Related
I did one flash...to TNT version 4xx, and I loved it...but I'm finding I'm getting lots of Google Framework errors and generally just kind of want to start from scratch, over again.....go back to the latest version of the official viewsonic roms.
Sadly I didn't use clockwork or anything so I think my original files are history
I know there are lots of threads, and I tried to follow one about snagging a rom and moving it to the Root and all it does is re-install TNT I think I am "not getting something".
Can someone walk me through this....
Hi all, I just have a small handful of questions before I proceed on a venture of mine.
I've got a TF300T I bought about a month ago and I love it. I've spent time customizing it and pimping it out, and its great. My only issue is I -really- miss some of the features that come on the stock ASUS Rom, like the Swype keyboard, SuperNote, and the Polaris Office suite, to name a few. At the moment I've got the tablet rooted and unlocked running CM9 and I think its off of the .29 firmware, but I'm not sure. That being said, I've got a few questions:
1) Is there any way to port those specific features that I want from the stock ROM to CM9? So that would be the Swype keyboard, PolarisOffice, SuperNote, and a few others like the Asus weather app widget, and some of the other asus-specific widgets.
2) I know restoring a backup breaks the wi-fi, and I was given a fix (Flash the stock ROM over the current install without wiping out) but before I do that, which ROM would I use? I was at .29 when I rooted it a few weeks ago and I download the .30 Stock ROM from Asus' website today, but don't want to flash the wrong one and break compatibility or do anything like that.
3) I read somewhere that flashing the stock ROM would overwrite my recovery manager. If that is the case, would I lose the backups I've done with the recovery manager? (Clockwork Recovery Mod) Is there a way I can make a copy of my backups, then have those in case I lose them through the flashing of ROMS?
4) Since I won't receive OTA updates with unlocking it and whatnot, is it OK for me to go ahead and flash the .30 ROM from Asus' website that has the latest updates and what not? Or is there another resource I can access that has rooted versions of the .30 for my enjoyment? (I hope to install CM10 as soon as it becomes available!!)
Thanks so much for any and all help, I do appreciate it.
-Opethfan89
opethfan89 said:
Hi all, I just have a small handful of questions before I proceed on a venture of mine.
I've got a TF300T I bought about a month ago and I love it. I've spent time customizing it and pimping it out, and its great. My only issue is I -really- miss some of the features that come on the stock ASUS Rom, like the Swype keyboard, SuperNote, and the Polaris Office suite, to name a few. At the moment I've got the tablet rooted and unlocked running CM9 and I think its off of the .29 firmware, but I'm not sure. That being said, I've got a few questions:
1) Is there any way to port those specific features that I want from the stock ROM to CM9? So that would be the Swype keyboard, PolarisOffice, SuperNote, and a few others like the Asus weather app widget, and some of the other asus-specific widgets.
2) I know restoring a backup breaks the wi-fi, and I was given a fix (Flash the stock ROM over the current install without wiping out) but before I do that, which ROM would I use? I was at .29 when I rooted it a few weeks ago and I download the .30 Stock ROM from Asus' website today, but don't want to flash the wrong one and break compatibility or do anything like that.
3) I read somewhere that flashing the stock ROM would overwrite my recovery manager. If that is the case, would I lose the backups I've done with the recovery manager? (Clockwork Recovery Mod) Is there a way I can make a copy of my backups, then have those in case I lose them through the flashing of ROMS?
4) Since I won't receive OTA updates with unlocking it and whatnot, is it OK for me to go ahead and flash the .30 ROM from Asus' website that has the latest updates and what not? Or is there another resource I can access that has rooted versions of the .30 for my enjoyment? (I hope to install CM10 as soon as it becomes available!!)
Thanks so much for any and all help, I do appreciate it.
-Opethfan89
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.) You can try downloading the rebloat zip from Seanzscreams' thread and installing the apps like that. I think Polaris and SuperNote should work fine. The Asus stuff, I'm not sure about.
2.) The one from the Asus site should be the right one. Just make sure you get the one for the correct region (actually, I don't think the region matters a whole lot if you aren't expecting OTAs).
