BACKGROUND: im pretty new to the android scene. as soon as i was starting to get the hang of WM 6 i decided to see what the android hype was all about. i read several reviews comparing the Dx and DInc and decided imo the Dx was better and my first choice. well 3wks ago i got a great deal on DInc that was already rooted and running 2.2. I played around with it a little while and havent had much time to research it. 2 days ago i got a good deal on a Dx, which was my first choice anyway. its unrooted and running 2.1 (unsure of updates). for the last 2 days ive spent several hours reading up on rooting and 2.2. so far ive found the droid x guide pdf (posted here a few days ago) to be the most informative and best at giving sequential step by step instructions but it hasnt quite answered everything for me....
THE QUESTIONS:
1. probably a dumb question. I havent activated my X yet, is it possible to root or upgrade to 2.2 while the device isnt activated? i havent seen anyone even touch on this subject but im assuming its not possible since i cant even get past the activate screen to change usb modes, activate debugging, or toggle bt/wifi.
2. does it matter if i update to froyo or root first? is it easier if i do one or the other first or would it get the same results? in the mentioned Dx guide it says one click rooting "for 2.2" so my assumption this time is that id have to update to 2.2, and then root.
3. you can ignore this question if youd like cuz i havent even checked into yet but do any of have any suggestions on which ROM/2.2 version/kernals (unsure of real definitions and terminology) would be best for a regular person just looking for stability and to get a little performance boost and remove some bloatware? i know its personal prefrence and probably in 5000 threads already but thought id go ahead and ask since ive already asked the other questions and it would save me lots of time researching. Thanks!
i know i probably answered my own questions but id like to be sure before i start the process. this is my first post and im pretty sure im gonna be bashed for being a noob and will probably be told to use the search function or google it but i have lol. im on several forums and know how the process works. thanks to all of you brainiacs on here for all the help you provide to us not so well educated guys ;-)
Thanks in advance,
Dan
trkin said:
BACKGROUND: im pretty new to the android scene. as soon as i was starting to get the hang of WM 6 i decided to see what the android hype was all about. i read several reviews comparing the Dx and DInc and decided imo the Dx was better and my first choice. well 3wks ago i got a great deal on DInc that was already rooted and running 2.2. I played around with it a little while and havent had much time to research it. 2 days ago i got a good deal on a Dx, which was my first choice anyway. its unrooted and running 2.1 (unsure of updates). for the last 2 days ive spent several hours reading up on rooting and 2.2. so far ive found the droid x guide pdf (posted here a few days ago) to be the most informative and best at giving sequential step by step instructions but it hasnt quite answered everything for me....
THE QUESTIONS:
1. probably a dumb question. I havent activated my X yet, is it possible to root or upgrade to 2.2 while the device isnt activated? i havent seen anyone even touch on this subject but im assuming its not possible since i cant even get past the activate screen to change usb modes, activate debugging, or toggle bt/wifi.
2. does it matter if i update to froyo or root first? is it easier if i do one or the other first or would it get the same results? in the mentioned Dx guide it says one click rooting "for 2.2" so my assumption this time is that id have to update to 2.2, and then root.
3. you can ignore this question if youd like cuz i havent even checked into yet but do any of have any suggestions on which ROM/2.2 version/kernals (unsure of real definitions and terminology) would be best for a regular person just looking for stability and to get a little performance boost and remove some bloatware? i know its personal prefrence and probably in 5000 threads already but thought id go ahead and ask since ive already asked the other questions and it would save me lots of time researching. Thanks!
i know i probably answered my own questions but id like to be sure before i start the process. this is my first post and im pretty sure im gonna be bashed for being a noob and will probably be told to use the search function or google it but i have lol. im on several forums and know how the process works. thanks to all of you brainiacs on here for all the help you provide to us not so well educated guys ;-)
Thanks in advance,
Dan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. If you want to get past the first screen touch the 4 corners of the screen in succession starting with top left, top right, bottom right, bottom left (so I have read). If you wanted 2.2 you could use the freshly leaked 2.2 SBF and a program called RSDLite 4.8 (i think is the latest version). I have never performed the SBF before- so I can't say - some say it is a breeze, for others it was a nightmare.
you would search for...
VRZ_MB810_2.3.15_1FF_01
that is the 2.2 SBF
2. If you do want to update and sbf is the only way (once you get the phone activated you would not need to use this rsdlite sbf method. You can just download the update through the system) then root it after you get 2.2
3. As far as roms go- I love rubix1! Awesome. No problems (for me). only thing I had to do was "patch up" the camera to use 8mp. Not hard though. It is a radical departure from the normal x though. you may not like it. If you just want fast and stable stay with the stock set up. People that complain about blur are crazy heads- a lot of useful stuff in blur.
And of coarse - if you do any of this and totally screw up your phone - sorry. Don't take my word for it. Read around and get some confirmation b4 you do anything.
Hey thanks for the tips, advice, and opinions. That's exactly what I was hoping for although I'm not sure I understand what you mean by "if sbf is the only way..... I won't have to use rsdlite sbf..." . I guess ill go ahead and activate tomorrow, try updating through system, and root last. I was just trying to avoid possibly losing my ability to tether temporarily if rooting didn't go as planned because I have no other source for internet. Which reminds me, do I have to get a different tether app afterwards or is it safe using the preinstalled WiFi hotspot or similar preexisting app?
I've read several places that its important to copy a certain file first encase it gets stuck in boot loop. Which file and what directory Is it in? Will I need to get a file explorer app first to get to it? I'm uses to winmo devices that already have a file manager but I know with my Dinc the first thing I was told to do is get astro.
Rooting won't be a problem. Just activate and take whatever updates come your way. Check into the Koush recovery and ROM manager for backups before you play with any ROMs or themes, if you decide to go that way. Titanium Backup and Root Explorer are also essentials in my book.
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
Awesome! I activated that next day, updated to official 2.2 and Rooting is simple. Now im wondering why everyone made it sound like brain surgery lol. The hardest and most time consuming step for me was figuring out how to switch usb mode to mass storage. In windows mobile its in settings, android hid it pretty good and hid it right out in the open lol.
