modules can do almost everything any custom ROM can if not more than what a Custom ROM could do)
Custom Kernel: Dont need one, never needed one. If it was forced via the ROM then it was used. / Plenty of apps to do little things like Overclock or RAM management etc.
It's my belief people new to the Android Platform go for Custom ROMs is to get everything in one place in one ROM build. Hence why Android is beginning to absorb most of the popular things in the modding community to the aosp nexus builds, slowly if I might add.
All in all, research, time, and stock img files are your best friend to learn from trial and error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agree, I dont miss the phone dying on me once in a while, having to flash an "old" backup, loosing some data... And with xPosed this phone is as customisable as I ever needed :good:
I am the same ..im bored of this phone
---------- Post added at 06:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:00 PM ----------
faearai01 said:
I don't understand you. You got the phone for a reason. And that reason still is valid. There are always newer phones available the moment you buy something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ppl like you will never understand what he talking about
Explain it to me. Explain it for people like me.
faearai01 said:
Explain it to me. Explain it for people like me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I said you will never understand ..so even if i did explain it you won't understand its something like drugs
But I'm willing to understand. So give me a hint and maybe it turns into a TIL.
faeArai said:
But I'm willing to understand. So give me a hint and maybe it turns into a TIL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The need to be able to make a change to how the phone operates, and see that change in action.
And then change it again. Ownership of the device, playing with the experience of using the phone.
Getting to touch, swish, swipe, scroll - interact with the device (you never been in bed and gone endlessly through your settings menu, again and again; into all the options, all the possibilities? It's not really for the 'settings', you already know what you want really...It's to swish and swipe, especially if the phone is high end, the screen is beautiful and the actions like silk) until you fall asleep cradling it lovingly in your hand under the pillow and waking with it stuck to your cheek?
A sense of learning
A sense of making technology do what You want - of being able to effect change.
To. Develop. Perhaps.
To use the phone.
To discover and distribute something to others..
TO TWEAK BATTERY LIFE. (Heh)
To be part of a community doing the same.
This is my second LG phone, and absolutely latest one.
Whay?
Because of soooo pore support and update.
Update is nothing.
Im coming from LG G4, REALLY what's improvement in LG V10? nothing + poor update support.
At all i NEVER buy a LG phone and NEVER suggest any LG mobile phone for anyone.
Talk about 1st world problems ?
faearai01 said:
I don't understand you. You got the phone for a reason. And that reason still is valid. There are always newer phones available the moment you buy something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what are you going to buy now?
I've a v10 and will stay with it for at least one year. Since MM is being rolled-out, I'm pretty fine. I also had and still have several nexus devices and was disappointed by the quality of hardware.
There is a lot more to do on the V10 than my previous Nexus 6. I don't think I understand...
I don't get that guys here saying that they are moving to an other phone. Just do it. But noone cares which phone you have and why you're moving on. It seems like those guys still are not sure and just want other to ask them to stay. I don't care. Have fun with your next phone - until you get it and and complain and buy an other one. And so on and so on. There is an other root cause of your frustration and I'm pretty sure it's not the phone ?
This thread is not serving any productive purpose.
Meanwhile people are raving about the LG V10...
LG V10 & V10 Dual Sim - Reviews Collection
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyHjPU6VGWk-5PiT76ejWAUamHYxWaeDK
incidentflux said:
This thread is not serving any productive purpose.
Meanwhile people are raving about the LG V10...
LG V10 & V10 Dual Sim - Reviews Collection
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyHjPU6VGWk-5PiT76ejWAUamHYxWaeDK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best phone around by far :good:
Only one feature missing imo: IP68.
Should have stayed with my nexus 6. The second screen is a crappie gimmick. Gonna try and stick with this phone until the note comes out.
Edit now that the first part is out of the way, Please scroll down to the bottom for another question, Just trying to keep everything orgainized if possible. Hope This doesn't go in q & a.
Hey fellows, I just bought a s5 and can return it within two days for a full refund. Cost me 140 plus tax, used in great condition no scratches at all on the screen, and got a nice case with it. Was going to order an LG G3 since I'd been doing a bunch of research on it, but came around this and figured I'd give it a whirl. I did a little research on xda while in the store before buying it.
Now that I've been home and reading and reading and reading, I've got it rooted using the lollipop root thread which requires you to use odin. No biggie there but the LP safestrap wouldn't install. And after root I can't install apps from the play store anymore. Error 494 or something like that sorry I'm not more specific.
Right now it has the latest and greatest OTA B1B? I can't remember all four off hand. Some thread I've read have suggested that it is possible to install safestrap and then install rom's but I'm unclear if I have to downgrade though odin flash a different kernel or what. I'm kinda afraid to do too much too it without making a backup because I'd need to get it back to stock before I return it if I do.
