Database Users

Cyanogen or froyo stock?

Hi, I just got my g2 from the free promotion thingy and im pretty much new to andriod. Should I stay on stock froyo or use cyanogen? And what are the advantages and disadvantages?
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

I would root it. There are tons of things that are advantages, such taking some of the crapware that comes bundled on the phone, ability to put themes on your phone, and you get added features with cyanogenmod and other roms out there. The features you can check out for yourself, which can be found on changelogs, YouTube videos, forum post, etc. Spend some time, read that roms' forum thread and learn a few things along the way.
Sent from my HTC Vision

It can be a tough decision.
First of all I am coming from a g1 that was running the latest stable cyanogenmod so the G2 has been an amazing phone stock. It is super fast and the display is seriously amazing. I did root it because I wanted to check out the cm7 nightlies and also the stable cm6.1.1.
First of all I actually like some of the apps that came pre-installed on the g2. Quickoffice is amazing and an excellent ppt, pdf, doc viewer. I did miss that on cyanogen and I also preferred the stock 2.2 scheme and app drawer. However these are the main differences. Everything else is very similar just with added functionality. You can manipulate every aspect of the UI including the power widget on the notification bar (my personal favorite). You can also overclock your cpu to squeeze some more performance out (up to 1.8ghz but I hear 1.4 is safer). You can also use your current data plan for tethering instead of having to pay extra.
But all in all if you don't require or need this functionality, just stay stock. The stock experience is excellent. I come from the G1 culture where we rooted just so we could stay relevant and get some decent speed on our long forgotten phones. That was the only reason I rooted before and quite possibly the only reason I'll root in the future.
I went back to stock to get my quick office back and I really don't mind the loss of functionality (for now) however I do miss the cool radio tuner.

Quickoffice is in CyanogenMod...
Anyway, root your phone and flash CyanogenMod. The stock experience is great and all but so many things just work better with CyanogenMod.
When you root, you obtain so many more capabilities. How would you like to remove every single advertisement you see? Well you can't do it unless you root.
There are so many more things but I just can't get into it. You'll sit here all day reading my post. Just take me word for it and root. You won't go wrong but READ READ READ all instructions and understand them before you do anything.
Yes, it is risky but only if you're stupid and/or rushing. Make sure you have the correct files and always make a backup. I keep them in a special place on me computer. I still have my stock backed up for if I ever have a problem.
It's a fun thing to get into. You learn a lot and will continue to learn. If you don't find out something new everyday with your G2, there's really no reason to have it, IMHO...
Sent from me CM7 Nightly HTC Vision using XDA App that needs a thanks button implemented

Cyanogen is stock 2.3.2 with tons of extra features and extremely stable. Stock is 2.2.1 with a ton of bloat and no extra features. Seems like a no-brainer to me.

Root and flash cyanogen mod, awesome decision.

I am coming from a rooted G1 and I got my G2 from the free promotion and I rooted because I can't do without it. Once you have root, you won't ever want to go back. I rooted my G2 in the first 30 minutes that it was out of the box. Only down side that I can think of is that you can't have an inteligent conversation with a service rep. xD
You can get root and stay on the stock software/ROM but I don't recemend it, the whole Android experiance changes the moment you install a custom ROM.
The manufacturer and carrier has locked the phone down so much that they basically own the phone, they locked down the potential of the device so much that once you have root you'll be amazed about how much stuff you can now do on it.
YOU bought the phone, its YOURS, NOT the carrier's, NOT the manufacturer's but YOURS, why not make it so?
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App

I would also recommend that you check out some of the Desire Z/Sense ports (I'm using Virtuous). They're quite clean in terms of bloatware, but you get alot of extras, such as a superior camera/music player app, plugins (Facebook, Flickr, LinkedIn, etc), and more. You can still use ADW Launcher or Launcher Pro for your homescreen/app drawer.

root. install cyanogen. Obtain FM Radio = win

btate0121 said:
root. install cyanogen. Obtain FM Radio = win
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got mine last Friday and I rooted just to get rid of the bloatware and for overclock.
The FM radio is a bonus... that's sweet.

