Database Users

Common Misconceptions About the DX.

So after seeing many things that is said with the DX I thought I should write a post like this. This is just to clear up confusion so users can have the knowledge to use in the future.
Every ROM for the DX is AOSP
I have seen this said many times and it bugs me that people think that all ROMs are AOSP. As of now, there are actually only a few AOSP ROMs for the DX, cvpcs' Tanzanite/Obsidian, Cobalt, and blackdroid's Ultimate Droid. Other ROMs like rubiX, Liberty, ApeX, and Fission are basically Motorola ROMs with the blur applications replaced with AOSP applications. Now this does not actually make it AOSP. It has features from AOSP, but there is much more to it than the applications. These blur-based ROMs actually have other AOSP-like features, such as lock screen music controls and a few others. Now that also doesn't make it AOSP, those are just a few features that were originally modifications to AOSP to add more functionality to a ROM. That doesn't mean these ROMs are bad in any way. They are actually very good. The only downfall of them is the fact that they are limited to what can be done.
There can't be AOSP ROMs without a custom kernel.
Another statement I have been told or have seen several times. It is considered AOSP if it comes from Google's source. A kernel won't affect the fact that it was built from source. Although it would be ideal for a custom kernel with AOSP, it isn't needed.
A custom kernel is needed.
This is another incorrect statement. It would be nice to replace the kernel, but it isn't needed. The kernel that is provided to us from Motorola includes basically everything the end user would need. Also there is overclocking(although it isn't the easiest implementation) by adding a temporary module to the kernel that is erased after the phone is powered off.
Gingerbread won't come to the DX until Motorola releases a new kernel with their Gingerbread update.
Incorrect. What the original concern was that Gingerbread would not boot with a .32 kernel(the kernel the DX has.) and that it needs a .35 kernel. This was later proven wrong with D1. The D1 has been running Gingerbread for a bit now with a .32 kernel. Now I know people will say it is is a different kernel or something along those lines, but that doesn't matter. Gingerbread will boot on it without needing to replace the current kernel.

this is something that should be posted on every forum about the DX. Great info

Would getting building GB on the DX give us the new garbage collector too? I'm so tired of waiting for memory to clear after PewPew (makes a TON of objects).

Trongable said:
Would getting building GB on the DX give us the new garbage collector too? I'm so tired of waiting for memory to clear after PewPew (makes a TON of objects).
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Don't think GB would do anything different with it.

Moved and stuck. Thanks Matt! Please add info as it strikes you, this could be really helpful to the newer folks.

I feel like this info is either wrong or irrelevent.
I'm leaning towards irrelevent. Why don't we have Gingerbread yet if it's possible? I feel like you are saying technically we can have 2.3 w/ the X's current kernel, but it looks like realistically we will never see 2.3 until Moto steps up.
edit: I was mainly referring to your last point

sciulli999 said:
I feel like this info is either wrong or irrelevent.
I'm leaning towards irrelevent. Why don't we have Gingerbread yet if it's possible? I feel like you are saying technically we can have 2.3 w/ the X's current kernel, but it looks like realistically we will never see 2.3 until Moto steps up.
edit: I was mainly referring to your last point
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First off, please don't bash on the devs that work so hard to give us new material for a phone that everyone expected to be impossible to do anything on...
2nd, gingerbread is possible, but you can't just take a release (even when possible) and dump it on a phone. It needs to be recompiled with the appropriate modifications to allow it to work on the X's hardware. Droid2169 is currently working on this, and has made some progress, he is working out usb drivers/connectivity I believe.
I understand waiting can be frustrating, but please don't bash on the devs who help us out.

thanks for the info

misconceptions
misconception?---do i really need to "deodex" my droid x before flashing a custom rom? i was under the impression that installing a custom rom would deodex the phone, and deodexing only has to be done manually before theming.

ernesttatum said:
misconception?---do i really need to "deodex" my droid x before flashing a custom rom? i was under the impression that installing a custom rom would deodex the phone, and deodexing only has to be done manually before theming.
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Odexing is a process that optimizes the java code. most carrier roms are odexed. It is possible to de-odex a rom. also, if you build an aosp rom, it is not odexed, but can be if you wish.
you cannot apply a theme to an odexed rom.
Definitely something that applies to the rom, not the phone.
Sent from my Incredible using XDA Premium App

Your kernel statement seems wrong. If the current Moto ROM has kernel # 1.2, but the newest version of Google's AOSP rom is kernel #1.4, there is no way for us to update to the newest AOSP kernel. Sure we can update the apps and whatnot from the newest version, but strictly speaking without the same kernel it is not AOSP.
Also I dunno where you get the idea that everyone think all DX roms are AOSP. If it has any sort of blur, it's not and many roms do.

aldo37 said:
Your kernel statement seems wrong. If the current Moto ROM has kernel # 1.2, but the newest version of Google's AOSP rom is kernel #1.4, there is no way for us to update to the newest AOSP kernel. Sure we can update the apps and whatnot from the newest version, but strictly speaking without the same kernel it is not AOSP..
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The best example of this is probably coming up soon. If Netflix's app require's DRM api calls that are only supported in the 2.3+ kernels then you are SOL if you can't mess with your kernel. You lose features and any kernel fixes/optimizations.

