Related
This is not knocking our heavy-duty modders and developers, but it seems like in lots of threads folks ask questions and the answer always is to go to the custom ROMs. (Yes, I know they are good and do a lot!)
Could we maintain this, or another thread -- or could the admin set up a section for folks who have stock G-Tablets who want to improve and get the most out of them without ROMs?
I got my tablet 11/25 and when I turned it on, the first thing it did was download two updates. I have not had a lot of the really bad problems some of you earlier adopters had. So I would like to try a stock machine with program improvements before deciding whether to go custom ROM.
That said, I would like to install the Google Market, Contacts, Gmail, Calendar, etc. I am willing to root the tablet if that is needed to get all the software working.
Any suggestions -- references to non-ROM upgrades -- recommendations on how to accomplish the above will be appreciated. And I suggest there probably are a lot of other folks out there who would like to do the same thing. (If I'm right, post and speak up so the people with knowledge will know helping us is worth their time and effort.
Rev
P. S. -- Sorry this got so long. If a different thread is needed to get this done, someone feel free to get it started.
I don't find the stock g-tablet as horrible as many are reporting. It is not the same as an Android phone, and I guess that is what most people object to. I have installed the ViewSonic 1.01 update.
Here is what I have done:
1) Root it using Z4root. You can find it here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=833953
2) Installed Android Market:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=827209
EDIT: This version of Market does not work on the firmware update version 4349. For that use the package that Roebeet has supplied to us:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=12939008&postcount=40
It is installed as an update package, where you first unpack it, then place it into the /sdcard folder. Reboot holding both the Power and Volume+ button. Then select "Apply Internal update.zip", using the volume rocker to select, and the power button to enter the selection.
3) Do the Market fix to get access to all apps:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=845175
4) Also install the AndRootFile app, available here:
http://www.getjar.com/mobile/39778/androotfile/
5) Install LauncherPro or ADW.Launcher
EDIT: This is no longer needed, as there is now a "Classic" home screen in the firmware update. But it can still be done if you want to try it.
6) Install Flash:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9172522&postcount=2058
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=842040
7) Install OpenGL fix, so then you can install Angry Birds from Market:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=846463
This is no longer needed. The OpenGL update is included in the firmware update.
I think that is about it. If I think of something else, I'll add it.
wasserkapf said:
I don't find the stock g-tablet as horrible as many are reporting. It is not the same as an Android phone, and I guess that is what most people object to. I have installed the ViewSonic 1.01 update.
Here is what I have done:
1) Root it using Z4root. You can find it here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=833953
2) Installed Android Market:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=827209
3) Do the Market fix to get access to all apps:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=845175
4) Also install the AndRootFile app, available here:
http://www.getjar.com/mobile/39778/androotfile/
5) Install LauncherPro or ADW.Launcher
6) Install Flash:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9172522&postcount=2058
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=842040
7) Install OpenGL fix, so then you can install Angry Birds from Market:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=846463
I think that is about it. If I think of something else, I'll add it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not giving you a hard time but for someone who doesn't mind the stock interface everything you have done is pretty much the same as just installing TnTLite...
It may be true that "Waterhead" had done most of the same things some of the ROM mods do ---- BUT, he didn't have to flash anything like TNT or cwm, etc.
For those who don't want to flash, what he has provided here is a less risky path to decent performance.
Or for those who are less experienced and want to start out "lite" on their modding experience, this gives them a chance with less opportunity for making a fatal mistake.
I think there probably are a lot of folks who will own G-Tablets who will fall into this category.
And with a route to learn modding and work their way up to really serious modding, I think we will have done them a big favor.
Thanks for the posts. I think we have started a good thing in this thread. And thanks to you more experienced folks who are willing to help get those folks started.
And......it just could be that if we provide an opportunity for the unexperienced folks to make their tablet right -- more people will buy them. IMHO.
Rev
Sprdtyf350 said:
Not giving you a hard time but for someone who doesn't mind the stock interface everything you have done is pretty much the same as just installing TnTLite...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I did is no different than what a person does to a PC. You install the needed programs and drivers. And maybe customize your desktop.
