[OFFER] FREE Razer Phone to an interested developer! - Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]

I have a spare Razer Phone I want to donate to a developer in order to boost development for this device, since Razer released Treble for it the device got my attention, but it could use a bit more development.
Current status:
Official TWRP available
Treble available
Kernel source available
Oreo developer preview available
No custom ROMs ATM, Treble ROMs have broken critical features such as in call audio and possibly more.
I'm shipping the device for FREE to anyone who:
Is a recognised developer here on XDA
Guarantees they will use the device for development (at least try) and not just sell it on eBay
Is located in the EU, because customs, exceptions possible for really great developers.
How to apply:
Leave a post in this thread with a few short words about your previous work at XDA and what would you like to do with the device, like Kernel development, ROM porting or else.
Is this serious or some kind of sad joke?
If you have doubts in me I can just say that I already shipped a device to Phh in December to help boost Treble development, and tomorrow I'm shipping a Nexus 6 to @Elektroschmock to help the Nexus 6 development stay alive as Elektro broke their N6 recently.
In case multiple devs apply for the free device I reserve the right to pick one of my personal preference, unfortunately I have only 1 spare phone for 1 dev.
@phhusson @MishaalRahman interested or know anyone who is?
To clarify, in case it was not clear, the device goes completely free to a developer, I also pay shipping inside the EU.
If customs charges occur outside the EU I would not cover those.
Shipping with tracking.
To the forum mods:
I didn't really know where to put this, I thought not many devs would see it in the Razer forums, as those are usually only frequented by people who already have a device, feel free to move the thread if you think of a better forum where it belongs.

Well not an RD here but hey tought i might try haha, so here it goes
Im part of LOS team (Currently maintaining hero family of devices (s7 and s7 edge exynos) ) Im doing a bringup of them for oreo Fixed almost all of the bugs expect for GPS after that things can go official for them so ill have to find something to play with anyway, I have experience with AOSP build system so i could at least try to get builds for Razer Phone before any mainstream roms are ready for compiling. I would also probably try to get some fun stuff to work on phone like Kali Linux NetHunter and well i would like to play with treble supported device and razer phone looks as a nice candidate as i could get some rest from exynos

Ivan_Meler said:
Well not an RD here but hey tought i might try haha, so here it goes
Im part of LOS team (Currently maintaining hero family of devices (s7 and s7 edge exynos) ) Im doing a bringup of them for oreo Fixed almost all of the bugs expect for GPS after that things can go official for them so ill have to find something to play with anyway, I have experience with AOSP build system so i could at least try to get builds for Razer Phone before any mainstream roms are ready for compiling. I would also probably try to get some fun stuff to work on phone like Kali Linux NetHunter and well i would like to play with treble supported device and razer phone looks as a nice candidate as i could get some rest from exynos
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well not an RD here but hey tought i might try
Your application is welcome and noted, the RD thing was just a guideline to attract more senior devs, or how to say it.
let's give a couple of days for more devs to get the chance to express their interest and we take it from there

Hi, Diazz72 here .
Well where to start...i've joined xda about 6 years ago, stared my first project on old S4 about 4-5 years ago and continued till i've switched to G5...since it i've contributed to S7 and 6P till i switched to iPhone and soon after to S8...Well let me tell ya S8 is nightmare.
So how can i contribute if chosen...well i can bring at least two rom's to this beautiful device ( maybe R.R. and COS...Will see what crowd demands ).
If you need any more info send me a PM.
Regards, Diazz72.

Well in a nutshell, I'm the lead developer for Invictrix and previously DesolationROM. I was the first person to bring nougat to the note 4, my Werewolf kernel for the LG V20, the Nexus 5, the Nexus 7 2013, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, and the Essential PH-1. I was also one of the early members of Substratum. Also I was the person who reverse engineered the pixel navbar to work on custom roms.
https://github.com/USA-RedDragon/AboutMe/wiki
https://github.com/USA-RedDragon
and
https://github.com/InvictrixRom paint a lot of the picture as well.

Well, of course I'm interested in the Razer Phone, though I don't think I'm the one who will give it the most love.
If I get the device, I'd test and fix all GSIs I'll make on it, like AOSP P when sources will be available (I think that if I get a Razer, it will be the first one to get P, since it's A/B and that makes things much easier)
I'd also probably try to get some hardware features to work on GSIs (like porting stock camera if that's relevant, and see what can be done with the 120Hz screen)
But I won't dive too deep, like I won't do any kernel work.
For my overall Treble testing, I think it will definitely be a great device, since I'm lacking an A/B and a Qualcomm test device, which seem to have few specificities.
Fwiw, I've reported some issues to Essential (they even answered once! https://github.com/phhusson/platfor...23ea40b255dfbba5813c29#commitcomment-28321661 ), and I plan to do this as well for Razer, since it looks like their Treble implementation isn't totally ok (though I think it passes Google certification)

