[Think Tank] Android - Focus General

I'm a big fan of this phone. The Mango update has added a lot of core functionality to the WP7 OS. However, it still extensively hinders the ability of this hardware. I'm not interested in a new phone, I own a Captivate.
Lets look at the idea of Android on the Focus. I don't want to argue that I need a new phone, I would like to put everything together for it here.
Ex. Locate drivers, and other android phones that share the hardware in part.
I'm looking for this to be a learning experience for myself and others.
Sent from my Samsung Focus using XDA Windows Phone 7 App

I'm looking into gathering drivers, and looking into android devices that share hardware.
Do we have anyone else in this forum with any interest porting android to this device?
Sent from my Samsung Focus using XDA Windows Phone 7 App

Most people here just not so capable doing that kind of stuff.
Also, Focus is a near dead device. They'll just trade it with Focus S / Titan or an Android.
So I don't really think it worth the effort.

It would be cool to get android, but we don't have a method to flash any non-authorized roms to the phone. But there was a collection taken to purchase a Focus to be hacked by Cotulla (and possibly DFT) to try and hack the Samsung phones. Hopefully that would lead to other OSs and custom Roms.

I think the reason why there's no interest in porting android is because ppl who buy a wp7 device really wants wp7, i can not say this is the case for most android devices.

Yeah, it is really pointless to be honest. I was bored and thinking of something stupid I could do with this WP7 phone I have laying around.
I learned a lot about these phones and android just searching but I think it is too much work to do really for this phone.

Related

[DISCUSSION] HD2 + Android or WP7, real talk.