After some searching online to find out how to switch usb modes I found the universal super1click method and the page had a link to a youtube video. After watching that video I felt stupid. Before hand I felt like a bomb technician diffusing his first bomb. Even being a noob I rooted my DX within 6-7min after watching it. And most of that time was spent waiting for my laptop to boot up and then download the file. To all you noobs worried about rooting, have confidence, do a search for android super one click root. I think the download was here on xda but I don't think that the page with the video link was on here. From what I understand it work for most android phones. If you are familiar with unzipping a zip file this is a breeze. I am in no way associated with the creators, unfortunately I don't remember their names to give them any credit,this was just my experience.
Now that I've completed the rooting can someone fill me in on tethering? All I need to know is if I can use the tethering and hot spot apps that came on my DX Or do I have to download a different 1? Which 1 are you using And why?
Thanks again for those of you Who contributed to this thread. Next of it looking into those backup methods. If any first timers would like me to walk you through the process I used then shoot me a pm. I'll be happy to help you just like everybody was happy to help me.
OH YEAH! does anybody know of an app or hack to make my screen dimmer? I've got it set as dim as it gets. I work nights mostly in dark places and my screen is so bright it really messes with my night vision.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
As far as the tethering goes im not sure but I believe you can use the one on the phone ....for the screen dimmer you have a power contol widget built in the phone or you can download an app called power control plus ...the app let's you place a widget for each individual control you like whereas the one that comes stock on the phone you are forced to use the whole control panel ..also you may want to look into beautiful widgets its in the market and has a ton of widgets ...hope this helps you!
now that you are rooted (simple wasnt it!) you can use barnicle (available in the market) or "code.google.com/p/android-wifi-tether/downloads/detail?name=wireless_tether_2_0_5-pre11.apk&can=2&q=" (remove the quotes) -wireless_tether_2_0_5-pre11.apk - I use both and both are hit an miss with devices.. for example, another handheld device wont see it, but my laptop which runs Intel proset wireless sees it..
I am in the same boat as you.. rooting was simple, now I am trying to understand backup's and custom roms.. with blackberry it was easy - with droid there is so much more that can be done, but there is more to learn.
good luck
jim
Gmenfan83, I found a decent screen dimmer in the market right after I made that post.I don't know why I hadnt checked the market before. I guess I had assumed that nobody in their right mind would want their screen even darker thant the manufacturers lowest setting lol. I've already been using the power control widget on the phone but I've found out its only lets you go as low as 15 percent and need it to get way lower. At the same time I really don't want all of the clutter from the advanced widgets with all the options since power control works fine for everything else. I was just looking for something very basic. I did learn something from reading about all of them though. If you use an app to set lower than the systems predetermined lowest setting of 15 percent it will go back to 15 percent when you close the app. So in order to maintain the setting you must leave the dimmer program running in the background. Dimmer, the app I am using now Is almost perfect. You make a shortcut for it and when you click the light bulb it auto dims to ten percent. when you click it again it goes right back to your previous setting even if its set to automatic. The only way it could be improved for my needs would be if you could adjust the value because 10 percent is still too bright. I need it at about 3 percent lmao.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Awesome app. I tried barnicle yesterday and only had one instance in 3hrs where my connection slowed and stopped. I just stopped and started tether again and it was fine.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
I got titanium backup pro and wow its really useful! I had forgotten to do a factory reset after froyo and rooting and wasexperiencing a few fc, errors and stalled sometimes. I used titanium to back up all my apps sys files and settings. After I did the reset and restored, I used titanium to freeze bloatware. It seems smoother now but got another error last night. 1 other thing, a few of my settings didn't stick when i restored and im wondering if maybe I havent corrected them all because now I have a new sync-like sys icon that is always on my taskbar and it wasn't there before. It doesn't ever do the spin animation and it wont go away. Other threads have said that means background networking enabled but I've changed it and the icons still there. What else could it be?
What should I learn about next? Lol.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Can anyone shed a little light on launchers? what are the differences, pros and cons, of adw and launcher pro?
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Related
Hi guys,
Im new to the Android scene, and thats because of the N1 got my nexus on order and should arrive shorty in the following week. Been reading the threads here over the last week or so, but alot of things aren't quite clear to me. Especially because im a Android noobie (previous WinMo )
Anyways reading about the Unlocking bootloader and Rooting the device seems pretty straight forward. I understand the consequences of each part and thus appears to be pretty easily done.
The things that i am unclear about are the addon packs and the things it comes bundled with?
- What are the current benefits from flashing these "addon" packs?
- They aren't ROM's just kind of expansion packs right? so no lost data after?
- Wtf is adb? lol i keep seeing it but no idea what it is, thus confusing for noobies like me.
- In cyanogens thread here it says backup using Nandroid, and when i find Nandroid in google i get this. But it says for G1? will it still work fine?
Thankyou for any answers as I believe you will help me to NOT mess up my new phone. I'm sure alot of other people would be thankful for your answers.
Thankyou again!
Hello,
First off welcome to Android, second, get the fire suit on for the "wrong forum" flames.
What are the current benefits from flashing these "addon" packs?
Not a *ton* but there is Tether and other goodies that you can start using.
- They aren't ROM's just kind of expansion packs right? so no lost data after?
Yes to 1st, and there will be lost data when you unlock the bootloader.. if you unocked the bootloader, and then used the phone for a week or so, THEN flashed this addon pack, then no data loss.- Wtf is adb? lol i keep seeing it but no idea what it is, thus confusing for noobies like me.
Android Debug Bridge... its used for debugging. lol....- In cyanogens thread here it says backup using Nandroid, and when i find Nandroid in google i get this. But it says for G1? will it still work fine?
No, the Nandroid backup will be an option AFTER you unlock the BL and install Amon_RA's Recovery image..
Good luck man!!
thanks for the reply.
I'm trying to gather as much as i can before i get the phone in my hands. Maybe because i want to start right away when i get hold of the phone lol You have enlightened me on many points.
I was just wondering also,
I've read about apps such as Nexus Torch and SetCPU which require rooting. Are these apps aquired simply after I unlock + root from the market place? because i read about reinstall su and similar.
