Database Users

The Battle of the ROMs

With the surge of some ROMs for our devices, and though they're related between each other to a certain degree (save for CM7), the inevitable question surges: which one has the upper hand? The stock ROM is vastly improved since 1.06 and Ganjaman's add-ons make it more mature, the MoDaCo ROM has the advantage of having been the first modded ROM, CyanogenMod7, thanks to Apache14's work, has made a stellar appearance and we actually get the official updates (such as the ones that mad-murdock presented us yesterday), Corvus has been updating his new ROM quite rapidly and it works nicely, like Fuji-Vega does... We're lucky that we're not in want of possible choices! But which is yours?

Thread moved to General.

For me corvus. It's so quick and stable, and is the only one, where's my usb 3g huawei running. Did I told you, that it's really fast?
Sent from my X10i using XDA Premium App

I agree totally, corvus is so quick. I can't wait until it can be combined with mad murdoch's HC tweaks, the vega will be Ninja then!

support
@logseman
great idea for a thread. I'm considering starting a thread on a similar line, thought id check in and avoid toe treading and see if there is a need for it.
As a newb to vega android modding, its great that there is such a wealth of info and advice, but sometimes its not clear or comprehensive (at least in one place! )
I'd like to run a "what vega setup is best for me" thread. The aim being to allow users to show exactly what setup they are running, how it performs, pro's and cons, bugs etc.
By using a standard template, we can see what works and why. We can make direct comparisons between setups without searching through threads for hours.
Users can then copy setups and try if they think they like it. Might also provide devs useful concise feedback to help them progress roms / kernels etc.
If it already exists, feel free to point me in the right direction whilst mocking my newbe stupidity, but ive read and re read the main threads and can't see it.
If you're reading this and think it would be useful, let me know, with suggestions and i'll get the ball rolling.
I.A.O.
Edit: if you want to help or collaborate, pm me.

I'm not sure how setting up a "standard configuration" would be of benefit. Primarily because of two issues: first, the same custom ROM can have dramatic performance differences between one device and the other (I am a ROM tester for Galaxy S, people claim battery lives of 4 days which I've never heard about); and second, the point of Android is that it actually doesn't force any standardisation as of now: I don't see why users would tend to a certain set up which has been done by another person instead of experimenting themselves.
Don't take me wrong, I appreciate that you take interest in this thread, but I fail to see the point of your suggestion. Android has no predefined "set-ups" as far as I know.

Yeah, i get your point. For me too its all about modding and tweaking. But i also got the impression that some people just want to get there device configured in a way that works for them quickly.
Im certainly Not saying lets all set up the same, if we wanted that we'd just bite the apple right!
I just think it would be useful to see at a glance what is working for people. I.e - "i need a rom with no lag on my vega - ah looks like cm7 ttrc2 has lag issues", without having to read 178 pages to find out.
I guess it would be more like an "at a glance" guide to roms for each device.

I used Modaco since i got my Mobii/Vega, but yesterday i flashed clockwork recovery and started using Titanium backup for real, so now i am testing some ROMs and sofar i like fuji-vega the most, fast and smooth, only some lag in appmenu when i have the device rooted.

I spent a long time using mcr8 eventually with buzz kernel but I then got bored and tried cm7 which I loved but just could not stand all the lag when scrolling etc.
I am now using corvus which seems to work well for me. I hope to switch back to cm7 when it improves a bit.

I love CM7 on my phone and would love it on the Vega, but the wifi troubles it has at this moment on the Vega made me switch to first Modaco and than Corvus. The only bad thing I can say about Corvus is that I personally would prefer Gingerbread green icons aboive the blue ones in Corvus

Slipurson said:
I used Modaco since i got my Mobii/Vega, but yesterday i flashed clockwork recovery and started using Titanium backup for real, so now i am testing some ROMs and sofar i like fuji-vega the most, fast and smooth, only some lag in appmenu when i have the device rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am in a similar position to you. I have only installed Modaco R8 and not really used Titanium Backup nor Clockwork Recovery. I find R8 lags after extended use (requiring a reboot) so I am interesting in changing to Corvus. I have a few questions.
What is the best way to move from Modaco to Corvus?
Can I use Clockwork Recovery/Titanium to ease the pain of transition?
How do I install CWR?
Is it best to go back to stock and then install Corvus? If so, will I lose all of my customisations?
Thanks in anticipation of a response.