As a long-time Linux user, I am fully capable of installing from scratch. I just see no need to do that with the g-tablet. I actually like the weather app as a homepage.
So you have the TnT UI (Stock 3 Homescreen UI) and Launcherpro/ADW? If people are going to go this route, then I would suggest installing home switch app from the market.
xmr405o,
Two things:
(1) My model with updates has a three-screen "Home" already -- one with weather/clock/news, one with "To-Do" lists, and a third I use so little I have forgotten what is on it.
(2) I have installed Launcher Pro and when I choose a task that will require launching, my firmware gives me a choice of the regular "Home" or LP to do that job.
What would the app you are recommending do beyond this??? More info??!!
Rev
Seriously, what is so intimidating about installing a rom? You cannot brick these things, it's impossible to do.
Thanks for this thread.
My wife picked one of these up at Office Depot the other day. She knows I have been waiting on Adam and thought I might like this instead. I have yet to open the G Tablet until seeing what the supposed Dec 19th update brings. I am new to android and hesitant to start at the deep end of the pool with modding a $399 toy on day one.
From all the reviews it sounds like a solid piece of hardware and that most issues are with TnT and the lack of Google support for tablets. Do you think this device will get Gingerbread and full support from Google eventually?
My only other concern is the LCD, which is turning out to be hard to judge without having seen the demo unit.
Ideally I just want a clean Android 2.2 experience with the ability to install and use the typical apps (gmail, flash, twitter, facebook, angry birds, etc). If this thing can be made into a solid purchase maybe I would just skip Adam and wait for a next gen tablet like Eve which should be on Tegra3/honeycomb.
rayden25 said:
Seriously, what is so intimidating about installing a rom? You cannot brick these things, it's impossible to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If this is true, that's awesome!
This quote from an earlier post answer the question asked as well as I ever could:
"I am new to android and hesitant to start at the deep end of the pool with
modding a $399 toy on day one."
I've already said I have no problem with the people who want to go the ROM flashing direction.
But there are people who would like to be more conservative while they learn something new.
Would it be such as bad thing to just help them?
Rev
P. S. -- And, personally, the first computer I ever built I soldered and put evey part together. I have been doing hardware and programming since 1979. But still, I am new to Android....and the documentation is lacking...and somethings are not explained well in the threads....so like the person I quoted I would like to move a little slower and not take chances until I am ready. And eventually I may get a second G-Tablet I can afford to mess up. But right now I want improve my tablet without the risk. IMHO.
jfholijr said:
If this is true, that's awesome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing is impossible.. We just haven't found the person to do it yet
It is pretty forgiving though. And I have been able to get going again every time I have gotten into a crazy spot.
butchconner said:
This quote from an earlier post answer the question asked as well as I ever could:
"I am new to android and hesitant to start at the deep end of the pool with
modding a $399 toy on day one."
I've already said I have no problem with the people who want to go the ROM flashing direction.
But there are people who would like to be more conservative while they learn something new.
Would it be such as bad thing to just help them?
Rev
P. S. -- And, personally, the first computer I ever built I soldered and put evey part together. I have been doing hardware and programming since 1979. But still, I am new to Android....and the documentation is lacking...and somethings are not explained well in the threads....so like the person I quoted I would like to move a little slower and not take chances until I am ready. And eventually I may get a second G-Tablet I can afford to mess up. But right now I want improve my tablet without the risk. IMHO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said in my earlier post... I am not trying to give anyone a hard time and understand people wanting to keep them stock. You should be able to and have a useful tablet. When they first came out it wasn't so easy, and still isn't. Programs would not install because of memory mapped wrong, wifi disappeared after waking from sleep, time would reset every boot. The latest Viewsonic update has fixed some of those things, but not all. I flashed mine because I knew I was driving a Z06 Corvette with a Vega motor in it that had power windows that didn't work. I wanted the capability I knew was under the hood and the only way to get it was to flash a new rom. Or wait, and hope that Viewsonic eventually did it in an update.
