Database Users

Convince me! Benefits of Custom ROMs vs Disadvantage of losing OTA

Hi all
Actually the subject speaks it self but,
As you probably know, after you install a custom ROM, you'll lose OTA eligibility which includes flash support for browser, bug fixes and much more.
Still, I know you'll keep on installing custom ROMs... So Convince me to install a custom ROM...

you lose (I was wrong you get OTA on custom roms) ota but anything OTA is gonna be on this site in seconds

When you are ready to void your warranty then install a custom ROM. What makes you think that these OTA updates won't magically find a place into custom ROMs?
With a custom ROM you get root access. You will never have root access with an OTA ROM, if you know enough about android and how to use root access then that should be enough for you.

henihazbay said:
Hi all
Actually the subject speaks it self but,
As you probably know, after you install a custom ROM, you'll lose OTA eligibility which includes flash support for browser, bug fixes and much more.
Still, I know you'll keep on installing custom ROMs... So Convince me to install a custom ROM...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chances are, anything included in an OTA update will be on XDA (by way of custom ROMS) before it hits phones via OTA. For example, multi-touch in the browser was already in Cyanogen's Rom (and possibly others). Sure, maps didn't have it, but only cause Cyanogen didn't enable it yet, posssibly because he figured Google would get to it in a short time anyway, who knows. The patch to enable full access to your memory was here first as well, and (at this time) we still don't know if today's OTA update includes this. Lots of other reasons to root, but if all you're worried about is getting OTA updates, you can stop worrying.

In fairness I've not noticed any performance increase on my Nexus One, since adding the Cyanogen rom on Sunday.
There are a few more apps, some extra options, and a really dodgy multitouch in the browser app, but I have to admit I don't really think it was worth it for me.
Fortunately I've got the nandroid backup of my stock rom, so in a week or so I'll probably restore that and get the OTA updates anyway...

the difference between cooked multitouch and the native one in the OTA is quite noticeable.
rather than estimating the pinch to zoom (like on the Hero/Sense UI) the new 2.1-update1 is extremely accurate zooming where your fingers are placed, as well as being smooth as butter.

Raymond77 said:
In fairness I've not noticed any performance increase on my Nexus One, since adding the Cyanogen rom on Sunday.
There are a few more apps, some extra options, and a really dodgy multitouch in the browser app, but I have to admit I don't really think it was worth it for me.
Fortunately I've got the nandroid backup of my stock rom, so in a week or so I'll probably restore that and get the OTA updates anyway...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this possible? I think once you rooted, you can't get the OTAs anymore

if you are rooted but have stock bootloader and stock rom you can receive OTA updates still, and still install them aswell,

You do know that the features included in the official OTA that just was released a few days ago have already been placed into most of the available ROMs, when you root, you're really not "losing" the ability to get OTAs, you just are losing the ability to get them automatically sent to your phone. It just means you must install then manually, or, i.e, update the ROM your using.
When Flash 10.1 comes, do not worry, it will be in every ROM in a matter of hours. Or even before it is officially released - everything is possible after rooting. Also, after rooting, you are allowed to just do "more". Like have custom trackball colors, Nexus Torch, other apps that require ROOT access - and, for those who like installing different Android Builds, like Sense, that is all possible too.

rooting is more of a warranty issue then anything else.

this should do it look at the bottom 281 megs of free memory

gtrplr71 said:
this should do it look at the bottom 281 megs of free memory
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. But free memory is memory not being used for anything, so what's the point? It's an e-peen thing, like the guys who build triple SLI I7 gaming rigs with 12 gigs and use it to run WoW.
But one thing to consider is that an OTA update is generally well tested. Cooked ROMs are frequently not. The current Cyanogen 5.0 "stable" one has gone through three revisions in one day or so to correct for things that would normally be caught in a regression test pass for the "real bits."
The advantages of staying stock is that GOOG, HTC and TMO will have releases processes in place, quality gates for changes to pass, etc that the cooked rom scene does not.
The advantage of going rooted with a custom rom is you get new cool stuff sooner.
So. Root, nandroid and then try it out. If you don't like the result, restore. Done.
I'm running Cyan 5 beta 4. Have not installed the "stable" release build as I'm waiting for the bug churn to slow.

gtrplr71 said:
this should do it look at the bottom 281 megs of free memory
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What software is that?

jabreu203 said:
What software is that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Advanced Task Manager.

Looking over the whole net to get an answer to this question.
What are the benefits of going rooted and installing a custom rom?
There is totally NO answer, cause the answer that EVERYBODY gives "you gain all the benefits of have your phone rooted" is just not an answer. What ar those benefits damn?
I know there's no straight answer, but I am looking for some examples....things that will show me some actual benefits in everyday use. And please dont give me the second most popular answer "you are able to install custom Roms"....
Yes...ok....but I want examples of the benefits of that, too...
(I have rooted my phone and installed Leedroid rom......and still trying to figure out why all that fuzz...)