phhusson said:
Well, of course I'm interested in the Razer Phone, though I don't think I'm the one who will give it the most love.
If I get the device, I'd test and fix all GSIs I'll make on it, like AOSP P when sources will be available (I think that if I get a Razer, it will be the first one to get P, since it's A/B and that makes things much easier)
I'd also probably try to get some hardware features to work on GSIs (like porting stock camera if that's relevant, and see what can be done with the 120Hz screen)
But I won't dive too deep, like I won't do any kernel work.
For my overall Treble testing, I think it will definitely be a great device, since I'm lacking an A/B and a Qualcomm test device, which seem to have few specificities.
Fwiw, I've reported some issues to Essential (they even answered once! https://github.com/phhusson/platfor...23ea40b255dfbba5813c29#commitcomment-28321661 ), and I plan to do this as well for Razer, since it looks like their Treble implementation isn't totally ok (though I think it passes Google certification)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Noted
Offtopic
since it looks like their Treble implementation isn't totally ok (though I think it passes Google certification)
It's Dev Preview 1, let's see how it goes by the time it's stable, I do expect changes.
since it's A/B and that makes things much easier
I think you are the first person I ever saw post A/B and easier in the same sentence lol hahaha

Ok so from the 4 interested devs I decided for @phhusson
Why?
Because even tho he said he won't be specifically focused on this device I believe having fully working Treble ROMs is what will bring the most benefit to this device in the long term, having Treble means having already 5+ available ROMs, including LOS 15.1 and RR, and that number will just grow with time.
"like porting stock camera if that's relevant"
Don't bother, it's crap, rather port Google camera

Exelios said:
Ok so from the 4 interested devs I decided for @phhusson
Why?
Because even tho he said he won't be specifically focused on this device I believe having fully working Treble ROMs is what will bring the most benefit to this device in the long term, having Treble means having already 5+ available ROMs, including LOS 15.1 and RR, and that number will just grow with time.
"like porting stock camera if that's relevant"
Don't bother, it's crap, rather port Google camera
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are the real MVP.

Exelios said:
I have a spare Razer Phone I want to donate to a developer in order to boost development for this device, since Razer released Treble for it the device got my attention, but it could use a bit more development.
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure if anyone answered you, as I don't have time to read through. I'm interested to develop on this device, mostly for NetHunter. I'm not that active on XDA, but you can look me up on Github, Gitlab @yesimxev
Official developer of NetHunter
EDIT: Just seen the last answer. Anyway, I'm interested in future possibilities too. Thanks!

