Database Users

encrypted drivers/kernel?

All - following up on a post in AndroidForums which referenced a comment on the root story here. The comment (from Gee):
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I remember hearing that the drivers/kernel are either encrypted, unusable, or simply unavailable. Meaning that while you can root the Galaxy S and put custom ROMs, you still can’t put unofficial ROMs (like Cyanogen) on it without expecting to break a lot of functionality.
That means that you WONT be putting Froyo on it until Samsung officially releases the ROM which can then later be modified. And if Samsung moves away from the Galaxy S after that update, you’ll never see a fully functioning Gingerbread ROM. Ever. That’s a hard pill for me to swallow.
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Can anyone shed further light on this?

Sounds counter productive. I heard they will be releasing source code. Would be odd if they kept the rest under wraps or took extra measures to prevent access....

Methinks this is definitely worth further investigation. Need some experienced SGS modders to find this thread...

From what I have seen, the drivers are provided in binary form only (which is basically the same as how drivers are provided on Windows). So long as there isn't some code written into the drivers that would prohibit their running on non-official ROMs, there shouldn't be any problem using the drivers in custom ROMs.

I downloaded the entire sourcecode from the samsung website. Its a 150MB zip file and everything is in there in binary form. It must be compiled. I'm certainly not a linux or android dev but it seems like thats what you need. There's even readme.txt files in there to tell you how to build new versions of software.
I'm wondering how long it'll take for someone to put out a custom ROM for the captivate based on 2.2?

Any love for SM-T230NU?

I want to know if there is any ROM for my Galaxy Tab 4 7 Inch (SM-T230NU)?

just test if reply is working.. because i wroth you a big tutorial and i submited get a frustation error msg
---------- Post added at 02:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:02 AM ----------
iSuperAwesome said:
I want to know if there is any ROM for my Galaxy Tab 4 7 Inch (SM-T230NU)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to not get this Tutorial as elaborated as I wroth before but I get flustered by getting a error when submit
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I use a windows software call SamFirm do download VERY FAST the lastest original firmware from Samsung servers.
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s/general/tool-samfirm-samsung-firmware-t2988647
Note 1: You need to specify the “Region/Country” of the Firmware. For that, you can look at some sites that have the same Firmware (Links below). But don’t download from this sites, because is VERY SLOW.
http://samsung-updates.com/device/?id=SM-T230NU
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SM-T230NU/
http://www.androidayos.com/galaxy-tab-4-stock-firmware/
http://forum.xda-developers.com/tab-4/general/links-stock-galaxy-tab-4-firmware-t3013128​
Note 2: The region “BNN” is for the Samsung galaxy Tab 4 7.0 Nook Edition
How to use SamFirm:
1 - Model = SM-T230NU <-----------------(Ex: Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Nook 7.0" = SM-T230NU)
2 - Region = BNN <------------------------(Ex: “BNN” for Nook Edition)
3 - Auto = ON
4 - Click "Check Updates", if firmware for the particular region exist you see a msg in Log Window below
5 - Check CRC32 = ON <--------------------- Check is the file is intact
6 - Decrypt automatically = ON <----------- Decrypt file after download
7 - Click "Download” and choose the destination folder
8 – Extract the .md5 using 7-Zip (Nota: WinRAR get error sometimes)
9 – Done, now you can use Odin3 to upgrade you firmware
Cheers