Sorry for the noobiness, as i've mentioned im a android beginner and not too familiar with the terms used.
I just want to install some cool apps and convert those iphone users......(my gf )
No they're not required. Rooting is really only for the hardcore phone nerd (which is probably why you're on this site!) I personally am holding off on rooting my N1 until it's fully understood on if it can be re-locked etc. If this is your first Android phone I would recommend doing some reading around on the G1 forum and understand the full capabilities of rooting your device and some neat apps.
**edit
mis-read what you said. Those apps can be obtained from the "Makin Bacon" add on somewhere on this forum. Cyanogen posted it up.
SystmDcln said:
No they're not required. Rooting is really only for the hardcore phone nerd (which is probably why you're on this site!) I personally am holding off on rooting my N1 until it's fully understood on if it can be re-locked etc. If this is your first Android phone I would recommend doing some reading around on the G1 forum and understand the full capabilities of rooting your device and some neat apps.
**edit
mis-read what you said. Those apps can be obtained from the "Makin Bacon" add on somewhere on this forum. Cyanogen posted it up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm doing the same thing as this guy. I'm super hardcore about customization so I have no doubt that I'll root my phone eventually but not quite yet. Things are still a bit too new and right now there really aren't that many reasons to root (outside of tethering support IMO). If you can live without tethering for a month, then you should wait to root.
welcome
addon packs do a few things to your phone. the biggest things, i think, are the busybox and the dropbear installations, and the tethering apps. some modders also like to "optimize" android too. whether or not it actually works, i can't personally tell, but i take their word for it.
busybox will allow you to run some common linux commands on your android (with a terminal app i guess...) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BusyBox
dropbear is an ssh server so that you can access the command line (and push files to your android) from your computer
tethering means share your cell connection with a computer to give your computer internet. i've used it in many airports, and it's sweet.
like the other dude said, the initial root will require a data wipe, but not the addons. i'm not sure if it's true for EVERY rom (i think it is) but when you first install a whole rom a wipe is required, but when upgrading to a newer version of the same rom no wipe is required. if you like to keep your sms and mms's then it's good to have some of these linux tools so you can move and replace the sms and mms databases manually.
adb is android debugging bridge. it's a part of the android sdk (software development kit) that google gives out for free and is meant to develop apps. with it you can plug your phone into your comp via USB and run all sorts of commands on it from your computer. droidexplorer is basically a GUI for the adb commands, so with ADB you can do all that droidexplorer can do. http://de.codeplex.com/
nandroid is kind of like "system restore" for android. you need to root the phone, then flash Amon_RA's recovery thingy (in one of the threads). once you're in recovery, you can create a nandroid backup (kind of like an image of your current android phone) that you can restore later. then restoring it is as simple as going back into recovery and clicking "restore".
m00moo said:
Hi guys,
Im new to the Android scene, and thats because of the N1 got my nexus on order and should arrive shorty in the following week. Been reading the threads here over the last week or so, but alot of things aren't quite clear to me. Especially because im a Android noobie (previous WinMo )
Anyways reading about the Unlocking bootloader and Rooting the device seems pretty straight forward. I understand the consequences of each part and thus appears to be pretty easily done.
The things that i am unclear about are the addon packs and the things it comes bundled with?
- What are the current benefits from flashing these "addon" packs?
- They aren't ROM's just kind of expansion packs right? so no lost data after?
- Wtf is adb? lol i keep seeing it but no idea what it is, thus confusing for noobies like me.
- In cyanogens thread here it says backup using Nandroid, and when i find Nandroid in google i get this. But it says for G1? will it still work fine?
Thankyou for any answers as I believe you will help me to NOT mess up my new phone. I'm sure alot of other people would be thankful for your answers.
Thankyou again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow thanks vmuch for the kind replies!
i feel like i understand the previous things i've read around in the forum alot more now!
So the question to root or not root, rooting the device would prob be the option for me as:
1) dont really want to do a wipe after a week or two
2) want cool apps such as SetCUP/Nexus Torch
One thing im wondering is whats this about paid apps and rooted devices in the market? After rooting some people cannot see paid apps or something?
Once again thankyou for the kind kind replies and i hope some other noobies like me are learning
If I buy an app (I'm thinking of the Exchange Calendar sync app) and then end up rooting and installing another ROM (say the EU ROM if it has multitouch) will I be able to get my purchased apps working again - or do you have to rebuy them?
If you buy an app it'll always show as purchased on the marketplace so you can redownload it - all the ones I bought on my G1 were still available when I setup the N1 for example.
m00moo said:
wow thanks vmuch for the kind replies!
i feel like i understand the previous things i've read around in the forum alot more now!
So the question to root or not root, rooting the device would prob be the option for me as:
1) dont really want to do a wipe after a week or two
2) want cool apps such as SetCUP/Nexus Torch
One thing im wondering is whats this about paid apps and rooted devices in the market? After rooting some people cannot see paid apps or something?
Once again thankyou for the kind kind replies and i hope some other noobies like me are learning
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait to root. Right now it's still too unknown on the "ins and outs" of this phone. When I first started rooting on my G1 and MyTouch I wiped a lot while learning things about it. Research while you wait. An OTA is supposed to come out to fix some bugs, and nobody has released any ROMs anyways. And on paid apps, Google Checkout keeps a record of what you purchase, no matter how many times you wipe Market will always have them listed in the "Downloads" Tab as "Purchased" to re-download at no charge.
m00moo said:
wow thanks vmuch for the kind replies!
i feel like i understand the previous things i've read around in the forum alot more now!
So the question to root or not root, rooting the device would prob be the option for me as:
1) dont really want to do a wipe after a week or two
2) want cool apps such as SetCUP/Nexus Torch
One thing im wondering is whats this about paid apps and rooted devices in the market? After rooting some people cannot see paid apps or something?
