I know the first comments on this post will be the pessimistic "if you are asking all these questions, then you will not be able to do this" type.. however, if that is the case, how did all the developers learn to build custom ROMs for their devices? They must have learnt from somewhere or by their own trial and error.. therefore they can share their knowledge if willing to do so.
My question is about the building of a custom ROM e.g. LineageOS for an unsupported device which has no device tree or anything of the sort, such as a BLU Studio X Plus.
I know the basic commands.. But I'm not sure of the full process for creating the necessary blobs for my device(s).
I am aspiring to be a developer myself, but need someone to teach me. If any of you are willing to assist me in my endeavour, comment down below, or you can even privately message me.
Any assistance will be greatly appreciated!
Alando123 said:
I know the first comments on this post will be the pessimistic "if you are asking all these questions, then you will not be able to do this" type.. however, if that is the case, how did all the developers learn to build custom ROMs for their devices? They must have learnt from somewhere or by their own trial and error.. therefore they can share their knowledge if willing to do so.
My question is about the building of a custom ROM e.g. LineageOS for an unsupported device which has no device tree or anything of the sort, such as a BLU Studio X Plus.
I know the basic commands.. But I'm not sure of the full process for creating the necessary blobs for my device(s).
I am aspiring to be a developer myself, but need someone to teach me. If any of you are willing to assist me in my endeavour, comment down below, or you can even privately message me.
Any assistance will be greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They started by starting with smaller, less complicated developments/modifications to get some basic understanding. Then they started spending more time doing more diligent research, reading, reading again then reading again than they did spending time asking questions.
As for the "sharing their knowledge" for others to learn.... Well, that is exactly why there are hundreds or even thousands of guides and threads on the various types of android custom development on many different websites and forums. The issue you are having is based in the fact that all of the guides are written with an assumption that the reader already has some form of intermediate programming knowledge, they are not written for the proverbial "noob". Another factor is that none of the guides are an "all-in-one, everything you need to know from start to finish" type of guide, this is because there are too many differences in the various android versions, hardware architectures, SDK versions, APIs and etc. to make a guide complete enough for general usage on every type of device, there are specific things involved that make that an impossible task. So don't get your hopes up about some kind of miracle answer that takes the pain and hard work out of your journey.
Study the guides, start small, get good at what you start with, then work your way up, starting with trying to build something like a ROM with no previous programming experience, is not a good idea for a starting point.
There is no shortage of people coming to XDA wanting to be developers and asking for someone to help teach them, it just doesn't work that way, you gotta be willing to put the time into learning and figuring out at least 95% of it on your own, that is how they learned, why should it be any different for you. The cold reality is, those that truly desire it, seek it diligently without reaching out for a hand to do the "real" work for them, the ones that succeed and excel are the ones that climb the ladder themselves with very little help from the outside because they reach inside of themselves and apply themselves to their goal without quitting or losing heart or saying "this is too hard, help me".
First of all, it depends on whether the stock source code is available for your device, if there is no stock source code available to the public(no, I'm not talking about the stock firmware file), then you will not be able to build a custom ROM from source for your device, which means that you won't be able to build anything like LineageOS because setting up the device tree requires the stock source code. No source code=no device tree, no device tree=no LineageOS or AOSP ROMs. Devices that do not have a source code available can only get ROMs if someone chooses to port a ROM from a similar device with similar hardware, that is the only way to get a ROM without stock source code. The stock firmware would be required in order to port a ROM from a similar device, if the stock firmware is not available, you can't port a ROM.
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk
Droidriven said:
They started by starting with smaller, less complicated developments/modifications to get some basic understanding. Then they started spending more time doing more diligent research, reading, reading again then reading again than they did spending time asking questions.
As for the "sharing their knowledge" for others to learn.... Well, that is exactly why there are hundreds or even thousands of guides and threads on the various types of android custom development on many different websites and forums. The issue you are having is based in the fact that all of the guides are written with assumption that the reader already has some form of intermediate programming knowledge, they are not written for the proverbial "noob". Another factor is that none of the guides are an "all-in-one, everything you need to know from start to finish" type of guide, this is because there are too many differences in the various android versions, hardware architectures, SDK versions, APIs and etc. to make a guide complete enough for general usage on every type of device, there are specific things involved that make that an impossible task. So don't get your hopes up about some kind of miracle answer that takes the pain and hard work out of your journey.
Study the guides, start small, get good at what you start with, then work your way up, starting with trying to build something like a ROM with no previous programming experience, is not a good idea for a starting point.
There is no shortage of people coming to XDA wanting to be developers and asking for someone to help teach them, it just doesn't work that way, you gotta be willing to put the time into learning and figuring out at least 95% of it on your own, that is how they learned, why should it be any different for you. The cold reality is, those that truly desire it, seek it diligently without reaching out for a hand to do the "real" work for them, the ones that succeed and excel are the ones that climb the ladder themselves with very little help from the outside because they reach inside of themselves and apply themselves to their goal without quitting or losing heart or saying "this is too hard, help me".
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice.. I was hoping for something along the lines of a "I found a formula, you can use it to solve your problem" kind of answer.. But I understand your point of view. I was by no means asking for anyone to do the "real" work for me, just for a helping hand to point me in the correct direction. Most of the guides I see are just to create some basic files using the boot.img of my device.
Alando123 said:
Thanks for the advice.. I was hoping for something along the lines of a "I found a formula, you can use it to solve your problem" kind of answer.. But I understand your point of view. I was by no means asking for anyone to do the "real" work for me, just for a helping hand to point me in the correct direction. Most of the guides I see are just to create some basic files using the boot.img of my device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I added to my post above, it might give you an idea of what is possible and what isn't.
Go to the LineageOS website and read the basic guide for setting up an android build environment, then read some guides for building ROMs for other similar Blu Studio devices.
Also, another important factor in whether or not a custom ROM is possible for your device is thst your bootloader must be unlocked or at least "can" be unlocked.
You also need a custom recovery such as TWRP(which you'd probably have to build for yourself, which is yet another task to learn in development along with learning to build a ROM, not to mention learning how to get the kernel right) in order to flash a LineageOS custom ROM or any other ROM that is not based on stock, TWRP is easier to learn how to build than a ROM, but still a task in itself. Modified stock ROMs can be customized and flashed without root or custom recovery but they aren't "true" custom ROMs, they are still fully stock underneath with some tweaks "on the surface".