Related

Question thinking of buying

Yes I read reviews.
I owned a Oneplus One years ago and I gave up waiting for an upgrade and bought something else.
I here that OnePlus is better at upgrading today than they were four years ago. Is this true ?
Like I said I read and I know OnePlus 6 has available an Oxygen Beta (Android Pie) but it has not been officially released ? Is true if I buy a device I may need to wait several months until they Officially release Android Pie.
Now I know you will say just run the Beta it is stable but here is the make of break question I need Android Pay and Wear OS. My experience tells me if I flash a Beta required apps like Android Pay and Wear OS may stop working.
If I buy today I think the safe thing will be to wait for Oxygen OS (Android Pie) to be released. Customer ROMs or Beta OS will break for sure Android Pay.
Other than hating to wait for official releases this device looks fine.
No wireless charging sucks but I can live without it.
The Pixel camera maybe better but I read the OnePlus 6 camera is not bad
The OnePlus 6T will be out in November but ..... THERE IS ALWAYS A NEW DEVICE around the corner. Wait for the OnePlus 6T..... oh but it a few months this will be released.
This device gives better value for the dollar.
Android pay is not working in Beta, you should read the OP forum in the beta thread to see all the things being said.
The 6T rumor is that it will come with Pie installed but since it isn't out yet nobody knows if it will really be installed out from the gate.
Personally, I think Oxygen OS is a mess and from what I see on the threads for Pie, they're just patching it yet again and putting a new UI on it over starting from scratch. All they keep doing is carrying over bugs from previous versions and then trying to re-patch them again for either the new device model and/or new Android system. Considering treble is now installed on both the 5 and 6, IMO they should have started fresh and should have been working on coding an entirely new OS 2 years ago.
If I were you, I would wait until Pie is released in the fall and see how it goes and what the complaints are before buying anything.
Official Pie has been released, you can already download the firmware and flash it.
As for updates and kernel source upload speed, the OP6 gets both the fastest among all devices I had.
As for taking pics, use the gcam port for great picture quality and the oos cam for [email protected] recording.
The Official build for Android pie has been released today which is nice as it took only about 1.5 months after Google released it themselves.
Thanks I jumped on a sale, and ordered one.
I am not even sure at this point I care about the Pixel, it may have a better camera but I am sure ordering the One Plus 6 I saved hundreds of dollars.
The OP 6T is set to be released in the next couple months. Unless you're in need of a headphone jack, I'd wait to get the latest version.
floridaman said:
Android pay is not working in Beta, you should read the OP forum in the beta thread to see all the things being said.
The 6T rumor is that it will come with Pie installed but since it isn't out yet nobody knows if it will really be installed out from the gate.
Personally, I think Oxygen OS is a mess and from what I see on the threads for Pie, they're just patching it yet again and putting a new UI on it over starting from scratch. All they keep doing is carrying over bugs from previous versions and then trying to re-patch them again for either the new device model and/or new Android system. Considering treble is now installed on both the 5 and 6, IMO they should have started fresh and should have been working on coding an entirely new OS 2 years ago.
If I were you, I would wait until Pie is released in the fall and see how it goes and what the complaints are before buying anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
... That's not how android works .. even less since treble... You don't simply "patch" your Android version up to date, especially when it's a major revision that is changed. Most oftenly they start from scratch with some cherry picks. And rebuild blobs whenever necessary... files come from AOSP in it's normal form, then every time android releases a new version, this has to be merged with the current existing release yes, but that means that every difference from x that y has changes into x (x being the updated file, any of em, Y Being the old, already installed one)... Bringing something on /system over from one of the earlier oos, to a newer oos, would break alot. I mean.. we can't even run ob3 custom kernels on GM pie... Because changes... Having something stick around doesn't mean it hasn't been touched, porting is another thing, and there is also maybe a chance that it's the same group of devs handling this as it was back then. It's still oneplus. Also. Oos isnt nearly as bad as you make it sound.. Oos is by far the best fork of Android I've seen launched as an OEM specific android experience, and I've seen alot of phones. Simply due to its close resemblance of the pure experience, with it's small addins for simplicity, performance, and ease of use. The UI is Google's own new material guideline. Not oneplus'. And there was 3 pie betas wherein other Companies reach up to 18-20 betas... Are we owning the same device?
