Attn: Unix on Universal Guys - JASJAR, XDA Exec, MDA Pro General

I'm following your progress with fascination and I'm really looking forward to trying out Linux on my SPV m5000. However, as I guess you can imagine, the active thread is barely understandable for people who aren't as well versed in the fundamentals of Linux as you are.
Now please note, this isn't a demand or anything, I understand you're doing this in your own free time, and of your own free will. If it ever reaches a usable state for the averge Universal owner, awesome, if not, sad, but thats your decision.
Still: If you could spare the time and effort, how about setting up a page or even just a forum thread with an overview of how far you are, what already works, what is still a bit dodgy, what you're currently working on, etc? Maybe something similar to what the rockbox guys have done for their various porting projects to new players: i.e. http://www.rockbox.org/twiki/bin/view/Main/IaudioPort
That would be truely awesome.

Rapax said:
how about setting up a page or even just a forum thread with an overview of how far you are, what already works, what is still a bit dodgy, what you're currently working on, etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=UniversalProgress

Great, thanks!
That's perfect. I'll be checking it regularly. Thanks a bunch, and keep up the awesome work!

Related

Handroid; The android port to the Hermes

Handroid; Android on the Hermes.​
Hi all!
Ok, first off i'd just like to say i'm not as new here as I may seem - i've been stalking round these parts for 2/3 months now. Please don't flame me for that.
My only other post was on the discussion on a possible android port to the Hermes.
I liked this idea greatly, and so I decided to start the 'Handroid' project.
The idea is simple, a full port of android to the hermes. Nothing more, nothing less.
The port will be based on the linux port to the hermes as it would be foolish to let that port rust a little more while we start a new one.
We've all seen videos of android running on other pocketpc's so it's evidently possible.
But this is where I have to ask for your help. To get this port underway quickly and efficiently we need a team. And a team means that people like yourselves that feel they could help us out in some way. Help. Or even anyone you know who might have the skills required.
Handroid now has it's own wiki up Here.(That address is only a temporary one on my blog's webspace, handroid.org will be registered soon. Also, please for goodness sake don't flame because its a Work In Progress site. It will be looking much better soon.) I would love to hear from some of you soon on the wiki, or here.
Any help or even just a few points of input (or even failing that, simply encouragement) would be greatfully recieved. However, make no mistake, if this project is to suceed we need your help. I can't do this on my own.
I really hope to speak to some of you on the team soon.
Sam
Ok we will on touch!!!
Ok men if we could find anything usefull maybe pmed you must works... nice wiki...
BTW how can you do it? i have an account there too and i dont know where to start hahaha
*flames lick feet... i think*
Ok, so I take that's the first of many flames? Or was it genuine. Some how I doubt. *sigh*
Welcome !!!!
Hi,
i appreciate this attempt of getting some attention to port some alternative OS to hermes platform. Indeed it could be done and it would be in the spirit of GPL like the openmoko people did for there mobile devices.
In fact we urgently need some brave kernel hackers to push this forward, because the base of all that android stuff is a nice working kernel.
Please have a look at this thread to get an idea of the work that has been put into this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=273579
There's a lot of useful stuff
There are some barriers (arrrghh) and there are new devices drawing attention so the progress of linux port stucked a bit....
Anyway the winmob family is doing great work, so let's see how far we would come with this alternative!
Have fun,
scholbert
I am very interested and I hope I can be helpful (at least cheer leading). Though I don't know anything about the Hermes kernel, as a reverse engineer, I always hack my way out. I keep my eyes on your wiki.
Great!
Thanks for the anti-flames.... I think my feet didn't get burnt too much.
We ultimately need people with a specialism in linux driver/kernel development. However, as far as I can tell the kernel is pretty much functional, but I will check more closely later.
I'm also going to contact some developers of the other Android ports around and see if they have any advise.
Will report back soon,
Sam
Any new notice?
Anybody still working on this?