Theres a whole search engine out there.
You serious? You necro'd a year and a half old thread to ask this?
If you go to any custom rom thread in this forum, you will be given access to a list of features.
Or you could google the rom in question, an example might be "Cyanogenmod features"
This was the second result:
http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=Features
You say you have leedroid, which makes me suspect that A: you don't have a Nexus One, and B: You should have read the first post of the thread, where the features of the custom rom are included
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=842802
Rooting gives you all the features of the custom rom you choose to install. Every rom has it's own set of features, which may explain why there is no single 'answer' you are looking for.
Rooting without installing a custom rom limits you to extra features like Nandroid back ups, and things like setCPU.

thanks for taking the time to reply. I figured that I was on a wrong phone thread only after I posted (I have HTC desire). I guess I have to spend some time with my rooted+rom phone to understand the real benefits myself.

henihazbay said:
So Convince me to install a custom ROM...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you are just lazy to me. You don't want to go read up like everyone else did. I say stick w/ stock rom so you don't make another thread that asking to convince you to go to a particular rom or just a bunch of random questions that are in stickies.

If you don't root, you don't get the 'H'!! LOL
If you ask everyone the forum, why they rooted their phone, 1/2 will not know why.
Some, surprisingly, believe they need to root their phone to get the 'H' to get faster internet speed.
Some believe their 'stock, non-rooted' phone always gets 'H' and that is how it comes from the store.
Some believe that if you root your phone, it will transform into a power ranger.

There are 2 reasons to root your phone as I see it
To access hardware you otherwise couldn't
To extend the life of your device by installing the latest/greatest custom ROM
For example, a stock N1 without root access can not utilize trackball wake, so if that is important to you, gain root access to the phone.
Also, the N1 is getting a little long in the tooth by smartphone standards and Google will presumably stop pushing updates one day. So if Android v5.0 is important to you, you will need root access to install CyanogenMod 9, which might help you squeeze more functionality from the phone.
The rest is software stuff. Notification power widgets, overclocking, toggle GPS via software are all dependent on root. But these things are just "niceties" and aren't necessarily limiting your hardware, IMO.

[Q] Rooting my Note3, what and how now?

Hey guys, just a quick question. Please please excuse me for I am definitely a noob, but I've done some research about rooting and what it offers yet I still don't know how to use it. It feels much like learning how to drive a stick... understanding in theory, but difficult in application until practice. My note 3 is rooted, but I still have no idea what and how much I can do from here. Not to mention, while I'm doing research and trying to educate myself, there are some names and terms I do not understand. Anyway, let me just write some of the questions I have in a list:
1) Cyanogenmod. Is it available for verizon note 3 running 4.3? I keep getting search results that there are while the cyanogenmod website itself doesn't offer it? I also got a Nexus 7 to try to expand my knowledge in this field, and it does have cyanogenmod installed. Now, to my understanding, it runs side by side with the Android OS while it basically strips the device's bloatware, giving you the pure, simple, raw experience of Android OS. If I were to install cyanogenmod to the note 3, how would it affect the camera functions and the s pen functions? The reason why I ask about the camera is because using my Nexus's camera and looking at some youtube videos of note 2's with cyanogenmod, it seems like it would actually be a downgrade from the note 3's stock camera. And as far as the S pen goes, I've realized that I would lose the action notes, s notes, and sketchbook for galaxy apps, wouldn't I? How could I go around that?
2) Flashing ROMS. What exactly does this do? All I can find is that it allows me to customize my phone, but I don't seem to understand to what extent.
3) Kernels. What are these?
Lol, so sorry for such basic questions. But I would really really appreciate your patience and information!

CyanogenMod is unofficially available for the Note 3. Not everything works. CyanogenMod is a ROM that changes the software on the phone. It's a more customized version of Android, and very close to "stock". If you use CyanogenMod however, you will lose your S-Pen and it's features, along with all of the other TouchWiz features of the phone (gestures, split screen, etc.). The S-pen will act as a basic mouse pointer. CyanogenMod is not pure AOSP, it's quite far from it. It's similar, but very different from a pure Google experience. It's really a beast of it's own in my opinion, and is now a stand alone company that will seek to profit off of the ROM (likely by coming standard on some devices). That's not to say it isn't good, I run it on most of my other devices but on the Note 3, without the S-Pen it's just a big phone.
ROM's are customized versions of Android typically created by a developer or group of developers. The features of each ROM will change. A 4.3 TouchWiz rom might remove all of the carrier bloat (applications not likely used, but run in the background and offer little no actual use to anyone). They'll also provide enhancements and tweaks that make life a little easier like a quick-access flashlight tied to your volume up button, or the ability to remove certain icons from the notification panel, a batter percentage indicator in the notification panel, removing the exchange security permissions, or just general speed improvements over the factory settings. There are many advantages to a ROM and once you use them you'll likely never go back to stock. The ROM features are typically listed in the ROM's topic.
There are many ROM's out there for many different devices, so make sure you only install one that is made for your phone. You'll also hear about AOSP ROM's, these are stock or close-to-stock versions of Android, typically found on Nexus devices. The way Google intended Android to be used.
Android uses a Linux Kernal. It's a customized version of Linux. It's the base operating system behind Android. Similar to ROM's, different kernals can offer different levels of customization, however they won't be as prevalent as a ROM since they deal more with the core of the operating system. The Kernal will manage the drivers for all the different components of the phone, like your radios (how you receive a phone signal), your sensors, camera, CPU, etc. Be especially careful when changing Kernals, it can drastically affect your phone, and possibly permanently.
I'll put in the caveat that this is my understanding, and may not be 100% accurate. People are welcome to correct my mistakes and misunderstandings I may have =)
I hope you find it helpful!

