Database Users

Custom ROM/recovery/... vs Stock

Hey there, I have been flashing my HTC Desire HD for a long time with different ROMs. I found it kinda annoying to always check certain websites for new updates, manually download and flash them just to find out that half of the stuff was buggy.
Now I got the Nexus 4. I loved the idea of having fast OTA updates. But now I want to flash a new kernel.. which means I got to install a custom recovery. But then OTA will not work anymore.
So I wonder:
Should I stay with
CWM + Stock ROM + Custom Kernel (no OTA update but no problem with buggy custom ROMs)
CWM + Custom ROM + Custom Kernel
Everything stock
Cyanogenmod is nice but for me it doesn't have any big advantages over stock 4.2 ? So I really wonder what you guys would recommend? What are your reasons to do a "certain setup" ?
Thanks

You don't need a custom recovery to flash a kernel.
It can be flashed with fastboot leaving everything else stock.
You still wouldn't be able to install the OTA without flashing the stock kernel again though.

Oh crap.. so as soon as I change ANYTHING... no OTA updates anymore
Hmm... I guess I will stay with custom kernel + flashing stock ROM then :/ Is there any way to automatically check for updates tho?
Thanks

zakazak said:
Oh crap.. so as soon as I change ANYTHING... no OTA updates anymore
Hmm... I guess I will stay with custom kernel + flashing stock ROM then :/ Is there any way to automatically check for updates tho?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah you will get the notification and it will try to install but it will fail and reboot if you aren't 100% stock.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

Go with TWRP instead of cwm
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

calanizzle said:
Go with TWRP instead of cwm
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1, TWRP is great :highfive:

TWRP is the way to go!

But then I have another problem (well I already have it but..):
I would like to use ROMmanager.. after all it might be able to check for rom updates & flash them "automatically" (stock + custom?). I am not sure if it could also check for kernel updates?
Anyway, it seems to work only with CWM ? Altough it doesn't seem the already installed CWM on my Nexus 4 :S

Anyone?

I would never use ROM manager. Not a good program. Use a custom recovery, and if you want lots of customisation then I would recommend AOKP Rom as it is just as fast and stable as the stock ROM but with a whole host of customisation options.
Beauty of this phone is that you can go back to complete bone stock with no issues, I did, but missed all the customisation and put AOKP back on lol.

alright I uninstalled it. I just hoped for some "app" which could look for all kind of "custom" updates and install them automatically (kernerl,rom,...)

If you're interested in CM, I think delta CM will allow you download only the changes made to the project.
Also, why do people say to use TWRP instead of the more tried and true CWM? It seems to have a lot of sex appeal to some recently, and there doesn't seem to be a clear cut answer. Is there added functionality?

AOSP / JB features / mods in ICS

Hi guys,
so I'm currently switching from my Defy to the Razr I.
I already browsed the forum but still have some questions.
As I am used to have all the great CM features on my Defy, I'd like to have as much modification for my Razr I as possible.
But of course I'm well aware that the dev is not that big for the Razr I...
1st of all, I do NOT want to unlock my BL for warranty issues (I mean, who would like to unlock a brand new phone and void the 2year warranty?)
So I'm planning on staying on ICS but I'd like to get as much AOSP / JB features as possible on my phone (rooted with the motofail2go)
I was thinking that instead of flashing the zips in CWM I'd just replace the system apks with a root explorer manually...
So is there any chance, I can implement features from the [KERNEL][ROM][MOD]infiniROM to ICS?
What I'd really like to have:
2G setting, flashplayer, brightness settings, better batter life, and any way that brings back a power bar or whatever it is called to have settings like brightness, wifi AP on/off, GPS on/off;flashlight in the notification bar

As Razr i has unlockable bootloader, there is nobody who had played with second init like with defy (I had defy before razr i too) as there wasn't a reason to.
As you may know, there is official update to JB, which at least for me meant much better battery life than I had on ICS and this gets even better on Omar's ROM.
See this thread, there is link for root tool for locked bootloader but that works on ICS only. With root you should be able at least to change brightness and some other thinghs. For power bar search "power toggle" on the play store.
To be honest I was a little worried to unlock my bootloader too but after couple of days when I was sure the phone works well I took the risk as many other users here. And if you'll lock bootloader again there is possibility that shop where you bought your phone won't even dig if you unlocked it or not and you might be just fine with possible warranty claim.

thanks for the reply, I am however not going to unlock the BL.
So what is possible with ICS besides power toggle?
Can I install the AIO kernel on my ICS?

dagoban said:
thanks for the reply, I am however not going to unlock the BL.
So what is possible with ICS besides power toggle?
Can I install the AIO kernel on my ICS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, but if you want a new kernel, or the roms here, i recommend you 100% unlock the booloader to avoid bricks, without that, you will have to not prove things without freedom of bricks
Intel device - Razr i Owner
Hit thanks if i help you or you like my style

OK, seems like nobody has tried flashing the kernel with a locked BL...
But what about the systemui.apk? Can I just replace that with the one from the mod? That should work, right?