3.) You won't lose the backups because you lose recovery. You will lose the backups because the stock ROM will wipe the internal storage. The best thing to do is just copy and paste the entire contents of /sdcard to a normal computer hard drive, then when you have stock flashed, just copy and paste it back.
4.) Getting the ROMs from Asus is perfectly fine. There are also a couple stock-based ROMs at various levels of "stockness" in the development section. However, in order to flash them correctly, you need to be on the stock Asus ROM anyway. So go ahead and flash the Asus ROM. You'll need to anyway.
Thanks for your response. I guess I didn't clarify my question about backing up programs. So, I read somewhere that you can buy a paid program, and within 15 minutes cancel that payment and not be charged. Within that 15 minutes, you can just backup the .apk file and have a paid program for free. Based on this logic, my question should have been stated Is there a similar way to backup the specific .apk files for the programs I want, such as SuperNote, Polaris Office, etc, or will those programs be searching for the specific version of the Stock ROM and not run unless the ROM is an Asus ROM?
Hi everyone.
I rooted my Note Pro 12.2 (wifi) a while back and installed a basic rooted ROM, not CW12.
I honestly don't remember which ROM I flashed. I believe it was just a stock de-bloated ROM, and if it's the one I think it is, in the thread it says that ROM was faulty and dev has stopped for it. I see the kernel version and build in the "about" section under settings but I'm not sure if that number would tell me which ROM it is, or just the ROM and kernal that it was built on top of.
I basically wanted a stock style ROM with the ability to change things as I wanted. I'm still noticing a TON of lag. Scrolling on pages, loading apps, screen lag between touch and actual input of characters when using on screen keyboard, etc etc. I've frozen a bunch of bloatware and other things and it helped a little, but it's still pretty bad.
Audio latency with recording and MIDI apps is very bad, but I know that's improved with lollipop.
Aside from lag, it seems that GPS won't lock on no matter how long Iet it look for a signal (hard to tell if it's the ROM, but my Note 4 has found GPS very easily). Also, my Note 4 (unrooted and stock at this point) is waaaaay smoother and faster than this tablet. I realize we're talking about lollipop vs kitkat, and that the Note 4 version I have is the snapdragon one. But it still seems like performance should be better on this tablet.
So I'm wondering if anyone can suggest a good ROM for me to flash until lollipop comes out for the wifi version of this tablet. I want the stock multi-window functions (4 at a time plus floating windows), so CW12 is not an option. I want to use some of the Samsung apps like s note and Hancom office. I use the s-pen from time to time with the pen apps like write-on-screen.
The "rooted" features I want to access are turning off the camera sound (adding the switch to the settings menu in the camera app, not just replacing the sound file with a dummy file) Changing PPI of apps (xposed module) and full access read/write on micro SD cards and really important is the ability to add any app to the multi-window apps list and force orientation. I've been able to do all this with xposed modules.
Other than that, stock would be fine if it wasn't so laggy. The main reason I want to try another ROM is the lag. On screen keyboard has a lot of lag, but even my Logitech k810 bluetooth keyboard is laggy.
I'm also currently travelling and don't have a PC with me. So I'm hoping I can flash the ROM without ODIN, or perhaps I can use one of the ODIN-for-android type things on my Note 4 to flash a ROM to the Note Pro 12.2. Also I have the stock recovey, and would like suggestions on which recovery to use instead. Again, no computer with me to flash a new recovery. Ido have an OTG cable and USB flash drive so Ican back up my files before flashing the new ROM, as well as a miscro SD card.
Any recommendations for a smooth, fast ROM? Any tips on flashing it without a PC? I know I can copy the ZIP to the tablet and flash it from recovery...but it is the stock recovery...is this going to be sufficient?
THANKS!
The hyperdrive rom by sbreen (in the dev section) works great. Isnt there an internet cafe in the vicinity? Ask them for assistance flashing the beast. I love twrp. Good luck!