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk
Droidriven said:
I added to my post above, it might give you an idea of what is possible and what isn't.
Go to the LineageOS website and read the basic guide for setting up an android build environment, then read some guides for building ROMs for other similar Blu Studio devices.
Also, another important factor in whether or not a custom ROM is possible for your device is thst your bootloader must be unlocked or at least "can" be unlocked.
You also need a custom recovery in order to flash a LineageOS custom ROM or any other ROM that is not based on stock. Modified stock ROMs can be customized and flashed, but they aren't custom, they are still fully stock underneath with some tweaks "on the surface".
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.. I have made a TWRP for my device.. I also created a modified (rooted, debloated, updated) stock ROM.. But want to reach a stage where I'm able to make an actual custom ROM. I am currently flying through many guides to get an idea of what is needed.
I've set up build environments and built ROMs for Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime (grandprimeve3g) but that device already had proprietary blobs made for it.
Alando123 said:
Yes.. I have made a TWRP for my device.. I also created a modified (rooted, debloated, updated) stock ROM.. But want to reach a stage where I'm able to make an actual custom ROM. I am currently flying through many guides to get an idea of what is needed.
I've set up build environments and built ROMs for Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime (grandprimeve3g) but that device already had proprietary blobs made for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so you have a decently basic understanding, that is in your favor. As for the blobs, is the stock source available for your specific device? That would help increase your chances of success. Are their any other models of Blu Studio or other device with similar hardware that have custom ROMs already available? If so, you may can put something together using some blobs from those devices and then filling in the blanks.
@Alando123
Can you get a ROM dump or system dump from your device?
I'm going to assume that you've read this and experimented with it?
https://wiki.lineageos.org/proprietary_blobs.html
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk
Droidriven said:
Ok, so you have a decently basic understanding, that is in your favor. As for the blobs, is the stock source available for your specific device? That would help increase your chances of success. Are their any other models of Blu Studio or other device with similar hardware that have custom ROMs already available? If so, you may can put something together using some blobs from those devices and then filling in the blanks.
@Alando123
Can you get a ROM dump or system dump from your device?
I'm going to assume that you've read this and experimented with it?
https://wiki.lineageos.org/proprietary_blobs.html
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, BLU rarely releases source for any of their devices, however I made a system dump using MTK Droid Tools. I also just stumbled upon the link to the LineageOS page about blobs right before you replied ?
Alando123 said:
No, BLU rarely releases source for any of their devices, however I made a system dump using MTK Droid Tools
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be able to use the system dump to generate vendor blobs by extracting them from the system dump or from a system dump pulled from a similar BLU studio or MTK device running a current LineageOS ROM as described in the first portion of the guide in the link that I gave you.
Also, there is a Lineage forum and a place to comment/ask questions on their github page.
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk
Droidriven said:
You should be able to use the system dump to generate vendor blobs by extracting them from the system dump or from a system dump pulled from a similar BLU studio or MTK device running a current LineageOS ROM as described in the first portion of the guide in the link that I gave you.
Also, there is a Lineage forum and a place to comment/ask questions on their github page.
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, I currently ported several ROMs for my device.. the only problem I have with all of the ROMs are auto-focus and front camera (though camera is an issue for almost all ROMs, developed or ported at first). Most of the devices are similar, so, I'll do some digging and see what I can do about this. Or if I can develop a ROM, with some kanged blobs and some of my own, that will work, then fix camera piece by piece.
Alando123 said:
Hey, I currently ported several ROMs for my device.. the only problem I have with all of the ROMs are auto-focus and front camera (though camera is an issue for almost all ROMs, developed or ported at first). Most of the devices are similar, so, I'll do some digging and see what I can do about this. Or if I can develop a ROM, with some kanged blobs and some of my own, that will work, then fix camera piece by piece.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, stock camera is always an issue when building ROMs because stock camera is proprietary, this means the camera is a closed source software instead of open source software.
Generally, the "quick fix" is to use a 3rd party camera app from PlayStore such as Google Camera or A Better Camera(ABC camera). Try some 3rd party camera apps and see if any work.
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk
Droidriven said:
Yes, stock camera is always an issue when building ROMs because stock camera is proprietary, this means the camera is a closed source software instead of open source software.
Generally, the "quick fix" is to use a 3rd party camera app from PlayStore such as Google Camera or A Better Camera(ABC camera). Try some 3rd party camera apps and see if any work.
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah.. replacing libcameracustom.so results in the same issue with front camera, also even Footej closed when trying to use the front camera.
Alando123 said:
Yeah.. replacing libcameracustom.so results in the same issue with front camera, also even Footej closed when trying to use the front camera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try more than just a few camera apps, try many, try several, try them all, one of them might work. It's aggravating and time consuming, but with patience, it might work out for you.
You might need to try an app and then if it doesn't work, uninstall the app then boot into recovery and wipe cache and dalvik cache then reboot and try another camera app, you might also need to try a factory reset along with wiping cache from recovery before trying another camera app because some things might be left behind from the non working app that you tried and it might interfere with the next app that you try. Factory resetting and wiping cache before trying the next app might increase the chances that it will work. If you try an app and it doesn't work, just uninstalling it before trying the next app might not be "enough" if it leaves something behind that prevents the next app from working.
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk
Droidriven said:
Try more than just a few camera apps, try many, try several, try them all, one of them might work. It's aggravating and time consuming, but with patience, it might work out for you.
You might need to try an app and then if it doesn't work, uninstall the app then boot into recovery and wipe cache and dalvik cache then reboot and try another camera app, you might also need to try a factory reset along with wiping cache from recovery before trying another camera app because some things might be left behind from the non working app that you tried and it might interfere with the next app that you try. Factory resetting and wiping cache before trying the next app might increase the chances that it will work. If you try an app and it doesn't work, just uninstalling it before trying the next app might not be "enough" if it leaves something behind that prevents the next app from working.
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think that any camera app would have helped.. I replaced libcameracustom.so from a different device, and front camera works, but no both cameras have a blue hue on them
I am having problems with building lineageOS for my "Unsupported" Device I have made themed ROMS, Themes for cyanogenmod, Themes for substratum, basic apps for my ROM, and customized recovery and ported ROMS to my device but I need a small headstart to actually "Build" lineageOS for my device. Thats It
Regards
Manav Harsana
Related
Hi,
I thought this was not yet possible to port Cyanogenmod on Dual Sim devices, at least not properly, but then I saw this post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2246874
It gave me a real hope for the generic MT6589 device I am currently using.