I picked up my tablet back when they first came out. Seems like a long time ago but was really only a month. I read read all the pages in the original huge thread that existed before the G Tablet received a home of its own here. I would read what people were doing, read what they were breaking, and then when I felt comfortable enough that success was a possibility I would give it a shot. I have worked with computers myself since the early 80's and am comfortable building, installing, breaking, etc. Android is definitely different, but mostly to have fun with your tablet you don't have to know much more than how to flash a rom. Back before there was a recovery path things were pretty spooky and I did a lot of reading and waiting to see what worked. Things have progressed now to where if you can unzip a rom package to your internal SD card so you end up with an update.zip file, and a recovery folder all that is left is to hold the volume up button while pressing the power button and about 2 minutes later you are all done. And your Z06 will actually have power windows, and the right engine..
The specs on this tablet are probably the best out there right now. The software chosen just doesn't properly utilize most of it. Maybe the December 19 update being talked about will make it right out of the box. I hope so...
And no matter which path you take, stock, or modded... If trouble comes the answers so far have all been here in the forums...
xmr405o said:
So you have the TnT UI (Stock 3 Homescreen UI) and Launcherpro/ADW? If people are going to go this route, then I would suggest installing home switch app from the market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I only installed LauncherPro. When I want to bring up the original TapnTap UI, I use the icon in the app list.
If you install both LauncherPro and ADW, then the home switcher app would be a good idea.
rayden25 said:
Seriously, what is so intimidating about installing a rom? You cannot brick these things, it's impossible to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a ZT-180, and have flashed it several times. You had to mess with it just to get it to a useful state. But eventually you want to stop re-installing things and just use it. The stock g-tablet is wonderful compared to the stock ZT-180.
I guess that I come to this with a different perspective.
Great post! I've done exactly what you've done and am pleased with the result.
Thanks
z4padroot
trying to root g tablet with z4padroot.1.3.0.apk, answer: could not parse.
please advise.
I don't know about the program you used, but I used z4root as mentioned in the second or third post in this thread. It installed flawlessly and all I had to do to root was click one icon! Good luck!
Rev
wasserkapf said:
I don't find the stock g-tablet as horrible as many are reporting. It is not the same as an Android phone, and I guess that is what most people object to. I have installed the ViewSonic 1.01 update.
Here is what I have done:
1) Root it using Z4root. You can find it here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=833953
2) Installed Android Market:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=827209
3) Do the Market fix to get access to all apps:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=845175
4) Also install the AndRootFile app, available here:
http://www.getjar.com/mobile/39778/androotfile/
5) Install LauncherPro or ADW.Launcher
6) Install Flash:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9172522&postcount=2058
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=842040
7) Install OpenGL fix, so then you can install Angry Birds from Market:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=846463
I think that is about it. If I think of something else, I'll add it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you very much, have you tried vimeo?
jae-v said:
thank you very much, have you tried vimeo?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is vimeo?
Well I got my galaxy s2 on release day and being a former crackberry addict I have no idea what to do with android. I understand that there are endless possibilities but I have no idea where to begin. Anyone know some stuff I can do to make my android experience simply better?
in same boat
i am not only new to andriod, i am new to smart phones. that said, i have had my andriod for a month. i have done a lot to it just by reading posts here and in andriod central. andriod central seems easier to navigate by phone choise than xda.
my wife is still a blackberry adict. after gettting my phone she wined about how much i could do. she still likes the blackberry and has found ways around the issue or boasted about something she could do that i cant.
this is just from reading about backberry so feel free to correct me if i am wronge. the PC device manager allows you to modify your phone. ie change theme, apps, ect.
the biggest issue most andriod owners have is that they cant get rid of the carriers apps(bloatware). most of these apps take up space, run when not in use, use up your ram. as far as i am aware the only way is to root(gain administrator acess) the phone. then you can get an app that will freeze the unused, unwanted apps(titanium backup,pay for version).you can also delete them, but i read it could be hazardes. recomend reading manual. i wont do it any justice, so info on rooting is everywere, i do suggest andriod central.
if you dont care about the apps then dont root. you cant get multiple home launchers,ie go launcher, launcher pro, adw launcher, theres more. i prefer go launcher, it lets you customize the most, ie change icons, the way the app drawer functions, the way icons function, different functions for the direction you slid your finger on the desktop.