Stupid kernel question

i've found just enough answers about this to confuse me
I understand the difference between a kernel and a ROM, what i don't understand is compatibility. Unless there's an epic ROM (eg, CM) i usually prefer to stay rooted, but bloat free. but I've never had an android device that i can go as hack-crazy as i intend to do with my soon-to-be-arriving a500, and i'm planning on at least exploring some more in depth hacks.
So, my question is, how cross compatible are kernels. I know they're often designed for specific ROMS, i also know there are at least some instances where you can use one kernel across multiple ROMS, and that in some cases one ROM can accept multiple kernels. But... i guess i'm just looking for clarification. How exactly does ROM/kernel compatibility work? can i swap out the stock kernel for the fastest kernel, or is it more complicated than that?
thanks in advance guys.

mtmerrick said:
i've found just enough answers about this to confuse me
I understand the difference between a kernel and a ROM, what i don't understand is compatibility. Unless there's an epic ROM (eg, CM) i usually prefer to stay rooted, but bloat free. but I've never had an android device that i can go as hack-crazy as i intend to do with my soon-to-be-arriving a500, and i'm planning on at least exploring some more in depth hacks.
So, my question is, how cross compatible are kernels. I know they're often designed for specific ROMS, i also know there are at least some instances where you can use one kernel across multiple ROMS, and that in some cases one ROM can accept multiple kernels. But... i guess i'm just looking for clarification. How exactly does ROM/kernel compatibility work? can i swap out the stock kernel for the fastest kernel, or is it more complicated than that?
thanks in advance guys.
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Most kernel threads will state which ROMs they're compatible with. Stick with what the OP of the thread states, and you should be OK, with exception of a few minor bugs here and there now and then.

[Q] what kernel to use for LQ2?

Hi all... I jumped from HC to LQ1 and now to LQ2.
What is a good kernel to use with this?
Please chime in with your choice and or recommendations on which kernel to use.
And if possible, Please include a link for the kernel download..
thanks.. all replies are welcomed and encouraged.
Thanks again..

This http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=30584627 ;or this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=29589948
Both brickbug disable....
As usual...flashing is always at your own risk

jimmbomb said:
Hi all... I jumped from HC to LQ1 and now to LQ2.
What is a good kernel to use with this?
Please chime in with your choice and or recommendations on which kernel to use.
And if possible, Please include a link for the kernel download..
thanks.. all replies are welcomed and encouraged.
Thanks again..
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Click to collapse
I love the original kernel
So far it looks like the custom made kernels are not mature enough and battery life is a bit shorter
Also I use Tegrak, which doesnt work with custom kernels
Hopefully we'll see soon a bunch of evovled custom kernels allowing to get more of our devices. It seems Samsung's native kernel sucks and could be greatly improved

The EzyICS Kernel v1 will wake up a power off tablet after charging via usb or wall socket is connected, does all custom kernel does this?
Sent from my GT-P6800 using xda app-developers app

[Q] Most Stable ROM

Short Story: I need a very Stable & Capable ICS or JB ROM
Long Story: I have yet to flash my first custom ROM on the Acer a500. I updated to the official ICS then rooted and installed a custom recovery. The problem is that there are so many bugs in the stock ROM that get quite annoying. i.e. the screen flickers from time to time in apps, and the tablet has to be restarted. To fix them, I'd have to do a factory reset, but if Im going to lose my data, might as well Flash a new ROM.
I need it to be able to run the top games like Nova 3 Gta 3 Modern Combat 3, Shadow-Gun etc. as well as be able to run Office Applications. I understand you guys can't guarantee that they will work, but please let me know which ROM you found capable of running most apps smoothly. I use this tablet for work and entertainment, thus stability is important.
Thanks. :laugh::good:

Look in my signature, there is the most stable JB ROM but it is stll in testing!
The best ICS ROM is here:
MOD EDIT: Link Removed. Providing direct links to roms containing non-GPL kernels are against XDA rules.
In that forum you will find also Civato`s ICS ROM, it is also to find here on xda
m.