WM6.5/Bluetooth/Old IE

I didn't want to post this in the ROM Development forum because it doesn't apply to a specific ROM, but this is a question about them.
I am looking for a Windows Mobile 6.5 ROM that has Bluetooth and the OLD version of Pocket Internet Explorer. I really only use IE to stream MLB games, and the new IE is INCREDIBLY slow for that task. I use Opera Mini for everything else, but MLB requires IE. And I listen to the games through Bluetooth stereo headphones, so I need that too.
FingerMe Titanium's Lite version almost has it. There's a version with the old PIE but no Bluetooth, and a version with Bluetooth but the new PIE. I've looked around at all the ROMs in the Development forum but I haven't found a stripped-down one that has the specific combination I'm looking for: WM6.5, Bluetooth and old PIE.
I know a lot of people that read this are going to say, "Use a kitchen and build one yourself". Believe me, I've tried. I played with SuperJustKitchen and got close, but I think I just lack the required cooking skills necessary to produce exactly what I want in a ROM. About eighty failed recipes have convinced me of this.
Anyway, if someone out there can point me in the right direction that would be great. Thanks a lot.
I have to admit my first instinct was to jump your case for posting this. Technically it is a ROM development question, general though it is, and should be in that forum. No worries though, you did have some forethought on the matter instead of blindly posting wherever, so you get +1 for that.
However, you didn't look too hard lol, because illconcepts StripTease: Lots to Love edition is what you are looking for, and it has been around for a while now.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=546195
tonyc0642 said:
I have to admit my first instinct was to jump your case for posting this. Technically it is a ROM development question, general though it is, and should be in that forum. No worries though, you did have some forethought on the matter instead of blindly posting wherever, so you get +1 for that.
However, you didn't look too hard lol, because illconcepts StripTease: Lots to Love edition is what you are looking for, and it has been around for a while now.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=546195
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, yeah, that is perfect. Thank you for the lead. I guess I stopped reading at the first version of that one when I didn't see what I was looking for. Oops. Looks like Black and Blue might work too.
I posted in the main forum because it looks like most of the posts in the development forum are for specific ROMs, and I didn't want to start a new thread that didn't involve one of those specifically. Turns out I didn't even need to post a question at all, just not be so lazy.
Thanks again.
lennyjaxn said:
Wow, yeah, that is perfect. Thank you for the lead. I guess I stopped reading at the first version of that one when I didn't see what I was looking for. Oops. Looks like Black and Blue might work too.
I posted in the main forum because it looks like most of the posts in the development forum are for specific ROMs, and I didn't want to start a new thread that didn't involve one of those specifically. Turns out I didn't even need to post a question at all, just not be so lazy.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol it's all good. illconcepts updates that thread periodically, so it may not have been there the first time you looked, although he hasn't edited the thread in a couple weeks. Glad I could help.

ROM-Dev madness!

Foreword: I mean this in the most constructive way possible. While I'm not a <android> developer, it occurs to me that with the wealth of Android ROM-devs and an excellent base of testers (like myself, an unexcellent but present tester), there has to be a better way.
I love XDA-Dev as a resource, and it's been a godsend since I got my MT3G. I've had the opportunity to use some very well done builds which have been time-invested by their developers. I've learned a lot about my device, and am beginning to understand Android as a platform. Here's the beef:
Some ROM-posts are 1000+ pages long. While I could read all 1000+ pages if warranted, it's simply inefficient. What information am I after? I want to know:
Does it work on my phone?
What's the latest version?
Where's it at?
Are there any specific bugs on my phone with this build?
Who else is using this build, and what hardware are they using?
What bugs are being worked on?
What workarounds are applicable to this build?
What bugs are open and need community feedback?
etc...
Is there some sort of bug-tracking setup that could be used to facilitate this? I don't mean or intend to steer *anything* away from XDA-Developers, per se, but this current forum method doesn't seem very conducive to making forward progress.
<shrug> I know, I know, I'm a noob around here and should just work with the herd. I've seen other comments touching on some of these issues, so I thought I'd throw it out there. I apologize if it's been brought up before and shot down.
Hey, what about this? I was looking for a semi-authoritative list of Android ROMs that matched what I outlined above and came across it.
If I had the resources I'd volunteer time/materials to help the cause in that light, but being the schmuck I am (ya' know, working full time and school part time), I can't offer anything substantive. So while this might sound like a gripe, maybe it will compel someone else to make some magic happen. That, or have my account disabled
Any thoughts?
I understand where you are coming from.. but I don't find it that hard to find the rom and information I am after.. all it takes is a little time..
Why not help out by adding to the wiki?
I dont see how this has to do with development, you are just as guilty as the people you speak of.
xyzulu said:
I understand where you are coming from.. but I don't find it that hard to find the rom and information I am after.. all it takes is a little time..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hear ya, it's just not a very concise method and I'm sure you've seen "what's the best build" & "will this ROM work on my phone" and "hey are there any issues with this build", etc...
xyzulu said:
Why not help out by adding to the wiki?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've thought about it, and went as far as the edit screen a few times. Then it's like "aww crap, here goes a few hours...". Back to homework
Jrbourque said:
I dont see how this has to do with development, you are just as guilty as the people you speak of.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it has everything to do with development, advancement of the builds flying around here, and support of the folks that put their time into it.
Maybe you misinterpreted what I was saying, but I surely wasn't trying to assign guilt to anyone. Things are the way they are because they got that way - doesn't make it right, 'doesn't make it wrong. I just thought maybe there's a better way to support the community.
It's all good.
Jrbourque said:
I dont see how this has to do with development, you are just as guilty as the people you speak of.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's this kind of attitude that is putting a lot of people off. The OP has made some very good and valid points and deserves at least a response to the points he has made, not just a one sentence put down.