iSuperAwesome said:
I want to know if there is any ROM for my Galaxy Tab 4 7 Inch (SM-T230NU)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sounds like you were asking about custom ROMs, as opposed to keeping official firmware up to date which is what BXA is talking about. For the record, instead of installing an extra app just to keep up to date on official firmware releases, you can always check my threads which I keep up to date on official firmware releases for all Tab 4 variants:
--Official Tab 4 KitKat Firmware thread
--Official Tab 4 Lollipop Firmware Thread
Assuming you were inquiring about custom ROMs, below is a list of the most popular and/or well-maintained ROMs that will work for your device (pro-tip, even if the ROM says it's only for the SM-T230, it will work on your device, but you probably will lose IR blaster functionality). Before you ask, there are no viable CyanogenMod-based or even AOSP-based ROMs for this device (or SM-T230). They tried to get CyanogenMod working for your device, but as of right now the available builds either don't boot entirely or boot but have bugs like Wi-Fi not working. I'll link to the thread with the relevant info and downloads, but don't expect much, certainly nothing stable enough for daily use. The list I promised you:
--Acheron ROM (well maintained, popular, great dev to interact with, and even though I don't own your device, my recommended starting point)
--Prism Barebones (unfortunately apparently no-longer maintained, but still a solid, popular ROM by a well-respected dev, a legit alternative to Acheron)
--TranchidaKat (seemed to be gaining in popularity, unfortunately the dev recently took a break from maintenance)
--T230 Smooth ROM (I don't really know much about this ROM, but from what I can tell it seems/seemed reasonably popular)
There are a couple more ROMs I feel reluctant even mentioning, and can't really recommend with any sort of confidence. The first had an OK dev (seemed to be in the up and coming, eager to learn but not experienced stage of being a ROM developer): Octagon ROM
The next ROMs I'm going to mention I can't recommend in good confidence not just they're now slightly out of date, but because they seemed to have a few bugs, but more so the developer doesn't do much to instill my confidence in their knowledge base when it comes to developing ROMs for android. Also they're not really custom ROMs more than they're just the stock ROM with themes and skins applied, as opposed to any real under-the-hood performance improvements: Everything Google ROM; the previous ROM with a Marshmallow skin; and Android 5.0 Lollipop Material Design -{theme}-
Finally the CyanogenMod thread I mentioned, even though as I said, you will be disappointed if you insist on downloading anything to try it out: http://forum.xda-developers.com/tab-4/general/dev-cm12-1-t230-nu-development-thread-t3190971
One last thing before I go, in case you haven't found the custom recovery you need, you have three (although the first two are more recommended) choices: an older version of TWRP which I can guarantee will work: http://forum.xda-developers.com/tab-4/general/root-galaxy-tab-4-7-t230-t2835264
Or a newer version of TWRP which should work for your device but I cannot personally guarantee that (click the link that says twrp-3.0.0.0-degas-160207-0212): http://forum.xda-developers.com/tab-4/development/recovery-twrp-2-8-1-0-samsung-galaxy-t2922795
Regarding that newer TWRP, I'm pretty sure I've seen posts confirming it works for your device but I can't recall for sure and I personally installed the first (older version) on a friend's SM-T230NU, so your call. If you have a strong personal preference for CWM as opposed to TWRP, you can try the following recovery, but it's not actively maintained any longer, so be warned. Although to be fair, it works fine as far as I can tell, so again your call: http://forum.xda-developers.com/tab-4/development/recovery-philz-smnu-t2980094

thisisapoorusernamechoice said:
It sounds like you were asking about custom ROMs, as opposed to keeping official firmware up to date which is what BXA is talking about. For the record, instead of installing an extra app just to keep up to date on official firmware releases, you can always check my threads which I keep up to date on official firmware releases for all Tab 4 variants:
--Official Tab 4 KitKat Firmware thread
--Official Tab 4 Lollipop Firmware Thread
Assuming you were inquiring about custom ROMs, below is a list of the most popular and/or well-maintained ROMs that will work for your device (pro-tip, even if the ROM says it's only for the SM-T230, it will work on your device, but you probably will lose IR blaster functionality). Before you ask, there are no viable CyanogenMod-based or even AOSP-based ROMs for this device (or SM-T230). They tried to get CyanogenMod working for your device, but as of right now the available builds either don't boot entirely or boot but have bugs like Wi-Fi not working. I'll link to the thread with the relevant info and downloads, but don't expect much, certainly nothing stable enough for daily use. The list I promised you:
--Acheron ROM (well maintained, popular, great dev to interact with, and even though I don't own your device, my recommended starting point)
--Prism Barebones (unfortunately apparently no-longer maintained, but still a solid, popular ROM by a well-respected dev, a legit alternative to Acheron)
--TranchidaKat (seemed to be gaining in popularity, unfortunately the dev recently took a break from maintenance)
--T230 Smooth ROM (I don't really know much about this ROM, but from what I can tell it seems/seemed reasonably popular)
There are a couple more ROMs I feel reluctant even mentioning, and can't really recommend with any sort of confidence. The first had an OK dev (seemed to be in the up and coming, eager to learn but not experienced stage of being a ROM developer): Octagon ROM
The next ROMs I'm going to mention I can't recommend in good confidence not just they're now slightly out of date, but because they seemed to have a few bugs, but more so the developer doesn't do much to instill my confidence in their knowledge base when it comes to developing ROMs for android. Also they're not really custom ROMs more than they're just the stock ROM with themes and skins applied, as opposed to any real under-the-hood performance improvements: Everything Google ROM; the previous ROM with a Marshmallow skin; and Android 5.0 Lollipop Material Design -{theme}-
Finally the CyanogenMod thread I mentioned, even though as I said, you will be disappointed if you insist on downloading anything to try it out: http://forum.xda-developers.com/tab-4/general/dev-cm12-1-t230-nu-development-thread-t3190971
One last thing before I go, in case you haven't found the custom recovery you need, you have three (although the first two are more recommended) choices: an older version of TWRP which I can guarantee will work: http://forum.xda-developers.com/tab-4/general/root-galaxy-tab-4-7-t230-t2835264
Or a newer version of TWRP which should work for your device but I cannot personally guarantee that (click the link that says twrp-3.0.0.0-degas-160207-0212): http://forum.xda-developers.com/tab-4/development/recovery-twrp-2-8-1-0-samsung-galaxy-t2922795
Regarding that newer TWRP, I'm pretty sure I've seen posts confirming it works for your device but I can't recall for sure and I personally installed the first (older version) on a friend's SM-T230NU, so your call. If you have a strong personal preference for CWM as opposed to TWRP, you can try the following recovery, but it's not actively maintained any longer, so be warned. Although to be fair, it works fine as far as I can tell, so again your call: http://forum.xda-developers.com/tab-4/development/recovery-philz-smnu-t2980094
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Click to collapse
Many thanks for the tips
Btw, your links are great.. and can be downloaded VERY FAST
have a nice day