Does rooting still void the warranty?
I waited until my warranty had run out with my G1 before I rooted it. Just afraid the phone'll break or so and I wont have any options.

metamet said:
Does rooting still void the warranty?
I waited until my warranty had run out with my G1 before I rooted it. Just afraid the phone'll break or so and I wont have any options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technically, yes. However, it's pretty easy to flash a stock ROM back on if you break something.

I preordered my G2 after a long, rooted 2 years on the G1. When I first got the G2, I said I wouldn't root because it didn't need it. My G2 did everything the G1 did but much, much faster. Then I got tired of not having full control of my phone. I had apps I would never use running in the background plus numerous other things that I just had no control over. Then, the brilliant developers found root and I haven't looked back.
I have a lot of people with unrooted android devices around me and they are always blown away by what I can do with my G2. For me, rooting turned my smartPHONE into tiny PC that does calls.
I have a guy I work with who just picked up the new nexus. He was showing it to me and commented on the GB light when you hit the bottom of a page. Well he griped that he wanted the overscroll bounce back. I then showed him that with root and cyan, you can have both. He wasn't ammused as he is afraid to root.
I say read up on everything that is involved with rooting and flashing custom bits. When you feel comfy with it. Unlock that bish and make that G2 your own.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App

[Q] Looking for specific features in a ROM

I've so far have spent two days with my new GS4, have to admit, I'm loving it.
This isn't my first time rooting and installing custom roms, coming from the misaligned and abandoned Photon 4G.
Normally I consider any software put on by a manufacturer on top of stock android to be bloatware, and should be removed with prejudice. However the air gestures, watch on, and some of the other things Samsung had put in, actually seemed like they cared, which is surprising to me (you'd understand if you knew the saga my MoPho had went through)
So basically right now I'm torn between running a debloated stock image, and PAC, which I loved on my old phone.
What would really make my day, and would set this device for it's life span, if there was a way to have a phablet UI on a stock image.

so far it looks like PAC is gonna be your best bet as far as obtaining a phablet UI via PA prefs.....lucky for you we already have it on our phone. ive flashed the majority of the roms available now and thats the closest ive come.

xxaddictedxx said:
so far it looks like PAC is gonna be your best bet as far as obtaining a phablet UI via PA prefs.....lucky for you we already have it on our phone. ive flashed the majority of the roms available now and thats the closest ive come.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. Ive been running PAC for a while now, It'll probably be a daily driver once I get a few bugs I ran into worked out.

dont know if you have seen this yet or not but it seems like your request was answered
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2316314

[Q] Anyone ditched KK for 4.3 or 4.2

Just curious to know how many have decided KitKat isn't for them on their Nexus 4s and gone back to a previous version of Android, be it 4.3 or 4.2?
Also, any particular reasons for moving away from KK?
Been on KK for a week or so but I do miss some of the customizations that more establish roms from previous versions offer such as theme engine and various tweaks. I appreciate some of the newer KK roms are getting there but it's still early days.
Thanks.

I switched back not because of the customizations. I am using complete stock. I switched back cuz its like a beta version. They said all the blue in UI will turn into white/gray but its stil blue. Just like a little part of the UI is like it should be. Kinda disappointed that its not done at 100%. Switched back to 4.3 and lovin' it.

I went back to 4.2 because I don't like the direction Google is taking. Now that Android has won the popularity vote, it seems Google is pushing forward more aggressively with its agenda, control.
Android was supposed to be about choices, yet I can no longer choose if I want to use talk instead of hangouts, AOSP browser instead of Chrome or other apps for example. You can no longer use HotSpot (T-Mobile user) unless you modify a db file. Things are being blocked or taken away while being forced into their ecosystem. Google plus, their recent youtube changes. Also instead of privacy being DEFAULT you have to dig deep into settings to enable it. The new Google caller ID while a nice idea, should be an option to enable not one that has automatically been selected for you. The whole agenda is to pry into your private information as much as possible AND make you feel comfortable doing so. But what ship can I jump to? iPhone? No thanks. Stop using smartphones? Not likely.. I guess for now my only option is using an older version of Android that is actually very functional.
Otherwise I do like the smoothness of KitKat, I'm just trying to choose the right ROM that brings back some of the old features with the new.
/sorry for the rant.