want to learn how to do stuff

so i would like to learn how to do things for my phone and possibly help with the dev community. but i know practically nothing about linux or how to do anything useful. i am looking for links or other useful information to help me get started. i have lots of time on my hands and learn pretty quick. i assume i would start with the sdk (would i use the 1.5 one since thats what our phones are currently running on, or is the 2.0 out yet? and would i try from there), but other than that have no idea what else would be useful.
so.... yeah. helpful link to good info or any good e books, or anything like that that will get me going. thanks in advance
i would use the newest SDK, 2.0.1, and make sure that it will function on the emulators for both 1.5 and 2.0.1, frankly if you arent already proficient with linux or java, this wont be a easy thing to get into. However I WILL point out how threads like this are terribly pointless... you arent helping anyone out, and frankly you're asking for information that is quite available.
thanks for nothing. other than making me feel stupid.
Some help, maybe.
ix3u said:
thanks for nothing. other than making me feel stupid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been spending quite a bit of time on the threads here, I too am in search of more information specific to the android. I don't know that I'll ever be able to contribute too much to the devs, but at least I can understand my phone better, and help out with answering questions on the forums.
I would think that starting with something like creating a theme would be a good place to start, and would get you a little more familiar with the ways of android. Then I would move up into other things, and before you know it you will be much more proficient. It's all about starting somewhere. (and having a good backup)
Here's some posts / links that I have collected that i thought might aid me when i create some time to start the same endeavor...
* Ratcom's guide to creating Theme's
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=574167
* An Android Developers Guide (with tutorials, and tons of info)
http://developer.android.com/guide/index.html
* How-to's regarding android application development:
http://www.brighthub.com/mobile/google-android/topics/guides.aspx
* Tutorials and exercises
http://blogoscoped.com/archive/2007-11-19-n27.html
I haven't looked at most of those, but hopefully they will be a good start. I look forward to the day when I start looking at them too.
Hopefully that's helpful, it's all I can offer.
Good luck, and godspeed
-AndyS-
thanks., that is more like what i was looking for
jmhalder said:
i would use the newest SDK, 2.0.1, and make sure that it will function on the emulators for both 1.5 and 2.0.1, frankly if you arent already proficient with linux or java, this wont be a easy thing to get into. However I WILL point out how threads like this are terribly pointless... you arent helping anyone out, and frankly you're asking for information that is quite available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm. So much for helping someone out who at least has the desire to learn and grow to be more. Communist much? or just a Liberal Democrat? I applaud him for trying. Who knows more about where to get the information other than XDA? Hell a google search on this stuff turns up mostly useless garbage anyways. Why spend hours digging it up when someone else may know a good resource.
Lets refrain from flames/rebuttals please.
I have a few FAQ's and tutorials on my site. Also checking things like my release notes and mind map (linked in v1.0 release) will help. There aren't any full on tutorials but it's just a good place for general info.
Check my sig.
As flipz stated, there's no good centralized place for organized information. The best advice is truly to search this site, and search with google. It's an uphill battle getting that base of knowledge built up to get you going. I know, I'm still working my way up the hill. I thought about putting a site together to organize and share information but that would take away too much from what little time I have to spend on rom developement.
I doub't that is really the answer you were hoping to get but unfortunately thats the grim reality of things. Perhaps someone with a lot more free time than I, will put together a site of their own and compile and organize all kinds of good information in a central place. It would truly be a boon to the android community.
obelisk79 said:
As flipz stated, there's no good centralized place for organized information. The best advice is truly to search this site, and search with google. It's an uphill battle getting that base of knowledge built up to get you going. I know, I'm still working my way up the hill. I thought about putting a site together to organize and share information but that would take away too much from what little time I have to spend on rom developement.
I doub't that is really the answer you were hoping to get but unfortunately thats the grim reality of things. Perhaps someone with a lot more free time than I, will put together a site of their own and compile and organize all kinds of good information in a central place. It would truly be a boon to the android community.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd be happy to bring some writers on to my site or to host some tutorials or anything that others have written. My job offers me a lot of flexibility and free time, however like you I am spending all of it developing right now. This kitchen is kicking my butt.
Edit: We'll see if I get any hits. http://geekfor.me/news/wanted-writers-for-faq-tutorial-help/
I may be able to help. My freetime seems to come and go, but I’ve always been pretty good at making How-To’s.
What format would be best?
html,pdf,etc…
ix3u said:
so i would like to learn how to do things for my phone and possibly help with the dev community. but i know practically nothing about linux or how to do anything useful. i am looking for links or other useful information to help me get started. i have lots of time on my hands and learn pretty quick. i assume i would start with the sdk (would i use the 1.5 one since thats what our phones are currently running on, or is the 2.0 out yet? and would i try from there), but other than that have no idea what else would be useful.
so.... yeah. helpful link to good info or any good e books, or anything like that that will get me going. thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good thread, thanks for starting it.
I'm in a pretty similar spot. 2 weeks ago I had zero exposure to or knowledge about Android or Linux. I'm proficient with Windows. In the last 2 weeks I've rooted, flashed RA 123, 151 & then 152. I backed up, ran an optimizer .zip file, restored, flashed fresh 1.0 and learned some very cool stuff. I'm comfortable in the terminal but I'm getting to where I'm not sure what I should or want to learn next. Also, although I've done these things easily half of it was just copying instructions from one of the fantastically helpful posts on this forum. Before I learn what to do next I'd like to understand the system better. I checked out wiki and ended up bookmarking a page that explains kernal computing, and a few others, lots of reading ahead
As a noob I have tried to learn without getting in the way too much. I'm glad you admitted your noobness and asked for some direction, you're not the only one who could use it!
obelisk79 said:
As flipz stated, there's no good centralized place for organized information. The best advice is truly to search this site, and search with google. It's an uphill battle getting that base of knowledge built up to get you going. I know, I'm still working my way up the hill. I thought about putting a site together to organize and share information but that would take away too much from what little time I have to spend on rom developement.
I doub't that is really the answer you were hoping to get but unfortunately thats the grim reality of things. Perhaps someone with a lot more free time than I, will put together a site of their own and compile and organize all kinds of good information in a central place. It would truly be a boon to the android community.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like what the original replyee said but said much more tact.
I'm hoping that was a compliment in a round about way.
THIS is an amazing resource. I've stopped in there before but wasn't ready to poke around too much.
I'll see you guys/gals in the spring!
I'd like to offer some insight, but there's really not much more I could add than what's already stated and linked above. Everything you need to know can be found (usually) easily on the android developer site, or in a google search. The hard part is putting those pieces together to know what needs to be done in order to accomplish what. That's not an easy task: check out cyanogen's github projects (http://github.com/cyanogen). He's made modifications to the kernel, Android applications, core frameworks, configurations, recovery images, packaged resources/images, and more. It's not just one piece that goes into these builds.
Most of what you see around here (and this is certainly not to take away from all the great work I'm referring to, because this is just as important as everything else), are people modifying what was already done somewhere else, and making it work for their own phone. And really that's all it takes to move progress forward.
You don't have to be a linux whiz or a Java programmer to be able to make progress with your phone- you just need to understand how each particular piece works in order to make progress on that piece. If you want to make a theme, you need to know what jar or apk files contain the resources, and how to replace those images and styles. If you want to add support for the camera you need to know what linux driver it should use, and how Android expects to interact with that driver. Same for supporting accelerometer sensors, etc.
There's no definitive checklist of things you have to know before you can help development, it just depends on what what you want to help with, and your willingness to research how that particular piece works and what it would take to make the necessary changes.
maejrep,
Informative and encouraging. Thanks!