efinityy said:
... That's not how android works .. even less since treble... You don't simply "patch" your Android version up to date, especially when it's a major revision that is changed. Most oftenly they start from scratch with some cherry picks. And rebuild blobs whenever necessary... files come from AOSP in it's normal form, then every time android releases a new version, this has to be merged with the current existing release yes, but that means that every difference from x that y has changes into x (x being the updated file, any of em, Y Being the old, already installed one)... Bringing something on /system over from one of the earlier oos, to a newer oos, would break alot. I mean.. we can't even run ob3 custom kernels on GM pie... Because changes... Having something stick around doesn't mean it hasn't been touched, porting is another thing, and there is also maybe a chance that it's the same group of devs handling this as it was back then. It's still oneplus. Also. Oos isnt nearly as bad as you make it sound.. Oos is by far the best fork of Android I've seen launched as an OEM specific android experience, and I've seen alot of phones. Simply due to its close resemblance of the pure experience, with it's small addins for simplicity, performance, and ease of use. The UI is Google's own new material guideline. Not oneplus'. And there was 3 pie betas wherein other Companies reach up to 18-20 betas... Are we owning the same device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't say they were patching Android, I said they were patching their OS. Yes, I know they are 2 different things and I know things are working differently since treble. They can fully keep taking their Oxygen OS and throwing it over the latest version of Android and patch it to make it work with the new code, which is exactly what they've been doing. Yes, they get a guideline, that doesn't mean they are stuck doing only that and making no improvements/changes. There are literally hundreds of options they can code for, but don't.
I'm sorry, but it's not only simple, it's downright beyond basic even to what Google turns on and codes for features. Spare me the dribble of "pure android" please, it's a ridiculous mantra. I've not put the beta's on my phone but have been reading the forum and I have not yet received the stable update that has been just pushed out. But I already see some of the complaints coming in and no I'm not talking about the nonsensical postings.
If you think that OP is doing a great job on their OS, then you and I clearly have different standards. I'm glad you love it so much, to each his own in that regard.
floridaman said:
I didn't say they were patching Android, I said they were patching their OS. Yes, I know they are 2 different things and I know things are working differently since treble. They can fully keep taking their Oxygen OS and throwing it over the latest version of Android and patch it to make it work with the new code, which is exactly what they've been doing. Yes, they get a guideline, that doesn't mean they are stuck doing only that and making no improvements/changes. There are literally hundreds of options they can code for, but don't.
I'm sorry, but it's not only simple, it's downright beyond basic even to what Google turns on and codes for features. Spare me the dribble of "pure android" please, it's a ridiculous mantra. I've not put the beta's on my phone but have been reading the forum and I have not yet received the stable update that has been just pushed out. But I already see some of the complaints coming in and no I'm not talking about the nonsensical postings.
If you think that OP is doing a great job on their OS, then you and I clearly have different standards. I'm glad you love it so much, to each his own in that regard.
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Click to collapse
To each their own indeed. And it's not a ridiculous mantra.just as countless many others, I do prefer to be able to switch over countless amounts of phone but still have the same familiar, debloated and resource friendly UI. Having to learning all the different "UX"s gets pretty dull, as soon as ie Samsung gets settled with one, they change design language. And that, for me, is a deal breaker, I don't feel like having to relearn the same basics over and over, and where I usually have to install another AOSP based ROM on ie my Xperia, HTC or Samsung. Whilst the OnePlus just has the familiarity and non-rubbish feel to it that AOSP has. But don't get me wrong, as you said, to each their own, and if it wasn't for people like you that don't want the stock feel, we wouldn't have custom kernels and/or ROMs. And I've ran all the betas except ob3 and currently run the stable... And I've yet to run into any app not loading, crashing, or features not working as intended. But I would recommend not jumping on the bandwagon as I regret doing so, until there are some more data and user reviews of the stable branch. And I'm not trusting anyone doing a forum post not being previously recognized or a proper reviewer. The stable build is solid, but it's still early to tell.