Why should one flash a wrong Kernel or SystemUI?
Deal with ICS, stay on JB stock or try yourself if you want to see bootloops. Good luck...

Well I thought before I get bootloops I would just ask here if someone tried that out before?
Nothing wrong with that I think...

And it could be possible to flash a different kernel than the rom.
On my Defy I have a froyo Kernel with GB, and froyo Kernel with JB...

dagoban said:
And it could be possible to flash a different kernel than the rom.
On my Defy I have a froyo Kernel with GB, and froyo Kernel with JB...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that's right but all kernels used in defy are signed by motorola otherwise it won't be possible to use them since bootloader is not unlockable. Plus due to x86 architecture it'd be complicated try to port jb or newer (in future) to work on ics as everything would have to be done from sctrach - no point do that.
I just hope we won't see new topic "help, I bricked my phone" created by you...

dara85 said:
I just hope we won't see new topic "help, I bricked my phone" created by you...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol, me neither
So, no different kernel, but what about the systemui.apk? I mean, I can copy any modded google app to my phone, so does that mean I can also use the modded systemui?

Man, sorry for sounding rude (truth is sometimes uncomfortable), but as SystemUI is dependent on the framework (of either ICS or JB), there's no chance to switch between them.
You don't want to unlock? So there are two options: Stay at ICS rooted or JB stock unrooted.
The more you ask, the less you get another or better truth.
If you don't believe, try it. Why not? The chance for curing a boot loop with ADB enabled in developer options is 99% (if you are fit with command line) - otherwise you flash ICS stock with RSDlite again, then you are 100% safe.
But DO NOT flash a JB kernel over ICS!

shaftenberg said:
Man, sorry for sounding rude (truth is sometimes uncomfortable), but as SystemUI is dependent on the framework (of either ICS or JB), there's no chance to switch between them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, didn't know that the systemUI is part of the framework, I thought its a regular apk like any other apk, like the clock or regular gapps...

[Q] Noob Question - About Kitkat

Hello guys, sorry to take your time reading this but I really got confused.
I see many posts of people that succcessfully ported Kitkat from Nexus 5 to Nexus 4.
Also, saw people that could install Stock 4.4 Kit kat Rom by flashing binaries and factory images. (And I am too noob for that).
So, my point is, didn't anyone was capable to get stock by flashing binaries and etc and them, turn the rom available for download for everyone?
I think if it was possible, it would reduce A LOT the threads over here.

it is available for download silly.
you have aosp and the factory img. factory img you flash via fastboot, and there are plenty of 4.4 aosp builds that you can flash via your recovery. just because someone flashes the factory img via fastboot onto their phone, does NM ot mean that they can provide to you whats on their phone as a zip. it has to be compiled as a rom for you to flash. spend some of your time going through the dev and original dev forums, find yourself a eom to flash.

Heitor Amat said:
Hello guys, sorry to take your time reading this but I really got confused.
I see many posts of people that succcessfully ported Kitkat from Nexus 5 to Nexus 4.
Also, saw people that could install Stock 4.4 Kit kat Rom by flashing binaries and factory images. (And I am too noob for that).
So, my point is, didn't anyone was capable to get stock by flashing binaries and etc and them, turn the rom available for download for everyone?
I think if it was possible, it would reduce A LOT the threads over here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You download the deodexed official 4.4 kitkat rom here or check out 4.4 custom roms in the development forum.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2010887

Tks
simms22 said:
it is available for download silly.
you have aosp and the factory img. factory img you flash via fastboot, and there are plenty of 4.4 aosp builds that you can flash via your recovery. just because someone flashes the factory img via fastboot onto their phone, does NM ot mean that they can provide to you whats on their phone as a zip. it has to be compiled as a rom for you to flash. spend some of your time going through the dev and original dev forums, find yourself a eom to flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that I will wait for the OTA, I am too much noob to do those stuffs and devices in Brazil are really expensive to get bricked.
Also, I hear that the stock version for N4 (4.4 kit kat) is apparently waaay too similar to 4.3, does not brings transparent nav bars and notifications or white toogles. Also does not bring google experience of google now. Is that truth?
I was using google launcher for N5 and that would be great if I do not have to select always the launcher... everytime I select "always use this laucher", my device keeps me asking about what launcher would I like to use.