I tried to find an easy root apk thingy so you dont need a computer, couldnt find anything (but maybe kinguser or something like it will work)
Link to twrp with explanation
https://twrp.me/devices/samsunggalaxynotepro122exynoswifi.html
Thanks! TWRP is I think what's on my Note II back home. My tablet is rooted already of course. For the Hyperdrive ROM, one thing I'm a little confused about is if I have to FIRST install a stock ROM and THEN flash the custom ROM. I'm a little confused about why exactly but I see that in the forums from time to time. It's recommended for certain ROMs. I don't know if flashing the stock ROM updates some other firmware/hardware driver type stuff that's needed for the new kernal to work or what.
There might be an internet cafe. I'm flying from Vienna to Lithuania today. Trying to explain to them that I want them to download and install ODIN might be tough knowing only English and Spanish haha.
Sorry for the noob question but is clicking the thumbs-up icon what generates "thanks" or do I do that somewhere else?
spaceturd3000 said:
Thanks! TWRP is I think what's on my Note II back home. My tablet is rooted already of course. For the Hyperdrive ROM, one thing I'm a little confused about is if I have to FIRST install a stock ROM and THEN flash the custom ROM. I'm a little confused about why exactly but I see that in the forums from time to time. It's recommended for certain ROMs. I don't know if flashing the stock ROM updates some other firmware/hardware driver type stuff that's needed for the new kernal to work or what.
There might be an internet cafe. I'm flying from Vienna to Lithuania today. Trying to explain to them that I want them to download and install ODIN might be tough knowing only English and Spanish haha.
Sorry for the noob question but is clicking the thumbs-up icon what generates "thanks" or do I do that somewhere else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If its rooted you can install twrp without computer (see my link) use twrp manager fromthe play store for that
You only have to flash the custom rom
(Make sure you backup on an ext sd or something, then delete everything in twrp, install custom rom, restart and done) I also always backup the launcher settings, if you backup the apps with titanium restoring is very easy afterwards)
Lemme know if this works for you!
goenieg said:
If its rooted you can install twrp without computer (see my link) use twrp manager fromthe play store for that
You only have to flash the custom rom
(Make sure you backup on an ext sd or something, then delete everything in twrp, install custom rom, restart and done) I also always backup the launcher settings, if you backup the apps with titanium restoring is very easy afterwards)
Lemme know if this works for you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm already having trouble installing TWRP. I can't do it from the app, as my device isn't listed. I downloaded the zip file of the correct version of TWRP and tried to flash it using the stock recovery. But when I boot into recovery mode, it still just goes to the stock recovery. Then I downloaded and installed ROM manager from the play store and it shows TWRP as being installed, but whenever I boot into recovery I just get the stock recovery.
I'm back home now and I guess I'll just try to do all this with ODIN.
Is there any reason I can't just install the custom ROM using the stock recovery? That's what I did last time.
Ok So I got TWRP installed via ODIN then I used it to clean wipe and flash Hyperdrive ROM but gmail app won't even open, just crashes immediately, and it's one of the main apps I need so...probably gonna look for another ROM...or most likely gonna flash the stock ROM, unroot and sell the tablet and get a Dell Venue 11 Pro. Might wait till the end of July though, the supposed release date for lollipop on this device.
Had the same problem. Install hyperdrive without the gmail app option. Afterwards install itmvia the play store.
And if you want lollipop give cyanogen a try. I love it (but its a personal thing).
Ad make sure to read the Venue reviews, they are not very positive.
goenieg said:
Had the same problem. Install hyperdrive without the gmail app option. Afterwards install itmvia the play store.
And if you want lollipop give cyanogen a try. I love it (but its a personal thing).
Ad make sure to read the Venue reviews, they are not very positive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wanted to try lollipop because I use it for music, and latency is much better with lollipop. My Note 4 is running lollipop and I get way better performance from MIDI keyboards and guitar amp modelling. I really like the multi window functions on the stock and hyperdrive ROMs though, 4 at once, floating, etc. I'm sure as soon as lollipop is officially out for this device, someone will release a rooted version.