Any non-GSI ROM builds in development?

This phone has been out for quite some time now and the lack of developer support is pretty shocking.
Are any developers working on builds of ROMs for Polaris? Outside if Mokee, I haven't seen anything, and I still haven't seen a single AOSP build.
Better get used to MIUI...
Wouldn't have bought it if I knew the situation would end up being that desolate.
tacc said:
Better get used to MIUI...
Wouldn't have bought it if I knew the situation would end up being that desolate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here - I may end up selling at some point. I'm very disappointed in the level of support, which is likely a result of people not buying the phone.
I bought this phone because of its great hardware and a reasonable price.
I disliked miui from the beginning so I installed pixel experience and I am happy with it for now. I don't rely on manufacturers anymore to update devices rather I come back here and get what I need.
Would be nice if this device would get more love from the devs but I hope that, with the number of sd845 devices surfacing and being popular in bigger markets like India or China, some devs will port the pixel experience pie ROM to our device.
kleinholzinferno said:
I bought this phone because of its great hardware and a reasonable price.
I disliked miui from the beginning so I installed pixel experience and I am happy with it for now. I don't rely on manufacturers anymore to update devices rather I come back here and get what I need.
Would be nice if this device would get more love from the devs but I hope that, with the number of sd845 devices surfacing and being popular in bigger markets like India or China, some devs will port the pixel experience pie ROM to our device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My main issue is the Camera. Pixel Experience, and Benzo GSI work very well on my device, however the picture quality of the camera is pretty bad comparatively.
Images look very grainy when zoomed, and overall the MIUI camera does a much better job.
I'm hoping at some point that a dev is able to port the camera app over. They did it for the RN5.
napes22 said:
My main issue is the Camera. Pixel Experience, and Benzo GSI work very well on my device, however the picture quality of the camera is pretty bad comparatively.
Images look very grainy when zoomed, and overall the MIUI camera does a much better job.
I'm hoping at some point that a dev is able to port the camera app over. They did it for the RN5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use the BSG Mod camera MGC_5.1.018_MI8_V1b which works really well. Portrait mode is good, low light pictures are good too. I'm not into 4k slowmo Videos so that's not the deal breaker for me.
My biggest concern is that this device is not as popular as many other lower priced devices by Xiaomi and therefore no dev will appear and make some good roms. And if someone builds them I hope they will be maintained.
One inmate here made a pixel experience for our device and I was really excited. But he or she disappeared and was never seen again. No sign of life since months and no feedback to PM's or in his/her own thread.
Maybe the pocophone with the same soc will push development further. Maybe someone can port a pixel experience rom for our device.
I'd even be happy to donate money and I'm not talking about 10€ but far more to anyone who builds an almost bug free rom with all the hardware support the device needs with all functions working as they should.
I hope there will be some developments soon, or at least a dev that can kill the bugs in the GSI roms. Most of the things are working perfectly fine with GSI's, there's only some annoying bugs that have to be eliminated.
We have a well known dev who makes Los for our device, if you join our telegram group you can test his releases, however he lost some time because he accidently damaged his phone so it will still take some time until he publishes on xda
Flatric said:
We have a well known dev who makes Los for our device, if you join our telegram group you can test his releases, however he lost some time because he accidently damaged his phone so it will still take some time until he publishes on xda
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great to know! I'll join telegram now so I can follow.