What is the best way to move from Modaco to Corvus?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would do a Ti Backup of everything, then a nandroid backup before flashing.
Can I use Clockwork Recovery/Titanium to ease the pain of transition?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely use both of these, pay for Ti Backup to enable auto batch stuff
How do I install CWR?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try THIS thread
Is it best to go back to stock and then install Corvus? If so, will I lose all of my customisations?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would want to wipe when doing an install of a different rom anyway, so you will lose settings, most will be restored by Ti Backup though.

> I would do a Ti Backup of everything, then a nandroid backup before flashing.
Sorry, how do I do that? I have Modaco R8 with Titanium Backup installed. How do I use Ti to "backup everything", what is a "nandroid backup", and how do I restore stuff after installing a new ROM?
Cheers.

you can find this information quite easily by searching
ti backup press menu>batch>backup all user apps and system data
Then after installing cwm (download zip open
cd /path/to/folder
./install.sh for mac and linux (make sure to downlod my fixed scripts second post)
or
click install.bat for windows
then click recovery app use volume buttons and power to select backup and restore)
wipe data instal rom
ti backup from market
menu>batch>restore all user apps and system data (modaco is similar to corvus so should be safe to restore everything if things start crashing repeat install and untick all apps that are already installed in ti backup)
there you go you have transitioned
sorry if this sounds patronising it sounded like you were a noob so i included great detail
p.s. this will all become second nature after a while

hmmm atm i'm using CM7, and after switching to launcher pro it's so fast !!
adw launcher is such a crappy launcher (sry, my opinion)
anyways, my flash is pretty laggy due to the unstable nightly builds, I mean they're not in the fully power.. but I will wait, <3 cyanogem
I wish we had the HC update soon, rly =(

Ive been using Fuji-Vega since april and applying updates when they become available.
Really happy with it and cant complain. Does what i need it to do.
Very quick to use.

Corvus5 for me right now. it's stable and fast as, with oc I have been using cm7 until a few days ago and will no doubt give the latest a shot before the weekends gone, it now has oc kernel

I can't use custom ROMs because nor CM neither Corvus doesn't let my Huawei e150 connect to internet. When I'll solve this problem CM'll my choice.

CM7 for me. I've tried a few but CM7 just feels/looks slicker.

Will there ever be a fully working honeycomb rom?
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA Premium App

[ROM] Blackhole 1.1 Stable Now on Rom Manager (5/7 Release)

The 1.1 Stable Download is available in Rom Manager now with limited options. I will be adding more as I find the time to.
Well, after many hours of trial and error, testing, and confusion I'm very proud to present the first open beta for Blackhole Build-Your-Own Rom on the HTC Thunderbolt.
Standard disclaimer:
While no Custom Rom can ever claim to be completely safe, and the very act of rooting your phone voids your warranty, I do my best to make sure that any Rom I release is fully tested. That said, if something does go wrong I am not responsible for loss of time/money/data/sanity/limbs/life that results directly or indirectly from the use of this Rom. Please enjoy responsibly.
Changelog:
Based on the latest RUU leak (1.13.605.7)
Deodexed
Rooted with Busybox
All bloat removed
Most stock apps removed
Added advanced power options mod
Added apps:
Widget Picker
Remaining stock apps:
Calendar
Camera
Contacts
Gmail
Phone
Setup Wizard
1.1 Changelog:
Added 6 signal bar mod (Thanks TeamBamf)
Added Accurate Battery (Thanks TeamBamf)
Added Transparent Notification Area (Thanks TeamBamf)
Added Power Options in Notification Area(Thanks JSChiSurf)
Various file-system and build.prop tweaks.
Known issues:
Cannot setup additional Gmail accounts past the first, unless connected to a computer via usb (No idea, but I'm working on it) User error.
Occasional reset during first run of Setup Wizard (only happened twice out of 10-20 /data wipes during testing) Fixed in 1.1 update.
Because I cannot test everything I rely on you guys to report any issues you have. Please be specific, let me know what triggers the issue, if you find a workaround, the specific error message you get (if any) and all the detail you can provide.
DATA WIPE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED BUT NOT REQUIRED
Download in Rom Manager
Visit Androiddoes for FAQ's, a list of the latest Rom Manager updates and the official error reporting thread. Also you can find info on how to get early access to the Rom if interested.