Once again thankyou for the kind kind replies and i hope some other noobies like me are learning
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that happened to me. i think it has to do with the fact that i rooted and turned on my phone before i even put my simcard in. i opened the market and couldn't see "top paid apps" (though i could still search for apps and paid ones would show up). after i turned it off, then put my sim card in and turned it back on, no dice, still no top paid apps.
i reflashed nexusone-superboot-1.1.img with my sim card in this time (can't remember if i wiped. i think it required a wipe) and i turned it on with my sim and voila. paid apps. so it's definitely fixable if you run into that problem.
thanks again for the replies
Im pretty up for rooting upon recieving my handset which should be by wednesday the latest (no engraving), as i ordered on friday 8th. But being the first time im quite scared to do so lol especially on a brand new phone.
But as SystmDcIn said theres too much we don't know as of yet and slowly things are becoming more and more developed as we speak.
The main issue for me is using the phone 2 weeks in and then wiping it clean hopefully somebody will make some cool ROMS soon which include the "addons and goodies" so the process is made way more simple.
Thanks again guys! Well appreciated!
I would also agree with waiting to root. I dont see the benefits of SetCPU for the N1, cuz its already at 1ghz, if it was underclocked i would understand.
Orangeandblue302 said:
I would also agree with waiting to root. I dont see the benefits of SetCPU for the N1, cuz its already at 1ghz, if it was underclocked i would understand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use SetCPU to underclock the device in sleep mode.
I also underclock when I am not going to be using it for long periods.
Saves battery life.
true true, didnt think of it like that. most people want to overclock, i shouldnt assume. you know what happens when you assume lol.
It is a bit of a travesty to do it to this device. Its like putting a Beetle engine in a Porsche.
I can't always be near a charger, and until I can get a bigger battery that will give me more than seven hours, this is the solution.
this being my first android device i have spent hours on end on theses boards and on wiki's learning as much as i can about the phone and the platform... many of these basic questions that he asked i also had not 24 hours ago haha...
that being said, i think a lot of people are moving over to android so what if a thread got started that would answer basic questions that typically ever new user is going to have? ive yet to find a straight forward answer for half of the crap i have tried to find out and having it all in 1 place would be quite beneficial for people switching over... this could be moderated highly to keep it clean and in order?
a nice, straightforward, helpful community would be a nice touch to overtake some iphone shares
I see that you're from Hong Kong also- has your device shipped yet? I ordered mine on the 8th as well and it still shows not yet shipped. Was just wondering whether that's normal as most people state that the device shipped a day after ordering.
yamanote said:
I see that you're from Hong Kong also- has your device shipped yet? I ordered mine on the 8th as well and it still shows not yet shipped. Was just wondering whether that's normal as most people state that the device shipped a day after ordering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I am not really from Hong Kong lol I'm in fact from UK and Chinese. My Phone will be arriving early next week so whilst waiting, I am trying to learn as much as possible in case i damage my phone being a noob. lol
I agree with JHaste, i think due to the N1 and the upcoming HTC andoird devices. Alot of people will be moving over to Android in the coming 2-3 months. The questions i asked will be asked over and over and some kind of wiki,faq or android bible will be great. If anybody had the time and knowledge of basic rooting, unlocking and flashing could do such a thing it will be greatly appreciated
m00moo said:
thanks again for the replies
Im pretty up for rooting upon recieving my handset which should be by wednesday the latest (no engraving), as i ordered on friday 8th. But being the first time im quite scared to do so lol especially on a brand new phone.
But as SystmDcIn said theres too much we don't know as of yet and slowly things are becoming more and more developed as we speak.
The main issue for me is using the phone 2 weeks in and then wiping it clean hopefully somebody will make some cool ROMS soon which include the "addons and goodies" so the process is made way more simple.
Thanks again guys! Well appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think cyanogen's mod includes a backup app (titanium backup or somethin)...you'd be able to save all your data before you wiped it clean (but then you'd need the same backup app to restore it)
Hey all,
I posted this same thread on another forum but it's not as active as this one so I'm posting here for better results. Anyways, I did a hell of a lot of googling on all sorts of random things, and after hours and hours of trial and error just to get my damn Windows 7 to recognize the Hero, I was well on my way to rooting. After I had rooted my phone, I, by default, ended up going with the MoDaCo 2.0 ROM core update. I just recently downloaded the extension update, and basically I'm just kinda sitting here, thinking to myself, "Now what?" I guess my real question is, what exactly have I done? I understand that rooting the phone basically puts in a free-to-use-however-you-want sort of sense, and the custom ROM gives you better performance and more to offer than the factory Hero ROM, but seeing so many posts of all sorts of people doing this and that and the other thing on their phones, I feel like I'm missing out on the what-to-do-next memo. If anyone has any good advice for a new Android user to look forward and almost like a guide on Things You Should Do After You've Rooted and Installed MoDaCo 2.0, I'd appreciate it.
As for apps. I currently have, use, and enjoy these (any other recommendations?):
Ak Notepad
Astro File Manager
Spare Parts
TasKiller
Twidroid
Also looking for the consolidated power settings widget I see randomly everywhere. It's so bad ass looking and convenient but I can't seem to find it anywhere. I know Beautiful Widgets had it but HTC sent them a C&D so it got taken down.
Another thing. This stuff I read about being able to get apps that aren't normally in Market after you root, what's up with that? And which ones of these are must-haves?
Haha I apologize beforehand for this thread having so many questions but to consolidate it all to one question, what exactly should I do now that my phone is rooted and loaded with custom rom 2.0, and what are some must-haves and must-knows for a noob looking to eventually become a pro at this stuff?