Thanks for the tip on gmail, fortunately I read it before getting too deep and just reflashed without gmail it and then installed the gmail app as you suggested and it does work. There still seems to be a bit of delay when using the on screen keyboard, not as fast as I had hoped. But it's up and running.
I was considering the Dell after trying a bunch of different audio and video editing apps for android and realizing that I just need full photoshop, premiere, and Reaper with all my VST plugins, so I need windows. Perhaps Surface Pro is a better choice but I like the Venue's chassis better, fanless, rounded corners. Also new tablets might be coming out with Windows 10 so another reason to wait...
My laptop is great but it's really big and I like a touch interface for on screen mixers and instruments. So I figured a tablet PC might work best for me. But the problem is GUI scaling. with the Windows legacy apps like Premiere and Photoshop, the buttons and menus don't scale, and on an 11" 1080 display they are quite small.
Just wait for win 10 and while waiting fine tune your 12" beast did you try system tuner pro already? You should be able to get less latency from that.
(And did someone mention "buy a Mac" already?
I am surprised, because after testing dozen ROMs I found stock ROM fastest one. Just root and debloat it.
Not so any lag or problems, but with custom ROMS I had a lot of problems.
tin2404 said:
I am surprised, because after testing dozen ROMs I found stock ROM fastest one. Just root and debloat it.
Not so any lag or problems, but with custom ROMS I had a lot of problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed, cyanogen requires a lot of tuning (but its what I like about Android, I am more tinkering with it than actually using it I believe
goenieg said:
Just wait for win 10 and while waiting fine tune your 12" beast did you try system tuner pro already? You should be able to get less latency from that.
(And did someone mention "buy a Mac" already?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I checked out system tuner pro (didn't buy it yet just read the description) What exactly would I adjust to get lower audio latency? Just clock the CPU higher? OR does it have audio-specific settings not mentioned in the description?
Hold yer horses
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/download/49414/P900XXU0BOF2_P900OXA0BOF2_PHN/
Looks like Samsung official lollipop (I read that it has way better latency) is finally coming to your tablet.
---------- Post added at 10:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:51 PM ----------
Better link https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4ccvyxgge4kaUktYWtPUl9QSW8/view?pli=1
WHAAAAAAAT?!?!?!?!?!!? I've been checking sammobile EVERY day for the lost couple weeks waiting for this! OMG OMG I'm hoping I'll be able to use the Samsung Audio stuff with this, their DAW and amplitube and all that...plus I'll get Hancom office back...Thanks for the heads-up. I'm glad I've been using CM12.1 though So I can compare the experience.
Looking forward to the rooted version of stock lollipop making its way to xda as well! Now... to figure out the best way to back up my current installation...
I have a ZTE Grand X Max+ (only a Cricket phone) now. I rooted with kingroot, installed twrp recovery and flashed supersu. Since then, aside from all the exploring of the app store for the only-root apps, I am in desperate need of a verified and fully stable custom rom. If anyone knows of one for me please let me know. I need it so badly.
In the meantime, I am taking advantage of immersive full screen and I have tried 3 paid apps and few of the free too. All either cannot let you fix the brightness on a widget, use the button for recent apps on your custom soft keys or don't let you accept incoming calls. Can someone who is familiar with this whole topic of immersive mode please reply with a fully functional immersive mode/full screen app. As I've said, I have tried from the best of the paid version root immersive apps in the play store.
Thank you to all who have read my requests and all of you should all have an awesome weekend.
Looking forward to your feedback.
Hello,
I looked around for ROMs for you but came up inconclusive due to dead links and ROMs full of issues.
Try posting your question in the forum linked below.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/help
The experts there may be able to help, good luck.