Great! So all of this will be linked to Rom Manager? Meaning, we get the ROM there as well as choose what will go on it and then flash? Or, do we grab the ROM from a link provided, and use Rom Manager to personalize it?
Also, is the kernel going to be a separate flash based on our needs or will you include one (or some choices) in the Rom?
Thanks for your work!

jasonbiggs said:
Great! So all of this will be linked to Rom Manager? Meaning, we get the ROM there as well as choose what will go on it and then flash? Or, do we grab the ROM from a link provided, and use Rom Manager to personalize it?
Also, is the kernel going to be a separate flash based on our needs or will you include one (or some choices) in the Rom?
Thanks for your work!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Rom will be in Rom Manager as well, so you'll select the Rom option, and it will give you a bunch of different lists to choose one or more options from, such as:
Music - Stock or AOSP player
Browser - Stock or choice of market browsers
Launcher - Sense, LauncherPro, ADW, GoLauncher, etc.
Stock apps - Add back any removed apps you may want
Theme - Select from available themes (added with permission of creators)
Kernel - Pick the kernel you want with the Rom (added with permission)
Mods - choose which mods are preinstalled
(These are just examples and may not be available right away, or ever)
Blackhole aims to be an all in one experience.
I also try to make it easy to try different things and modify the Rom after it's installed. Every option that you can choose when you flash the Rom for the first time can be chosen later to change things up. These options even work on most other roms too.
Thank you for your question, I apologize if I've been a bit too long winded.

Nice. I already see you in rom manager. Looking forward to try it when rom manager access complete. Thanks.

loved blackhole on the fascinate.. can't wait

So just going through the motions in Rom Manager I can see that this thing has great potential. Was this made originally for Galaxy phones? Seems to be a lot of options for Touchwiz and de-binged apps? Is there or will there be options for sense items. I personally like using sense just all the verizon stuff de-bloated.. I know it is work in progress and looks great. This weekend when I have time I will give it all a go and see how it runs..
Can't wait to see how this grows. Will be a nice option for people that I know that are not really good at setting up custom looks on their phones. Reminds me of Adamz Smoked Glass on the D1 back in the day when he made setup files in recovery to choose what you wanted.. Again awesome work..

wctaylor79 said:
So just going through the motions in Rom Manager I can see that this thing has great potential. Was this made originally for Galaxy phones? Seems to be a lot of options for Touchwiz and de-binged apps? Is there or will there be options for sense items. I personally like using sense just all the verizon stuff de-bloated.. I know it is work in progress and looks great. This weekend when I have time I will give it all a go and see how it runs..
Can't wait to see how this grows. Will be a nice option for people that I know that are not really good at setting up custom looks on their phones. Reminds me of Adamz Smoked Glass on the D1 back in the day when he made setup files in recovery to choose what you wanted.. Again awesome work..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes the rom was made for the Verizon Samsung Fascinate first, and I'm using that manifest to work in the Thunderbolt options more easily.
I plan to have all of the Stock apps including sense, widgets, themes, wallpapers, etc. available eventually.
I actually took my inspiration for this rom from the Droidmod installer from my D1. When I upgraded I saw there was nothing like that for the fascinate and decided to make it myself. It just kinda caught on from there.

I loved your Blackhole rom on the Fascinate. Its great to see you put one together for the T-Bolt!

Sounds nice!