I am new to all of this, so I hope I don't bother everyone.
Also, my device uses obviously different hardware, but uses the same processor, so I managed to install the above ROM and got it working but without any screen display.
In other words, it was working, and I could see everything as far as the installation wizzard was concerned, so I thought I was fine, but then when I was done and it rebooted, I could not see anything on the display anymore, but the phone was still working working.
So I am assuming some obvious hardware drivers differences, and that the old drivers were still working till I restarted?
Is there a way to modify the rom to make it work?
What files would I need to pull from my device to add/replace in the posted ROM to make it worlk, if that is possible?
Or does cynanogenmod have to compile with the files of my device to work, even though the processor bit had already been done?
If so, I have no problem in trying to compile cyanogenmod from scratch, but I will still get the dual SIM problem, and I thought this has been fixed in this ROM.
So what modifications would need to be done to incorporate the DUAL SIM issue, and make it work, or has this already been resolved upstream?
Is there a github or such of the modifications and alterations that were done to Cyanogenmod for this posted ROM in order to get it working?
I am willing to use those files and port it to my device, but without these modifications, I will not be able to do anything, even though the kernel sources for MT6589 are openly available now.
Sorry for asking this question here, but I tried to reply to the original post and it did not let me.
Is it okay to ask this here?
If not, please excuse me, and if you can forward me to the right place.
Thanks and regards
noobworld said:
Hi,
I thought this was not yet possible to port Cyanogenmod on Dual Sim devices, at least not properly, but then I saw this post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2246874
It gave me a real hope for the generic MT6589 device I am currently using.
I am new to all of this, so I hope I don't bother everyone.
Also, my device uses obviously different hardware, but uses the same processor, so I managed to install the above ROM and got it working but without any screen display.
In other words, it was working, and I could see everything as far as the installation wizzard was concerned, so I thought I was fine, but then when I was done and it rebooted, I could not see anything on the display anymore, but the phone was still working working.
So I am assuming some obvious hardware drivers differences, and that the old drivers were still working till I restarted?
Is there a way to modify the rom to make it work?
What files would I need to pull from my device to add/replace in the posted ROM to make it worlk, if that is possible?
Or does cynanogenmod have to compile with the files of my device to work, even though the processor bit had already been done?
If so, I have no problem in trying to compile cyanogenmod from scratch, but I will still get the dual SIM problem, and I thought this has been fixed in this ROM.
So what modifications would need to be done to incorporate the DUAL SIM issue, and make it work, or has this already been resolved upstream?
Is there a github or such of the modifications and alterations that were done to Cyanogenmod for this posted ROM in order to get it working?
I am willing to use those files and port it to my device, but without these modifications, I will not be able to do anything, even though the kernel sources for MT6589 are openly available now.
Sorry for asking this question here, but I tried to reply to the original post and it did not let me.
Is it okay to ask this here?
If not, please excuse me, and if you can forward me to the right place.
Thanks and regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
link is dead.
who is the dev.
prantoroy said:
link is dead.
who is the dev.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the headsup.
I placed in an incomplete link, here is the complete link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2246874
I also updated the post.
The developper seems to be:
bgcngm
Thanks
noobworld said:
Thanks for the headup.
I placed in an incomplete link, here is the complete link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2246874
I also updated the post.
The developper seems to be:
bgcngm
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
give sme time.will try
---------- Post added at 10:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:42 AM ----------
prantoroy said:
give sme time.will try
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just as I thought.the kernel.
its not fr u. ask dev to create a kernel fr u!
Thank you for your fast reply.
Where do I ask?
Also, I was hoping to learn how to do it, and have the sources if possible, or at least how to modify the sources, because I have about three of these chinese devices, all using the same processor, but with different hardware.
Thanks
prantoroy said:
give sme time.will try
---------- Post added at 10:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:42 AM ----------
just as I thought.the kernel.
its not fr u. ask dev to create a kernel fr u!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
noobworld said:
Thank you for your fast reply.
Where do I ask?
Also, I was hoping to learn how to do it, and have the sources if possible, or at least how to modify the sources, because I have about three of these chinese devices, all using the same processor, but with different hardware.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ask The dev
And Its not that easy
prantoroy said:
Ask The dev
And Its not that easy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I tried posting on the original thread, but couldn't.
Then tried to send a private message, but couldn't.
So I started this thread.
You said:
And Its not that easy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you mean it is not easy to contact the dev, or not easy to compile the sources for my devices?
Just wanted to be sure.
Thanks again
noobworld said:
Well, I tried posting on the original thread, but couldn't.
Then tried to send a private message, but couldn't.
So I started this thread.
You said:
Did you mean it is not easy to contact the dev, or not easy to compile the sources for my devices?
Just wanted to be sure.
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no you cant post until u have 10 posts
and its not easy to develop rom
prantoroy said:
no you cant post until u have 10 posts
and its not easy to develop rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can see that, but I think with some patience I can do it.
Also, I have been using Linux for years now, and it seems I just need to figure out how things are laid out in Android.
And once I get used to that, then things become easier.
I am assuming that the linux kernel needs to be compiled with the specific drivers related to my hardware, right?
However, that would still not take into account:
- The changes made in Android/Cyanogenmod that take into account Dual SIM functionality
- How Cyanogenmod is actually laid-out, such as are changes done directly to stock android, or applied as patches?
I was thinking of the following:
1) Checking for the difference between stock Android and Cyanogenmod, and save aside the diff changes to make a patch file.
2) Then hope to find the sources of the stock android that has already been modified to work with MT6589, since these devices obviously use Android on them with some modifications
3) Then apply the patch made in (1) on these sources
Thus, I also need one important question answered:
If I were to download the sources for Cyanogenmod (which I already did), are the patches to the stock Android already applied, or are they placed in a separate folder, and applied on compilation?
I have this feeling that the above patches will probably not work out, because there will probably be extra functions, code that the patch will not be able to take into account, and will have some type of non-working or broken system, until I figure out what is missing.
I might get it to boot to a certain point (most probably shell like), and it would stop there.
Well, in either case, after writing all this down, I started to visualize more the hard part you are talking about, and this would require good knowledge of Android Code and structure.