Hello everyone!
I'm new here, but have been lurking and scouring the forums for a while now. I'm not a dev or anything, so I'm a total noob when it comes to cooking up roms and such... although I've done pleanty of flashing on different devices. I'm treating myself to a new phone as a late birthday present, and the HD2 looks like the best offering at the moment (or anytime soon) from T-Mobile. I just don't want to be stuck with such awesome hardware, running an OS that will be mostly obselete in a few months.
I've read that MS will continue to support WM 6.5, but we all know their deal... it'll be an afterthought once WP7 is released. I would be fine with upgrading to WP7, but unfortunately the HD2 has two too many buttons to meet the HW requirements (according to MS at this point.)
The main thing that makes me believe porting Android would be more plausible, is the upcoming release of the EVO. The hardware is so similar, it's hard for me to believe that it's not possible. Once the EVO is released, could someone use the Android 2.1 image from it, and modify it to run on the HD2? Again, I'm not a programmer, so I'm probably completely wrong... but would love to be proven otherwise.
I'm just looking for some of you with more knowledge and experience to give me some technical insight before dropping $450 on a new phone that will be out-of-date and no longer supported (for the most part) in 6 months. I would also like to keep this thread on topic, so please don't bother slagging the HD2 and suggesting other devices.
Thanks!
and another thread pops up =(
search the forum there are literally tons of threads about this
TONS especially on android
for wp7 there is no news since march 28th announcement so that means nothing more to report than the initial issues had
this is also in the windows phone 7 forum
if you want the phone, get the phone. Winows mobile is a good and highly customizable operating systme on its own and I like it.
you won't regret getting this phone, I sold my nexus one for it, and I don't even miss N1 (simply because it is not the best android phone anymore, HD 2 the best winmo up to date).
I am also a noob, but I encourage myself very often. Now android can run on iphone, what else would stop those geniuses from creating such miracles on HD2. All I have to do is enjoying the phone from the minute I have it, and stick to the forum.
I wouldn't buy the HD2 purely on the speculation of an Android port. There's no certainty that it will ever happen, and if it does, who knows how long it will take.
There are ports for older HTC models and the iPhone, but you have to keep in mind that those handsets have been out for a while, and have had many months, if not years, of development behind them. The HD2 and the snapdragon processor are relatively new, and development is starting from the ground up. It may take up to a year or more before a functional android port is available, and by then, there will more than likely be better hand-sets out there.
domineus said:
and another thread pops up =(
search the forum there are literally tons of threads about this
TONS especially on android
for wp7 there is no news since march 28th announcement so that means nothing more to report than the initial issues had
this is also in the windows phone 7 forum
if you want the phone, get the phone. Winows mobile is a good and highly customizable operating systme on its own and I like it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply!
I've actually searched many times, and read tons of threads on this topic. The problem is, most of them are cluttered with TONS of vague info and flaming, with a tidbit of useful info here and there. I was hoping to open some discussion and spark some ideas or interest, maybe try and centralize the info.
Sorry for stepping on any toes, but this is the "T-Mobile USA HD2" general discussion forum, so I figured this would be the best place to start. I just searched the development forum and found a similar thread. I just didn't check there, as I was intending to discuss the possibility and such, not actual developing. Mods, if I'm out of line here, please move or lock this thread appropriately.
Thanks!
Edit- to the other posters, thanks for sharing experiences with me! I wasn't planning on buying the HD2 soley in hopes of porting Android, I guess I'm just looking for reassurance from folks that I'm not getting myself into a device that isn't worth the effort. I love modding my phones, but would rather not be stuck beating a dead horse in a few months. The feedback is greatly appreciated, and makes me feel much better about my decision.
mystik610 said:
There are ports for older HTC models and the iPhone, but you have to keep in mind that those handsets have been out for a while, and have had many months, if not years, of development behind them. The HD2 and the snapdragon processor are relatively new, and development is starting from the ground up. It may take up to a year or more before a functional android port is available, and by then, there will more than likely be better hand-sets out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is true. android on the iphone only works on the iphone 2g as far as i can tell, and that phone is over 4 years old i believe. building linux kernels for a specific phone takes time, and most likely it'll take years to perfect. the ports out now for older winmo phones are useable but obviously not perfect.
i bought my hd2 mainly because it looks like pure sex to me. hehe. windows mobile didnt bother me at all since ive been using windows mobile phones since 2007. dont get me wrong, android is pretty good too. used that for about a year. each os has its own pros and cons i guess.
gilla409 said:
to the other posters, thanks for sharing experiences with me! I wasn't planning on buying the HD2 soley in hopes of porting Android, I guess I'm just looking for reassurance from folks that I'm not getting myself into a device that isn't worth the effort. I love modding my phones, but would rather not be stuck beating a dead horse in a few months. The feedback is greatly appreciated, and makes me feel much better about my decision.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you wont regret getting this phone. in my opinion htc did a good job with sense, making windows mobile user friendly and whatnot, but if you dont like sense, it can be easily disabled. also the stock rom to me works fine right now but there are a lot of other roms made for the hd2 already so its pretty customizable as is already.
caffeinejunky said:
this is true. android on the iphone only works on the iphone 2g as far as i can tell, and that phone is over 4 years old i believe. building linux kernels for a specific phone takes time, and most likely it'll take years to perfect. the ports out now for older winmo phones are useable but obviously not perfect.
i bought my hd2 mainly because it looks like pure sex to me. hehe. windows mobile didnt bother me at all since ive been using windows mobile phones since 2007. dont get me wrong, android is pretty good too. used that for about a year. each os has its own pros and cons i guess.
you wont regret getting this phone. in my opinion htc did a good job with sense, making windows mobile user friendly and whatnot, but if you dont like sense, it can be easily disabled. also the stock rom to me works fine right now but there are a lot of other roms made for the hd2 already so its pretty customizable as is already.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, thanks for the info!
I usually try to keep from modding straight away, but after checking some roms in the development forum, I'm sure I'll start flashing sooner than later, hehe. The main thing I'm liking about the HD2 is it comes stock with the apps I'm most likely to use. I had a 2g iPhone a while back, but found I didn't use most of the apps I installed, and gave it up for a 3g device. Most of what I'm looking for is games/entertainment and themes, and I believe I've found what I'm looking for. If I'm not happy, I may try to cook up something of my own... there's certainly pleanty of resources here to get me started!
Again, I apologize for the redundant thread, but I appreciate all the feedback. This is exactly what I was looking for!
gilla409 said:
Hello everyone!
I'm new here, but have been lurking and scouring the forums for a while now. I'm not a dev or anything, so I'm a total noob when it comes to cooking up roms and such... although I've done pleanty of flashing on different devices. I'm treating myself to a new phone as a late birthday present, and the HD2 looks like the best offering at the moment (or anytime soon) from T-Mobile. I just don't want to be stuck with such awesome hardware, running an OS that will be mostly obselete in a few months.
I've read that MS will continue to support WM 6.5, but we all know their deal... it'll be an afterthought once WP7 is released. I would be fine with upgrading to WP7, but unfortunately the HD2 has two too many buttons to meet the HW requirements (according to MS at this point.)
The main thing that makes me believe porting Android would be more plausible, is the upcoming release of the EVO. The hardware is so similar, it's hard for me to believe that it's not possible. Once the EVO is released, could someone use the Android 2.1 image from it, and modify it to run on the HD2? Again, I'm not a programmer, so I'm probably completely wrong... but would love to be proven otherwise.
I'm just looking for some of you with more knowledge and experience to give me some technical insight before dropping $450 on a new phone that will be out-of-date and no longer supported (for the most part) in 6 months. I would also like to keep this thread on topic, so please don't bother slagging the HD2 and suggesting other devices.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They have been working on porting linux and android to the HD2 for months now. It's not an easy process, as I have stated in the many threads that get started about this. The EVO rom cannot just be ported over. The N1 is just as close hardware wise... they actually used the N1 as a starting point for creating the linux kernel. The Evo may help a little with some drivers.
You have to understand... the kernel for the msm72xx devices (touchpro, TP2, kaiser, etc.) was started over 3 years ago... and they still don't have a fully-functional android port. There will be an android port eventually, but by time theres a fully functional port, there will be many nicer android phones out. Expect it to take a year or more for a fully-functional port, if it's ever FULLY-functional. Search the Rom section in the original Leo section for the official linux project thread.
Get the phone if you like WinMo 6.5. If not, wait for another phone. Trust me, there will be just as nice Android phones for tmobile in the next few months, and WinPhone 7 phones by the end of the year.