Just some info;
Posting links to roms containing non-GPL kernels are prohibited as per XDA rules. This is something most people know about already.
XDA has stable roms. However, if one chooses to install a non-hosted rom, one can't expect much support in the forums. Support would be better served at the authors site.
Cheers.
MD

bobiscool07 said:
Short Story: I need a very Stable & Capable ICS or JB ROM
Long Story: I have yet to flash my first custom ROM on the Acer a500. I updated to the official ICS then rooted and installed a custom recovery. The problem is that there are so many bugs in the stock ROM that get quite annoying. i.e. the screen flickers from time to time in apps, and the tablet has to be restarted. To fix them, I'd have to do a factory reset, but if Im going to lose my data, might as well Flash a new ROM.
I need it to be able to run the top games like Nova 3 Gta 3 Modern Combat 3, Shadow-Gun etc. as well as be able to run Office Applications. I understand you guys can't guarantee that they will work, but please let me know which ROM you found capable of running most apps smoothly. I use this tablet for work and entertainment, thus stability is important.
Thanks. :laugh::good:
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First off, I would suggest installing the Unlocked V8 bootloader along with the most recent Recovery. This makes it easier for a lot of things.
Civato's ICS roms seem to be the most popular as far as ICS for the A500.
Waydownsouth's CM10 also seems to be okay as well, but is still inwork as with most CM10 roms.
Both roms will use the Godwarrior OC/UV kernel, so if you need more framerate, it's there.
Also, you can flash one of the stock rooted/deodexed versions and OC/UV kernel.
EZTerry also has an OC/UV kernel as well which runs good.
It all boils down to how the rom runs on "your" tablet. Contrary to popular belief, not all A500's are created equal. Some have different revision hardware.
My advice is to try a couple. See how they run.
MD

@moscow desire,
" XDA has stable roms. However, if one chooses to install a non-hosted rom, one can't expect much support in the forums. Support would be better served at the authors site. "
So why do you think, I posted the link from the authors side??
Definitely not to make you angry!
Diversity can only exist if you don't use only one information source!! Diversity and variety are necessery for free decelopment... .
m.

meduza2 said:
@moscow desire,
" XDA has stable roms. However, if one chooses to install a non-hosted rom, one can't expect much support in the forums. Support would be better served at the authors site. "
So why do you think, I posted the link from the authors side??
Definitely not to make you angry!
Diversity can only exist if you don't use only one information source!! Diversity and variety are necessery for free decelopment... .
m.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's OK Mate. Sent you a PM.
The problem with doing support with a "non-hosted" rom, is that, due to the fact Thor uses non-GPL kernels, And some other encrypted things, a lot of people are unfamiliar with what issue it's been known to cause. Whereas most users here, use what XDA hosts, or they compile from GPL and Apache sources. Especially when it comes to kernels.
Which is why, if you run Thors rom, you will get better support at Thors site. Plain and simple. It's not that some people here will not try and help. I've done it myself, and quite successful depending on the issue. It's just that his roms are a bit different.
MD

Help here!

I want to know if I need to install a custom rom or a custom kernel or a combination of both so that I can overclock my phone(1ghz single core). Please help. Why is everybody so silent here, so unwilling to answer a simple question as this. My fourth post of the same question.

todopertin said:
I want to know if I need to install a custom rom or a custom kernel or a combination of both so that I can overclock my phone(1ghz single core). Please help. Why is everybody so silent here, so unwilling to answer a simple question as this. My fourth post of the same question.
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Click to collapse
Any custom ROM that comes packaged with an included kernel should allow you to overclock. AFAIK the oveclocking capability lies within the kernel (at least with Xperias this is the case) . At the least, a stock ROM with a custom kernel and a CPU/Performance app will give you overclocking options.
My suggestion though is to get a ROM like PAC, that comes with a kernel and the needed app to manage your CPU settings.

Langes said:
Any custom ROM that comes packaged with an included kernel should allow you to overclock. AFAIK the oveclocking capability lies within the kernel (at least with Xperias this is the case) . At the least, a stock ROM with a custom kernel and a CPU/Performance app will give you overclocking options.
My suggestion though is to get a ROM like PAC, that comes with a kernel and the needed app to manage your CPU settings.
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That is not fully correct.
Most PAC builds use the stock CM kernel. Our ROM offers performance settings to manage that, but they generally do not allow overclocking.
Some of us have additional builds with performance kernels built in. Not all of us though.
Your best approach would be to install PAC for your device then check your devices XDA thread for a popular performance kernel and flash that afterwords. The performance control will see the new CPU settings and you will then be able to configure it as you need.

DL an oc app, like CPU tuner or whatever..
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

todopertin said:
I want to know if I need to install a custom rom or a custom kernel or a combination of both so that I can overclock my phone(1ghz single core). Please help. Why is everybody so silent here, so unwilling to answer a simple question as this. My fourth post of the same question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you need a kernel with overclock support .
On Gs2 I use PAC and dorimanx kernel
On your phone you need to search for kernels and roms for your model
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