Thank you very much for your time and effort. I actually was stuck without a rom after following a rogue set of instructions for something I forgot what for but it said to wipe out certain cache and I didn't have a backup of my stock rom. I went searching for a custom rom and used one for the Grand X Max, an absolute no no and I don't k of what I was thinking. But I flashed it with twrp and it worked, don't know why. There were many bugs in it. Luckily I found the stock rom and flashed, then rooted, flashed twrp and supersu zip again. But my point is that during the time living with no os, I was a madman searching for a rom and didn't find one for my phone. You are a lot more experienced than me, that's a given. If you could find any stable ones, I will definitely follow the directions you gave me. Thank you again. :thumbup:
battle3am said:
Thank you very much for your time and effort. I actually was stuck without a rom after following a rogue set of instructions for something I forgot what for but it said to wipe out certain cache and I didn't have a backup of my stock rom. I went searching for a custom rom and used one for the Grand X Max, an absolute no no and I don't k of what I was thinking. But I flashed it with twrp and it worked, don't know why. There were many bugs in it. Luckily I found the stock rom and flashed, then rooted, flashed twrp and supersu zip again. But my point is that during the time living with no os, I was a madman searching for a rom and didn't find one for my phone. You are a lot more experienced than me, that's a given. If you could find any stable ones, I will definitely follow the directions you gave me. Thank you again. :thumbup:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your device is back on stock and working normally and you are rooted, try looking in to using the Xposed installer and its' modules to customize your stock ROM, with the right modules you can make your stock ROM as cool and feature packed as a custom ROM. Try the "L Speed" mod also.
I love learning more and more, day by day about living with my rooted phone. Is it possible that you can please give me basic direction so that I can get started with Xposed?
Hi!
I'm new to this forums. I was led here by the people from another forums (LinusTechTips) since I was asking for help about rooting and modding my Samsung Galaxy S4.
Now, I really don't know anything about rooting or modding, but I just realized that my phone is starting to go slow, and there are some bloatwares I do not really use. I heard that if I root and mod my phone, all the bloatware can be erased and I will be able to have more space in my phone.
Can someone please link me or teach me how to root and mod my Samsung Galaxy S4? I've been reading around, but I am scared that the thread I am following is either out of date, or would not turn out well, so if you do have the time, please do help me!
Thanks!
Yours,
Veridisduo
Hey veris, i have a s4 GT-i9505 and i recently rooted it. First... did you get it by carrier? Just youtube this ( GT-i9505 (LTE, ATNT etc.) Root (Android version) sorry for bad english.
Yours, Jan
Veridisduo said:
Hi!
I'm new to this forums. I was led here by the people from another forums (LinusTechTips) since I was asking for help about rooting and modding my Samsung Galaxy S4.
Now, I really don't know anything about rooting or modding, but I just realized that my phone is starting to go slow, and there are some bloatwares I do not really use. I heard that if I root and mod my phone, all the bloatware can be erased and I will be able to have more space in my phone.
Can someone please link me or teach me how to root and mod my Samsung Galaxy S4? I've been reading around, but I am scared that the thread I am following is either out of date, or would not turn out well, so if you do have the time, please do help me!
Thanks!
Yours,
Veridisduo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Easiest way to root your phone is with Chainfire Autoroot.
Deleting system bloatware won't really free up space. The System partition is a set size, so while deleting some apps will free up space in that partition, it won't give you extra space for, say, games or photos or music or other non-system stuff. Any extra space will be minimal anyway. It's also dangerous to do if you don't know what you're doing. Read, read, and read.
If you install custom recovery, such as TWRP (easy to do on this phone after rooting), you can however flash custom ROMs. This includes ROMs like CyanogenMod that are based on stock Android, and also customized Samsung TouchWiz ROMs that have been modified and typically de-bloated like you wish to do with your phone. Omega and Hyperdrive are probably the most popular modified TouchWiz ROMs for the S4. Custom recovery is an essential life-saver for learning about root and ROMs, because it allows you to make an exact backup, so when you screw something up (and you will, we all do, it's all part of the learning process) all you have to do is restore the backup.
There's plenty of youtube videos that'll walk you through the processes, but the best thing to do is read, read, and read. Educate yourself not just so you know what to do, but why you're doing it.