I guess my questions are, will I be able to install alliance rom? I don't believe so since it's on a different base. Will I be able to do anything to it other than root? It's not a bad device by all means, but If development is dying, and it's locked down so tight I couldn't squeeze a hair in there, I see no reason to keep it. Again, i've been cramming all evening on all threads, and some say it's possible to get safestrap for lp on there with root, to install TW roms. I know I'll never be able to get AOSP stuff on there regardless.
I could probably get by with just root and debloating. But The alliance rom has some nice themeing options that I'd like.
If you guys were me and please be honest, would you keep it and try to get it to work, or just return it for a refund? I had an s3 but never took any OTA's so I could install roms until my eyes turned blue even though development was slowing on it when mine broke down..
Also do you guys have any idea why the play store isn't working anymore? I'm tempted to factory reset now probably losing root in the process, just to try to get my play store working again.
Any and all thoughts will be appreciated. Again I've studied almost all the faq type all in one general help threads and I've never dealt with safe strap before but at this point I can't even install that. The apk installs but clicking install with root access does nothing.
thanks for any input provided.
griz
Well Looks like I've got safestrap installed with the bok3 kernel although the device came with the BPB1 kernel / firmware. So does this mean that I can only install roms now that are lollipop with bok3 as their kernel? And would you still return the device to order a G3 which has better specs and more ongoing development?
Depends. Download "eMMC Brickbug Check" from the play store and post a screenshot of it.
Honestly, having played a lot with various ROMS on this phones, I can say that my fav is the current stock MM. Fast, great performance and battery life, and hopefully, we will get root eventually. In the mean time, Iam not really missing it.
Sent from my SM-T810 using Tapatalk
Thanks for the input the emmc check said the brick bug wasn't present. I've got to have root so mm is not an option. I need root for things like tibu and to set enforce =0 for selinux to use my old game pad which isn't 100% necessary but nice when I want to use it. This stock rom seems to drink battery life. Do you think I could install alliance or another debloaTed rom?
griz.droidx said:
Thanks for the input the emmc check said the brick bug wasn't present. I've got to have root so mm is not an option. I need root for things like tibu and to set enforce =0 for selinux to use my old game pad which isn't 100% necessary but nice when I want to use it. This stock rom seems to drink battery life. Do you think I could install alliance or another debloaTed rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
B1B is not a build, so you should check that. All lollipop builds can be rooted, and in certain situations marshmallow can be downgraded. Especially if you can unlock the bootloader. You should really check the development thread before you just give up on the device.
Please I don't wish to start a war, just a informative Pro and Con.
Nandr0idC0nsumer thanks for the tip on that App, I ran it iniitally but didn't do the entire scan. I'm doing that as I type this. (It finished and read test passed 132s 14.7GB 114.5MB/s Under emmc chip it reads:
Type MAG2GC
Date 05/98
CID a very long string.
FwRev:00x0
Brick Bug NO. Same Chip
I was hoping this would test to see if I could make it a dev edition but I'll read more on that later.
Now, Even though this isn't the device I initially wanted, I found it in mint condition and with it and the case (Bulky but I weed eat, mow, and stuff, a Lunatik Tatik Extreme that I've read good reviews on every though it's bulky but it's red so I don't have to see the gold, and from what I've read protects well and looks Heavy Duty) and transfer of my Selectel service only paid around 160 after tax. I ended up with a gold colored model, with stock lollipop,
The baseband now says BOK3 but had something Newer BPB1 the first night I got it, I read and read and then read some more as I'm new to safestrap but not to Sammy having had an S3, nor to flashing as I've also owned a DX and DX2(bought used mainly for the sdcard at the time for 20 bucks and to use as a wifi remote)
My questions are as follows. One person above musiclover7 said he's perfectly satisfied with MM non-rooted, I assume an OTA maybe?
I rooted using the odin lollipop method, then installed Alliance Rom to start with as it seemed compatible, and I like the customization ability. I prefer AOSP for just this reason and this was why I was leary about getting this device, the locked bootloader. I've read a little about a lot of rom's available, Although Alliance is highly customizable in the looks dept, and I used the extreme Debloat scropt/zip when flashing all those options are a bit much and it can take time to get the look just right especially with the Black glass mod/zip which I remember from Alliance for the S3, on the old S3 I only ran TW occasionally, mailnly running SLIM, then Nameless, then AICP at the very end. because I'm a sucker for the T-mo theme engine. Aesthetics are very important to me.