with a rooted phone you can get custom roms to change the look and feel of the phone. what i understand flashing a rom to be is installing a new operating system, its like someone took andriod OS striped it down to just the OS and then added what they feel should be there for apps. generaly they just get rid of the bloatware, optimize the system, and a few usefull tools.
i have rooted my phone. sadly no custom roms yet. freezed most of my bloatware, freed up a lot of space. changed my desktop. got a wifi tether app so i can hotspot my phone with out having to pay for the data plan. any way i hope this helps. if you have anymore questions feel free to ask.
to expand on the topic about rooting (assuming that you take this route), here are some rooting methods (android version-specific):
z4root (2.2/2.2.1)
SuperOneClick (2.2/2.2.1)
Gingerbreak (2.2.2)
everything you can possibly discover about your phone (roms, kernels, themes, etc) can be found in the sgsII's forum:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1055
Hi. Like many others, I'm quite interested in the Chinese version of the Mate 9 because of the option of 6GB ram and 128GB memory. As I would set language to English on phone I was wondering if Chinese characters still appear on various screens, like in settings or apps, even though the English language is selected? Is that the case with the International or Euro versions as well? If possible, could folks, with language set to English, show some screen shots to compare what appears on the screen using different models?
The other thing I was wondering is how does having 6GB of ram help improve performance. Is it noticeably better than the 4GB versions? Is the multitasking better? Maybe folks can compare how many apps can be run without the OS killing them off.
Appreciate you comments as it will help me decide which model to buy. Thanks!
If you set the language to English, things showing in Chinese characters will not be a big problem. There are some Chinese language apps included with the Chinese version, but you probably won't use them, except one time to set up Google.
I only have the Chinese version, but there are a couple of people on this forum that have both. Hopefully they can answer your other questions.
duraaraa said:
If you set the language to English, things showing in Chinese characters will not be a big problem. There are some Chinese language apps included with the Chinese version, but you probably won't use them, except one time to set up Google.
I only have the Chinese version, but there are a couple of people on this forum that have both. Hopefully they can answer your other questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your comments and your efforts here! I guess it would provide an opportunity to learn some Chinese! Do you notice any improvement with multitasking due to having 6GB ram? For example, I have a Note Edge and it has 3GB RAM. Once I start running about 5 or 6 apps the OS will kill some to make room for the next I run. About how many apps can you run in background without the OS killing an app. How Android handles multitasking has always been an issue for me. Although I hear it's better with MM or N as it does a better job of saving changes/settings when it does kill an app now. One more thing. Has the Chinese version received the recent update? Be nice to know how noticeable the camera improvements are. Thanks again!
I'm not able to answer the multitasking part as I only have the 4GB Ram versions of both the international one and the chinese one, although I've never had any slow down nor do I notice any issues swapping between apps but I dare say I don't pay as much attention to it as you do.
The chinese version has received B136 recently, this included the notification updates like the international B126 but also enables the Google Framwork to be re-installed. I do notice some differences, the chinese phone dialer is annoying with it's Yellow Pages lookup - if you start entering numbers you get loads of suggestions appear in chinese. The other big difference is contacts, by default you cannot sync your Google contacts with the phone. I'm not sure if an app on the Huawei app store fixes this though as I've not looked yet. The other difference that I notice is the keyboard, when you enter a password, a different (password only?) keyboard is used which is not part of any keyboard you install (Swype, Swiftkey etc). I think that keyboard is part of their additional security suite installed on the chinese one.
With that said, I'm keeping the chinese one as it's in Mocha gold and I'm going to sell the international one as it's in champagne gold and I prefer Mocha
gnasher666 said:
I'm not able to answer the multitasking part as I only have the 4GB Ram versions of both the international one and the chinese one, although I've never had any slow down nor do I notice any issues swapping between apps but I dare say I don't pay as much attention to it as you do.