Thank you for your response and information!
Okay, so I guess Cyanogenmod for the Note 3 is not an option for me since I enjoy using my S pen (I mean, why else would I have gotten the phone in the first place haha)
Could you direct me to some useful ROMs or recommend me some? The thing is, I had the Motorola Droid as my first smartphone and never really got into rooting or anything, and when I got the iPhone 4s, that's when I started learning about jailbreaking and got pretty good at it too. Now that I'm back to Android and learning about root, I've realized just how.. simple and basic jailbreaking is compared to rooting. So, would these ROMs be similar to tweaks you can get from the Cydia store in, let's say, behavior of the phone?
I don't think I would want to mess with kernels for a long while either, not until I get more acquainted with rooting in general.

ch0i said:
Thank you for your response and information!
Okay, so I guess Cyanogenmod for the Note 3 is not an option for me since I enjoy using my S pen (I mean, why else would I have gotten the phone in the first place haha)
Could you direct me to some useful ROMs or recommend me some? The thing is, I had the Motorola Droid as my first smartphone and never really got into rooting or anything, and when I got the iPhone 4s, that's when I started learning about jailbreaking and got pretty good at it too. Now that I'm back to Android and learning about root, I've realized just how.. simple and basic jailbreaking is compared to rooting. So, would these ROMs be similar to tweaks you can get from the Cydia store in, let's say, behavior of the phone?
I don't think I would want to mess with kernels for a long while either, not until I get more acquainted with rooting in general.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well first thing you need is safestrap so you can actually flash a ROM link here
This allows you to create limited size slots to flash a ROM to without effecting the stock ROM. There is a way around the size limitation of the slots, but I wouldn't worry about that yet. Just get a feel for it first before you risk bricking.
As for a ROM, head on over to the android development section and pick one. They all have great descriptions of what they have and what they don't. Personally I run hyperdrive and it makes a great daily driver. Still has enough of the original Samsung stuff to look like a Note 3 but allows you to tweak it much further. There are plenty others, and that's the beauty of safestrap, flash to your heart a content until you find one you like.
Kernals aren't something to worry about yet because the boot loader is still locked, limiting our ability to flash a kernal or a custom recovery at that. Unless something has changed that is... Has it? Did it get unlocked while I was asleep.
I you ever get stuck, search then ask. You might also want to read about ODIN here. since you're already rooted some of this doesn't pertain to you, but is still a good read as ODIN will help you recover from some problems.
Hope that helped.

blksprk said:
Well first thing you need is safestrap so you can actually flash a ROM link here
This allows you to create limited size slots to flash a ROM to without effecting the stock ROM. There is a way around the size limitation of the slots, but I wouldn't worry about that yet. Just get a feel for it first before you risk bricking.
As for a ROM, head on over to the android development section and pick one. They all have great descriptions of what they have and what they don't. Personally I run hyperdrive and it makes a great daily driver. Still has enough of the original Samsung stuff to look like a Note 3 but allows you to tweak it much further. There are plenty others, and that's the beauty of safestrap, flash to your heart a content until you find one you like.
Kernals aren't something to worry about yet because the boot loader is still locked, limiting our ability to flash a kernal or a custom recovery at that. Unless something has changed that is... Has it? Did it get unlocked while I was asleep.
I you ever get stuck, search then ask. You might also want to read about ODIN here. since you're already rooted some of this doesn't pertain to you, but is still a good read as ODIN will help you recover from some problems.
Hope that helped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It did! Thank you very much!

ch0i said:
It did! Thank you very much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only option with Safestrap and therefore on newer Verizon Note 3's is a ROM based on stock, so Cyanogenmod isn't an option at all.
I would consider Hyperdrive. Enhanced app windowing options, Xposed framework to get rid of earphone hearing damage warning and never ending reminder about how to clear default apps and tons of little customizations. Getting rid of boot sound is reason enough for me.
Other things on your checklist whether you get a custom ROM or not is Adaware, which you can download on xda to block ads. Need Titanium Backup to back up apps with data, something you can't do without root and very useful when switching ROMs or phones. Lots of other useful tools like Root Explorer on Google Play. If you stick with your stock ROM, do the mod to allow free tethering for Wi-Fi.
Since you like your S Pen, you need Pen Window Manager, available on Play to choose for yourself which apps can run in a pen window. That was one of the big reasons I wanted to root this phone.
By the way, once you find a ROM you like, it's best to nandroid back it up, backup the stock ROM for safety, then restore your custom ROM to the Safestrap stock slot. The ROM 1-4 slots have limited storage so not great long term solution if you have a lot of apps, etc.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

Poll upgrading 4.4.2 or sticking with whatcha got

Here is my simple poll... I am not giving reasons to why I am sticking with 4.2.2, as many will argue against my points. This is a poll so if anything it is all about your reason not mine, and how many are going one way or the other.