Thus, if anyone can give me the required Cyanogenmod sources that have already been modified to work on an MT6589, or the diff patches between the normal and modified Cynogenmod, then that would be amazing.
Then I will have to only figure out at that point the propriety files I need to pull from the device, and specific vendor modifications.
Of course, I am just speculating, as this depends on how Android/Cyanogenmod is structured, and I could be completely off the mark, and have no idea what I am talking about.
Thanks
noobworld said:
I can see that, but I think with some patience I can do it.
Also, I have been using Linux for years now, and it seems I just need to figure out how things are laid out in Android.
And once I get used to that, then things become easier.
I am assuming that the linux kernel needs to be compiled with the specific drivers related to my hardware, right?
However, that would still not take into account:
- The changes made in Android/Cyanogenmod that take into account Dual SIM functionality
- How Cyanogenmod is actually laid-out, such as are changes done directly to stock android, or applied as patches?
I was thinking of the following:
1) Checking for the difference between stock Android and Cyanogenmod, and save aside the diff changes to make a patch file.
2) Then hope to find the sources of the stock android that has already been modified to work with MT6589, since these devices obviously use Android on them with some modifications
3) Then apply the patch made in (1) on these sources
Thus, I also need one important question answered:
If I were to download the sources for Cyanogenmod (which I already did), are the patches to the stock Android already applied, or are they placed in a separate folder, and applied on compilation?
I have this feeling that the above patches will probably not work out, because there will probably be extra functions, code that the patch will not be able to take into account, and will have some type of non-working or broken system, until I figure out what is missing.
I might get it to boot to a certain point (most probably shell like), and it would stop there.
Well, in either case, after writing all this down, I started to visualize more the hard part you are talking about, and this would require good knowledge of Android Code and structure.
Thus, if anyone can give me the required Cyanogenmod sources that have already been modified to work on an MT6589, or the diff patches between the normal and modified Cynogenmod, then that would be amazing.
Then I will have to only figure out at that point the propriety files I need to pull from the device, and specific vendor modifications.
Of course, I am just speculating, as this depends on how Android/Cyanogenmod is structured, and I could be completely off the mark, and have no idea what I am talking about.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok I will help u.
go here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=613
prantoroy said:
ok I will help u.
go here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=613
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow... Even though I searched for so long, I did not find this.
I guess I did not know what to search for.
I thank you a lot.
I will probably take a while to learn how to use this, so I will disappear until I figure it out.
If I managed to do anything, then will come back and post my status.
Thanks again
noobworld said:
Wow... Even though I searched for so long, I did not find this.
I guess I did not know what to search for.
I thank you a lot.
I will probably take a while to learn how to use this, so I will disappear until I figure it out.
If I managed to do anything, then will come back and post my status.
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
glad I could help.
and don't bother .its my job to help new.
and pm me if u need smthing.
and please close thread.
Hi Guys,
I am new to Android (a noob) - Started with flashing some custom ROMs on my devices and i am bothered by the security of my device, although android is open source, is it possible that a custom ROM is bugged to steal your personal or financial information? I don't have any experience with android development and i don't have time to jump into Android development so even if the ROM is open source i wont be going through the code to check for leaks or potential built-in hacks.
Basically my question is, is it safe to install Unofficial ROMs such as CM unofficial? I understand, the majority of apps store sensitive data on device in encrypted way but still, i don't think it will be hard to just modify the ROM to develop a built-in key-logger OR read username/password from a username/password fields while user is typing using an on-screen keyboard, save it as LOG file and when connected to the internet, send it to the 'unknown' source. I can see so many possibilities, the user wont even have a clue that they are sharing data. it is like Microsoft making windows Open Source and people making their own versions of Windows and users installing them on thier PCs.
Please help me understand - How safe are our devices when running on custom ROMs from developers we don't even know (no disrespect to any dev, all this amazing work is appriciated, I just want to understand the security of android - Please help me understand as after flashing custom ROMs on my devices i am avoiding installation of sensitive apps or even using chrome to type my passwords) - am i paranoid ?
Cheers
It's entirely possible that a malicious custom ROM could steal your data (or worse), and there's really no technical way to mitigate it. You're implicitly trusting the developer of a ROM by flashing it. All you can really do is make sure that whatever ROM you choose is from a well-known, trusted developer.
aliusman999 said:
Hi Guys,
I am new to Android (a noob) - Started with flashing some custom ROMs on my devices and i am bothered by the security of my device, although android is open source, is it possible that a custom ROM is bugged to steal your personal or financial information? I don't have any experience with android development and i don't have time to jump into Android development so even if the ROM is open source i wont be going through the code to check for leaks or potential built-in hacks.
Basically my question is, is it safe to install Unofficial ROMs such as CM unofficial? I understand, the majority of apps store sensitive data on device in encrypted way but still, i don't think it will be hard to just modify the ROM to develop a built-in key-logger OR read username/password from a username/password fields while user is typing using an on-screen keyboard, save it as LOG file and when connected to the internet, send it to the 'unknown' source. I can see so many possibilities, the user wont even have a clue that they are sharing data. it is like Microsoft making windows Open Source and people making their own versions of Windows and users installing them on thier PCs.
Please help me understand - How safe are our devices when running on custom ROMs from developers we don't even know (no disrespect to any dev, all this amazing work is appriciated, I just want to understand the security of android - Please help me understand as after flashing custom ROMs on my devices i am avoiding installation of sensitive apps or even using chrome to type my passwords) - am i paranoid ?
Cheers
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Click to collapse
You are paranoid but that's good!
Yes we are trusting the devs (or Samsung et al with stock) AND hopefully smart coders who regularly check the code (but I suspect checking doesn't happen a lot!). You can use a firewall/packet sniffer to check what servers your phone is connecting to and see (some) of the data being sent to reduce your risk and put your mind at ease. But still it's no guarantee, as I understand it (I'm no expert!).
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trainsuit said:
If you get a stock android you are also trusting the developer. Just look at these lenovo laptops which had malware served on their stock windows versions. Best is to always start clean when buying any form of product.
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That's true, but how do you define ”clean”? In theory, you could build AOSP for your device yourself so you're only trusting Google, but that's completely impractical for most people. If you just switch from stock to someone else's custom ROM, you're just changing who you're trusting.
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Perhaps it's a silly question but I do it: do you think that a XDA Senior Member with one or two thousand of thanks is reliable?