The chinese version has received B136 recently, this included the notification updates like the international B126 but also enables the Google Framwork to be re-installed. I do notice some differences, the chinese phone dialer is annoying with it's Yellow Pages lookup - if you start entering numbers you get loads of suggestions appear in chinese. The other big difference is contacts, by default you cannot sync your Google contacts with the phone. I'm not sure if an app on the Huawei app store fixes this though as I've not looked yet. The other difference that I notice is the keyboard, when you enter a password, a different (password only?) keyboard is used which is not part of any keyboard you install (Swype, Swiftkey etc). I think that keyboard is part of their additional security suite installed on the chinese one.
With that said, I'm keeping the chinese one as it's in Mocha gold and I'm going to sell the international one as it's in champagne gold and I prefer Mocha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your input! From what I can see the GMS installer fixes the contacts issue and presumably the phone dialler issue. Perhaps someone else can confirm.
In regards to multitasking, my experience was that if I put a file editor like Office Suite in background and run several apps and then return to the editor I found that my edits were not always saved. But I think android does a better better job of this in newer versions.
Wondering why you like the champagne gold more than the mocha gold. Is the champagne too glitzy? Just asking as I've never seen either up close. Thanks again!
Well, call me crazy. I bought the Chinese one!
Just got the Chinese version MHA-L00 4/64 in mocha gold. Upgraded to B135 and installed GMS installer. Now be able to use google apps without issues except Google Now, which despite multiple downloading attempts cannot replace the default HUAWEI HOME launcher. Quite frustrating... Contacts and dialer fine.
Seventhwave said:
Just got the Chinese version MHA-L00 4/64 in mocha gold. Upgraded to B135 and installed GMS installer. Now be able to use google apps without issues except Google Now, which despite multiple downloading attempts cannot replace the default HUAWEI HOME launcher. Quite frustrating... Contacts and dialer fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi. Sorry to hear you can't replace launcher. I've been using Total Launcher on my Note Edge for quite awhile. Takes a little work but I like how I can customize screen with it. Hope it will work. I've also ordered mocha gold. If you are in US can you comment which carrier you are on and data speeds? I'm on T-mobile and it appears that the phone has correct bands. But you never know!
If certain launchers aren't working for you, use Nova Launcher. It has a lot of Google's Nougat style implementations.
mscion said:
Hi. Sorry to hear you can't replace launcher. I've been using Total Launcher on my Note Edge for quite awhile. Takes a little work but I like how I can customize screen with it. Hope it will work. I've also ordered mocha gold. If you are in US can you comment which carrier you are on and data speeds? I'm on T-mobile and it appears that the phone has correct bands. But you never know!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I am in the States and I use H2O service which is a MVNO of ATT. The signal and speed are very satisfactory. Will post a speed test result later.
---------- Post added at 07:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:06 PM ----------
opasha said:
If certain launchers aren't working for you, use Nova Launcher. It has a lot of Google's Nougat style implementations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice. Just downloaded Nova launcher and trying it. Somehow I found the phone tends to automatically switche default launcher back to HUAWEI HOME for some reason. Do not it is just mine or generally so...
Seventhwave said:
Yes I am in the States and I use H2O service which is a MVNO of ATT. The signal and speed are very satisfactory. Will post a speed test result later.
---------- Post added at 07:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:06 PM ----------
Thanks for the advice. Just downloaded Nova launcher and trying it. Somehow I found the phone tends to automatically switche default launcher back to HUAWEI HOME for some reason. Do not it is just mine or generally so...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Very encouraging. Looking forward to the speed test. I can switch to at&t if speeds aren't that great on tmobile.
In regards to the launcher, did you check in settings whether you can set what the default launcher is?
mscion said:
Thanks! Very encouraging. Looking forward to the speed test. I can switch to at&t if speeds aren't that great on tmobile.
In regards to the launcher, did you check in settings whether you can set what the default launcher is?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tested at two different locations and the results were relatively consistent.
Yes I can see my default launcher options in the setting but somehow it automatically switches back after I chose Nova... really weird.
mscion said:
Thanks! Very encouraging. Looking forward to the speed test. I can switch to at&t if speeds aren't that great on tmobile.
In regards to the launcher, did you check in settings whether you can set what the default launcher is?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now I can stably use Nova as my default launcher, but seems that I do not have something like the Now cards from Google Now, which is exactly the reason why I want to use Google Now launcher... need to play with the Nova launcher a little more.