NeoNyte said:
Hey veris, i have a s4 GT-i9505 and i recently rooted it. First... did you get it by carrier? Just youtube this ( GT-i9505 (LTE, ATNT etc.) Root (Android version) sorry for bad english.
Yours, Jan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi! How would I know what carrier I got it from?
I am from the Philippines and so, I didn't get it from ATNT or whatever carrier you mean. Sorry if I don't get it!
Planterz said:
Easiest way to root your phone is with Chainfire Autoroot.
Deleting system bloatware won't really free up space. The System partition is a set size, so while deleting some apps will free up space in that partition, it won't give you extra space for, say, games or photos or music or other non-system stuff. Any extra space will be minimal anyway. It's also dangerous to do if you don't know what you're doing. Read, read, and read.
If you install custom recovery, such as TWRP (easy to do on this phone after rooting), you can however flash custom ROMs. This includes ROMs like CyanogenMod that are based on stock Android, and also customized Samsung TouchWiz ROMs that have been modified and typically de-bloated like you wish to do with your phone. Omega and Hyperdrive are probably the most popular modified TouchWiz ROMs for the S4. Custom recovery is an essential life-saver for learning about root and ROMs, because it allows you to make an exact backup, so when you screw something up (and you will, we all do, it's all part of the learning process) all you have to do is restore the backup.
There's plenty of youtube videos that'll walk you through the processes, but the best thing to do is read, read, and read. Educate yourself not just so you know what to do, but why you're doing it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello!
First of all, I would like to thank you for your lengthy reply about my post. I really appreciate it a lot.
If I use the Chainfire Autoroot, it would do no harm with my files, am I right? (Well, I will of course back it up, but just to make sure!)
Next, what is custom recovery? Should I install this first before doing any mods?
I have heard about CyanogenMod (was thinking of modding my phone to it). What are TouchWiz ROMS though? Oh and other than CyanogenMod, are there any other mods that are nice to try out there? Would be nice to try something nice.
Sorry I ask too much question!
Veridisduo said:
Hello!
First of all, I would like to thank you for your lengthy reply about my post. I really appreciate it a lot.
If I use the Chainfire Autoroot, it would do no harm with my files, am I right? (Well, I will of course back it up, but just to make sure!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's my understanding that as long as you're not using encryption, your data won't be wiped. But definitely back your stuff up first.
Next, what is custom recovery? Should I install this first before doing any mods?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Recovery is sorta like the BIOS menu on a computer. The stock recovery on a Samsung gives you the options reboot, clear your data or cache, or do a factory reset. Custom recoveries allow you to flash things like ROMs, kernels, modem firmwares, as well as do full back-up and restores. The wiping options differentiate between storage and the ROM, so when flashing ROMs, you can choose not to wipe your data (music, pictures, etc). The most popular and easy to use custom recovery is Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP). There's an app you can download from the Play Store that will install it for you (and update) once you're rooted. A custom recovery is an indispensable tool for modding your phone, and fixing it when you screw something up. Read up on TWRP and its capabilities before doing anything drastic with it.
I have heard about CyanogenMod (was thinking of modding my phone to it). What are TouchWiz ROMS though? Oh and other than CyanogenMod, are there any other mods that are nice to try out there? Would be nice to try something nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CyanogenMod is by far the most popular custom ROM. It's very close to stock (ie: Nexus) Android, with some very useful features added without bogging the phone down with tones of useless crap. Many other custom ROMs borrow from CM, many built upon it and borrow from other custom ROMs. Personally, I think there's better ROMs out there than CyanogenMod, but that's a personal preference, and CM is a good place to start for anybody venturing into custom ROMs.
TouchWiz is what Samsung calls their UI. It'll be the stock ROM on the device. As I mentioned, Omega and Hyperdrive are examples of customized TouchWiz ROMs. They're tweaked for performance, some useless/unwanted features removed (like KNOX), often they port over features from newer or more powerful Samsung devices; it's possible to get features from the Note series and the S5 and S6 on your older S4 this way. They can also add other UI tweaks like expanded reboot menus, audio mods, visual tweaks, etc. The main advantage for using a customized TouchWiz ROM is that it'll be familiar, yet greatly improved.