One question is with the note roms's and S6/7 ported roms why do I need S-pen when I don't have a note? Why do I need the edge stuff built in when the device isn't an edge? What can that do? I know I have a lot more reading to do but I just want to get a general concensus on what people are running and why, if you are only on TW roms? I haven't seen any themes available in the theme section and I can't stand all the white in settings and such on a stock rom. Nor can I stand the Sammy/VZW bloat. I'm looking at Phoenix which is based on a phone rom with edge support? Am I missing something here? And with the note rom's why would I need the S-pen which I may not have to install if it's aroma based or just freeze/delete it after installation. I have xposed installed because I prefer the net stats app to any other net stat's app out there. I know Wanam is available and gravity for stock roms. I also recall using a module that let me use T-Mo themes on rom's, but I believe the roms I used that on was an AOSP based rom that didn't have T-MO or Layers Implemented yet, like slim around the KK/LP era if memory serves me and it may not.
SO What roms are you using and why? Again, I know people hate threads like this I have no intention of starting a war of roms. It'd be better if I did have the unlocked BL edition or could make it so but I've not got that far yet. Please do not hate on other peoples work. We're all in this together, and most work borrows from others work anyway. And what I've loved about Andy from the DX days is that one size doesn't fit all. We had Bur based roms, CM7 (with most all stock features added eventually), and WizardOO's awesome MIUI builds. And WIz's awesome preboot menu that let one choose a governor and overclock and such without the need for an app. That was an awesome tool back in the day. I'll never forget Wizard00's work on that nor the work done by the main CM7 dev, and those two did help one another figure things out like getting HDMI working.
Anyway, sorry for the rants, and so many questions, I know it'll be impossible to answer all, but I'll edit the Title and Tags to hopefully help other users in the future.
Thanks for reading my TLDR post. Those who know me know I tend to go into way too much detail, and sometimes not the details needed.
Thanks again, I look forward to hearing what you guys have to say.
griz
griz.droidx said:
Nandr0idC0nsumer thanks for the tip on that App, I ran it iniitally but didn't do the entire scan. I'm doing that as I type this. (It finished and read test passed 132s 14.7GB 114.5MB/s Under emmc chip it reads:
Type MAG2GC
Date 05/98
CID a very long string.
FwRev:00x0
Brick Bug NO. Same Chip
I was hoping this would test to see if I could make it a dev edition but I'll read more on that later.
Now, Even though this isn't the device I initially wanted, I found it in mint condition and with it and the case (Bulky but I weed eat, mow, and stuff, a Lunatik Tatik Extreme that I've read good reviews on every though it's bulky but it's red so I don't have to see the gold, and from what I've read protects well and looks Heavy Duty) and transfer of my Selectel service only paid around 160 after tax. I ended up with a gold colored model, with stock lollipop,
The baseband now says BOK3 but had something Newer BPB1 the first night I got it, I read and read and then read some more as I'm new to safestrap but not to Sammy having had an S3, nor to flashing as I've also owned a DX and DX2(bought used mainly for the sdcard at the time for 20 bucks and to use as a wifi remote)
My questions are as follows. One person above musiclover7 said he's perfectly satisfied with MM non-rooted, I assume an OTA maybe?
I rooted using the odin lollipop method, then installed Alliance Rom to start with as it seemed compatible, and I like the customization ability. I prefer AOSP for just this reason and this was why I was leary about getting this device, the locked bootloader. I've read a little about a lot of rom's available, Although Alliance is highly customizable in the looks dept, and I used the extreme Debloat scropt/zip when flashing all those options are a bit much and it can take time to get the look just right especially with the Black glass mod/zip which I remember from Alliance for the S3, on the old S3 I only ran TW occasionally, mailnly running SLIM, then Nameless, then AICP at the very end. because I'm a sucker for the T-mo theme engine. Aesthetics are very important to me.
One question is with the note roms's and S6/7 ported roms why do I need S-pen when I don't have a note? Why do I need the edge stuff built in when the device isn't an edge? What can that do? I know I have a lot more reading to do but I just want to get a general concensus on what people are running and why, if you are only on TW roms? I haven't seen any themes available in the theme section and I can't stand all the white in settings and such on a stock rom. Nor can I stand the Sammy/VZW bloat. I'm looking at Phoenix which is based on a phone rom with edge support? Am I missing something here? And with the note rom's why would I need the S-pen which I may not have to install if it's aroma based or just freeze/delete it after installation. I have xposed installed because I prefer the net stats app to any other net stat's app out there. I know Wanam is available and gravity for stock roms. I also recall using a module that let me use T-Mo themes on rom's, but I believe the roms I used that on was an AOSP based rom that didn't have T-MO or Layers Implemented yet, like slim around the KK/LP era if memory serves me and it may not.