Seventhwave said:
Now I can stably use Nova as my default launcher, but seems that I do not have something like the Now cards from Google Now, which is exactly the reason why I want to use Google Now launcher... need to play with the Nova launcher a little more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go into Gestures - Swipe Up - GOOGLE NOW - works like a charm and much faster. Also, if you hold the home button on any screen you or on, it will google search the most significant thing on the screen. It's highly customizable. That's why many of us have been using it for some time.
Also, thanks for the AT&T speed results. That is really comforting to see!
opasha said:
Go into Gestures - Swipe Up - GOOGLE NOW - works like a charm and much faster. Also, if you hold the home button on any screen you or on, it will google search the most significant thing on the screen. It's highly customizable. That's why many of us have been using it for some time.
Also, thanks for the AT&T speed results. That is really comforting to see!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks. Worked for me to get Google now cards afte upgrading to premium. Will try the search trick.
Seventhwave said:
thanks. Worked for me to get Google now cards afte upgrading to premium. Will try the search trick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are most welcome. Glad to hear it.
Seventhwave said:
Tested at two different locations and the results were relatively consistent.
Yes I can see my default launcher options in the setting but somehow it automatically switches back after I chose Nova... really weird.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! This result is quite encouraging! Wonder if folks can do better around the US. I live just north of DC and can get a little more than 40mbps download speeds on tmobile using a Note Edge. Of course depends on location. Once I get my Mate 9 I'll post speeds.
Hi I just ordered Chinese version MHA-L00 6GB/128GB is there anyway you can test and let me know if you are getting an LTE connection in US, since based on my research Chinese version is not compatible with us LTE bands.
thank you in advance.
I have both US and Chinese mate 9. There are some differences.
1. US version has perfect google play service. All the google apps work fine. Chinese version requires the GMS to be installed by GMS installer. But google play store doesn't download sometimes until reboot. The google now launcher can't be set as default launcher, but after install the google now launcher, my google now app started to work. I believe system updates will fix everything.
2. Chinese version only allows Wechat and QQ to have 2 accounts, but international version allows facebook I believe.
3. Chinese version has more bloatware installed, US version is cleaner.
4. Chinese version has some super useful app like buddy help (remote control other huawei device), skytone (connect to 4G internationally without local sim card, etc). This is the main reason I use chinese model since I travel a lot.
In terms of color, Chinese has more choices. I am using gold chinese phone. My US model is black. I prefer black way more than gold.
In terms of connectivity, they are exactly the same.
Awesome, thanks!
SO! I've escaped the blue bubble cult! And even though I really enjoyed jailbreak tweaks (what are even the equivalent of tweaks on android? lol) and theming on IOS, I don't really even know where to begin looking for info on doing similar things with android, and more specifically my oneplus 6, I'm excited but it's all a bit overwhelming. Any help? Any recommendations on where to begin?
Spectr7615 said:
SO! I've escaped the blue bubble cult! And even though I really enjoyed jailbreak tweaks (what are even the equivalent of tweaks on android? lol) and theming on IOS, I don't really even know where to begin looking for info on doing similar things with android, and more specifically my oneplus 6, I'm excited but it's all a bit overwhelming. Any help? Any recommendations on where to begin?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, the first step for you is to figure out what exactly you want to do. Jumping headfirst to things on this OnePlus 6 without a gameplan sounds like a recipe for hard brick.
tabletalker7 said:
Honestly, the first step for you is to figure out what exactly you want to do. Jumping headfirst to things on this OnePlus 6 without a gameplan sounds like a recipe for hard brick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd just like to manipulate the UI, similar to some of the tweaks on IOS. I haven't used the phone enough to want to change much of its core functionality yet... So mostly surface level things for now. I also figure that would be a good place to start in terms of difficulty and knowledge as well.
Spectr7615 said:
I'd just like to manipulate the UI, similar to some of the tweaks on IOS. I haven't used the phone enough to want to change much of its core functionality yet... So mostly surface level things for now. I also figure that would be a good place to start in terms of difficulty and knowledge as well.