I just rooted my phone a while ago
So far I've loaded fresh ROM 1.1
found some sweet themes to change stuff
I recommend you go to this website: www[.]geekfor.me (no .com) and check out the pre-kitchen v 0.2. it allows you to easily run command line stuff from a really really easy to use GUI
he's also got a few themes and stuff to download
the customization is about the most useful thing I've found from root. apparently there are some good tethering apps and stuff, but I've never really gotten them to work
Thanks I appreciate that. I'm gonna check some of that stuff out. Can anyone guide me in the direction of a good beginner's guide to ap2sd and do I need to install a radio update or something after I've installed the ROM? Or is that just for GSM? I'm having trouble finding a good collection of beginners guides on google for this stuff so I apologize if all my questions can be answered by other threads in this forum.
smackinisaiah said:
Hey all,
I posted this same thread on another forum but it's not as active as this one so I'm posting here for better results. Anyways, I did a hell of a lot of googling on all sorts of random things, and after hours and hours of trial and error just to get my damn Windows 7 to recognize the Hero, I was well on my way to rooting. After I had rooted my phone, I, by default, ended up going with the MoDaCo 2.0 ROM core update. I just recently downloaded the extension update, and basically I'm just kinda sitting here, thinking to myself, "Now what?" I guess my real question is, what exactly have I done? I understand that rooting the phone basically puts in a free-to-use-however-you-want sort of sense, and the custom ROM gives you better performance and more to offer than the factory Hero ROM, but seeing so many posts of all sorts of people doing this and that and the other thing on their phones, I feel like I'm missing out on the what-to-do-next memo. If anyone has any good advice for a new Android user to look forward and almost like a guide on Things You Should Do After You've Rooted and Installed MoDaCo 2.0, I'd appreciate it.
As for apps. I currently have, use, and enjoy these (any other recommendations?):
Ak Notepad
Astro File Manager
Spare Parts
TasKillerTwidroid
Also looking for the consolidated power settings widget I see randomly everywhere. It's so bad ass looking and convenient but I can't seem to find it anywhere. I know Beautiful Widgets had it but HTC sent them a C&D so it got taken down.
Another thing. This stuff I read about being able to get apps that aren't normally in Market after you root, what's up with that? And which ones of these are must-haves?
Haha I apologize beforehand for this thread having so many questions but to consolidate it all to one question, what exactly should I do now that my phone is rooted and loaded with custom rom 2.0, and what are some must-haves and must-knows for a noob looking to eventually become a pro at this stuff?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://geekfor.me/faq/you-shouldnt-be-using-a-task-killer-with-android/
First I would say read everyhting you can in this forum. I have learned a lot about my phone just by reading the treads.
second and I cant belive no one said this yet. DO NOT I repeat DO NOT do anything with the radio. as far as I know flashing the radio is the only way found so far to totally brick this phone.
apps2sd is automatic with modaco's rom as long as your sd card is partitioned for it.
must have apps are really something that is subjective. I just googled best android apps and got a ton of info to go through and found a few apps that I really wanted or thaat I just thought where cool.
good luck and happy moding
Hey guys,
Sorry for this "noob"ish post. I am new to the Fascinate after being with T-Mo for 2 years, which included a G1 (running CyanMod) and a Nexus One (which also ran CyanMod). I am just hoping one of you would mind giving me a quick 2 minute catch up on where things are now with the Fascinate, as there is way too much on these forums to realistically sift through. I have some basic questions...
1)I have noticed root is good and all that. I would assume rooting is all you need to get free wireless tethering? What program do you use to wireless tether once you are rooted?
2)I keep seeing something about "lagfix". What is that? My phone doesn't seem laggy, except for all the bloatware Verizon has put on it. So any info is appreciated.
3)I'm not crazy about the stock 2.1 ROM. Are there any good custom 2.2 ROMs yet? What is generally the best ROM for the Fascinate? On the Nexus, argue as much as you want, CyanMod was far and away the best ROM. But it seems like there is no CyanMod for Fascinates. So what are my best choices?
4)Is there anything else I should know moving to this phone?
I really appreciate anyone taking the time to answer these, as I know these types of threads are not the most popular thing on here. I want to get "in the know" with my new phone, but there is already so much on these forums, it's hard to tell what is still new and relevant and what is not. Thanks guys!
RayKinStL said:
Hey guys,
Sorry for this "noob"ish post. I am new to the Fascinate after being with T-Mo for 2 years, which included a G1 (running CyanMod) and a Nexus One (which also ran CyanMod). I am just hoping one of you would mind giving me a quick 2 minute catch up on where things are now with the Fascinate, as there is way too much on these forums to realistically sift through. I have some basic questions...
1)I have noticed root is good and all that. I would assume rooting is all you need to get free wireless tethering? What program do you use to wireless tether once you are rooted?
2)I keep seeing something about "lagfix". What is that? My phone doesn't seem laggy, except for all the bloatware Verizon has put on it. So any info is appreciated.
3)I'm not crazy about the stock 2.1 ROM. Are there any good custom 2.2 ROMs yet? What is generally the best ROM for the Fascinate? On the Nexus, argue as much as you want, CyanMod was far and away the best ROM. But it seems like there is no CyanMod for Fascinates. So what are my best choices?
4)Is there anything else I should know moving to this phone?
I really appreciate anyone taking the time to answer these, as I know these types of threads are not the most popular thing on here. I want to get "in the know" with my new phone, but there is already so much on these forums, it's hard to tell what is still new and relevant and what is not. Thanks guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also a G1 and N1 owner. Be happy to help.
1) Wireless tethering is accomplished by myself without issue via Wireless tether app on the market. It's under the radar so to speak, but required an ad hoc connection
2) The correct lagfix is the voodoo lag fix, with the informative posts being found on the first page of this forum. Basically, Samsung used an older file system in their build, and voodoo updates it to ext4, which is alot snappier on the r/w side of things. Without it, you will encounter a slowing of your processes after a period of uptime, and usually a small freeze while the phone does things like install applications. The flip is that voodoo instructions should be read very closely, and adhered to. Failure to do so will result in phone borkage, and while always fixable, takes some time and patience to do so.
If you are unfamiliar with Odin, as I was at first, make damn sure you always use the PDA option. Failure to do so can result in terminal frustration, and possibly a close to true brick of the device.
3) There are no 2.2 ROMs yet. The Froyo OTA should hit between now and Christmas hopefully. I would like to think we will see some custom 2.2 ROMs, and maybe a CM port by the 1st. In the meanwhile there are several ROMs on this board which seem to work for the people who use them. I'm a proponent of stripping and customizing stock to suit your needs, making your ROM your own. I haven't seen enough included hacks in the available ROMs to warrant a need for them personally. We have some excellent kernels available, and some pretty slick themes and mods, which works well for me.
4) The phone has the best processor/gpu out currently. The display is fantastic, and I don't see a better device on the market currently. It does have downsides, most notably the GPS, which isn't a huge issue for me, but which also has a fix on the way, presumably to be included in the 2.2 update. I also have experienced a shortage in the Wifi reception comparative to my N1, having approx. half the range I previously enjoyed. This seems to me to be software related, so I assume it will be addressable.