Jaxidian said:
Sounds nice!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
10charssssss

I can't wait to use your rom. It was all I ever used on my fascinate. I love your work. Thanks for doing it on the t-bolt. You rock.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App

Thanks a lot for all the kind words guys. Build your own version should be up in Rom Manager very soon, with constantly growing options.

When I wipe and install the phone just loops and never boots up. Stuck on Android

superdusto said:
When I wipe and install the phone just loops and never boots up. Stuck on Android
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you able to get a logcat so I could see why? I never had it do that in all my testing.

Not sure what a log cat is. I tried it twice wiping both times and had no luck

superdusto said:
Not sure what a log cat is. I tried it twice wiping both times and had no luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried downloading it again? could have been corrupted or incomplete download. What's the file size for the one you flashed?

sonofskywalker3 said:
Have you tried downloading it again? could have been corrupted or incomplete download. What's the file size for the one you flashed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The size was 142MB

If anybody tried to download from rom manager, I had some issues with my manifest, it's fixed now, so if you get an error just exit Rom Manager and try again, It'll start from where you left off.

superdusto said:
The size was 142MB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the right size, so it's not an incomplete download. Try flashing the Stock Dexodexed build and then install Blackhole from Rom Manager.

Cool! Really need the Corporate email option to be installed
And, is wifi working in 1.0?
Thanks!

New to root and overwhelmed with choices-please help

I finally decided to root my g2 but I'm quickly becoming overwhelmed with all the possible choices and information. This is what I'm looking for and hopefully somebody can tell me the simplest way to achieve it.
I want good gps and working Google talking navigation.
I need working wifi calling.
I want to safely over clock.
I am not overly concerned with appearance, i just want something that works well with no bugs. I've been using cm7 nightly on my nook color and I'm happy with it, but does cm play nice with gps now? I've read several threads about other roms and that's why I'm stuck. I really don't want to have to experiment with a dozen different setups. Thank you ahead of time!

Most ROMs in the dev section provide all 3 of those. Any custom ROM allows overclocking, nearly all provide WiFi calling (or you can add it later), and gapps provides your navigation/gps functionality.
You can read before installing whether or not there are known bugs (some AOSP ROMs have GPS issues), and then troubleshoot afterwards if you have issues.
Just be sure to back up with ROM manager before you flash, and you can always go back to the previous setup if you're unhappy with the way your chosen ROM performs for you.

I'd recommend the ROM in my signature to meet all of the needs you mentioned. It's fast, reliable, and has incredible support... essentially it's a moderately modded version of CM7.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App

Be sure to follow the wiki for rooting its flawless.
As for rom choice I always, always end up back on CM7. Nothing beats its out of the box functionality and stability.
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium

I've used Virtuos Sense 2.0.0 and now I'm on InsertCoin Sense 2.1+3.0. Both are great and should fit your needs.
Basically, once you root your phone changing ROMs is easy so you can try different ones and see which you like best.

Thanks for the replies so far. If I get anything wrong or mistaken, please jump in and correct me:
From what I've read, I don't think I'd like any of the Miui-types, they seem more iPhone like than android and I really don't like the iphone.
CM7 is cm7, so it'd be the same on my G2 as my nook color, right? My NC has a built in overclock, I didn't have to add anything extra, is CM7 for the G2 the same?
I've read many threads about how good Virtuous is, but seems like just as many people say it's too resource intensive and slow. Comparing it to the stock Tmo 2.2 or 2.3, is it at least as good? Seems pointless to develop something if it's slower than stock. Is the Insertcoin just a variation of virtuous?
I'm intrigued by Dit's recommended rom, that may be my first choice to try.
I guess I'm really looking for a 1 stop shop, it took me a little while to get the market working on my NC. Do any of the mentioned rom's have everything from the start, or do I still need to add pieces (like gapps, or wifi calling) after installing the rom?
The other rom that has my interest is meXdroidMod, any opinions on it?