Maemo on HTC HD2

There have recently been some fake videos of maemo 5 running on the HTC HD2.
This operating system has a very much supportive community which develops apps and ports for the n900 similar to this one.
If these two communities could be bought together it would create an insane phone. I personally feel that having maemo on the HTC HD2 would make this phone deadly and rip other devices to pieces by giving users not only windows mobile 6.5 and android, but also extending the device to the beautiful maemo.
What do you think about this?
Would you like to see maemo on your HD2?
If there are any developers out there or people who know what they are doing could you please try to port this OS over as it would be greatly appreciated by many!
Thank you.
I think it might be possible after the developers have more time away from the Android efforts. Maemo is also Linux based, so it hopefully shouldn't be too difficult after they get Android working smoothly.
Just because it is possible doesn't mean it will happen it depends of the demand on this OS from the HD2 users i love this OS and think it would be awesome on the HD2 screen and hardware.
I am sure there are many HD2 users who would love to use this on there devcie.
I think there is no hardware similar to the HD2 running Maemo, this means no proper drivers to build a port.
cederron said:
I think there is no hardware similar to the HD2 running Maemo, this means no proper drivers to build a port.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wrong...
as it is based on linux kernel the drivers from android should work...
Maemo would give the HD2 a new level of decisions for the owners, a new level of customisabillity. i wish i knew how and wish i had the knowledge to enable myself to do such a thing but cannot as i haven't.
Maemo WOULD beable to work on the HD2 with some effort put in by the right person.
If android can, android is linux, maemo can, maemo is linux.
But the question is will it?
I would love to see another option for the hd2. The more options the more people are attracted to the phone. More people should bring more development.
hazard99 said:
I would love to see another option for the hd2. The more options the more people are attracted to the phone. More people should bring more development.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely agree with you.
If people had the option to choose the OS on a phone that could attract so many people to the phone. Because i know of many people who don't like windows, but would buy a windows phone if they could get more than one OS on it.
I would be like a master phone suited to everybody.
oh I wish to see this... i like Maemo very much, I had a N900 as second phone, it was amazing, maybe cooler than android, but what can I say... it didnt have a chance, too short life-time.