Upgrading, just so I Could get rid of that ugly green battery icon
Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk

Change is inevitable. .. resistance is futile
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

pakure said:
Change is inevitable. .. resistance is futile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Outside of some small issues with stock firmware, once ironed out, 4.4.2 is more hype than what Google is offering. Change is good, as long as there is a reason to. So far I have no reason to change unless Samsung releases Tizan to the Note 8.0, which will never come.

Already updated using the UK update. Glad to be able to save Google Play All Access music to my SD card now. No down side that I can see.

Polaris Office 5 "usable" (without the long stripe, not root)... not sure if I deleted that app before or installed with 4.4.2 but for taking notes on clasess is a big plus for me. :good:

been using civs rom and kernel and don't feel a real need to update. a new rom won't speed up my ebook reading and comic reading. so it's gotta be preety feature packed for me to update. I haven't even taken 4.4 update on my gn10.1 2013 yet either.
just notice civ updated... so I most likely be upgrading soon, lol.

No good reason to upgrade other than having all 3 notes running KK. Goodness, not a good reason. Frankly, nothing outstanding was gained.
Via my Note 3

BclingergFJ said:
No good reason to upgrade other than having all 3 notes running KK. Goodness, not a good reason. Frankly, nothing outstanding was gained.
Via my Note 3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive found KK on the Note 8 to be smoother and a little snappier

I upgraded and I cant really tell if anythings different
Sent from my GT-N5110 using XDA Premium HD app

You can now upgrade without the need for flashing the Kitkat Knox bootloader.
Install a custom Kitkat rom of your choosing and then install this kernel and you will have wifi and all things working + some extra's.
for now only for the 5110

civato said:
You can now upgrade without the need for flashing the Kitkat Knox bootloader.
Install a custom Kitkat rom of your choosing and then install this kernel and you will have wifi and all things working + some extra's.
for now only for the 5110
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have used your kernel on your 4.2.2 Flexbeam. I had issues with Miracast and Fat32 on SD card. Stock is the only way for me to have my cake and eat it.
There is no real benefit, unless you want a few features that you won't use. A properly setup 4.2.2 will work just as good as 4.4.2 without all the headaches. By the time I will need a feature that I don't have now, I'll be upgrading my hardware. Since my poll has been created, we have a definite split. Yet nobody can give good reasons to upgrade, outside of being newer is better.
Civato, since you are pushing your custom ROM, I have the right to say what I think about it since this is my post. I have tried your ROM before, and found good work with your efforts, but the features you provide are not worth having issues associated with customization of the kernel. If anything nobody not even google can not fix their media subsystem. So, having 4.4.2 for me would be undoing what I have fixed on my device, an I do not care to do anymore troubleshooting as I have done since November with my Note 8.0.

gooberdude said:
I have used your kernel on your 4.2.2 Flexbeam. I had issues with Miracast and Fat32 on SD card. Stock is the only way for me to have my cake and eat it.
There is no real benefit, unless you want a few features that you won't use. A properly setup 4.2.2 will work just as good as 4.4.2 without all the headaches. By the time I will need a feature that I don't have now, I'll be upgrading my hardware. Since my poll has been created, we have a definite split. Yet nobody can give good reasons to upgrade, outside of being newer is better.
Civato, since you are pushing your custom ROM, I have the right to say what I think about it since this is my post. I have tried your ROM before, and found good work with your efforts, but the features you provide are not worth having issues associated with customization of the kernel. If anything nobody not even google can not fix their media subsystem. So, having 4.4.2 for me would be undoing what I have fixed on my device, an I do not care to do anymore troubleshooting as I have done since November with my Note 8.0.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First things first, some fish slapping???????????????
I think you missed the whole point of my post.
Now as it is my right to answer you in YOUR THREAD. Here it is , THE WHY?
Sir,
I posted this info so any user Not wanting to upgrade to the kitkat bootloader that comes with the Knox counter and not possible to revert back to JellyBean Knox free bootloader, can now install a custom Kitkat rom and kernel and check it out. If they don't like it they can go back to JellyBean stock state with the Knox Free JellyBean bootloader.
clear enough.
Now my turn.
Watch my words, in the end 99% will be on kitkat as more regions are supported. I don't understand people. They b*tch about the late Kitkat update and when it finally arives they b*tch about nothing much has changed in UI.
Now mirrorcast is crap for me as it is samsung closed source. Im not supporting any propitairy thing as Android should be 100% open. If not I should by me a Apple.
your exfat problem? Not having it on kitkat as on kitkat they made it open source. On JellyBean it was also samsung propitairy crap so not ablle to really build it good into the kernel , for some cards then.
I have OTG with ntfs RW support , so easy to read out my big hdd. I have cifs, so easy to connect to the pc and read out a whole hdd of my pc.
I have dongle support what you may not find important but a lot others do.
I have supurb batterlife onthe new kitkat kernel and supurb speed that you will never get on stock kernel.
I can control any setting I want of my kernel.
If all people have the same attitude as you , root, custom roms , kernels, triangle away,..... would not exist. Buy a Apple is my advice to you then.
My 2 kids got both a Ipad mini and for them it is the best. Easy in use and really closed so they can't mess with a thing.
Oh and I'm not pushing my rom, I clearly say "a" custom rom.
Is this even my time worth ?