I've read many threads about how good Virtuous is, but seems like just as many people say it's too resource intensive and slow. Comparing it to the stock Tmo 2.2 or 2.3, is it at least as good? Seems pointless to develop something if it's slower than stock. Is the Insertcoin just a variation of virtuous?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Virtuos Sense 2.0.0 is Sense 2.1, so it's not slower than stock (in fact it's faster, thanks to optimizations and Virtuos OC Daemon) and doesn't have any weird issues.
InsertCoin is developed by a different team and uses a different kernel (rmk), so I wouldn't call it a variation. It's also different in that it combines elements from Sense 2.1 and 3.0, while Virtuos ROMs are either full 2.1 or full 3.0.

i guess we all missed the main point here and is how to root lol heres the best guide for rooting your G2/Desire Z:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wik...sion#Rooting_the_Vision_.28G2.2FDZ.29_and_DHD
about the ROMs if you like CM7 go ahead and try it for, its the same as the one you have on your nook, and yes you can overclock without adding anything
about gps on cm7 most people have had trouble with it, but you just need to try cause i really never had any problems

Yea wipe efs before flashing, it will eliminate a lot of common issues with gps and such. Superwipe + will wipe everything well. Don't forget to flash recovery and do a nandroid backup! Also to make the transition easier backup with titanium backup pro. I use virtuous glite btw it looks stock except with light overclock and it is solid. Virtouos basically took the stock rom removed a lot of the bloat and overclocked and pre-rooted it. Works great my only hiccup was I had to grab the swpye beta apk. Aside from that I just restored my apps and I was away.

kingston73 said:
Thanks for the replies so far. If I get anything wrong or mistaken, please jump in and correct me:
From what I've read, I don't think I'd like any of the Miui-types, they seem more iPhone like than android and I really don't like the iphone.
CM7 is cm7, so it'd be the same on my G2 as my nook color, right? My NC has a built in overclock, I didn't have to add anything extra, is CM7 for the G2 the same?
I've read many threads about how good Virtuous is, but seems like just as many people say it's too resource intensive and slow. Comparing it to the stock Tmo 2.2 or 2.3, is it at least as good? Seems pointless to develop something if it's slower than stock. Is the Insertcoin just a variation of virtuous?
I'm intrigued by Dit's recommended rom, that may be my first choice to try.
I guess I'm really looking for a 1 stop shop, it took me a little while to get the market working on my NC. Do any of the mentioned rom's have everything from the start, or do I still need to add pieces (like gapps, or wifi calling) after installing the rom?
The other rom that has my interest is meXdroidMod, any opinions on it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gapps is embedded in the ILWT ROM, as is the EFS wipe tool, to help eliminate GPS issues (plus radio suggestions/info in the OP). Wifi Calling can also be added during ROM install. The OP gives all the info you could possibly need in his thread. Give it a thorough read... seems to cover all the things you've mentioned. And I've had nothing but best experience with it... been running it since nightly 186.

I've successfully rooted following the wiki, I was pretty nervous about screwing it up but everything went smoothly and exactly how it was written. I installed RomManager and flashed "clockworkmod recovery" and then clicked on "backup current rom" and it rebooted the phone and gave me several choices. I used the volume button to select "backup and restore" and selected that, and now it is showing me a screen with a top hat over an orange ring, it's just sitting there with no progress bars and no words. I was following the directions from this site:
http://www.androidpolice.com/2010/0...nandroid-backup-and-clockworkmod-rom-manager/
but it doesn't look like the screens on that site right now.
Is this supposed to happen, or did I somehow screw something up when I've barely gotten started?

You still need to flash a Recovery... you can do this through Rom Manager... but use version 3.0.2.4. Or, you could check out the Recovery in my signature. 4EXT Recovery... it's pretty wonderful. After you flash your chosen Recovery you will be able to make a NANDroid backup.
Misread your post. Yeah, you probably used the trackpad... sorry.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App

Did you use the power button to select?Don't, use the trackpad

I thought clicking "flash clockworkmod recovery" was flashing a recovery? My big question is what do I do right now, as things seem locked up with just the hat/orange ring on the screen. It's been that way for about 5 minutes at least. Can I power off without hurting anything? And yes, I used power to select "backup/recover".

Press it again and then use the trackpad to scroll and select,that screen is like a screensaver so to speak.