ask android

We asked experts if in omnia7 Can start android?
That for now would be no for sure.
spippo said:
We asked experts if in omnia7 Can start android?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, for now its going to be a No NO, why because the developers have very limited access to phones architecture and the xips. At this stage even the apps for wp7 have very limited functionality, for example most WP7 have a digital compass but as of yet no application effectively utilises this feature. However, with the progression of time and new updates coming in we shall see marginal improvement in the WP7 ecosystem. Who knows that some xda developer might be able to emulate android on wp7 and consequently on Omnia 7 as well.
We asked experts if in ANDROID Can start OMNIA7?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OPPOSITE THINGS= YES WE CAN
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDBwlZ_jLu8
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=910918
All this I is a theme. The base is still Android and in NO way WP7. Its cool but its not dual booting Windows and Android.
trax26 said:
OPPOSITE THINGS= YES WE CAN
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDBwlZ_jLu8
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=910918
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my GT-I9000M using XDA Premium App
I hope this will soon be possible. I feel really cheated with my WP7. I can't believe Microsoft can get away with this. I am stuck with a 2 year plan, Omnia 7 trade in price dropped so low, and I have to pay the telco a big penalty if I change phone now.
I'd rather give my money to the developers who can give Android on Omnia 7.
yes i agree with you about the feeling cheated by microsoft they gave the impression of many minor updates as they became available not one or twice a year i cant wait for omnia 7 to be hacked to run android.
on a different note will it ever be possable to create a emulator for wp7 that can mount a iphone app ?
Why people want Android to all phones? Boring...
If the people want android, why they don't bay an android Phone?
why?
Im happy on WP and can't see the reason for using Android. I read a lot before buying my Omnia 7 and dont feel cheated therefore. Mango will be the start for regular users and this close to the update, it would seem like a lot of work for nothing. WP is a more modern plattform so why go backwards, in that case buy a Android device instead.
Android dev for HD2 was understanble, a lot of problems with WM OS made it easyer for daylie users to get a stable phone. Android was a new and better platform in terms of stability.
WP today just works, and Mango will make it complete, or cloae to it.
I find this query odd too. I can understand it if it is the HD2 forum or any WM6.x devices.
There are tons of Android devices with specs equal or superior to the Omnia 7 (like the Galaxy S2). So why bother asking to put Android on the Omnia 7? Just get an Android device.
If it is possible,sounds great.but android gives me a very bad user experience,and I used to have a pocket pc and an android device,I bought wp7 all because of its new UI,and power hardware,these improve the experience.just as what I said,I do not like android,even android on omnia7 is possible.
You should go buy Galaxy S II instead.
Android for omnia7? I'm in! Will donate, how much?
news about android on omnia?
with WP7 Downloader Ver 7.41 for Publish (Add OASIS Latin).rar we should be able to inject android into i8700 veins (as well as ios, probably)
Is something new in this thread ?
No obviously not. The last post was last year. There's not going to be Android on Omnia7 at all.
Sent from my Windows Phone
UranusHertz said:
I find this query odd too. I can understand it if it is the HD2 forum or any WM6.x devices.
There are tons of Android devices with specs equal or superior to the Omnia 7 (like the Galaxy S2). So why bother asking to put Android on the Omnia 7? Just get an Android device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Omnia 7 and Focus are now old enough to be cheaper than equivalent android phones. a 2nd hand HD2 cost about $250 on ebay because everyone who knows about what it can do wants one to play with still. the Samsung Focus costs approx $130.
So if you can run android on it. the resale value of your samsung focus (and omnia 7 because it is similar hardware) will increase.
Guys, you bought yourself a WP, because you wanted a WP.
So, why even start thinking about Android?
Yes, I know, my signature, says, that I've go a Droid. I'd actually prefer a WP, a Samsung WP, to be exact...
I only took an Android, because the German Telecom doesn't have any Samsung WP's anymore...
Back to the point;
WHO CARE'S ABOUT ANDROID??? IT'S CRAP!!!
Believe, me, I'm using one... -.-"
familyguy59 said:
Guys, you bought yourself a WP, because you wanted a WP.
So, why even start thinking about Android?
Yes, I know, my signature, says, that I've go a Droid. I'd actually prefer a WP, a Samsung WP, to be exact...
I only took an Android, because the German Telecom doesn't have any Samsung WP's anymore...
Back to the point;
WHO CARE'S ABOUT ANDROID??? IT'S CRAP!!!
Believe, me, I'm using one... -.-"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure everyone is entitled to an opinion, it seems obvious that the people who are asking for android prefer android. I imagine some people may have bought a WP7 phone thinking it would have more development or more apps or just be different, and now would like to see android developed on the device.
I own a HD2, a phone that runs pretty much every OS and I have installed WP7 and Android (aswell as the stock WM6.5). Originally I liked WM6.5 and the mods for that, android was not for me ... infact when WP7 came out I was tempted to get a new phone, when WP7 was made available for HD2 I tried it and my personal opinion is what it does it does well, but it is very limited and closed. My opinion on android has now changed with developments and apps etc and now my phone stays in android mode 99% of the time.
I know people who own the omnia 7 , and as a result i often check here every so often. I thought the idea of this site was development - now you (and various others) may think that development should be limited to the OS that the phone originally came with, but using that logic my beloved HD2 would most likely be gathering dust right about now...