If you plan to root and mod, especially if you plan to use voodoo, which I highly recommend, be careful in your reading of instructions and applications of procedures outlined in them. As great as this phone is, mistakes are costly in terms of confusion and time to correct.
Thanks for the reply. Im always impatient, and as such, have already rooted before even waiting for a first response I used the one click method though and it worked great, exactly as advertised. Root Explorer works, so I definitely am good there, and I snagged the latest build of wireless tether from the developer's page.
Now I need to get started with actually switching out the ROM. I really want all the VZ bloatware gone and Bing needs to go as well. So now I guess I have some reading to do on installing ROMs for this phone. Process seems a little more complex for this phone that it was for my N1, but that may be just because it was so long ago and I don't remember. Thanks for the response though!
I am in a similar boat I use the Droid 1 and my fascinate is at the post office waiting for me per usps tracking
I think for now I will root remove bloatware and Bing and role with that till 2.2 maybe touchwiz aswell as I hear u can save ram that way and I paid for launcher pro so might aswell use it.
Yea, from what I've read, it sounds like putting a new ROM on is kind of pointless, since it won't be 2.2 anyway. So I think I just need some good instructions for this voodoo/lagfix stuff and some good instructions for removing all the vzn bloatware that comes installed. Once I do those two things, I think I'll be good. I am already running ADW, which I love, so I don't need any customization there, and wireless tether seems great. So I guess I just need to continue searching. There are lots of topics on the voodoo/lagfix thing on here, but I just want to make sure I find the most complete comprehensive set so I dont screw anything up
I'm somewhat of a new member, but have silently read through these forums for months... I used Dirks d02 sv1200kernal and the voodoo lag fix, I have been very happy with my phone since. I have been reading about the roms right now and don't see a point just yet. Freeze the bloatware from verizon and you will love your phone. Also have switched to LPPlus and think my phone operates so smooth!
I just received my fascinate friday, best buy sucked me in, lol, and I have no regrets. This phone is amazing, better than my d1 and d2. I too had a lot of the same questions about the lagfix and what not and would just like to say thanks, this thread def helped me understand. Can't wait until 2.2 roms
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
RayKinStL said:
Yea, from what I've read, it sounds like putting a new ROM on is kind of pointless, since it won't be 2.2 anyway. So I think I just need some good instructions for this voodoo/lagfix stuff and some good instructions for removing all the vzn bloatware that comes installed. Once I do those two things, I think I'll be good. I am already running ADW, which I love, so I don't need any customization there, and wireless tether seems great. So I guess I just need to continue searching. There are lots of topics on the voodoo/lagfix thing on here, but I just want to make sure I find the most complete comprehensive set so I dont screw anything up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I posted on replacing the stock launcher with ADW or LP, as well as a couple lists of what is safe to remove. It's easy enough. I'm mobile our I would link the threads, but the replacement of bing its also covered in a post that includes some zips that will help.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
mrcroshaw said:
I'm somewhat of a new member, but have silently read through these forums for months... I used Dirks d02 sv1200kernal and the voodoo lag fix, I have been very happy with my phone since. I have been reading about the roms right now and don't see a point just yet. Freeze the bloatware from verizon and you will love your phone. Also have switched to LPPlus and think my phone operates so smooth!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is LPPlus? Is it worthwhile/simple to do?
To everyone else, I am glad I was not the only other one on the fence. XDA can be a bit scary sometimes, because you don't wanna ask something dumb/"noob"ish, but at the same time, if you haven't been there since the beginning, playing catch up can be hard. I will say everyone in the Fascinate threads has been nice and really helpful so far. I am slowly working through getting my phone the way I want it. Its just a shame that Verizon has to mess up the phone with all this garbage. I dont care much for the iPhone (design or software), but the one thing they do right, which comes at the cost of being "closed", is that they can dictate the user experience right out of the box. Unfortunately a lot of people are just too timid or incapable of doing the things we do to our phones to get them "right". Its a shame too, because people base their opinions on what Android the phone company gives you rather than what it can truly be. Regardless, I appreciate everyone's help and look forward to being a part of this community. I work IT at a school, so I know my way around a PC, but I wish I just knew more about Android coding and how phones work to be a true contributor to ROMs, etc. At least I know I helped a few people by speaking up and creating this thread. Thanks again everyone!!!
Edit: Im putting this in as an edit, but I just realized that LPPlus is probably Launcher Pro Plus. Have you used ADW? Is there a difference? What do you see as its advantages over ADW?
I personally (and i think most of us here would agree) don't have a problem with anyone asking "dumb" questions, if they haven't already been answered. the main issue is that most of the new posts are either "I didn't read the instructions and F*ed up my phone", "hey i heard this crazy rumor it must be true", "Can someone explain the same thing there are already 6 other topics about" and "how can we take X from this other phone and use it on mine". your questions are understandable and asking questions before you jump in saves a lot of headaches from having to fix something you tried without understanding it. and honestly, no need to be afraid to ask anything, worst case scenario someone like me *****es at you over the internet. who cares. =)
I am a new to android. Was a long time Iphone user and I wanted to know how to root DHD and what are the major benefits of rooting the DHD
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
I want now to.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
rooting is very easy, i rooted mine a couple of days ago and flashed a custom ROM today
http://theunlockr.com/2010/11/15/universal-android-rooting-method-visionary-method/
There are plenty of guides in the development section. I only rooted mine last week, after having been completely new to the android system.
To give you any advice, it would be to read around what you have to do before you actually do it. For a first time user, it could sound complicated, but it really isnt.
Also, I would go for LeeDroids custom Rom and kernel, they run immaculately.
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk
The benefits of rooting your phone is a much faster phone and improved battery life, and much more other stuffs
the main benefit is the possibility to run apps that need special privileges... you should do when you want to run those apps. rooting by rooting is pointless...
I rooted my phone a month ago cause i wanted to change the pixel density and now i flash a new rom every day... it's a addiction.. =o)
Can you pls explain what you mean by changing pixel density
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
Teach the boy to crawl first
Rather than start a new thread I hope you don't mind me asking in here!