Bach_J said:
Perhaps it's a silly question but I do it: do you think that a XDA Senior Member with one or two thousand of thanks is reliable?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another question for you: if a ROM has malicious code that send personal information to unknown servers, is using a firewall like AFWall+ twhich blocks all system apps sufficient to prevent this malicious ROM to stole data?
Thanks
Bach_J said:
Perhaps it's a silly question but I do it: do you think that a XDA Senior Member with one or two thousand of thanks is reliable?
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Click to collapse
Probably.
Bach_J said:
Another question for you: if a ROM has malicious code that send personal information to unknown servers, is using a firewall like AFWall+ twhich blocks all system apps sufficient to prevent this malicious ROM to stole data?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, a custom ROM could make data look like it's coming from any app it wants, or just bypass the firewall completely.
josephcsible said:
No, a custom ROM could make data look like it's coming from any app it wants, or just bypass the firewall completely.
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Click to collapse
Alternatively if the device is on your own network you could wireshark it using a computer and monitor IP addresses that the device attempts to connect to.
LyricalMagical said:
Alternatively if the device is on your own network you could wireshark it using a computer and monitor IP addresses that the device attempts to connect to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is helpful but not perfect. There's a bunch of ways to stealthily exfiltrate data over a monitored network, and don't forget a malicious ROM might only do its dirty work over cell and not Wi-Fi for this very reason.
josephcsible said:
This is helpful but not perfect. There's a bunch of ways to stealthily exfiltrate data over a monitored network, and don't forget a malicious ROM might only do its dirty work over cell and not Wi-Fi for this very reason.
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Click to collapse
I agree with you it's not a perfect solution; this question is sort of like asking if you can trust someone who has a root account to your computer when you cannot see what they are doing, it's an incredibly disadvantaged situation from the start.
LyricalMagical said:
I agree with you it's not a perfect solution; this question is sort of like asking if you can trust someone who has a root account to your computer when you cannot see what they are doing, it's an incredibly disadvantaged situation from the start.
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I don't want to flash custom ROMs anymore! :crying:
It can be very dangerous! Or am I paranoid and I can trust xda developers?
Bach_J said:
I don't want to flash custom ROMs anymore! :crying:
It can be very dangerous! Or am I paranoid and I can trust xda developers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Remember, everything I've been saying is reasons not to flash a ROM unless you trust the dev. None of it is saying that devs aren't trustworthy. I don't know of a single instance when a well-respected XDA member's ROM turned out to be malicious.
josephcsible said:
Remember, everything I've been saying is reasons not to flash a ROM unless you trust the dev. None of it is saying that devs aren't trustworthy. I don't know of a single instance when a well-respected XDA member's ROM turned out to be malicious.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for clarifying that but the question comes once more: how to recognize a well-respected XDA member? With the number of thanks? It is obvious that if the smartphone you are interested in is not so famous, there will be few comments on custom ROMs, too. So, how to evaluate the reliability of a xda dev who is developing ROM for not-well-known devices?
Are ROMs in Original development Section trustworthy?
Bach_J said:
Thank you for clarifying that but the question comes once more: how to recognize a well-respected XDA member? With the number of thanks? It is obvious that if the smartphone you are interested in is not so famous, there will be few comments on custom ROMs, too. So, how to evaluate the reliability of a xda dev who is developing ROM for not-well-known devices?
Are ROMs in Original development Section trustworthy?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Number of thanks can hardly tell that a dev is reliable or not(in some cases it can), rather it's the quality of their work and their expertise on the related topics that could clarify their position a bit. the recognized contributors, recognized developers, recognized themers you should look at cause
these are given to a member after being checked and passed by moderaters here on XDA. So they are pretty much reliable guys. in cases where there are no recognized developers and hardly any comments. you will have to check and find out yourself
1. ask the dev if he has tested the ROM himself?
2. how did he compiled the ROM? is it a port or just a modified copy of another ROM or a build from source.
3. check the link of the download, if it's to some survey site or ask for a password, stay away from it.
4. if you trust the download link, then download scan with antivirus and unzip the file.
5. generally I look inside app if there are apps which I don't trust and I remove them, then check build.prop, init.d folders. basic things to look for is any references of some other website/ports in between codes. if you're more paranoid you can check bin folder as well and every other you want.
6.don't install the ROM simply Root and debloat.
billysam said:
Number of thanks can hardly tell that a dev is reliable or not(in some cases it can), rather it's the quality of their work and their expertise on the related topics that could clarify their position a bit. the recognized contributors, recognized developers, recognized themers you should look at cause
these are given to a member after being checked and passed by moderaters here on XDA. So they are pretty much reliable guys. in cases where there are no recognized developers and hardly any comments. you will have to check and find out yourself
1. ask the dev if he has tested the ROM himself?
2. how did he compiled the ROM? is it a port or just a modified copy of another ROM or a build from source.
3. check the link of the download, if it's to some survey site or ask for a password, stay away from it.
4. if you trust the download link, then download scan with antivirus and unzip the file.
5. generally I look inside app if there are apps which I don't trust and I remove them, then check build.prop, init.d folders. basic things to look for is any references of some other website/ports in between codes. if you're more paranoid you can check bin folder as well and every other you want.
6.don't install the ROM simply Root and debloat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the complete explanation!
billysam said:
Number of thanks can hardly tell that a dev is reliable or not(in some cases it can), rather it's the quality of their work and their expertise on the related topics that could clarify their position a bit. the recognized contributors, recognized developers, recognized themers you should look at cause
these are given to a member after being checked and passed by moderaters here on XDA. So they are pretty much reliable guys. in cases where there are no recognized developers and hardly any comments. you will have to check and find out yourself
1. ask the dev if he has tested the ROM himself?
2. how did he compiled the ROM? is it a port or just a modified copy of another ROM or a build from source.
3. check the link of the download, if it's to some survey site or ask for a password, stay away from it.
4. if you trust the download link, then download scan with antivirus and unzip the file.
5. generally I look inside app if there are apps which I don't trust and I remove them, then check build.prop, init.d folders. basic things to look for is any references of some other website/ports in between codes. if you're more paranoid you can check bin folder as well and every other you want.
6.don't install the ROM simply Root and debloat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've just unzipped ROM but I can't find what you said. I've only found build.prop and nothing else!
Here a screenshot:
Bach_J said:
I've just unzipped ROM but I can't find what you said. I've only found build.prop and nothing else!