dumb questions about terminology and basic resources

Hi.
Some time ago I managed to install LineageOS 14.1 on a stock Zuk Z1 that used to have CyanogenOS. Now I'm in the process to understand what did I do precisely
I apologize in advance for potential errors or imprecisions (my knowledge of the subject is low and english is not my first language)
So:
- I've got TWRP that is a bootable recovery and has its own site, its own builds, mantainers, issue tracker etc
- I've got LineageOS that is an Android distribution and has its own site and its own builds, mantainers, issue tracker etc
- I've got the first software layer when I boot the phone that I'm not sure hot to call it (let's call it "firmware" but I'm not sure about that): the one that displayed "ZUK" when brand new and I overwrited with something that now shows a fancy penguin). This is what puzzle me the most, since I upgraded it because a kind fellow said to me I needed to, pointing me to a file linked somewhere (I believe on this very forum) that I blindly installed. It's unclear to me who developed it or compiled it and where to find more informations.
Some (very dumb) questions for starters:
1) technically which of these three "layers" can boast of the name of "custom rom" and/or "firmware"? I'm sure LineageOS is a custom rom but I'm unsure about the other two
2) what's the relation between the android distribution (e.g. LineageOS) and the firmware (the first layer of software I mentioned earlier)? They should match according only to the android version you're about to install?
3) any suggested readings/resources to learn the basics about these things?
Thanks a lot.

Make custom rom with vendor files

Hello,
HTC having obviously stopped supporting my smartphone in terms of updating android, I want to create a custom ROM to enjoy the benefits of the later versions of android in Mashmallow.
However, HTC provides the source code of the linux kernel used as well as some tools necessary for the proper functioning of the device. In addition, it also provides a guide to compiling android. Unfortunately, this guide seems incomplete or poorly explained. So I would like to get help in compiling an android rom for this device.

Please do it. unfortunately I have bought this device recently a month ago and feels like i have been cheated by HTC!! No proper support no software or security updates and really poor website with no useful data to end user, it seems that the company produced this model and dumped in the market to get our money and forgotten or ignoring users with at least security updates, even the non branded Chinese phones get better support than this brick from HTC. My first HTC phone was windows mobile on 2008 , it was poorly supported and my bad luck again with HTC u play which has the same situation. I will never buy from this company again.

citorva said:
Hello,
HTC having obviously stopped supporting my smartphone in terms of updating android, I want to create a custom ROM to enjoy the benefits of the later versions of android in Mashmallow.
However, HTC provides the source code of the linux kernel used as well as some tools necessary for the proper functioning of the device. In addition, it also provides a guide to compiling android. Unfortunately, this guide seems incomplete or poorly explained. So I would like to get help in compiling an android rom for this device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you been sucessfull in building costom rom
if yes share it please

Various questions regarding rooting

I just bought an S5E, and having owned two previous Samsung devices, I expected a fair amount of bloat, but not nearly the amount I discovered. It makes my previous two Samsungs look downright slender. Particularly loathsome, in my view, is the way SS has hijacked Find My Mobile and Google Messages, the latter of which, as a Google Fi customer, I have to use for SMS.
Hence, I am going to root, and cleanse this otherwise delightful device with the fire of 1000 suns. I have rooted Android devices before, but it's been a while, and my memory hasn't improved with age, so I have several questions, some about rooting in general, and some specific to this device. I should add that, while I am not opposed to performance gains and newer versions of Android and suchlike, my only pressing concern is to de-Samsungize the bejeebers out of this thing. Other than that, something like a stock version of Android and an otherwise low-maintenance tablet will make me very happy. So, here goes:
I have the PewPewk method bookmarked, and believe I have one or two others using various combinations of ADB and Magisk and suchlike bookmarked. I imagine I can handle them, but they look complicated. Are any of the apparently simpler approaches found here effective, sufficient to achieve my goals, and unlikely to brick me?
What are the advantages of Custom Android Recoveries relative to the stock Android, and if they add much in the way of complications, can I live without them?
Do I need a custom ROM, and more specifically, do I need one to give me non-Samsungized versions of Find My Mobile and Google Messages? At a minimum, I need the garden-variety version of Google Messages so I can text like a normal person, not a Samsung zombie.
Again, I don't really need tweaks for performance or new versions of Android, but I do need to get bug fixes and security patches with a minimum of fuss. How do I find that minimal sweet spot?
If the answers to one or more of these question are that yes, I need a custom recovery and/or ROM - I suspect this will be the case - then can anyone recommend good candidates that will get me the outcomes I'm looking for without perplexing me too greatly and making me want to cuss?
Can anyone identify the questions which I should be asking, but which didn't occur to me, and then pose them and answer them?
I'm confident that I'm in the right forum to get the answers I need, so all advice will be greatly appreciated.