KitKat taste better than JellyBean.

What are you looking for as far as customization?

I am still running 4.2.2 on my Nexus 4, it has nothing to do with Kit Kat tho. I'm looking for a 4.4.2 rom that I'm comfortable with, but haven't found one yet. I don't do stock anything so that's out of the question. ?
Sent from my Nexus 7 (2013)

The sole reason for kitkat is art
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Kitkat is by far the smoothest Android version today imo, but still holding on to carbon 4.3 because of features and stability reasons. ?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

It is pretty clear when moving to KK that a lot of useful features have been taken away. Many more utilities need root access now to do things like control Airplane Mode or to read battery statistics. I'm sure Google will have some excuses around "security" but I just feel like the walls are closing in on Android. Also KK seems to have introduced more bugs than useful new features. I've had several irritating battery drain problems, partly due to stupid default settings but also to bugs. Seriously considering going back to 4.3 which was perfectly functional for everything I needed.

I stayed on 4.2.2 aokp milestone mostly because everything works perfectly fine without a bug. The only thing not letting me moving forward is the whole thing about using 1 default messaging app. For example i like the default messaging app but i need the quick send from chomp sms. No, i have to use only one. That's what's android is all about, ( the choice that you want to do with your device, if im gonna be taking all the good options away, then mind as well say go iPhone.

I had been using the stock rooted version of 4.4.2 for almost a week now and have been having trouble with the phone freezing up every few hours wherein none of the hardware buttons response. Need to restart the phone then
Not sure how many have been facing these issues
Now i m switching back to Carbon Rom again
maritimesbob said:
Just curious to know how many have decided KitKat isn't for them on their Nexus 4s and gone back to a previous version of Android, be it 4.3 or 4.2?
Also, any particular reasons for moving away from KK?
Been on KK for a week or so but I do miss some of the customizations that more establish roms from previous versions offer such as theme engine and various tweaks. I appreciate some of the newer KK roms are getting there but it's still early days.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I'm waiting for a gingerbread ROM, best android version so far - but no ROMs for the nexus 4. Far faster than anything since.
If you're aware of one, please let me know.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

I'm on KK but I also feel that android(AOSP) is going in wrong direction: left side of home screen is Google now in gel, read somewhere and agree that it reminds like iPhone UI,
And all love for android is because is different than iOS, so im in doubt to downgrade, speed on jellybean is good for me and its smooth enough.
Greets
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

andynx1 said:
I'm waiting for a gingerbread ROM, best android version so far - but no ROMs for the nexus 4. Far faster than anything since.
If you're aware of one, please let me know.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not possible cause there are no drivers of N4 for gingerbread.
And kk is by far the best Android. I love the design, the features, the speed (ART). I haven't had any bug so far and I am using stock rooted. I think kk is the first of android revisions that's as smooth as ios or even better.

sandy-achar said:
It's not possible cause there are no drivers of N4 for gingerbread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Err, my "gingerbread" comment was meant as a joke.
Of course kk is the best yet, there's really no good reason not to use it. Unless you're a Luddite.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

andynx1 said:
Err, my "gingerbread" comment was meant as a joke.
Of course kk is the best yet, there's really no good reason not to use it. Unless you're a Luddite.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL! That would be interesting tho.
Sent from my Nexus 7 (2013)