Here a screenshot:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's because lollipop and marshmallow ROM files are further zipped into system.new.dat files which needs another method to extract, https:\\forum.xda-developers.com/android/help/extract-dat-marshmallow-lollipop-easily-t3334117
Just a small correction. When going to aosp you I ly are trusting yourself as you can inspect everything you add and remove what you don't.
Now to add to your paranoia. A custom rom could be made that allows all apps root permission without the users knowing. Add in a Key logger and have e it all headed without you ever knowing. This is common is xiaomi and other china based devices.
Heck there are a few key parts in the playstore with built in Key loggers.
Heck most of the go apps send all their data to China. Things like their Keylogger files, screen recording and device usage. But mind you it is all legal
Hello All,
I am trying to re-vive the Ubuntu Touch port for Galaxy S3. In which of the many areas of XDA this would be placed?
- Its no official or unofficial Android ROM
- its rather like Sailfish OS
How to name the thread correctly according to [ROM] etc flags?
BR Florian
Flohack said:
Hello All,
I am trying to re-vive the Ubuntu Touch port for Galaxy S3. In which of the many areas of XDA this would be placed?
- Its no official or unofficial Android ROM
- its rather like Sailfish OS
How to name the thread correctly according to [ROM] etc flags?
BR Florian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, that should be the least of your problems!
Option58 said:
Well, that should be the least of your problems!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The other problems I manage locally - but I want to start a discussion thread soon, since I am convinced to be able to push out a test build soon. I want to involve more people into this, thereby generating more possible solutions for problems.
In case you are interested, the phone boots already correctly, kernel is fine without errors, Android container starts also without errors. Ubuntu´s init/upstart is mounting all necessary partitions, and brings up most of the basic services. Currently stuck with GUI since mir/libhybris/unity8 cannot paint on framebuffer or hw composer
BR Florian
Flohack said:
The other problems I manage locally - but I want to start a discussion thread soon, since I am convinced to be able to push out a test build soon. I want to involve more people into this, thereby generating more possible solutions for problems.
In case you are interested, the phone boots already correctly, kernel is fine without errors, Android container starts also without errors. Ubuntu´s init/upstart is mounting all necessary partitions, and brings up most of the basic services. Currently stuck with GUI since mir/libhybris/unity8 cannot paint on framebuffer or hw composer
BR Florian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't own your device. But if that's the case...good luck :good: :fingers-crossed:
Flohack said:
The other problems I manage locally - but I want to start a discussion thread soon, since I am convinced to be able to push out a test build soon. I want to involve more people into this, thereby generating more possible solutions for problems.
In case you are interested, the phone boots already correctly, kernel is fine without errors, Android container starts also without errors. Ubuntu´s init/upstart is mounting all necessary partitions, and brings up most of the basic services. Currently stuck with GUI since mir/libhybris/unity8 cannot paint on framebuffer or hw composer
BR Florian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bro.. I own a s3 at&t.. And would love to help out on testing ROMs. This task of yours seems promising.
Meanwhile, I installed a Linux OS in my system of which am still trying to wrap my head around (If its of any help). So just call out anytime u need me.
holysaint1 said:
Bro.. I own a s3 at&t.. And would love to help out on testing ROMs. This task of yours seems promising.
Meanwhile, I installed a Linux OS in my system of which am still trying to wrap my head around (If its of any help). So just call out anytime u need me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
good to know. We just need to make sure AT&T version does not have too much difference from the international one. Can you dedicate it for testing? It does not need data to be wiped normally, since Ubuntu runs off a container in the data partition but you never know...
I am currently stuck with the GUI and tbh I have no idea when and how this will be resolved. Samsung has done a great job with their GPU and Exynos, but our libhybris part does not want to play with it nicely.
Keep you updated!
BR
Actually I use it as my DD but wouldn't mind testing a few ROMs for the gd of the comm.
Aiite then. Patiently waiting for the update.
I have the international version of S3 GT-i9300. It is currently without a working rom, so I need to find time to see if it will boot with an official rom flashed with odin, it currently has an old clockwork mod recovery installed and a lineage os rom that wont boot..
If I get it working again, then I could dedicate it to testing... I would love to have a phone that was pure linux with phone capabilities... then I would no longer need to use google's linux abomination known as android
Hi,
sorry to say but I stopped now every porting activity, since Canonical dropped Ubuntu Touch and we are struggling on all other frontlines to get the community together for continuing the OS.
There will be no new hardware ports in the near future, which I think will be up to 1 year or 2. By that time, also S-III etc are end of life, since its hard to support multiple generations of smartphones with different kernels properly. Im afraid we are too late...
Anyway, contact me if you want to help in other areas of Ubuntu Touch going UBports community
BR
Anyone can post link for ubuntu touch note 2 n7100 please?all links are dead
laharl_22 said:
Anyone can post link for ubuntu touch note 2 n7100 please?all links are dead
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same here ! I am also trying to find from so long, tried a lot but no luck !!
Please somebody post it
Hi there,
Florian from UBports. The active devices that we support can be found here: https://devices.ubports.com/#/ - that being said, you wont find the Note 2 there as an active device. What happened in the past I can´t say, but currently we have no ETA to work on new devices.
BR Florian
SM-G389F Marshmallow Port for SM-G388F
Hello Everyone,
So we all know that the SM-G389F has Marshmallow as it's OS,
But when we look on the side of the SM-G388F, we still have Lollipop as it's OS, So I decided to port the OS version of the SM-G389F to the SM-G388F while configuring it to be compatible with it's hardware! :laugh:
I might need some help....
But we can start by Converting the Firmware Download to a Zip for the Custom Recovery to flash it
(Link to Download)
Thanks for Tuning in,
I will keep you all Updated soon! :fingers-crossed:
Hello Everyone,
I've wasted plenty of time trying to extract the SM-G389F Marshmallow Firmware but it was all for nothing. So now I am asking you all who own this device to flash the ROM link above using odin (https://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/galaxy-xcover3/SM-G389F/BTU/download/G389FXXS1APK1/114774/) and then creating a backup via TWRP including the system.img and the boot.img and sending it to me via Dropbox, Google Drive...