Bombadier,
Many, many thanks to you, I was afraid I'd royally screwed up. If it wasn't for your help in my ADB thread I wouldn't have made it this far, many and much thanks!

No problems happy to of helped

Last question for the night, and sorry if this is a dumb newb question. Once a rom is flashed, what is the easiest, quickest way to reinstall all my old apps?

When you log into google your apps are synced,would recommend getting titanium backup though,a good app which can backup,restore apps,upload to dropbox,uninstall system apps very useful indeed

kingston73 said:
Last question for the night, and sorry if this is a dumb newb question. Once a rom is flashed, what is the easiest, quickest way to reinstall all my old apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before you flash a new ROM, download "Titanium Backup" off the market and use the Menu button to select Batch. Do a backup of all your apps and data (not system data), and when you flash a new ROM, reinstall Titanium, select Batch mode again, and restore all missing apps and data.

Pure Gingerbead

Hi there.
I'm gonna root my device now and I was looking the available ROMs here. Of course there are lots of ROMs and I don't know which one to choose.
Is there any ROM that is close to a pure Android Gingerbread (preferably the latest version)? Like the untouched android on nexus phones?
Thanx.

Cyanogenmod 7

Yep. I'm looking into Cyanogen right now.
It was the first ROM I heard about.
And it's the one suggested on Ace Hack Q&A.
I'm gonna try it.
I believe I can uninstall some apps that I don't want to use without any problems.
Thanx.

In all honestly, there are no apps on there to uninstall It's very very pure Android

The few differences from pure gingerbread to CM7 are improvements IMHO. There are some things you can remove if you're carefull and do it properly. I agree with above poster though, in that none need to be removed. Happy flashing!

Well, did it.
Seems good. But once I added the energy widget, I started receiving a com.android.phone error.
Seems like some error on the 2G/3G toggle, even though I didn't selected it.
Had to wipe everything, reinstall Cyanogen and run Titanuim backup again (this time only restoring apps).
Now I need to find another energy widget that does not give me this error (if the error is not in the ROM). Really useful for me, as I keep my 3G (never use 2G) on when needed.

Did you check the MD5 of your zip file matched what was on Cyanogen's website?

I got it from the official site.
Seems like some people are having this problem.
I found a workaround and it didn't occur again.
But I miss some of the sense stuff, like the good weather widget (no other in the market seems good) and some other stuff.
Let's see how long will it take for me to try another ROM

Try the app called "ilMeteo". The weather widget is quite good and forecasts (at least for Italy) are much more reliable.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

You may consider android revolution 6.1.2 it is untouched as possible from stock version, no visual changes but with many tweaks and optimizations applied.
Don't like sense ? apply the no-sense scripts and have fun !
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=840040

[Q] Best way to get Kindle to show up as something else for Market apps?

Hello. I have had a Kindle fire since Jan of this year. It has been my first tablet/android device. I've had a great time playing with it, learning about rooting, bricking and unbricking thanx to this awesome forum and really want to express my gratitude for all the help provided by this site.
I am a medical student and I bought the device specifically for an app for my licensing exam. I feel like I have one last hurdle to overcome in understanding how to manipulate this device, that being a method of altering the way that the market apps recognizes the kindle. I have seen various mods that cause the device to show up differently.
My question is: what is the best mod to facilitate this and only this?
-I have everything as I like it so I prefer one that changes only this aspect.
Thanks a thousand times in advance.

Edit the build.prop file if you know how to, just change the model name to another device like the Galaxy Tab or something and you'll have a bunch more apps in the market.

Just use the modified build.prop from THIS thread and you will be all set.

thanks guys. I've read about build.prop. Gonna check out this link

I read through that link. It only supports CM7. I have had both CM7 and CM9 and prefer stock + go launcher. Do you know of any preset build.prop's that support stock?
edit: Obviously didnt read far enough, here it is: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1439916
I will test it out then update. Thanks again!
edit2: Modaco Gr6 is the mod to flash for those seeking to run stock vs. CM7/CM9. I got access to the file I needed and many other apps. I dont think i am seeing the entire android market though.