I can see why quite a few look at KitKat and think it a half baked product. It just doesn't seem quite complete, almost like it was rushed out in time for Christmas or something.
The wife has just had her KitKat OTA for her MotoG. She knows nothing about rooting and all the fun stuff, her phone is a phone! However she said she prefers it before the update as her battery life is much worse now. The MotoG comes with pretty much a clean Google rom.
I've tried KitKat again over the last week, but I'm going back to a 4.3 rom as it "feels" more complete if that makes sense.

maritimesbob said:
I can see why quite a few look at KitKat and think it a half baked product. It just doesn't seem quite complete, almost like it was rushed out in time for Christmas or something.
The wife has just had her KitKat OTA for her MotoG. She knows nothing about rooting and all the fun stuff, her phone is a phone! However she said she prefers it before the update as her battery life is much worse now. The MotoG comes with pretty much a clean Google rom.
I've tried KitKat again over the last week, but I'm going back to a 4.3 rom as it "feels" more complete if that makes sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rom's are a personal choice , my favorite right up until jellybean was Ginger bread and to be honest I wasn't overly impressed with KK.
However apart from Google trying to undo what android is about .
I can honestly say my battery life and general running is far better on kk and I really like it now.
Wouldn't think about returning to JB.
I missed network indicators and hated hangouts but after searching and fixing my dislikes I now believe my phone has never been this smooth , good looking and battery friendly.
Again its a personal choice but with a little searching and modding I think you can get good results on KK.
Phone : Nexus 4 /Rom : cataclysm / Kernel : Stock.

I'm happy with KK it looks nicer, but in saying so it doesn't feel complete but I guess that's why with have devs coding awesome ROMs to add anything they think is missing. For example... I'm running the latest 4.4 AOKP and at the moment its almost like a stock ROM with only a few features and tweaks. But in time everything we know and love from AOKP will be added. So all in all at the moment I think its just a waiting game while developers work their magic.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

chicohonda91 said:
I stayed on 4.2.2 aokp milestone mostly because everything works perfectly fine without a bug. The only thing not letting me moving forward is the whole thing about using 1 default messaging app. For example i like the default messaging app but i need the quick send from chomp sms. No, i have to use only one. That's what's android is all about, ( the choice that you want to do with your device, if im gonna be taking all the good options away, then mind as well say go iPhone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you even tried Kitkat? You can still use the default messaging app or any other sms app. When you first boot up Kitkat, by default hangout is a messaging app but you can change it. Hangouts > Settings > SMS > SMS Enabled > Default SMS app > Choose any other sms app you prefer.

[Q] 4.2 rooted or 4.4 update?

So with the inevitable release of KitKat tomorrow, I have the quandary of upgrading or not. I understand the 4.4 will kill my root, but I really haven't used the root option due to interceding life getting in the way since I rooted it (originally I was going to use Ti Backup and go from there, but have never bought it). So losing root is not a huge deal breaker one way or another currently.
With the leaked build, does it look like a good update to do or has the current ROM users of KitKat feel it's not worth it? I'd like to get some input to help make up my mind...

scottiemedic said:
So with the inevitable release of KitKat tomorrow, I have the quandary of upgrading or not. I understand the 4.4 will kill my root, but I really haven't used the root option due to interceding life getting in the way since I rooted it (originally I was going to use Ti Backup and go from there, but have never bought it). So losing root is not a huge deal breaker one way or another currently.
With the leaked build, does it look like a good update to do or has the current ROM users of KitKat feel it's not worth it? I'd like to get some input to help make up my mind...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I own both an I337 and an M919 and, given the flexibility of the M919, I was able to try both official and leaked 4.4 TW releases mainly for the I9505. Based on those experiences I would say take the update. 4.4 update should be noticeably faster.
In regard to keeping root, I'm hoping SuperSu Pro's Survival mode works.

I'd say go with the update if you don't care about root. The only problem is Knox is more locked down, also more bloat/crap ware on the new update. I do love the camera on the lockscreen, plus the album artwork on the lock screen is a big + for me. I don't know if art is implemented into the gs4 but it does make a difference but the only thing is, is that most apps are not optimized for it yet.
Sent from my XT1058 using xda premium

So should I revert the few changes I have done? IE, I've killed startup apps with ES Task Manager and (obviously) disabled the software update checker.