civato said:
First things first, some fish slapping������������������������������
I think you missed the whole point of my post.
Now as it is my right to answer you in YOUR THREAD. Here it is , THE WHY?
Sir,
I posted this info so any user Not wanting to upgrade to the kitkat bootloader that comes with the Knox counter and not possible to revert back to JellyBean Knox free bootloader, can now install a custom Kitkat rom and kernel and check it out. If they don't like it they can go back to JellyBean stock state with the Knox Free JellyBean bootloader.
clear enough.
Now my turn.
Watch my words, in the end 99% will be on kitkat as more regions are supported. I don't understand people. They b*tch about the late Kitkat update and when it finally arives they b*tch about nothing much has changed in UI.
Now mirrorcast is crap for me as it is samsung closed source. Im not supporting any propitairy thing as Android should be 100% open. If not I should by me a Apple.
your exfat problem? Not having it on kitkat as on kitkat they made it open source. On JellyBean it was also samsung propitairy crap so not ablle to really build it good into the kernel , for some cards then.
I have OTG with ntfs RW support , so easy to read out my big hdd. I have cifs, so easy to connect to the pc and read out a whole hdd of my pc.
I have dongle support what you may not find important but a lot others do.
I have supurb batterlife onthe new kitkat kernel and supurb speed that you will never get on stock kernel.
I can control any setting I want of my kernel.
If all people have the same attitude as you , root, custom roms , kernels, triangle away,..... would not exist. Buy a Apple is my advice to you then.
My 2 kids got both a Ipad mini and for them it is the best. Easy in use and really closed so they can't mess with a thing.
Oh and I'm not pushing my rom, I clearly say "a" custom rom.
Is this even my time worth ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried to be polite, but you took some of my explanation to using my poll as a solicitation, a bit personal.
I did praise your work and efforts. I am not knocking in any way your ROM, just making a point for those who are tempted to understand there is a price to pay for using a modded ROM. Maybe I am being a bit protective, but about 50% upgrading to KitKat are finding issues they do not want to deal with. About 33% just jump right in without knowing when there is a lot of info available here to read up on.
Sure, I did not read up on your ROM and Kernel, but I was not interested and did not want to point one thing over another.
I admit your ROM adds some speed improvement, added customization and what not. I consider myself a novice in the Android world, and have managed to figure simple tweaks to make my stock ROM perform better than most custom de-bloated ROMs. Yet the pros seem to have to push 4.4.2 every way possible, for whatever reasoning, personal or not.
The Note 8.0 is not a gaming device, yet peeps think benchmarks are more important than usability. I am just calling it as I see it, 4.4.2 tweaked or not, is not much better than 4.2.2 when properly setup.
Not to point my finger to your ROM customizations, but all non-Samsung stock ROMs in general... Miracast, SD card, and S-pen are the big reasons why I chose Samsung, so they also happen to be propitiatory, many don' t see them as an issue, until they need one or the other to work.

gooberdude said:
I tried to be polite, but you took some of my explanation to using my poll as a solicitation, a bit personal.
I did praise your work and efforts. I am not knocking in any way your ROM, just making a point for those who are tempted to understand there is a price to pay for using a modded ROM. Maybe I am being a bit protective, but about 50% upgrading to KitKat are finding issues they do not want to deal with. About 33% just jump right in without knowing when there is a lot of info available here to read up on.
Sure, I did not read up on your ROM and Kernel, but I was not interested and did not want to point one thing over another.
I admit your ROM adds some speed improvement, added customization and what not. I consider myself a novice in the Android world, and have managed to figure simple tweaks to make my stock ROM perform better than most custom de-bloated ROMs. Yet the pros seem to have to push 4.4.2 every way possible, for whatever reasoning, personal or not.
The Note 8.0 is not a gaming device, yet peeps think benchmarks are more important than usability. I am just calling it as I see it, 4.4.2 tweaked or not, is not much better than 4.2.2 when properly setup.
Not to point my finger to your ROM customizations, but all non-Samsung stock ROMs in general... Miracast, SD card, and S-pen are the big reasons why I chose Samsung, so they also happen to be propitiatory, many don' t see them as an issue, until they need one or the other to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't want to fuel a debate with this post cause that is not my purpose and is not helpful to anyone. However, just want to say that after reading the last few posts I feel that you are being a bit harsh on civato for posting some useful info. The post specifically states "any kitkat rom" and never mentioned a specific custom rom. This info is obviously aimed to anyone thinking about upgrading which is what this thread is about.
Personally I appreciate any additional info provided, especially from a highly regarded dev/contributor, that could sway my decision either way and/or make things easier. Glad civato took the time to post for the benefit of others. :good:

gooberdude said:
Not to point my finger to your ROM customizations, but all non-Samsung stock ROMs in general... Miracast, SD card, and S-penare the big reasons why I chose Samsung, so they also happen to be propitiatory, many don' t see them as an issue, until they need one or the other to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S-pen = Crap on stock kernel, as it is way off. A pen needs to be 100% accurate and not so and so.
Did you take the time to look at text pen cursor, of by 5mm, that is a lot. and that is rom problem. JellyBean and kitkat
Pointer is 3mm to the left (Kernel problem, JellyBean and kitkat) , again that is a lot for me and people that use the pen for what it is made. Else I would bought me a Tablet without the pen support.
The only thing you post that I can agree with is lossing Miracast if you use a custom kernel. I don't have any SDCard problems.
And yes the pen is why I buy samsung Note devices.
It seems that my info is still not clear,
You can TRY kitkat now without the feared KNOX kitkat bootloader. Revert back to JB without any problems.
Sorry for my to offer this to the users.
I think what you are trying to do is make believe that KitKat is crap, or you are trying to convince yourself.
It is well known that most people are afraid of changes.

Why start this poll if you are happy with what you have and not interested in updating. ...the truth is you want to see what the rest are doing and then be deluded that you are doing the correct thing. ..
There can be different uses for different guys and needs are different. .. so don't compare. .. do a back up of your current set up, try different roms and stuff,.... decide for yourself. ... you can always go back to your backup if you don't like anything you tried, ... but frankly, 4.2.2 was buggy and Google quickly updated it to 4.3 for fixing those bugs
Frankly you cannot sit on the beach and wonder how it is to be at sea.... you have to take a boat and sail the sea to know for yourself...
So unless you try the update, how can you come to a conclusion what's best for you?
Chill out and enjoy your way
Sent from my GT-N5100 using Tapatalk 2

me, i already update my note, and super regret it, now, i have stupid knox, inaccuracy spen, nothing new.. so better wait..

oland681 said:
me, i already update my note, and super regret it, now, i have stupid knox, inaccuracy spen, nothing new.. so better wait..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try civs rom. .. it's great and fixes all the issues. ..
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

kitkat 4.4.2 on note 8.0 has bugs?
After updating to 4.4.2 my note 8.o is acting strange. Some time my home button isn't working. Some time my capacitive buttons aren't touch activated. (Though interestingly its always working with the included stylus!) When the screen is locked the home button doesnt bring the lock screen back. i.e. it remains black even I press the home button!
Any one facing this problem here after kitkat update?

[ROM][SM-T800] stock Deodexed FN8

[LSD] Proudly Present​Galaxy Tab S 10.5 Stock ROM Deodexed [Rooted]​
Code:
Bla bla your warranty is void and you know that :rolleyes: or is it?
*Screenshots are taken from a note 10.1 (2012 edition) but apps are from Tab-S!
For changelog go to post 2
For information go to post 3
*Stock Modified Boot.img
*Stock Kernel
*Deodexed
*Zipaligned
*Init.d support
*Busybox
*Unsecure Kernel
*More stuff i don't remember
*Knox Removed Partially [Not sure if its in kernel as well]
*SE Linux Enforcing [Kernel sources ins't out or?]
Install Instructions
Extract updater-script to desktop and edit the partition details
repack the zip and flash using CWM Recovery
Special Thanks to
@open1your1eyes0
Download
P.S If you succeeded downloading the torrent please feel free to upload it to a host, i don't have access to any good file hosting service

Changelog
v0.1
Initial relase once CWM is available please report

Feel free to use this package however you wan't to.
You can even improve it however you wan't to i don't mind. No credits are needed i'm just here for sharing

Can't wait to try this
Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

Thanks for this....BUT...custom recovery would be nice. Anyone working on it?

Patiently waiting for custom recovery! Look forward to trying this.

iMJets said:
Patiently waiting for custom recovery! Look forward to trying this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I don't think anyone is working on it, so we are stuck with stock. I'm sure eventually we will, but Dev action on this thing is poor.

suzook said:
Well I don't think anyone is working on it, so we are stuck with stock. I'm sure eventually we will, but Dev action on this thing is poor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you heard something? I never owned something that did not have cool stuff.