smilejack1 said:
I just bought an S5E, and having owned two previous Samsung devices, I expected a fair amount of bloat, but not nearly the amount I discovered. It makes my previous two Samsungs look downright slender. Particularly loathsome, in my view, is the way SS has hijacked Find My Mobile and Google Messages, the latter of which, as a Google Fi customer, I have to use for SMS.
Hence, I am going to root, and cleanse this otherwise delightful device with the fire of 1000 suns. I have rooted Android devices before, but it's been a while, and my memory hasn't improved with age, so I have several questions, some about rooting in general, and some specific to this device. I should add that, while I am not opposed to performance gains and newer versions of Android and suchlike, my only pressing concern is to de-Samsungize the bejeebers out of this thing. Other than that, something like a stock version of Android and an otherwise low-maintenance tablet will make me very happy. So, here goes:
I have the PewPewk method bookmarked, and believe I have one or two others using various combinations of ADB and Magisk and suchlike bookmarked. I imagine I can handle them, but they look complicated. Are any of the apparently simpler approaches found here effective, sufficient to achieve my goals, and unlikely to brick me?
What are the advantages of Custom Android Recoveries relative to the stock Android, and if they add much in the way of complications, can I live without them?
Do I need a custom ROM, and more specifically, do I need one to give me non-Samsungized versions of Find My Mobile and Google Messages? At a minimum, I need the garden-variety version of Google Messages so I can text like a normal person, not a Samsung zombie.
Again, I don't really need tweaks for performance or new versions of Android, but I do need to get bug fixes and security patches with a minimum of fuss. How do I find that minimal sweet spot?
If the answers to one or more of these question are that yes, I need a custom recovery and/or ROM - I suspect this will be the case - then can anyone recommend good candidates that will get me the outcomes I'm looking for without perplexing me too greatly and making me want to cuss?
Can anyone identify the questions which I should be asking, but which didn't occur to me, and then pose them and answer them?
I'm confident that I'm in the right forum to get the answers I need, so all advice will be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello there
Your questions are really deep, maybe that is why no answers so far
I'm not an expert at all, so I can't give you comprehensive answers. But I rooted Tab S5e successfully (on stock ROM) and I've read a lot about modifying it, so I can share just few hints.
I wouldn't bother of any other rooting method than Magisk. However, this tab isn't as easy to root as most of the other devices... By far the best and comprehensive guide to root the stock ROM is here:
Galaxy Tab S5e (SM-T720) - Root Instructions (Release 1.0) | XDA Developers Forums (xda-developers.com)
If you follow it closely, you shouldn't have problems. I did it and can confirm it's working fine.
I haven't used custom ROM on this device, but there are some available, especially LineageOS from the recognized developer and one of the LineageOS team member. You can take a look on those threads:
[ROM][OFFICIAL][gts4lvwifi][10] LineageOS 17.1 | XDA Developers Forums (xda-developers.com)
[ROM][UNOFFICIAL][gts4lvwifi][11] LineageOS 18.1 | XDA Developers Forums (xda-developers.com)
In order to flash custom ROM you need custom recovery. There is TWRP available:
Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e WiFi (twrp.me)
Again, I did not try to flash it, I've heard it's tricky, so you need to dig dipper inside those threads and articles.
Alternatively, there is a method to debloat stock ROM without root. It is described in this thread:
[Guide] Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e Debloat Without Root-Info | XDA Developers Forums (xda-developers.com)
Hope it helps!

Thank you for your input. By the time you offered it, I had plunged ahead with the rooting method you suggested. Overall, it went well, but I'm having a few issues with the tablet since getting Lineage 17.1 installed.
I have made a new post requesting help with those issues, which can be found here. If you can offer any advice thereupon, I would be greatly appreciative, and if not, thank you for your efforts above.