[Q] Need help developing!!!

To answer the question that everyone is thinking as they click on this thread... Yes, I am a noob.
Anyway, I downloaded the Android Kitchen and installed it on a Linux Ubuntu Virtual Machine on my Macbook using VMWare Fusion and i watched a video from theunlockr, but all it really let me do was add in apps, change the rom name and give it a few features but no visual customizations... If i posted a link of the "My ROM" no one would be able to tell a difference in the rom i planned on starting from.
Let me know if there is a different way to create that is actually making ROMs or customizing the ROM in it's entirety instead of small unnoticeable features, let me know if I'm just doing something wrong in my Android Kitchen and let me know if theres an easy way to develop ROMs on Mac without Virtual Machines. (The last one isn't a big worry because linux is very lightweight and runs fine on my computer but please help me on the other two questions)
Thanks in advance,
Adam Ferguson
Welcome Adam.
There's a lot going on in this little phones. It takes time to learn, and you'll probably never learn it all. (But don't let that stop you from trying. It is interesting and geeky fun.) So, I would start reading if you really want to learn. Here's a few links to get you started.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=886641
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=815265
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=723319
(I guess it's easier for me to find my posts, but others have posted some good stuff too.)
Also, I'd read some similar posts in this forum --> http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=613
This same question has been asked a lot in there.
Thanks for the info, I would really like to get into developing.
I also noticed you live in raleigh and thought it was quite a coincidence because in like about an hour from you in Winston Salem, just saying.
AdamFerg said:
Thanks for the info, I would really like to get into developing.
I also noticed you live in raleigh and thought it was quite a coincidence because in like about an hour from you in Winston Salem, just saying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've bounced between Asheville, Raleigh, and Gastonia... So, I've been through WS several hundred times at least. NC is the place to be. (At least that's what the imports from NY, NJ, PA, etc. tell me.

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