Worth the Bootloader Unlock? Yes! New Project coming... (GOSP)

Hey Folks,
I had no Samsung Device for ages but i got a brand new Galaxy S9+ in Gold for a nice Price and couldn't resist anymore. Now is the Question, is the Exynos Variant worth the Bootloader Unlock? I'm a Friend of AOSP / GSI Development and would like to contribute for My Device some Work. But how good is the Treble Support? Are GSIs working fine? Any Bugs or Features that i would miss compared to the locked stock OS? The ONE UI seems to be pretty nice and i'm very happy with My S9+ how it is. But i would also like a OS without all the Samsung Stuff and some Optimizations on top. All Opinions are Welcome!
Edit:
So i just decided to unlock My S9+ Duos and i'm already working on a Stock OS Project (Sadly since AOSP isn't that good rn). Anyways, the Samsung OS is pretty good. I will debloat it hardly and add Google Apps besides some heavy background optimizations on the System. That will be something new for Samsung Users... Stay tuned!
Edit2:
Project will be called GOSP (Galaxy Open Source Patch). Aiming on Debloating Samsungs Firmwares besides adding Google Apps, new Features and optimized System Configurations for better Performance, Quality and Battery Lifetimes. It will be open on GitHub for contributions and everyone is welcome to work with Me on a unified Stock ROM Project for all Galaxy S9 and S10 Variants (Also the coming Ones and Note 9/10 Devices).
The First Time that i haven't unlocked my Bootloader right after getting My Device. If no One explains Me the Pro and Cons am i keeping it locked. I don"t trust This Samsung Pseudo Security Stuff aka Knox and Counters... IT's like i said For Years. Samsung is just the better Apple. Can't wait to Hear News about Tizen lol
Not a lot is happening on the AOSP side of things, just a los 16 project that seems to be stable enough for daily use. There are a few very nice stock based roms like soldiers or ambasadii. Go and have a look on the cross development forums. For me personally there are pros, I like my device bloatfree and my kernel modified for my usage. But the cons are that there is not a big community (strange for a newer Samsung device.......), not much treble sGSI support at all, and a very small chance of getting a large number of different AOSP roms in the near future. Hope I helped
Haxomen said:
Not a lot is happening on the AOSP side of things, just a los 16 project that seems to be stable enough for daily use. There are a few very nice stock based roms like soldiers or ambasadii. Go and have a look on the cross development forums. For me personally there are pros, I like my device bloatfree and my kernel modified for my usage. But the cons are that there is not a big community (strange for a newer Samsung device.......), not much treble sGSI support at all, and a very small chance of getting a large number of different AOSP roms in the near future. Hope I helped
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm wondering how @phhusson is working with Treble since he made various patches on his AOSP GSI Development. Do we use Stock Vendors with the GSIs? Hows the Pie Status? Many GSIs are out there who get many Updates over the Time including Phhussons Changes on the AOSP Base so i would push My Efforts in this Direction...
I've read that Hardware composing isn't working and that the Iris Scan isn't implented in AOSP. Is there anything besides that left? It looked to me that Phhusson fixed most of the Issues so far!? I'm really about to unlock My Baby... (Still hate Exynos lol)
Miustone said:
I'm wondering how @phhusson is working with Treble since he made various patches on his AOSP GSI Development. Do we use Stock Vendors with the GSIs? Hows the Pie Status? Many GSIs are out there who get many Updates over the Time including Phhussons Changes on the AOSP Base so i would push My Efforts in this Direction...
I've read that Hardware composing isn't working and that the Iris Scan isn't implented in AOSP. Is there anything besides that left? It looked to me that Phhusson fixed most of the Issues so far!? I'm really about to unlock My Baby... (Still hate Exynos lol)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont know how he is working, but sGSIs for out device are crap, and that is a good way to say it. There is no thread for the new LOS 16, but the HWC bug is solved in the new builds. Yeah the issues are fixed but the stability, battery life and other things are bad for my taste
Haxomen said:
I dont know how he is working, but sGSIs for out device are crap, and that is a good way to say it. There is no thread for the new LOS 16, but the HWC bug is solved in the new builds. Yeah the issues are fixed but the stability, battery life and other things are bad for my taste
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm really sad that i can't get a Snapdragon Samsung Device in Germany but i Think ill unlock the Bootloader, make a Backup and try out some Things. Stock seems to be Very Good actually. Maybe do i something in that Direction Again. But also possible that i work on Treble... I just need a Day or Two to decide that.
Shouldn't hurt to start a new Project for such unbeloved Device. The Overall Hardware i Superb. But i never worked with Exynos. That will be a intersting Trip...
Alright, i will do a Stock Project aiming on Debloating the Samsung Stuff out of Stock Devices and optimizing of the overall System Quality. Or how i call it: "Patching".
Required will be a Stock Samsung OS or ROM and My Patch does the Rest. Included will be also new and hidden Features and a Google like Expierence with essential System Apps from Google. Think i will use My last AROMA Utility for it which includes AROMA File Manager and other Goodies...
Can't wait to see what i can unleash on Samsung Devices..
One UI is really far away from AOSP. Hard to implent Pixel Features and such... Not even Well Beeing from Google will be shown in the Samsung Settings.
Think i will give Linage OS from the first of this Month a Shot and See how it Runs...
Thank you for your involvement!
If you want to contribute to s9+ exynos community, you could also port the gcam from pixel. There are some ports, but they are bad, and discontinued.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s9-plus/themes/gcam-port-galaxy-s9-s9-exynos-t3814539/
Have a good day!
danimiu3 said:
Thank you for your involvement!
If you want to contribute to s9+ exynos community, you could also port the gcam from pixel. There are some ports, but they are bad, and discontinued.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s9-plus/themes/gcam-port-galaxy-s9-s9-exynos-t3814539/
Have a good day!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Samsung Camera is actually pretty good. But i will take a look...
Is anyone willed to help me testing btw? Project will be called GOSP (Galaxy Open Source Patch) and i'm open for any Devs who want to join and contribute...