Anyway I would like to forgive myself for failing to do this operation without owning the phone because of the md5 protection, but now I will be leaving this part in your hands
Thanks in Advice,
Diamond26
For all intents and purposes consider the two devices as completely separate/different. First of all the got completely different SoC's (not revisions but completely different brands of SoC's). I started try to compile LineageOS (my sources are up on github), but I was facing completely obscure or unheard of errors that where difficult to fix and the amount of free time I have has changed so I more or less have stopped doing that for the time being.
I will be writing up all the info I know off the device but that task has gotten away from me at the moment due to computer problems.
Matt07211 said:
For all intents and purposes consider the two devices as completely separate/different. First of all the got completely different SoC's (not revisions but completely different brands of SoC's). I started try to compile LineageOS (my sources are up on github), but I was facing completely obscure or unheard of errors that where difficult to fix and the amount of free time I have has changed so I more or less have stopped doing that for the time being.
I will be writing up all the info I know off the device but that task has gotten away from me at the moment due to computer problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for including yourself in this thread!
But may I ask which device do you own please?
Diamond26 said:
Thanks for including yourself in this thread!
But may I ask which device do you own please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well in currently typing it from my Samsung xCover3, with the Marvell SoC, so it's the SM-G388F
Matt07211 said:
Well in currently typing it from my Samsung xCover3, with the Marvell SoC, so it's the SM-G388F
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Click to collapse
Oh ok!
I was just eager to see if someone with a SM-G389F has come, maybe he could back up his 6.0 Stock ROM and maybe I could modify it.
That's why!
Diamond26 said:
Oh ok!
I was just eager to see if someone with a SM-G389F has come, maybe he could back up his 6.0 Stock ROM and maybe I could modify it.
That's why!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please re-read my initial post in this thread, it's not possible. Your dealing with two different types of SoC's, so what your proposing is not possible, compiling from stock Android sources is (if you can fix every compile error)
Matt07211 said:
Please re-read my initial post in this thread, it's not possible. Your dealing with two different types of SoC's, so what your proposing is not possible, compiling from stock Android sources is (if you can fix every compile error)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just want to mess around with the ROM, maybe I could modify something!
PixelBoot said:
I just want to mess around with the ROM, maybe I could modify something!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do what ever you want, you can still mess around a lot, you just can't transplant files from the value edition to the Normal edition.
There is some cool mods you can do if you modify system apks.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2799050
Is this thread still up?
Rrrrrrx404 said:
Is this thread still up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thinking about it...
I was thinking the same thing… I have an old Xcover, so i just wanted to try…
Did you succeed?
Hey,
over the last few weeks I've used my Christmas vacation to start working on the Z18 again. However since work is coming up again soon, I won't have that much time (and nerves) for working on this properly until the end of summer probably.
That's why I want to share my codebase with you, so maybe someone can pick up where I left off (and really, it's nothing big I did. I merely set up the device tree and made it compile more or less. It doesn't boot because of avb and I'm not aware of any way around that)
The device tree can be found here. It's still using a prebuilt kernel but I'll work on fixing the kernel source to a compileable state next.
If anyone wants to get involved, help or pick this up, feel free to do so. The community and I are always happy for help.
Explanations of what the next steps would be can be found below.
Again, do not install this unless you want to softbrick! It's not useable at all and will currently fail at boot verification!!
So what's next?
Fixing avb2.0: This isn't an easy task. How I understand, it either needs the official keys or I failed at signing the build with test keys from LineageOS. Either way this is the first step and top priority so the device boots again at least
EDIT: It seems that https://github.com/rockchip-linux/tools/tree/master/linux/Linux_SecurityAVB might be of some use (given that youyim123, the guy who also did the TWRP for Z18 starred this project). However I don't speak Chinese and putting my device in the hands of Google Translate is risky.. so anyone willing to translate, I'm open for DMs or anything
EDIT2: avb is working, so we can move on to breaking our system now (yay)
Hi, Its a long time i am waiting for a suitable rom to be installed in my Nubia Z18. Can you tell me when this rom can get out? Your effort is highly appreciated.
Zahidul Hasan said:
Hi, Its a long time i am waiting for a suitable rom to be installed in my Nubia Z18. Can you tell me when this rom can get out? Your effort is highly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry but I can't give you any ETA on this. I'm working on it in my little free time and I'm not even sure what I'm really doing with this. The source is all on the GitHub repo I linked in the OP though, so if you're hesitant and want to get a working ROM, just get involved. It's really not that hard, all it requires is time, patience and lots of googling for weird error messages and further features you want to implement.
You can mostly follow the guide here https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/bacon/build just replace the bacon command with nx606j-eng and you're good to go and build this yourself. Maybe you can figure out avb since I can't do it by myself, so any help is appreciated.
Dear Sir, Thank you so much for your reply. Last day i tried to push a TWRP from here TWRP installed, but failed to install any gaapps. although process said success.
curtisy said:
Sorry but I can't give you any ETA on this. I'm working on it in my little free time and I'm not even sure what I'm really doing with this. The source is all on the GitHub repo I linked in the OP though, so if you're hesitant and want to get a working ROM, just get involved. It's really not that hard, all it requires is time, patience and lots of googling for weird error messages and further features you want to implement.
You can mostly follow the guide here https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/bacon/build just replace the bacon command with nx606j-eng and you're good to go and build this yourself. Maybe you can figure out avb since I can't do it by myself, so any help is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Zahidul Hasan said:
Dear Sir, Thank you so much for your reply. Last day i tried to push a TWRP from here TWRP installed, but failed to install any gaapps. although process said success.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that thread, if most of the development threads on the Z18 so far, was made by me. I also mentioned in post #3 that flashing Gapps doesn't seem to be working and I was trying to ask the GApps team for help. I never got an answer though, so I stopped looking into this and instead focused my effort on providing a working Lineage build for everyone. The result of that is this thread here
Hey curtisy, are u building lineage OS forZ18 right now?
im chinese and can help to test this rom if need tester, I've a Z18 on hand rite now and still finding a solution to solve the "GAPP" problem
try to flash GAPP package but no luck!
hope the Lineage can release soon for testing~tks!
sky104hk said:
Hey curtisy, are u building lineage OS forZ18 right now?
im chinese and can help to test this rom if need tester, I've a Z18 on hand rite now and still finding a solution to solve the "GAPP" problem
try to flash GAPP package but no luck!
hope the Lineage can release soon for testing~tks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not building it right now. As I said, the project is pretty much on standby for anyone to take it where I left it but I'm still working on it sometimes and try to get it to work. The big issue is that the Z18 uses avb2 which I'm not sure how to bypass and which is also why the Lineage I built will not boot correctly. I don't want to seem rude saying this over and over again, but rather than testing, it would help if I had some more people to get involved. Just download the source and follow the instructions I mentioned in post#4. Progress will be much faster if there was a team behind this and not only one guy who doesn't know what he's doing most of the time. Also getting support in the Lineage IRC is tedious because I can't be online 24/7, so having some more people nag about avb2 there would also be of huge help.