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Click to collapse
Tweaking the UI is seriously as simple as going to the google play store and downloading a launcher. No need to do anything drastic yet buddy. If I may, I would recommend "Nova Launcher". The free version on the play store will give you plenty of options to change your UI and I have been using it for years on several different phones. Forgive me but I know nothing about IOS - a closed source operating system on an item I payed money and purchased to use for my own desires seems silly to me.
tabletalker7 said:
Tweaking the UI is seriously as simple as going to the google play store and downloading a launcher. No need to do anything drastic yet buddy. If I may, I would recommend "Nova Launcher". The free version on the play store will give you plenty of options to change your UI and I have been using it for years on several different phones. Forgive me but I know nothing about IOS - a closed source operating system on an item I payed money and purchased to use for my own desires seems silly to me.
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Yeah, it's one of many reasons I left after years. They made it increasingly more difficult to even sustain a jailbreak, on a device I overpaid for.. but I digress lol. Thanks for that tip, I remember using nova launcher years ago on one of my old galaxy phones, so I'll start there.
Spectr7615 said:
Yeah, it's one of many reasons I left after years. They made it increasingly more difficult to even sustain a jailbreak, on a device I overpaid for.. but I digress lol. Thanks for that tip, I remember using nova launcher years ago on one of my old galaxy phones, so I'll start there.
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While I will happily walk you through the whole unlock bootloader, install TWRP, and obtain root access process for this phone, if you have been away from android for a long time you will find it much more difficult than it was on your old galaxy phone, so why go there with no real reason behind it.
tabletalker7 said:
While I will happily walk you through the whole unlock bootloader, install TWRP, and obtain root access process for this phone, if you have been away from android for a long time you will find it much more difficult than it was on your old galaxy phone, so why go there with no real reason behind it.
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I've just decided to pretty much go through my jailbroken phone and see just what I'd like to carry from that setup over into my oneplus 6. Fortunately, most of system tweaks I had made on my iphone are baked into android already, so it's really coming down to theming as I look at it deeper. However some tweaks I used to use might require (please correct me if I'm wrong). For example, I used a tweak on my iphone that allowed me to create gestures. Plugging in headphones would open my music app, double pressing the power button turned on my flashlight, it was highly customizable, things like that.
Honestly if you are rocking OP6 just root with magisk, grab TWRP and that's it. Then explore your magisk module options, add adaway for systemwide ad blocker, download magisk youtube vanced that blocks ads and let you download directly , what else.... Substratum for theming ....
As others are getting at, take it one step at a time. Android gives you more flexibility than your old phone did, so you'll enjoy that. Rooting will give you further options.. I agree with the poster who said to try launchers. You can change the look of your phone in pretty dramatic ways with them. Different ones have different benefits. I use Action Launcher most of the time. There are lots of them and they can change the look and feel of your phone a lot without doing anything permanent or potentially damaging to your device. Change launchers and whatever you did with the last one is no longer visible. Go back to the stock Oxygen one at any time if you like.
If you like gestures, Oxygen gives you some. Other launchers, including the aforementioned Nova and Action do, too, albeit not necessarily the exact same ones. GMD Gestures takes it much further, but that requires root. It used to be one of the first things I installed on my phones and tablets. Navigation Gestures uses a different approach, more limited, but it doesn't require root.
Rooting requires unlocking your phone and flashing Magisk. This is not hard to do, but you need to connect your phone to your computer and use a command line to enable some of it. The procedure is simple enough, but if you haven't done it, it might seem daunting at first. But you've jailbroken, so you will probably be fine with all this. There are pitfalls with each device, which you can read about at length here in this phone's part of XDA.
Read up, take your time, and if you do root, make sure to read the guides carefully and do all the steps. Missing things or doing them out of order can cost you sometimes.
youre in for a surprise, enjoy the ride
I'm going to echo what some others have said and suggest you take it slow. I was jailbreaking from the 3G days so I know what you're thinking about doing. My wife still has an iPhone, and trust me, there are great many things you can do in terms of tweaks and theming without ever thinking about rooting. I'm a Nova Launcher loyalist as well, but there are dozens of great launchers out there. Try a bunch out, play around with themes, wallpapers, and icons to get a look you like, then start thinking about rooting.