I want to root my DHD, however I need to downgrade my phone to 2.2 from 2.2.1. Is it possible to do it on a Mac?
Any help would be great!
@eiKr, there is a whole thread about it: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=905003
i really don't know, since i don't use a mac...
@niks_5in, type "LCD density" on the market and you will know what i meant! =oP need to say, i don't see any bad side effect in rooting, but since you came from iphone, you should read a lot on dev section before make any kind of change in your device...
I was on the same boat as you...
Today I decided to root it and what a difference!
Should be possible on a mac since there are osx versions of adb and fastboot available. Think there is already a pre extracted pd98img.zip available for download from the downgrade guide thread.
You don't need to run any windows exe for the downgrade.
-----
Someone Swyped my idea.
Most benefits has already been brought up, but one big benefit is to have full control over your device.
And I will soon flash the phone for the first time, just waiting for wid0w to set up a rom flashing tutorial (hopefully today).
thiagodark said:
I rooted my phone a month ago cause i wanted to change the pixel density
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that like using a higher resolution display on the phone? Can you show us a comparison?
+1 to LeeDroid 2.0.0 although you're best to look through the many available to see which one might suit you best. They're all pretty stable.
PLEASE remember that this is your choice though, nothing to do with the developer of the ROM if it goes wrong. There's plenty of information about how to do it so you should be fine! I successfully got root, s-off, recovery, and have flashed loads of different ROM's with no problems.
Be warned though that as someone else above said, it gets ridiculously addictive, you'll be checking for updates all the time!
Benefits of it for me is that I have control over my device. I got mine in the UK through Orange and there was a load of "bloatware" on there which I would never use but couldn't uninstall. Rooting and a new ROM solved this plus when a stable gingerbread ROM comes out, I'll be at the front of the line for it rather than wait for my service carrier to provide the update!
franklin20uk said:
Is that like using a higher resolution display on the phone? Can you show us a comparison?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah you can change the DPI in the boot.prop. Ill get some screenshots of my Streak up when I get home.
Yeah, I rooted mine because of those preinstaled applications such as stocks, filckr or news which i never used and they still kept running in the background. You can also make your DHD even faster by OC (+30% of CPU performance - safely), make the speaker louder so you can finaly hear it. Most (if not all) of the ROMs available are also faster and smoother than the stock and they should improve your battery life. However it is not my case, cause since i flashed the new ROM (Core Droid - nice eyecandy and super smooth) i'm still playing with the phone and sometimes i have to recharge twice a day
Its thruth that you can brick your phone for good, but if you carefuly follow instructions on this forum and think twice, its 100% safe (or 99.9999% at least).
Just one advice that might prove useful and i haven't seen it here on the forum. After flashing a new ROM, do not erase the instalation .zip filefrom the SD. Can be useful if something goes wrong, especialy if you dont have a card reader
just search for "visionary"
its a one click root tool
Yea I used Visionary and it's was very easy
Here is the official leak for droid x gingerbread. Make sure to wipe/data before install. Warning!! There is no official root yet. Make sure to make a backup. I take no respnsibility to what happens to your phone. I get stock quadrant scores of 1800. You have 72hrs to download it. Enjoy!!
http://androidforums.com/droid-x-al...ingerbread-2-3-3-update-zip-released-tbh.html
Sent from my Droidx-Gingerblur 2.3.3
;;banana;;
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
I just got done upgrading to Gingerbread on the DX! Used the Team Black Hat app on the market (happily paid the $2), Koush's Droid X bootloader, and Clockwork Recovery. The TBH app downloads the gingerbread rom right onto your SD card into a zip file. Opened up the bootloader, pushed the button to boot into recovery, and it did. Then, using the volume buttons, scrolled down to make a backup. Done. Then scroll to "install from zip", not the "update" option. Use the camera button to select your options, by the way. From the install from zip option, it pulls up the folders on your SD card. Selected the teamblackhat folder. The zip was right there, highlighted and selected, and away it went! When the prompt said it was finished, I navigated to the "reboot" option, and it rebooted. Right away I could tell it was different because the Motorola logo was colored red. It took probably 5 minutes to fully load, but when it did, I had Gingerbread! All of my apps and settings were there. Didn't have to call and re-activate my phone, didn't have to login to google, nothing! Not sure if it pulled in the settings from the CWR backup or not, probably not. Now that I think about it, this is a Motorola release, intended to be an upgrade, not a full ROM swipe. The instructions and files are at mydroidworld... Have fun!
I want to do this but I don't want to lose root and then have to wait til root is available. How's it running sop far?
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
Awesome. New color scheme. No lag. Home launcher is sweet. Custom icons on dock. Blur widgets still ugly but their interfaces are cool card like tiles. Still playing but really like so far.
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
Not all apps are in market...including Slingplayer which I need...dealbreaker
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
can someone kindly de-odex the IME and post an apk for it?
the 1 thing i wish they would've fixed in gb is the mother effin unlock/lock screen lag
(but they didn't)
webmastir said:
the 1 thing i wish they would've fixed in gb is the mother effin unlock/lock screen lag
(but they didn't)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's pretty easy to eliminate that. (Atleast I don't experience it anymore and all I've done is root/overclock. (Yeah even as I write this I remember there isnt a root yet for 2.3.))
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
gc14 said:
Not all apps are in market...including Slingplayer which I need...dealbreaker
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can always download them to your phone via https://market.android.com/
chbennett said:
It's pretty easy to eliminate that. (Atleast I don't experience it anymore and all I've done is root/overclock. (Yeah even as I write this I remember there isnt a root yet for 2.3.))
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only way I know to eliminate the lag is to run a lock pattern. I have OC'd to 1.2 and its still there. While it is less, its still not gone compared to a vanilla lock screen.
But I'm with you webmastir, if their was one thing, the lockscreen would be it. The second item I would have wanted was the sleep effect the nexus S has.
Someone needs to root this!!
Wait it doesn't do the CRT shutdown animation?
There goes half my excitement. It's the little things.