And when there finally is something to test, not only will you be satisfied by your own achievement, but you can also be the initial tester since you built the ROM yourself.
PS: The Gapps issue is probably because of avb2 as well, however I'm not too sure about that
curtisy said:
I'm not building it right now. As I said, the project is pretty much on standby for anyone to take it where I left it but I'm still working on it sometimes and try to get it to work. The big issue is that the Z18 uses avb2 which I'm not sure how to bypass and which is also why the Lineage I built will not boot correctly. I don't want to seem rude saying this over and over again, but rather than testing, it would help if I had some more people to get involved. Just download the source and follow the instructions I mentioned in post#4. Progress will be much faster if there was a team behind this and not only one guy who doesn't know what he's doing most of the time. Also getting support in the Lineage IRC is tedious because I can't be online 24/7, so having some more people nag about avb2 there would also be of huge help.
And when there finally is something to test, not only will you be satisfied by your own achievement, but you can also be the initial tester since you built the ROM yourself.
PS: The Gapps issue is probably because of avb2 as well, however I'm not too sure about that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK I understand your situation, probably not as many ppl own this phone at all...there are many ppl doing developement in Oneplus 6 which I actually own that phone, the Z18 is actually my fd, therefore I cannot keep the phone long...just wonder if there have more ppl involve to this...the "avb2" I'll check to see if anyone on the net doing this, haha! the only solution is more developer involve to this phone!
sky104hk said:
OK I understand your situation, probably not as many ppl own this phone at all...there are many ppl doing developement in Oneplus 6 which I actually own that phone, the Z18 is actually my fd, therefore I cannot keep the phone long...just wonder if there have more ppl involve to this...the "avb2" I'll check to see if anyone on the net doing this, haha! the only solution is more developer involve to this phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As a quick update for everyone here as well because the discussion has somewhat shifted to the TWRP thread I worked around avb now. I also have a system.img but it's not working as of yet. If you want to get stuck in a boot loop, feel free to ask here and I'll attach the files in the OP for you to try and modify. Without building from source, there's probably not that much you can do though.
Hint: try booting phh-treble GSI first.
j1505243 said:
Hint: try booting phh-treble GSI first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Going to try that later but out of curiosity, isn't the reason this phone doesn't have google services out of the box that it wasn't certified by google? If so it's not treble compatible either right? Or am I missing something?
curtisy said:
Thanks! Going to try that later but out of curiosity, isn't the reason this phone doesn't have google services out of the box that it wasn't certified by google? If so it's not treble compatible either right? Or am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
An uncertified device can be freely Treble compatible, so it's really worth to try. Remember to join the Telegram chat of phh-treble if you happen to need some quicker response.
j1505243 said:
An uncertified device can be freely Treble compatible, so it's really worth to try. Remember to join the Telegram chat of phh-treble if you happen to need some quicker response.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome. Thank you for the heads up! Might be worth to invest some time in this again then.
j1505243 said:
Hint: try booting phh-treble GSI first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, I tried and I don't think it's working. I get stuck in a bootloop again which repeats every few seconds.
Since I got Lineage compiled, wouldn't it be a better idea to just get that working and be done with it?
Any help is much appreciated!
Hello curtisy, I wish you good luck with your work on the Nubia Z18. I'd love to help you, but unfortunately I have no skills at android developing. Anyway... in case you will get LineageOS to run, I'd be very happy to post an instruction for the installation on my website chinahandys.net. Liebe Grüße, Joscha
curtisy said:
Alright, I tried and I don't think it's working. I get stuck in a bootloop again which repeats every few seconds.
Since I got Lineage compiled, wouldn't it be a better idea to just get that working and be done with it?
Any help is much appreciated!
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Booting non-GSI will only be tougher :/ Capture deep level logs and inspect that. If you need help, join a phh-treble chat somewhere.
j1505243 said:
Booting non-GSI will only be tougher :/ Capture deep level logs and inspect that. If you need help, join a phh-treble chat somewhere.
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Yeah that's actually the same point I stopped at with Lineage. Got it to boot to the Nubia logo, captured logs and I can see some weird errors. But getting replies on IRC is a pain, especially if I can only be online for 2hrs a day. That's why I had hoped someone would pick this up but to no avail. Guess I'll have to look into it again and experiment.
Thanks for your help so far! If there's any more tips you want to share, I'm always open for them
furiousjay said:
Hello curtisy, I wish you good luck with your work on the Nubia Z18. I'd love to help you, but unfortunately I have no skills at android developing. Anyway... in case you will get LineageOS to run, I'd be very happy to post an instruction for the installation on my website chinahandys.net. Liebe Grüße, Joscha
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Hey, sure thing I actually know the site well and got the idea of getting a Z18 from your site. In case you know anyone that might be able to help with logs or anything, I'm always open for suggestions and help.
As a general rule of thumb, so far the process isn't exactly easy because it requires proprietary software. The issue is with boot verification, so to get around that, I rooted my phone with some Chinese Windows application (still trying to reverse that to get the actual keys..) then I could start flashing. The process is tedious though as every failure means reflashing the original rom as well as running the root tool again. I'll try to make it simpler and cross platform once the rom actually works. But it's still a long way to that point.
curtisy said:
Hey, sure thing I actually know the site well and got the idea of getting a Z18 from your site. In case you know anyone that might be able to help with logs or anything, I'm always open for suggestions and help.
As a general rule of thumb, so far the process isn't exactly easy because it requires proprietary software. The issue is with boot verification, so to get around that, I rooted my phone with some Chinese Windows application (still trying to reverse that to get the actual keys..) then I could start flashing. The process is tedious though as every failure means reflashing the original rom as well as running the root tool again. I'll try to make it simpler and cross platform once the rom actually works. But it's still a long way to that point.
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Unfortunately I personally don't know somebody who has the skills to support you. I have included a call for support for your project in our review.