I'm on the original/not locked down 4.2.2. What do I need to do, to accept the update? I too found that I don't use Root much, but T.B. would be nice to have. I have clockword installed now as a bootloader, so maybe I need to revert to stock bootloader somehow. Previous OTA's have failed.

As far as experience goes, I say wait and keep your options open. I like the freedom of a clean rom, free from bloat and clutter of apps that i dont use. Not to mention a battery life that exceeds far beyond a regular un-rooted device. Visit the numerous threads of other people's experiences. I'm rooted and have been able to try out different rooms from 4.2 to 4.4. Accepting an ota will unroot your device without anyway of reverting back. Good luck with your decision.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

aiwapro said:
I'm on the original/not locked down 4.2.2. What do I need to do, to accept the update? I too found that I don't use Root much, but T.B. would be nice to have. I have clockword installed now as a bootloader, so maybe I need to revert to stock bootloader somehow. Previous OTA's have failed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're on the not locked down version, then you shouldn't take the update. It will lock your bootloader and that device will never see an AOSP ROM again. You should wait for something like StockUp to be updated to the new 4.4 or use any of the many other 4.4 ROMs available. If you really want to get one with the stock update and locked bootloaders, I'm sure someone would love to trade.

aiwapro said:
I'm on the original/not locked down 4.2.2. What do I need to do, to accept the update? I too found that I don't use Root much, but T.B. would be nice to have. I have clockword installed now as a bootloader, so maybe I need to revert to stock bootloader somehow. Previous OTA's have failed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We were able to get the MK2 tar files rather quickly after the OTA release and will hopefully be able to get the 4.4 tars just as quickly. If that's the case you will be able to flash all partitions, except the bootloader, to run the 4.4 ROM and keep your unlocked bootloader. I would not give up the unlocked bootloader if I were you.

scottiemedic said:
So with the inevitable release of KitKat tomorrow, I have the quandary of upgrading or not. I understand the 4.4 will kill my root, but I really haven't used the root option due to interceding life getting in the way since I rooted it (originally I was going to use Ti Backup and go from there, but have never bought it). So losing root is not a huge deal breaker one way or another currently.
With the leaked build, does it look like a good update to do or has the current ROM users of KitKat feel it's not worth it? I'd like to get some input to help make up my mind...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you are not someone that really uses or needs root like us flashaholics. I love having complete control over my devices. The extraordinary battery life, increased performance, extra capabilities like tethering and so forth. If I want to delete an un-wanted app or service ( At&t navigator anyone) or try a new rom I can. With a stock rom with locked boot loaders (really an oxymoron for "open source" Android isn't it?) you have what you get, like it or not. It's sad they load these awesome devices up with so much performance killing bloat ware. It's like buying a new corvette & then attaching a loaded u-haul trailer to it. What's the point of having it if you can't use it as intended? Anyway my 2 cents worth. Choose your path wisely grasshopper, as there's no turning back.

Hello everyone!
I have been thinking about getting myself one of these lovely phones but after reading what y'all have been saying about the locked bootloader I'm not sure I want to... I won't be able to actually get a phone until next week so I'm assuming it will come already pre-loaded with this update??
I would like to be able to root this phone just like I did my old ET4G from Sprint... would this be an option if I was to get one next week?
Just an FYI I will be on the AT&T network.
ttfn
CDL

crazy_dragonlady said:
Hello everyone!
I have been thinking about getting myself one of these lovely phones but after reading what y'all have been saying about the locked bootloader I'm not sure I want to... I won't be able to actually get a phone until next week so I'm assuming it will come already pre-loaded with this update??
I would like to be able to root this phone just like I did my old ET4G from Sprint... would this be an option if I was to get one next week?
Just an FYI I will be on the AT&T network.
ttfn
CDL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get a nexus 5. You'll love it
Sent from my Nexus 5

jd1639 said:
Get a nexus 5. You'll love it
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T doesn't offer that phone... unless I'm just not seeing it LOL

crazy_dragonlady said:
AT&T doesn't offer that phone... unless I'm just not seeing it LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They don't but it works fine on att. Very easy to root and mod. No locked bootloader.
Sent from my Nexus 5