SO What roms are you using and why? Again, I know people hate threads like this I have no intention of starting a war of roms. It'd be better if I did have the unlocked BL edition or could make it so but I've not got that far yet. Please do not hate on other peoples work. We're all in this together, and most work borrows from others work anyway. And what I've loved about Andy from the DX days is that one size doesn't fit all. We had Bur based roms, CM7 (with most all stock features added eventually), and WizardOO's awesome MIUI builds. And WIz's awesome preboot menu that let one choose a governor and overclock and such without the need for an app. That was an awesome tool back in the day. I'll never forget Wizard00's work on that nor the work done by the main CM7 dev, and those two did help one another figure things out like getting HDMI working.
Anyway, sorry for the rants, and so many questions, I know it'll be impossible to answer all, but I'll edit the Title and Tags to hopefully help other users in the future.
Thanks for reading my TLDR post. Those who know me know I tend to go into way too much detail, and sometimes not the details needed.
Thanks again, I look forward to hearing what you guys have to say.
griz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will read the whole thing tomarrow, but what's the first 2 numbers of your CID?
Nandr0idC0nsumer said:
Will read the whole thing tomarrow, but what's the first 2 numbers of your CID?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with Nandr0idC0nsumer. You didn't specify what the eMMC Brickbug check read. I'm showing the first 2 numbers needed but if you've read majority of these forums, you'd know what it means...lol
it'd mean I'd hit the jack pot but I figured that'd be mighty sliim.. LOL... But I'm going to give it another whirl. I haven't read everything, but most of the faq's and all-in-one threads. Then the root for lollipop thread along with safestrap, because I was completely new to safestrap, but I could have been wasting my time with safestrap, I certainly hope the hell that I am that would be so awesome, the best news for me since...... I can't remember when the last time I was so lucky.
I can't be this lucky.. Got some reading to do... I should've listened.........
I should have followed through with the posts from you guys but I honestly didn't think I'd be that luck.y... Didn't think I'd have that kind of karma... In the Morning Ladies and Gentlemen and dudes named ben. Thanks guys for hitting me in the mouth...
HOLY bat crap bat man.. Does this mean what I think it does.. I hope so.. I think I've got a new thread to read..
This is for users with 15' Sasmung eMMC's not users with 11 Toshiba eMMC's. You can check this by reading the file
/sys/block/mmcblk0/device/cid
Just the first 2 15xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx or 11xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx(my number of x's are random, just read the first 2)
We still are unsure if changing the CID causes app store, verification, activation, provision, or other issues, everything you do is at your own risk!
REACTIVATION LOCK MUST BE TURNED OFF. YOU'VE BEEN WARNED
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I figured that would be few and far between, I hope I can magically transform my phone into a dev model.... I'm assuming that'd be as good as having my old S3 without taking that bad OTA... OMG.. I'm hoping this is good news. I'm off to read the post.. I gotta work in the morning but now... Wow..... It's like a natural high if it means what I think it does. I hoonestly figured that would be like finding a needle in a haystack and my luck is never that good.. But I'm not going to count my chickens before they hatch...
Ohh attached below is the screenshot...
I'm not one for emoji's but...
Just hope I dont screw something up trying to make a dev edition out of my device... ....
I blocked out the last number as in the example above, I don't know why that's important but since the other poster did, I figure I'd better too. Monkey see Monkey doo.
PS Sorry for the mess.. as Han would say.. yeah.. I'm that old..
@griz.droidx Flash stock PB1, then root it, then unlock the bootloader! You have, by chance and luck alone, bought an S5 with the ability to unlock it
Yes you can flash Cyanogenmod. Yes you can flash MM and root it. Basically do whatever you feel like
Question is stock PB1 a stock MM build? I'll do some reading to find out, but I have a nandroid of my BPB8 lollipop rom that's already rooted From reading the unlocking thread, and maybe I missed something I just install the APK and bam I'm unlocked. I'm guessing that once I'm unlocked, and rooted, I need to find myself a TWRP for the device. I thought I could just un-install safe strap from Alliance, Unlock and then flash a recovery.
I figured I was lucky in getting one that can be unlocked or made into a dev edition. I'm never that lucky. But on the unlucky, it appears that I have to now flash roms from the unified thread. And from what I've been able to pick up in an hour or so last night and a little at work today, I'd be best to flash only rom's for Verizon specifically. I don't know exactly to to make the others work with a Verizon MVNO but I'm certain that the VZW one's will because on the S3 I could flash any VZW rom and my MVNO (Selectel) worked. I'm hoping to find a build of AICP since that's what I was using with my S3 before it bit the dust. But flashing fever usually hits and I'm sure I'll try others.