Heitor Amat said:
I think that I will wait for the OTA, I am too much noob to do those stuffs and devices in Brazil are really expensive to get bricked.
Also, I hear that the stock version for N4 (4.4 kit kat) is apparently waaay too similar to 4.3, does not brings transparent nav bars and notifications or white toogles. Also does not bring google experience of google now. Is that truth?
I was using google launcher for N5 and that would be great if I do not have to select always the launcher... everytime I select "always use this laucher", my device keeps me asking about what launcher would I like to use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is true that you don't get transparency on the Nexus 4 with Android 4.4 because it still uses (pretty much) the same launcher as for Android 4.3. You can, however, install the GEL as a replacement launcher and make it your default launcher. That will enable transparency and the full GEL experience with Google Now as the far left panel. You can find the instructions here:
h t t p : / / androidpolice.com/2013/11/13/how-to-try-the-google-experience-launcher-with-translucent-bars-and-google-now-once-you-get-your-kitkat-update-apk-download/ (please copy and paste the link as XDA won't allow me to post links until I'm a more "mature" user )

rickxray said:
It is true that you don't get transparency on the Nexus 4 with Android 4.4 because it still uses (pretty much) the same launcher as for Android 4.3. You can, however, install the GEL as a replacement launcher and make it your default launcher. That will enable transparency and the full GEL experience with Google Now as the far left panel. You can find the instructions here:
h t t p : / / androidpolice.com/2013/11/13/how-to-try-the-google-experience-launcher-with-translucent-bars-and-google-now-once-you-get-your-kitkat-update-apk-download/ (please copy and paste the link as XDA won't allow me to post links until I'm a more "mature" user )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, tks for that.
But this will only be enabled (transp. bar and etc) with android 4.4 or android 4.3 as well?
Is there any way to impeach that the stock launcher keeps appearing for me?

Heitor Amat said:
Hey, tks for that.
But this will only be enabled (transp. bar and etc) with android 4.4 or android 4.3 as well?
Is there any way to impeach that the stock launcher keeps appearing for me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The transparency only works with android 4.4. You might be able to get it on android 4.3 using the nova launcher but I haven't tested it so I can't personally guarantee.
You should be able to select the default launcher and the system should keep it like that. Just make sure you press the "Always" button before selecting your option.

rickxray said:
The transparency only works with android 4.4. You might be able to get it on android 4.3 using the nova launcher but I haven't tested it so I can't personally guarantee.
You should be able to select the default launcher and the system should keep it like that. Just make sure you press the "Always" button before selecting your option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I do this. but it does not work..
I mean.. it stays for 5, 10 minutes and them.. it asks again for it.
ps: nova does not works, i tried =)

Noob Question - Install Android 4.4 on low end tablet
Hi,
I don't know where to post this question as am new to XDA and since my question is obviously a noob one, apologies if I have posted in the wrong one.
I have a low end tablet, Prestigio MultiPad PMP5080B, running Android ICS. I would like to install/update Android 4.4, preferably vanilla (4.4.2 AOSP). How do I go on about doing it. There seem to many a method, can someone point to me a reliable and easy method (with the link to the page if available ).

mhmhafniyaas said:
Hi,
I don't know where to post this question as am new to XDA and since my question is obviously a noob one, apologies if I have posted in the wrong one.
I have a low end tablet, Prestigio MultiPad PMP5080B, running Android ICS. I would like to install/update Android 4.4, preferably vanilla (4.4.2 AOSP). How do I go on about doing it. There seem to many a method, can someone point to me a reliable and easy method (with the link to the page if available ).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good place to start:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2025740

Help! Major stability problems with all non-sense roms

Hi all, this is a last ditch cry for help before I give up on custom roms on the i9300 (I9300XXEMG4) and go back to stock or sell it and go with a Nexus 5.
I've tried CM10.1 stable, CM10.3, SlimBean and ParanoidAndroid. All 4.1-4.3.
The issue I'm having is instability with installed apps. Many apps reset their cache randomnly but particularly at reboot - I've had games reset themselves to their just-installed state and pdf scanners lose their documents. Also some apps randomly uninstall themselves and simply disappear, particularly apps which are in effect activation keys to their trial app equivalent, eg Safe Camera Pro Key, Poweramp Full Version, BeyondPod unlocker. Finally, some apps seem to constantly want to update themselves, for example Google Search updates itself at every reboot. These issues happen whether I enable or disable root access.
I haven't been able to find any instances of anyone else having these issues. When I was on stock rom I never had any of these issues. Anyone have any idea what could be causing this?