One of the problems facing the S model is that Samsung just came out with the Pro model and most of the people who wanted a tablet of this caliber already bought that. If there never had been a Pro model I feel confident we would be getting a lot more activity.
Anyway we already have root and at least the 8.4 guys have a kernel.

mitchellvii said:
One of the problems facing the S model is that Samsung just came out with the Pro model and most of the people who wanted a tablet of this caliber already bought that. If there never had been a Pro model I feel confident we would be getting a lot more activity.
Anyway we already have root and at least the 8.4 guys have a kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only reason we have root,is beanstown did us a favor. If he had a tab, We would have custom recovery and custom ROMs already. I really don't understand why people won't donate a device.

mitchellvii said:
One of the problems facing the S model is that Samsung just came out with the Pro model and most of the people who wanted a tablet of this caliber already bought that. If there never had been a Pro model I feel confident we would be getting a lot more activity.
Anyway we already have root and at least the 8.4 guys have a kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
indeed

suzook said:
Only reason we have root,is beanstown did us a favor. If he had a tab, We would have custom recovery and custom ROMs already. I really don't understand why people won't donate a device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because xda is based wholly on developers doing others favors and not on being compensated in advance to do so. Anyone who enjoys bean's work is free to donate to him after the fact. Xda is a volunteer network, not a marketplace.
Just be patient. We'll get our share of kernels and roms eventually. It's not like the Tab S is a worthless brick without it. For me this performs better than any tablet I've ever owned as is.

Exactly. And it isn't as though you can't get much of what you would want from a custom ROM via Xposed, launchers, and the like.

HughesNet said:
Exactly. And it isn't as though you can't get much of what you would want from a custom ROM via Xposed, launchers, and the like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. Other than CM, most roms are just themed debloated stock with some Xposed thrown in.
** Edit: I put this badly. What I meant was that roms seem to people like themed debloated stock with some Xposed thrown in. They are not the game changers they used to be when these devices had weak processors and a few hundred extra benchmark points really meant something.
Roms are awesome, but they aren't as vital as they once were.

mitchellvii said:
Exactly. Other than CM, most roms are just themed debloated stock with some Xposed thrown in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't disagree more. That's ridiculous.

mitchellvii said:
Exactly. Other than CM, most roms are just themed debloated stock with some Xposed thrown in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couldn't disagree with you more. There are alot of edits done to system files that you don't know about. Alot of work goes into incorporating those mods that people like you take for granted. Please don't be ignorant.

mitchellvii said:
Exactly. Other than CM, most roms are just themed debloated stock with some Xposed thrown in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have built & released custom ROMs based on Samsung official firmware.
There is a huge amount of work involved to create these ROMs and even more to support them. That's why I quit. ... (Not enough time in the day). I rarely used Xposed except for unsupported DPI changes.
Samsung "stock" ROMs are based on official Samsung firmware.
CM is "stock" ROM based on official Google source.
Based on the above, both CM and Samsung "custom" ROMs are both "stock" and "custom" (as in customised)..... If you customise anything, then it is "custom"
I am sure though that your post doesn't exactly read what you really meant.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Let me clarify. I think I put that badly.
While roms are quite an bit more work than just debloating, theming and using xposed, many of them feel to the user like that was all that was done, especially with these incredibly fast new processors that can overpower and make even not the best code run fast and smooth. I recall years ago when the HTC Evo came out. A good rom could make a HUGE difference in performance. Now take the Note 3. Using a great rom there by Freeza. Sure it's a little better than stock but the improvement isn't nearly as dramatic as in the past.
I guess my overall point is this. The Tab S is such an excellent device that even if if no one ever creates a rom for us, we will still be able to have a fast solid machine. Roms are awesome but they are not the game changers they once were.

mitchellvii said:
Let me clarify. I think I put that badly.
While roms are quite an bit more work than just debloating, theming and using xposed, many of them feel to the user like that was all that was done, especially with these incredibly fast new processors that can overpower and make even not the best code run fast and smooth. I recall years ago when the HTC Evo came out. A good rom could make a HUGE difference in performance. Now take the Note 3. Using a great rom there by Freeza. Sure it's a little better than stock but the improvement isn't nearly as dramatic in the past.
I guess my overall point is this. The Tab S is such an excellent device that even if if no one ever creates a rom for us, we will still be able to have a fast solid machine. Roms are awesome but they are not the game changers they once were.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't more then agree with you.
We already got the horse power of the tablet I never over clocked my s4 or note 10.1 because I don't feel the need to. Basically its the New features of other devices I'm curious to try out. that's why note 10.1 (2012) got the file manager from this tab and it's beautiful. A Rom is fast with a good options to choose for the user so he can make it his. Speed isn't anything that's basically needed of course its fun to use the max power but for the love of your tablet be careful. that's why I haven't included anything of these kind of apps.
Also just to mention one app is missing because it didn't deodex successfully. will add it as an optional package.
Again this is just a pure stock deodex rom I don't own this tablet but I decided since i used it for porting and there was no deodexed rom I'd make one. Does anyone know what partition boot image is at?
Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk

Wasn't Xposed designed to give the average user access to customizations they would typically only get in a rom previously? Sort of like a WYSIWYG editor instead of writing out the code by hand? And launchers speed up your experience in many of the ways only roms used to. With root and a decent app anyone can debloat their rig.
So many of the things we used to need roms for we no longer do. Of course roms like CM make a bigger difference but then again you give up some cool functionality. It's like taking the surround sound out of a racecar. Yeah you go faster but you miss your tunes (or split screen as the case may be).
Anyway, for me root and a good kernel are essential. Roms? A luxury but no longer the staple they used to be. That's not to say luxuries aren't nice and I'm sure I'll indulge if a certified developer cooks one up for us, but even if they never do I'm ok. This tablet still rocks.
DISCLAIMER: Everything I've written here is simply my opinion and the viewpoint of a non developer. I am not attempting to pontificate some greater truth, it's simply how I see it. If you disagree with me that's all good. It's a big tent here and room for lots of different viewpoints. ☺

New Nexus Player-user! What will I gain by rooting and installing CyanogenMod 12.1?

Hi!
I'm a new Nexus Player-user!
I just picked up mine from the store and have a few questions before I dive into it all.
Mainly, what will I gain by rooting and installing CyanogenMod 12.1 on my Nexus Player? And maybe more importantly, will I lose any functionalities?
Is it OK to update the original firmware (if there is one) before I root and install CM12.1?
And last, is there anything else I should know or think about?
Any answers are helpfull!
Thanks in advance!

Over 60 have read, and no reply? :crying:
I'm just sitting and looking at this thing, itching to give it a try, but I don't dare until someone can answer my questions... Sorry for being such a stupid noob. I'm just scared to screw something up.

I just got mine as well. But i have a several year history of tinkering with android. As efrant taught me long ago with my gnex, read and understand first, tinker later. If you know exactly what you are doing and how youll recover in the event of failure, then you are set. If you just use toolkits and run into issues, most more experienced users will not have the patience to help the impatient. So... Have you booted it up and used the stock software yet? How do you like it? Anytime you change firmware you are gaining and losing. It can change the whole experience. Since you just got it though, one suggestion is to fastboot unlock it now, so you're not concerned with backups and losing data later. There is a guide around here.. Cyanogenmod has been around a while and its definitely worth trying their software. They likely have root in their firmware and you do not need to install it separately. Also, there is no real reason to update your rom if you are just going to swap it with cyanogen anyway.. I primarily use root for elevated privileges and tinkering. Until you know you need it, you can hold back. So onto my experience: I just hooked up my nexus player the other day and found it unbearable. Basic setup and it was unbelievably slow. The reason seemed to be the attempt to update its software in the background. So last night i did it manually, and boy what a difference it made. But it still is a bit of a letdown. My initial goal with it is to get xbmc back up and running for streaming. I have not fully investigated it yet, but i suggest you also look into it as another aftermarket option. See tvaddons.org; you are looking at kodi or tvmc.

I do have the Nexus Player rooted and a custom ROM. So far a bit better use of side loading applications and cloud applications. I like the flexibility.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app

Thanks for your reply guys!
I've unlocked bootloader and rooted my NP, but nothing more than that.
I do like the stock rom quite a bit, especially the GUI, but I feel VERY LIMITED with such little storage space.
It's very off-putting that the voice search feature does not work with CM-12.1 yet, since I like it a lot, but not having the possibility of expanding my storage space with a usb stick with the stock rom is a BIG let down.
So it really comes down to what I value the most...
Is CM-12.1 the only custom rom that has a GUI that's very similar to the one on the stock rom?
Is voice search broken on all custom roms out there?
I am more of a iOS-guy, and this is really the first time dipping my toes into tinkering with Android.

give the dev preview of android m a shot. natively you can browse now additional memory. definitely better if you like the leanback experience. all other custom roms are giving more a complete android experience. as said, try the dev preview m. it surprised me a lot. of course there are some bugs in there but it let us hope to come more...

Much like the rest of other guys say. A custom ROM will give you a more "full Android OS" experience. I upgrade to 6.0 (M Preview) and must say the experience is great. I was able to use an OTG cable with multiple outlets to connect a USB keyboard/mouse combo and a 32GB flash drive I had laying around. The experience is great and works wonderfully.

Can this device run full Android apps with the stock firmware or is it limited to TV apps?

Codename_Falcon said:
Can this device run full Android apps with the stock firmware or is it limited to TV apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course it can. You need to sideload them and use a mouse to have good control within them though.

dannyboyswe said:
Is CM-12.1 the only custom rom that has a GUI that's very similar to the one on the stock rom?
Is voice search broken on all custom roms out there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know this is a little bit late and time has passed but the launcher for CM12.1 depends on what you select, and if you install GAPPs for android TV.
All custom ROMs built from the AOSP base have a broken voice search due to it being a proprietary binary driver with no open source component. Unless someone builds a wrapper or reverses and reimplements the driver this will continue for a long time.

It is great
Just get android 6