SomeDooD123 said:
Someone needs to root this!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got root already ...just waiting on instructions
Sent from my DROID2 using XDA Premium App
(-)2 known issues so far (+)YOU LOSE NO DATA ON UPDATE.
The two issues with the update:
1) A small sync "icon" remains on top of the notification tap. I do not actually believe that it is in a constant "syncing state", its just an icon that remains at the top.
2) And this is a big one. All four of the Droid X hardware keys at the bottom, have there lights that will not go off as long as the phone is "awake" ie, your using it. After it is back in its idle unused standby state, lights go back off. Not an issue with performance at all, but a huge cosmetic issue and annoyance more then anything as the lights on the hardware keys shine very brightly.
As far as updating, or those on the fence about it. The update total time, that I documented takes around 10 to 15 minutes depending on how much data you have to back up before adding the update. I have a lot more data then the average user, so mine took around 15 minutes from start to finish. 8 minutes to back up. 2 minutes to apply update, and 5 minutes after the first reboot to apply changes. The backup time is the only one that will very depending upon your data. The other times are going very dependent on your system data (SD card not included, as this is not needed to be backed up, because it already is, because its on a physical external card obviously) but be approximative to the time.
On the plus side, there are way more pro's. There are some that I have noticed that no one has mentioned on any forum yet. The biggest of these is the change to voice synthesis speed. Before the voice only talked in one speed. The new update gives the option to change the built in Android voice synth to almost 6 different speeds of reading back to you, very very amazing. And of course, SPEED. The new update is the first update in a year and a half that I have been modding and using the Android operating system that I have had to really sit back and say "wow". I came from the Eris until the X came out, made the change immediately. The new interface and color changes are pretty much what CM has been doing since his releases began. And the biggest pull for me to apply the update: YOU LOSE NOTHING. NO SIGNING IN TO GOOGLE, NOTHING. NOT A SINGLE CHANGE TO YOUR HOME SCREEN, NOTHING IS LOST, BECAUSE ITS AN OFFICIAL UPDATE THAT WAS REJECTED. Trust me, with all the roots and ROM's that we were using on are Eris, this is a no brainer upgrade. Your not losing anything because once the the OTA update rolls out, after the root (and it will come, only a matter of time) you can go back if you like. For me, I am sure Moto leeked this, they had to have, there is no other explanation. I have seen this time and time again since Androids release. I wrote just a little over 24 hours before hearing anything about the leek, I wrote to my facebook friends "dont worry, i am sure a leek of the rejected update will make its way around" Less then 24 hours after saying that on Sunday, it happened. The only reason I would say not to apply the update, is because you have NEVER DONE A MOD TO YOUR ANDROID DEVISE. If you can afford to maybe have something go wrong, then do it. On a noob level, this is probably a 2 or 3 on a scale of 10 being the hardest. The two known issues, I am sure will be worked out. I am almost even willing to bet, since Moto did not give and official statement of the leek when the whole damn world was buzzing about yesterday. They will even put out a patch or update to those who updated early with the leek. If they didn't want us having it, they would go public warning us, like they have before. It could happen later today they say, DO NOT UPDATE, BECAUSE _____ <-- insert reason there. That is my personal educated opinion only. Do not expect it to happen, just dealing with these types of things for the last 10 years now, and given there hush hush while this is being passed around, at the same time Verizon said no, it leads me to believe the devs, or at least one of them said "lets give the people what they want, screw the system". Because as we all know, nothing gets pushed without the carriers approval. We waited months for Android 2.1 after HTC went on record and put out statements saying to the affect "Hey guys, we did are part, its in Verizon's hands now, were sorry you haven't gotten it yet, but we cant force then to put it out." You who wait, could be waiting for months guys, you could be waiting till later this afternoon to get the OTA. Its anyones guess. After hearing I would lose no data because it was an official "rejected" update, it was a no brainer to me. Not lose any data, and get the update I wanted? Downloaded and applied with in the hour last night. two bugs, I can deal with, when the OTA comes out, I have my whole system of 2.2 completely as it was with no changes and all backed up to apply it if I chose too. Hope that helps gives an idea on whats going on so far. If your going to do this, and never have before. -PLEASE, -READ AS MUCH AS YOU CAN BEFORE YOU BRICK SOMETHING OKAY? THERE ARE VIDEOS, MANUALS, MESSAGE BOARDS LIKE THIS TO HELP YOU. IF YOU DONT FEEL CONFIDENT YOURSELF, DONT< WAIT. 2.2 is more then perfect to wait it out for 2.3. Sorry for any typos there might be. -Me.
journalistically said:
.... -Me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you remembered to put "-Me" cause I wouldn't have known
journalistically said:
And the biggest pull for me to apply the update: YOU LOSE NOTHING. NO SIGNING IN TO GOOGLE, NOTHING. NOT A SINGLE CHANGE TO YOUR HOME SCREEN, NOTHING IS LOST, BECAUSE ITS AN OFFICIAL UPDATE THAT WAS REJECTED. Trust me, with all the roots and ROM's that we were using on are Eris, this is a
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't say that. I got stuck in a bootloop after doing the update, and I've read on some other forums people have has similar issues when they didn't do a wipe before updating. Once I SBF'd myself back to stock then did the update, everything was fine, and loving this leak.
I wouldn't use not losing your data as a plus to do this. There is always the risk of losing your stuff, always make a backup before you try anything like this.
Hate to say this,
But the new Moto Blur is awesome.
I like the ability to make custom app drawers,
The color scheme is easy on the eyes,
Theme is nice
so many new options,
The dock is different, and I like it
I dont have the sync icon showing all the time like others.
My hard keys dont stay lit all the time like others
battery life is the same
performance is........well for me, a solid 60% improvement.
This was worth it big time. Hell at this point, I dont care about root, I am happy. I only rooted to put roms on, to get rid of 2.2 moto blur.
Wife is jealous, wants this on her Droid Pro. ha ha ha honey, shoulda kept your DX.
Does anyone have some screen shots of GB on the Droid X ?
It's not the 2.3 release that leaves the perpetual sync at the top.
I have that in 2.2. Sometimes it goes away but most often the sync icon is there on the top.