Unlocking and rooting OP phones is much more straightforward than any other Android phones besides Pixels, so when you're ready to start, it's not that challenging. However – especially if you're coming from Samsung – forget everything you think you know and start reading the guides posted here. There is unfortunately a fair amount of bad and less-than-ideal information floating around about this phone. I'd recommend starting with these:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6/how-to/guide-noobs-guide-to-b-partitions-op6-t3816123
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6/how-to/guide-how-to-install-official-twrp-t3801558
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6/how-to/oneplus-6-unlock-bootloader-flash-twrp-t3792643 [note that some of the info in this thread is obsolete/incorrect, so refer to the two above in any conflicts, but it's good for the very basics]
There are pre-rooted boot images you can use to gain root without getting custom recovery like twrp. But you will need to unlock your bootloader first. Like everyone else said, Android is much more flexible compared to iOS when it comes to customization.
The main reason why I rooted in the first place was to get Adaway which removes ads from your phone. Also YouTube Vanced like someone mentioned which removes ads from youtube videos.
Systemless root like Magisk which does not touch systemfiles is the way to go if you are gonna root your phone in the future.
It is very, very easy to brick your phone if you are not careful. Read the guides here on xda, check what OxygenOS version you are have and so on. Do not try to flash a older version, that will brick your phone.
A small tweak you can try right now is to first enable developer options by tapping your Build number under About phone in settings. From there, scroll down til you see something about animation (should be under Drawing). Set the three settings to either off or 0.5. That should speed things up.
Maybe you should NOT root your device and stick with stock save us all some headaches.
I come from an Jailbroken iPhone as well. I can do pretty much everything I could on my iPhone except see the amount of battery cycles and current wear.
Xposed has more modules than you'll know what to do with.
Combine that with all the customizations you can do without root like launchers, full UI and app theming with substratum, custom ROMs, magisk modules, TWRP flashable zips for some mods, etc.
There's SO much stuff you can tweak
Xposed has more modules than you'll know what to do with.
Combine that with all the customizations you can do without root like launchers, full UI and app theming with substratum, custom ROMs, magisk modules, TWRP flashable zips for some mods, etc.
There's SO much stuff you can tweak
Cydia -> Magisk and optionally Xposed
Winterboard -> Substratum
Hats off to everyone on this forum. It's been awhile since I been on here and I am happy to see it still going strong.
I am new to the S8+ and new to modding in 2019. I haven't messed around with this stuff since the "getting the evo to work on boost" days. I am looking for some advise/recommendations on what to choose as far as roms, etc., from the gate from someone who may have had an experience in what I'm trying to achieve rather than going through hundreds of rom post to find the answer I'm looking for. I stepped away from "smart" phones for awhile and came back only when I found out I could lock them down as much as possible using programs like bk disabler (rip). Even root at the time didn't list the "apps in the background" (if you know what I mean) for me to edit or disable them.
I am looking to root (if needed anymore) my device and install an ultra slim/lite rom, no extra apps on it that don't need to be there, especially social media apps. Not sure if roms still come with a separate gaps install option but not having them is fine as well as I will not be signing into any account on my phone and will only want to use youtube as far as the only goog service used, so i wont be able to use any of them anyway besides tube (unless of course there is now a way to use maps and such without signing in?). If theres such a rom out there of course it would need to be stable. I do not want android 9 as none of the apps I actually use (like bk disabler/acr/etc) work with pie from what I have read. Goog wants all the tracking to themselves now I guess, hence why I am looking for a rom that is as slim as possible. I just want to make calls, text, browse the web and use the tube without having all kinds of accounts and sign ups for any of it. I am really tired of big tech but going back to a black and white nokia in 2019 is not an option anymore.
So a few questions I have would be.. Whats the best root process? I see Odin is still a thing so which version should I be using, also which kernel should I be using? Are different roms still based off different kernels, if so which is better? And lastly what rom should I choose or which rom creator is now the person to look out for?
I know I'm oldshool at this point so please bare with me on these questions. Any help in pointing me in the right direction would be very much appreciated. Thanks!