Still doesn't look like there's much development going on for the unlocked builds. But at least I can cruise around on AOSP if I want. But the Extreme Debloat of alliance has been doing pretty good already even without my usually tweaking using autostarts and AFWALL, I do miss the privacy manager most of all from AOSP. I just think that is easier to use than the AP OPS version that's included in Alliance.
Is your phone unlocked? if so What rom are you running, and which ones have you ttied?
Lastly, I want to thank everyone for all their assistance in this thread so far. And for those of you who aren't unlocked, I'd still be interested in knowing which TW rom's you're using and stuff like that. I like aesthetics, and don't like the stock TW look of white everywhere, and I've read that with OLED or OMLED or whatever theyre called, the more black there is the easier it is on the battery. Probably doesn't make a huge difference but every little bit helps.
You can run ROM's from the Android Development thread and Unified thread
The question is unless they're for vzw on particular will they work with my my mvno. I hope so. . But I don't think they will without. Changing apns. Or may not have the proper frequencies enabled for vzw
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Oh, that i wouldn't know. Maybe someone will come across this and have an answer for you
griz.droidx said:
The question is unless they're for vzw on particular will they work with my my mvno. I hope so. . But I don't think they will without. Changing apns. Or may not have the proper frequencies enabled for vzw
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash PB1 from SamMobile (PB1 is stock 5.0 Lollipop rom) and then root, unlock, and flash TWRP.
To simplify, tell me the ROM you want to flash and I'll tell you if it's compatible if you'd like.
EDIT: Yes roms have to be Verizon-compatible. And no changing apns will not help
Thanks for offering to check. . I've found that aicp. Resurrection remix. CM and Phoenix have versions for vzw. . Thanks for offering to check for me. . Thanks for simplifying the unlock and add aosp roms instructions. . I've read and re-read them. . A couple things I'm worried about ate what hardware features may no longer work like the fingerprint reader at least in the one kernel I found. Even unlocked and thrilled as I am I want to make sure as much of it works as possible with aosp. And I don't want to take a performance hit but doubt that'll happen. . Even when the numbers have said I did take a hit in the past three seat of the pants feel said otherwise. . Thanks again to you and everyone else who have replied. . Im still wondering which tw roms people prefer. . Alliance with extreme debloat has did better than I expected. .
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
You'll have to make your best judgement. Users install the ROM's and use them as a DD to suit their likings and what they like for a ROM. You'll just have to read the OP of the said ROM and see for yourself....Good luck and HAPPY ROM'n
Hey fellows I am tickled pink that I accidentally ended up with a dev edition. Even though there's not a whole lot of AOSP out there for the VZW version of the s5, I do like me some AOSP. Always have the AOSP ROM bug hit me back with my DX. Having said all that, I was pretty satisfied with the Alliance Rom, and I'd imagine other TW roms have much to offer. I chose Alliance because I'd ran it on the S3 a few times especially when I needed to compare TW to AOSP. I did not upgrade using the method above but I appreciate all the replies from "Nandr0idC0nsumer" very much. I once thought about installing a MM pre rooted firmware first actually. If I could find just the modem and anything else like that which may help the performance and usability of my MM CM based RR rom, I might consider it. And it shouldn't be as difficult now with the unlocked BL. Although safestrap worked nicely for what it's meant to do.
After reading here and elsewhere about unlocking and installing AOSP, I decided to just run the apk which is option one in the how to unlock post, ran the app it installs, checked in recovery to see that it said developer, then using flashify I installed a TWRP image that I downloaded from somewhere. I think TWRP was just for klte though and not kltevzw specifically, but don't quote me on that. Lastly, I booted straight into twrp using the hardware buttons on a reboot to install the AOSP based rom and GAPPS. Easy Peasy. I'm looking for a kernel now, but since I feel that the fingerprint scanner works much better for me in AOSP, I don't want to get a kernel and mess that up even though I could always back it up first. or just re-install the rom.
Hopefully someone will come across this thread and find it useful. If anyone feels like it I'd still like to hear about those different TW roms, and why we'd want to use one for the note? or need one with the S-pen app? Can the S5 work as well as the note for writing on the screen using the S-Pen stuff?
Thanks again, and have a great weekend. Anyone who has any questions for me feel free to PM me. If I don't reply immediately don't think I'm putting you off I sometimes , many times, forget to check or don't notice that I have new images to read. Although help is better from the forum since you can many more opinions, and that's what it's for anyway.