John The Rhino said:
Sounds like you are not someone that really uses or needs root like us flashaholics. I love having complete control over my devices. The extraordinary battery life, increased performance, extra capabilities like tethering and so forth. If I want to delete an un-wanted app or service ( At&t navigator anyone) or try a new rom I can. With a stock rom with locked boot loaders (really an oxymoron for "open source" Android isn't it?) you have what you get, like it or not. It's sad they load these awesome devices up with so much performance killing bloat ware. It's like buying a new corvette & then attaching a loaded u-haul trailer to it. What's the point of having it if you can't use it as intended? Anyway my 2 cents worth. Choose your path wisely grasshopper, as there's no turning back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I've just never gotten any real good info on WHAT my rooted GS4 can do. I'd love to extend battery life and tether, but without really knowing all the possible downfalls, I've never pulled the trigger on like system apps, bloatware, etc. You know of a good resource for slightly technical people with clear definitions of what certain programs do and what can and can't be deleted?
I think at the time I rooted (I'm a MF3 S4), there was no 'unrooting' or flashing to stock, and therefore have been reluctant. I know I don't spend enough time on here learning, my 5 and 2 year old suck all my extra time away.
I'd love to maximize my phone to it's greater abilities, just overwhelmed I guess on where to start as I'm perfectly happy on 4.2 (I owned 3 iPhones before getting this one, so I have limited Android experience, but I recently also got an ASUS TF300 and rooted and ROMed my Kindle Fire almost 2 years ago to CM9).

scottiemedic said:
I guess I've just never gotten any real good info on WHAT my rooted GS4 can do. I'd love to extend battery life and tether, but without really knowing all the possible downfalls, I've never pulled the trigger on like system apps, bloatware, etc. You know of a good resource for slightly technical people with clear definitions of what certain programs do and what can and can't be deleted?
I think at the time I rooted (I'm a MF3 S4), there was no 'unrooting' or flashing to stock, and therefore have been reluctant. I know I don't spend enough time on here learning, my 5 and 2 year old suck all my extra time away.
I'd love to maximize my phone to it's greater abilities, just overwhelmed I guess on where to start as I'm perfectly happy on 4.2 (I owned 3 iPhones before getting this one, so I have limited Android experience, but I recently also got an ASUS TF300 and rooted and ROMed my Kindle Fire almost 2 years ago to CM9).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man, no worries. The reality is I would much rather play with my kids (if I had any) than an electronic device. So it's nice to know your priorities are right. There's few picture worthy moments we get from our phones, but kids provide such memories constantly. For everyday use, stock is fine & was for me for a little while. You are doing the right thing by waiting until you know more before you do something wrong & brick your phone. This is the place where you can learn how to root, install Safestrap recovery & flash incredible custom rom on your mf3 S4 when you are ready.

[Q] Upgrade to Kit Kat?

I picked up my Verizon LG G2 at launch, a little over a year ago. As soon as I got the phone, I rooted it using ioroot. Doing so allowed me to use wifi tether and the rest of the phone has worked flawlessly. With my old Galaxy Nexus, I used to be a crack flasher, but I haven't felt the need to with this G2.
Now a year later, I'm starting to get the itch, as I am getting a little bored with the phone. My question is, in your opinion, is it worth it to upgrade to KitKat? What advantages would I get from KitKat over JB (4.2.2)? I've read a fair amount of the change logs, but haven't found anything that has me really wanting to upgrade.
My big hesitation is that everything works great with my phone now, and I have always found that with custom ROMs, something just doesn't work right, and I'm constantly looking for fixes/upgrades.
If you recommend upgrading, what ROMs do you recommend?
Thanks in advance!