Ok stock roms in sammys world are known as tw roms. And those roms other than stock arent always perfect and may not work for your device the way they are intended. If I was you id pick a non tw rom and follow every instruction properly and if its still not working the way advertised than post in thw q&a thread for that rom
Sent from my dominationed S4

Ausboy 2011 said:
Ok stock roms in sammys world are known as tw roms. And those roms other than stock arent always perfect and may not work for your device the way they are intended. If I was you id pick a non tw rom and follow every instruction properly and if its still not working the way advertised than post in thw q&a thread for that rom
Sent from my dominationed S4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't tried any touchwiz roms, I far prefer to stick to vanilla android. All those I've tried have been non-touchwiz, I've followed instructions very carefully, ensured the correct GAPPS versions etc, and asked for help in the relevant forums here and elsewhere. No joy!

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1704138
Total wipe of your phone and install whatever rom you want following the instructions .If that fails then as few report same problems try Sammy custom roms .
Then make your decision .

Ok - think I MAY have solved it. I repartitioned, formatted and flashed stock rom from heimdall and then re-installed CWM touch recovery. Then formatted all partitions and installed slim bean and gapps. TOUCH WOOD - so far no stability problems.
I can only assume that something went wrong with the initial root and cwm install? Perhaps the cwm file was corrupted? Just hopng it doesn't rear its head again...

Sprint Samsung S4 upgrade to 4.4

I'm still on a stock rooted 4.2.2 Rom and I need to upgrade to 4.4
I've really had no issues with the touchwiz and I'm running the KM kernel, but from what I was told I need to unroot to get 4.4. I don't know if that's true or not, but seeing as you don't have that many touchwiz roms here maybe I should go with ASOP instead? I was looking at the master list of roms but are the roms carrier dependent?

but from what I was told I need to unroot to get 4.4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can update your phone through settings (as long as you didn't mess with system files and apps) but you will definitely lose root and get knox.
I was looking at the master list of roms but are the roms carrier dependent?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, roms are carrier dependent (with the exception of CM11 nightly builds, which are now unified across all carriers, the rest provide separate builds for different carriers)

carefree12 said:
You can update your phone through settings (as long as you didn't mess with system files and apps) but you will definitely lose root and get knox.
Yes, roms are carrier dependent (with the exception of CM11 nightly builds, which are now unified across all carriers, the rest provide separate builds for different carriers)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone is rooted but running the stock rom, when it came time to upgrade it would not upgrade at all, I forgot what it would hang at but it ended not doing anything, so getting tired of seeing the upgrade was ready to be installed I hid the message.
But now I need the upgrade because of Google Wallet and tap & pay.
So as far as getting another rom I assume I should be just looking under my carries forum here instead of the master list? Now having said that.. OK say I find a ASOP with 4.2 can I just use that instead of unrooting and then doing the update?
In other words installing a custom ASOP rom would still get me on 4.2 as well?

Samsungmobile said:
My phone is rooted but running the stock rom, when it came time to upgrade it would not upgrade at all, I forgot what it would hang at but it ended not doing anything, so getting tired of seeing the upgrade was ready to be installed I hid the message.
But now I need the upgrade because of Google Wallet and tap & pay.
So as far as getting another rom I assume I should be just looking under my carries forum here instead of the master list? Now having said that.. OK say I find a ASOP with 4.2 can I just use that instead of unrooting and then doing the update?
In other words installing a custom ASOP rom would still get me on 4.2 as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends on what version of android the rom features. CM11 for example is a 4.4 KitKat rom so if you install CM11 you would have 4.4 AOSP rom that is close to the original AOSP rom you would find on Google devices.

For some reason I can't boot my phone into recovery.. I'm holding vol up, home and power and I see it saying booting recovery in the upper left but if I keep holding the buttons the screen and the phone just turns back off again.
*edit
I just noticed I use TWRP Recovery so I think I have to start it from the phone being on.
Well this is odd.. OK so I moved the zip file to the root of the SD card and looking at the recovery and it's not listed under the root of the SD card.. I don't get it.
Oh never mind forgot the setting to switch to SD card