why so "less" development ?

as the title says i wonder why there is so "little" development for the i9lite going on
i thought a device with this great specs for such a little price would be very interesting, but when you look at similar devices as the 9t or 9t pro there is a lot more of development
don't get me wrong i really thank all the devs that work on the i9lite right now, but i am a little bit worried as the a2 lite i have right now is also a great device but without much development there are only a few custom roms and and a hardly working twrp for it
my i 9lite is actually on the way to me, but right now i am really afraid that i will get in the same problem as with the a2 lite that there is absolutely no interest for the devs to work for this device.
Maybe the 9t(pro) would have been the better decision regarding this, but i really do not like the front cam of the T devices
I wish i could do a little developing for custom roms myself but i do not have the skills :crying: -
what do you guys think about it or you you have no concerns in this direction and you are really happy with the i9lite an how things are at the moment ?
I'm the same as you, waiting for mine to arrive.
Moving from Moto g5 plus it looks pretty quiet here.
I hope we can get a decent gcam at least
I don't know about other countries but in France the Mi 9 Lite just started becoming available through carriers. It might be that there are just less people equipped with that phone for now. I will also get a Mi 9 lite, there is already Lineage and GSI, so the roms I'm most interested in are there already.
Just reading from telegram group. One developer (coderzs)is ready to make base tree(I'm not sure of the term),also a recognized developer of mia2 lineage and other custom rom fo a2. But they trying to raise fund to get the device. I think it's just a matter of time and we can see a lot custom here in xda. Just follow the telegram group,search for mi9t lite/Cc9 global.
For there to be active development and/or many developers, the device must be widely available and relatively popular. You can't expect all those things to be a fact barely few months after device release. Seeing as it has great specs and is reasonably priced, it's just a matter of time until the device becomes interesting to developers.
Also, a word of advice - nobody likes doing stuff for free for a pushy user base.
shhnedo said:
Also, a word of advice - nobody likes doing stuff for free for a pushy user base.
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that is absolutly clear, also i really apriciate all the work that the devs do in their freetime and for free, my opening post is absolutly not meant in this direction.
i am grateful that there is this great modding community that gives us a lot of opportunities that the manufacturers themselves do not even they get paid for it.
i am only worried as custom roms is the only way to have a long life for the smartphone as you still get new android versions when the manufacturer is only releasing security updates or nothing at all at a certain point.
so i hope you are right and that its only a matter of time
@Kadyo
a that sounds interesting i hope i can find this group as i am not so familiar with this telegram, i would also like to spend a certain amount to get the i9lite for the dev (maybe you can pm me the group if its not against xda's rules)
ilovebytes said:
that is absolutly clear, also i really apriciate all the work that the devs do in their freetime and for free, my opening post is absolutly not meant in this direction.
i am grateful that there is this great modding community that gives us a lot of opportunities that the manufacturers themselves do not even they get paid for it.
i am only worried as custom roms is the only way to have a long life for the smartphone as you still get new android versions when the manufacturer is only releasing security updates or nothing at all at a certain point.
so i hope you are right and that its only a matter of time
@Kadyo
a that sounds interesting i hope i can find this group as i am not so familiar with this telegram, i would also like to spend a certain amount to get the i9lite for the dev (maybe you can pm me the group if its not against xda's rules)
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Click to collapse
MOD EDIT: Telegram link removed, read the STICKY!
A huge factor in ROM development is the geographic area in which the device is popular. Most developers for Xiaomi phones are from India which is an incredibly competitive market where, frankly, this phone makes little sense: the Mi 9T with basically the same specs is only marginally more expensive, and the latest Redmi is waaaaaaay cheaper. Now, in Europe the Mi 9 Lite makes more sense for the price bracket it's in, but for some reason the developer scene in European countries is lackluster at best. Fortunately, Russia is another country famously active for Android developing and, apparently, this phone is doing fairly well there.
As someone mentioned early, we're currently trying to buy and send a Mi 9 Lite to a ROM developer, so depending on how this ends we may be able to get this forum moving a bit
In the meantime, my standard response is the usual: if you really can't stand MIUI, give GSIs a shot! They're far better than I thought!
iuliusdeblobbis said:
Most developers for Xiaomi phones are from India which is an incredibly competitive market where, frankly, this phone makes little sense: the Mi 9T with basically the same specs is only marginally more expensive, and the latest Redmi is waaaaaaay cheaper. Now, in Europe the Mi 9 Lite makes more sense for the price bracket it's in
As someone mentioned early, we're currently trying to buy and send a Mi 9 Lite to a ROM developer, so depending on how this ends we may be able to get this forum moving a bit
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Click to collapse
It's not yet released in India, is it? That might also be a reason for why there's not a lot going on yet. I do think it is weirdly priced in Europe as well. It's a bit disheartening to see there's not a lot going on (yet, hopefully!) in terms of custom ROMs, but I've never used a custom ROM before on either of my phone and I don't intend to play around with ROMs anyway.
But nice to hear you guys try to get a phone to a ROM developer!
thanks for all your suggestions and opinions so far, will try to get onto telegram this weekend and see how this works.
I've Purchased Mi9Lite About 2 Month Ago(Iran- From Abu Dubai) , Device is Great For Price (350-400$ In My Country! ) in Compare to other devices like RN8P
But development???
There's Even No Ported Gcam For Mi9Lite and Stock Camera Quality is awful
Custom Roms? Hmmn I'd rather to use more stable versions
But there's still a hope, In Russian Forums (4pda) some devs r developing kangaroo kernel for this device
MIUI Rom Are So Smooth but have little bugs and they're annoying like app freezing while using VPN!
amirinjast said:
There's Even No Ported Gcam For Mi9Lite and Stock Camera Quality is awful
Custom Roms? Hmmn I'd rather to use more stable versions
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https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-cc9/development
we have the basics, which is TWRP and a way to flash GSIs, there's not really any need for anything else tbh, the days of specific devices development are behind
I bought mi 9 lite for 217$ month ago. This is the best choice of Mi9/Mi9T because of its price and card slot.
This smartfon had working LOS 2 months after world release! Now LOS is ebought mature for use it as daily driver. With ported gcam is absolutely amasing. My old xperia z3c waited years for first LOS, and up to 5 years for OFFICIAL version of LOS.
If Mi9 will sell itself very good, we will see many other custom roms.
I will stay with LOS, because is the best for me.
VyktorJonas said:
we have the basics, which is TWRP and a way to flash GSIs, there's not really any need for anything else tbh, the days of specific devices development are behind
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Even with GSI, I could not make the camera work satisfactorily and rom to pass the safetynet, and the statusbar does not display the icons properly ...
I have the mi a3 and I'm looking at the 9 lite for the bigger and more high res screen. But yeah there's definitely more development for the a3 though it was officially launched in September vs July (according to gsmarena). I do hope we get more devs for this phone, because it seems like a good one. I'm already stretching my budget with the 9 lite. I don't want to stretch more with the 9t
It's just not that popular as other devices are right now..
I just purchased it though, looking nice, when I get it first thing I'll do will be unlocking BL.
I think this phone has not released yet (or released very recently) in India, this will boost activity a lot.
Just kinda surprised custom recovery is not at the official twrp site yet.
xzn1 said:
It's not yet released in India, is it? That might also be a reason for why there's not a lot going on yet. I do think it is weirdly priced in Europe as well. It's a bit disheartening to see there's not a lot going on (yet, hopefully!) in terms of custom ROMs, but I've never used a custom ROM before on either of my phone and I don't intend to play around with ROMs anyway.
But nice to hear you guys try to get a phone to a ROM developer!
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Click to collapse
Mi Cc9 was released in India 9 months ago or so. The Mi9 Lite is a rebranded CC9. The specs are all the same afaik.
I made a mistake. See the next reply.