Apart from that, custom kernels are fun to play with too. I use Koontz kernel on my S4. The kernel, simplistically put, is a bit of software that tells the operating system (ROM) how to use the hardware. This includes everything from the screen and buttons and speakers to the CPU, GPU, and RAM. A custom kernel can give you options like overclocking, undervolting (to save battery), adding touch-wake options, screen calibration, etc. Koontz is a very adjustable kernel. Messing with kernel options can be very risky though, so do your research before making any changes (and do a back-up!)
Sorry I ask too much question!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem! We're all here to learn and help others learn.
Planterz said:
It's my understanding that as long as you're not using encryption, your data won't be wiped. But definitely back your stuff up first.
Recovery is sorta like the BIOS menu on a computer. The stock recovery on a Samsung gives you the options reboot, clear your data or cache, or do a factory reset. Custom recoveries allow you to flash things like ROMs, kernels, modem firmwares, as well as do full back-up and restores. The wiping options differentiate between storage and the ROM, so when flashing ROMs, you can choose not to wipe your data (music, pictures, etc). The most popular and easy to use custom recovery is Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP). There's an app you can download from the Play Store that will install it for you (and update) once you're rooted. A custom recovery is an indispensable tool for modding your phone, and fixing it when you screw something up. Read up on TWRP and its capabilities before doing anything drastic with it.
CyanogenMod is by far the most popular custom ROM. It's very close to stock (ie: Nexus) Android, with some very useful features added without bogging the phone down with tones of useless crap. Many other custom ROMs borrow from CM, many built upon it and borrow from other custom ROMs. Personally, I think there's better ROMs out there than CyanogenMod, but that's a personal preference, and CM is a good place to start for anybody venturing into custom ROMs.
TouchWiz is what Samsung calls their UI. It'll be the stock ROM on the device. As I mentioned, Omega and Hyperdrive are examples of customized TouchWiz ROMs. They're tweaked for performance, some useless/unwanted features removed (like KNOX), often they port over features from newer or more powerful Samsung devices; it's possible to get features from the Note series and the S5 and S6 on your older S4 this way. They can also add other UI tweaks like expanded reboot menus, audio mods, visual tweaks, etc. The main advantage for using a customized TouchWiz ROM is that it'll be familiar, yet greatly improved.
Apart from that, custom kernels are fun to play with too. I use Koontz kernel on my S4. The kernel, simplistically put, is a bit of software that tells the operating system (ROM) how to use the hardware. This includes everything from the screen and buttons and speakers to the CPU, GPU, and RAM. A custom kernel can give you options like overclocking, undervolting (to save battery), adding touch-wake options, screen calibration, etc. Koontz is a very adjustable kernel. Messing with kernel options can be very risky though, so do your research before making any changes (and do a back-up!)
No problem! We're all here to learn and help others learn.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! Thanks a lot again!
It seems you have lots of knowledge on the S4, and since you have the same phone as I do, would it be okay if I just message you up instead of posting all my questions here?
Veridisduo said:
Awesome! Thanks a lot again!
It seems you have lots of knowledge on the S4, and since you have the same phone as I do, would it be okay if I just message you up instead of posting all my questions here?
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Honestly, I'm not particularly knowledgeable about the S4; what I know is fairly basic and I'm relatively inexperienced with modifying this specific device. I got mine for $70, and after rooting and flashing TWRP, I tried a couple ROMs, found a custom kernel, and basically haven't really messed around with anything else for months. My S4 is not my primary device, that'd be my OnePlus One. Mainly I use the S4 as a mobile hotspot and to USB tether to my computer for home internet, since the battery is removable and I can use it for that purpose without ruining my OnePlus One (running a constant hotspot destroys batteries) .
Feel free to PM me, but it might be more prudent just to keep it public so anyone searching for the same answers can find them here, and if I can't answer them, someone else can. Right now though, it's bed time, then I'm off to work so don't think that I'm ignoring you if I don't answer in the next 20 hours or so.