IF! android is ever ported to the htc sorround

please devs if you guys get android ported to the sorround let the screen be unlocked with the button on top directly to home...... many of us are having trouble with the touch screens when we lock it..........AAANNNDDD people please be positive about the porting its the only way it'll give hope to the developers on doing this so if your bringing that negative energy go away
As an HD2 user who is looking into replacements (though none can really be found), I can give some tips on how to try.
First, you need to make a port of the HD2's cLK ROM Loader, an open-source bootloader that can dual-boot WP7 and Android. Cotulla's MAGLDR, the first of them, was no easy task to create, and it's Android booting function has not been replicated on other ports to my knowledge.
Next, you need to find a working kernel that is compatible, perhaps from a similar HTC Android phone. It just happened that HTC made the EVO 4G with the same parts to spite the HD2, but even then the kernel needed years of tuning and driver rewrites to get it to where it is now.
Finally, you need a huge worldwide userbase on XDA that is fully dedicated to making Android on your phone possible. For the HD2, it was a superpowered phone crippled by obselete software, so many devs got it cut rate secondhand and had a big motivation to make their phones usable again. Even so, this took a looong time to get a usable Android build, by then which Android phones were fast surpassing the power of the venerable HD2, sapping the initial benefits.
To the OP, we have an old adage where a mouse tells a group of mice that it would be a good idea to put a bell on the neighborhood cat. The mice agree, but seek advice from the elder mouse. The elder brings up a good point: "A good idea; But who will bell the cat?"
Sent fom my HTC HD2
It's pretty hard to do that because of the hardware compatibility and the structure build of the phone I guess but still I also hope that that day would come.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy SII GT-9100T

Are there any other phones that can be WP7 flashed?