Introducing GSI - google kills android development

I was thinking, 2 years I own Galaxy A7 and still no usable AOSP for my phone...
Cant find any GSI with working features.
Does anyone think same?
g0didit said:
I was thinking, 2 years I own Galaxy A7 and still no usable AOSP for my phone...
Cant find any GSI with working features.
Does anyone think same?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes there is not volte and bluetooth call bugless rom
GSIs are not harming Android development, in fact, they're helping it. Many custom ROMS these days start out as basically GSIs but then add device-specific customizations. Devices that would otherwise never get any custom ROM support can at least have a chance at AOSP with a GSI.
MishaalRahman said:
GSIs are not harming Android development, in fact, they're helping it. Many custom ROMS these days start out as basically GSIs but then add device-specific customizations. Devices that would otherwise never get any custom ROM support can at least have a chance at AOSP with a GSI.
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Ye, ur right... chance to boot GSI and find bunch of on working featuress, nothing else... there is no daily driver GSI as I ususally run on my phones before A7...
g0didit said:
Ye, ur right... chance to boot GSI and find bunch of on working featuress, nothing else... there is no daily driver GSI as I ususally run on my phones before A7...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an idea - instead of only pointing non-working features and, at the same time, having some expectations regarding roms, try to fix those, simply follow the logs and search for solutions. As it was mentioned, treblized devices usually boot any GSI, kernel side is secured on A750x by @prashantp01. Volte and bluetooth are not impossible to fix, neither deal breakers for most users.
Concluding my arrogant post - typical for Samsung custom development communities DEMAND attitude without any EFFORTS, expectations to turn midrange devices into flagships with just software, focus on what is bugged (mostly minor things, used 0,01% of time)... All leads to 'death of development' for devices like A7 2018, which has fairly A HUGE potential, for example proved by @corsicanu in A5/A7 2017 or @ananjaser1211 amazing work for J series.
Don't threat it personal, it is more general statement.
Voytec83 said:
I have an idea - instead of only pointing non-working features and, at the same time, having some expectations regarding roms, try to fix those, simply follow the logs and search for solutions. As it was mentioned, treblized devices usually boot any GSI, kernel side is secured on A750x by @prashantp01. Volte and bluetooth are not impossible to fix, neither deal breakers for most users.
Concluding my arrogant post - typical for Samsung custom development communities DEMAND attitude without any EFFORTS, expectations to turn midrange devices into flagships with just software, focus on what is bugged (mostly minor things, used 0,01% of time)... All leads to 'death of development' for devices like A7 2018, which has fairly A HUGE potential, for example proved by @corsicanu in A5/A7 2017 or @ananjaser1211 amazing work for J series.
Don't threat it personal, it is more general statement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
indeed. Infact its quite the opposite, The availability of GSIs can give phones such as these a much higher chance to use AOSP ROMs compared to before, were you would have to wait until someone decides to make one (and most of the time it would be one or two people at best) when it comes to low/mid range samsung devices.
While on GSIs there are many contributors working day and night to bring support for as many devices as possible. even when a GSi is not going to be "100% stable" (lets be real nothing is) . it still is better than having no other options at all.
Android Pie and even Android Q GSIs are significantly more stable and im sure you will find one that works if you need AOSP ROMs.. However if you are looking for "samsung" features and bugless ROMs, you will only use Stock, thats what happens when you get a device with very little dev base
ananjaser1211 said:
indeed. Infact its quite the opposite, The availability of GSIs can give phones such as these a much higher chance to use AOSP ROMs compared to before, were you would have to wait until someone decides to make one (and most of the time it would be one or two people at best) when it comes to low/mid range samsung devices.
While on GSIs there are many contributors working day and night to bring support for as many devices as possible. even when a GSi is not going to be "100% stable" (lets be real nothing is) . it still is better than having no other options at all.
Android Pie and even Android Q GSIs are significantly more stable and im sure you will find one that works if you need AOSP ROMs.. However if you are looking for "samsung" features and bugless ROMs, you will only use Stock, thats what happens when you get a device with very little dev base
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanx for your elaboration I need AOSP, pure, without any trace of Google and Samsung but unfortunately there is no working GSI, signal bars not work, sections of settings hung-up, a looot of FC's without install any app...
In fact I must agree with you, there was 1 or 2 developers per device and images runs without major issues, now we got ??? (bunch) of developers and no developers own actual device so there is no hope for fix, writing issues with logs without any answer or help.
BR.
Voytec83 said:
I have an idea - instead of only pointing non-working features and, at the same time, having some expectations regarding roms, try to fix those, simply follow the logs and search for solutions. As it was mentioned, treblized devices usually boot any GSI, kernel side is secured on A750x by @prashantp01. Volte and bluetooth are not impossible to fix, neither deal breakers for most users.
Concluding my arrogant post - typical for Samsung custom development communities DEMAND attitude without any EFFORTS, expectations to turn midrange devices into flagships with just software, focus on what is bugged (mostly minor things, used 0,01% of time)... All leads to 'death of development' for devices like A7 2018, which has fairly A HUGE potential, for example proved by @corsicanu in A5/A7 2017 or @ananjaser1211 amazing work for J series.
Don't threat it personal, it is more general statement.
[/MENTION]
@Simon1511 he has ported one ui 2.0 on a5 2017 he's a great dev
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