Hello
I have just broken my HTC HD2 trying to replace the USB port (accidentally sethered the ribbon cable going to the volume button putting it back together).
Ii was wandering if anyone knows any phone out there like the HD2 which can be hacked to update to the new WP8 when it comes out, or is as versatile at hacking as the HD2.
I am considering buying a new phone, but my main attraction of the HD2 is that i can hack it to update it to the latest install of my chosen OS (in this case WP7)
Are there any phones that can be hacked liked the HD2?
Thanks
Regards
Hello,
None that I know of.
The HD2 lacks a front camera IMHO, internal storage memory too (not the TMOUS version, but the 3G frequencies don't match the European needs unfortunately) and its processor's speed will look outdated sooner or later as compared to more recent devices, but all in all, it stays the best pocket PC ever having been designed, and yes, it's the only one to allow so many OSes swapping.
It may be both because of not being locked by the maker, and because a lot of people worked on the possibility to port other systems...
Anyway, it remains the only one up to now.
It may also have something to do with the fact that Windows Mobile users have always been people curious to experiment with their phones, while nowadays, WP7 users will just buy a WP7 device, and so on for Android, I don't know. Remember Windows Mobile seems not to have been so popular in the past, though having been a real pioneer, far, far before the iPhone was even a project, and it did gain some real fans, that were generally from a generation where a computer was used to program and experiment with (just have a look to my nickname )
It looks like some time has passed since then, and smartphones changed status, from swiss knife-like tools, to consumer products, thanks to makers and software editors policies, and thanks too to people changing phones twice a months.
I personnaly won't change mine for an empire, and I'm not ready to drop WM6.5.x. I bought several used HD2s from eBay, and if you really intend to keep the possibility to swap operating systems, you should do the same.
Otherwise, just buy a recent WP7 device : you'll still be able to upgrade anyway, as long as you keep up using WP7 of course.
Just keep in mind that devices, that run wp7, wont get wp8. They'll get wp7.8. But those are only official updates.
Developers can always port and mod
Sent from my NexusHD2 using XDA
Z80-Man said:
Hello,
None that I know of.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The TOSHIBA TG01 can run Windows Phone too. to let you know...:cyclops:
thanks Z80 man
I have a feeling someone will hack it to be able to use WP8, it just seems like if WP7 can be ported, then will WP8 be that much different?
If it cant be ported 100% then, as im using WP7 all the time now, it would seem that buying a new phone would be a good option! Just not sure i can let go of this amazing phone ive had for so many years!
Being able to switch OS's after WM6.5 and make various improvements etc etc makes it like having a new phone.
Looking at the toshiba phone suggested, it doesnt have any better specs than the HD2.
Shame that no phone like this will come about again!
stevemilw said:
I have a feeling someone will hack it to be able to use WP8, it just seems like if WP7 can be ported, then will WP8 be that much different?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure that not only the HD2 will be ported by enthousiasts, but most, if not all recent WP7 devices will be able to be ported to WP8, even if not officially.
Now it could depend on Microsoft's will to lock devices more and more to prevent that. And makers too, actually, as their goal is finally to sell new devices even if you don't need them !
Apart from that, did WP7 became so good ? It was lacking a lot of useful features when it was released...
Thanks, might have to wait and see what WP7 phones can be hacked to WP8
Z80-Man said:
Apart from that, did WP7 became so good ? It was lacking a lot of useful features when it was released...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, they released the 7.5 update and i really liked it. Searching is alot easier, and it has OCR for looking at game covers and searching them on the internet along with a music listener now, to tell you what song is playing, all built in.
These are just a few features, but i just like its simplicity, and the apps are decent enough and easier to use than the somewhat buggy ones on WM6.5.
I found issues with WM6.5 that really annoyed me, like two 'OK' button, one which means 'OK to exit the program' and one which means 'OK in the application or menu system.
I think it was a bit of a conflict between wm6.5 and the sense over the top.
But im pretty happy with the simplicity of the WP7, just easier to use, i have my favourite apps to check like the news etc.
And also, even with energy ROM it did crash allot. randomly switching off etc.
Didn't have any luck solving these issues so i tried WP7, and its pretty good!
If you like making apps etc, you can still put them on with XAP so its still pretty open to devs as far as i can tell.
ZTE Blade can also run wp7
http://wmpoweruser.com/windows-phon...&utm_campaign=Feed:+WmPowerUser+(WMPowerUser)

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