Review #4 is up! Check It Out Below!
Important: I would love feedback from the community on issues they've noticed with ROMs that are worth mentioning in my reviews. I'm also switching to Google Forms for the poll, so that I can make changes or update it as new ROMs release! Check it out!
Ladies and Gentlemen!
Nexus 6 ROM Reviews/Comparison
Hello everyone! Welcome to Phishfi's Nexus 6 ROM Reviews!
The idea here is going to be to post videos and text reviews for all of the popular ROMs, based on inputs from you, the Nexus 6 community. I'm going to do my best to post a video a week, and I'll do my best to keep the reviews as unbiased and level-headed as I can. One thing I want to reiterate though is that my reviews will have a good amount of personal opinion, though I will approach them objectively (if there's something that bothers me personally, I'm going to detail it well enough so that people who don't mind that issue will understand why, specifically, it bothers me).
The ultimate goal here is to give folks a good idea of which ROM works best for them, without having to go through the hassle of testing out each one themselves. If you have any suggestions, please post them up here and I will add them to the list. I'm also going to try to crowd-source opinions on apps, so that I can include them in the review, to help give users an idea of how favorable or unfavorable any ROM's features are.
Hopefully, this project will give the developers a good idea of what issues they might not see from the development side of things, while also detailing the differences and preferences of the community. Most importantly, I wanted an avenue through which I could contribute to the Nexus 6 community. As a long-time member of XDA, I've always wanted to do something to help out my fellow Androidphiles. The ultimate goal here is to provide users with the most detail about any Nexus 6 ROM so that they can go through and see all of the individual ROMs in action and make a better decision about which ROM they want to try first!
ROMs from Android Development:
Pure Shamu v3.92 by @error311 (Reviewed on 7 Jan 2015)
CyanogenMod+ by @xanaxdroid (Reviewed on 13 Jan 2015)
Chroma by @zephiK (Reviewed on 21 Jan 2015)
BlissPop by @Deliberate (Reviewed on 27 Jan 2015)
ROM Developers: If you have any special features or important upcoming releases, please feel free to PM me so I can keep track of them. I don't want to step on any devs' toes by reviewing a ROM that's missing certain features right before they update their ROM. I'm sure there's plenty of unique ROM features in the works right now and I would love to make the reviews for those ROMs/features after they've been made available!
User Requests: If you have a request, please link to the OP of the ROM you're suggesting and also give me a brief description of the ROM's top features. I would like to start with ROMs that differ the most from eachother, so that users (and myself when I do future reviews) have a wider feature-set to see in the reviews. I don't want to end up going through the trouble of completely installing a ROM just to find that it's almost impossibly similar to a ROM I've already reviewed.
Text Reviews: Guys, I'm trying to come up with the best medium to use for posting the text reviews of each ROM. Obviously, the posts themselves aren't the best place to post such large reviews, and I'd prefer to just link to the reviews for each ROM. Any recommended places to do that? g+ doesn't seem like the best place, and apparently I can't write to the XDA Portal (even like a private version of it or anything, unless someone knows a way to do that). Let me know where you'd prefer to see it!
Android Development ROMs
Reserved for Android Development ROMs
Pure Shamu v3.92 (Reviewed on 7 Jan 2015) by @error311
CyanogenMod+ (Reviewed on 13 Jan 2015) by @xanaxdroid
Chroma (Reviewed on 21 Jan 2015) by @zephiK
BlissPop (Reviewed on 27 Jan 2015) by @Deliberate
Original Android Development ROMs
Reserved for Original Android Development ROMs
Benchmarks
I will test each ROM using 3 benchmarks.
First, I'll use Vellamo Benchmark. Vellamo will be run from a fresh reboot.
Second, I'll use AnTuTu. This will be run after Vellamo completes, I will force close Vellamo, then run GB.
Third, I'll use my personal practical benchmark. I will force close AnTuTu, then clear all recent apps then:
For my personal benchmark, I'm going to test the ROM by rolling between 6 apps twice. The test will start with no apps open, and I will go home then select the next app after the app successful draws the first intent (the main screen for each app). To make things simple, I'm not going to allow the data connection to affect the benchmark, so I won't wait for things like YouTube recent videos, etc to load. The apps I'll use for this benchmark are (in order):
1) Hangouts
2) Google Chrome Beta
3) Netflix
4) Snapchat (front-facing camera on)
5) YouTube
6) Google Maps
The benchmark will be a measurement of the time it takes to select all 6 apps twice (the first will load the apps into RAM, the select will be to load them from RAM). All benchmarks will be done with the device encrypted.
rastapop!
simms22 said:
rastapop!
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Click to collapse
I've only used rastapop for a day or so, but I really did enjoy it! Hope it gets a good amount of votes. If you're interested in seeing the review sooner, feel free to mention it to other ROM users so they vote on it
Bliss pop
jiv101 said:
Bliss pop
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Click to collapse
Please use the poll at the top of the thread so I can keep the best track of votes! Thanks!
terminus is a good rom as well, but not up on your list http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/development/rom-terminus-t2986643 :angel:
simms22 said:
terminus is a good rom as well, but not up on your list http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/development/rom-terminus-t2986643 :angel:
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Thanks! I only used recently updated ROMs from the stickied ROM Index, I will add that to the poll if it lets me!
Edit: Can't modify a poll without a moderator's help, so I will skip Terminus for now. However, that poll is only a decision-maker for my first review, and I will be attempting to use some other metric for my future reviews (probably a Google Doc-based Poll, so I can have more direct access to the results and modify the poll options, etc). I'll will absolutely keep Terminus in mind! Thanks!
BrokenPop OS !!!
Validus is awesome too
HereAgain said:
Validus is awesome too
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Just got word about Validus, I'll look into it. I want to start with ROMs that differ quite a bit and then start moving toward the ROMs that are similar to previously reviewed ones. Do you have any basic info on validus, as for as what makes it different from other ROMs. Is it AOSP based or CM based, etc?
Every rom is AOSP Validus is a run of the mill mutt like most of the other roms. It has quite a few features. Most of the stock features work as far as i tested. I haven't enabled tethering yet in my n6 build because i don't use it. But i'm sure i will soon. Entirely built with Sabermod and @Imoseyon has granted us permission to use Lean kernel. Different? Yeah some flash and see i'll have a 1/6 build tonight keep an eye out
Slim!
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
evocalante said:
Slim!
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
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Make sure to cast your vote in the poll!
I've updated the OP to include a link to Google Doc that should help the community list any issues or features that they think are worth mentioning. As much good information as possible would be awesome, so that I can include community input in the reviews! Thanks for your support so far! We're at 16 votes and so far a lot of people are showing interest in CM12!
Ok
I'm with @simms22. Terminus rom.
How does one vote via Tapatalk?
Related
I posted in an earlier thread that I was getting worried that there is so much noise in the Evo development section that high quality ROMs by dedicated programmers were getting lost in the fracas of those that feel slapping a new wallpaper on a ROM qualified as its own distribution.
I was thinking that the best solution would be to see if the community would be interested in a way to uprank and downrank distributions in a one stop gateway that would help everyone clearly see which ROMs are the brightest and the best.
To that effect, I've created a Google Moderator series that lists ROMs. You can put a checkbox next to the ones you support, and an X if there is one (or some) in particular that you had some bad mojo with. If one you love isn't there, you're more than free to add it yourself to get the voting going!
The best part is, you can change your votes at any time!
http://bit.ly/aaZbOD
This may work, this may suck. Time will tell if this can become at all useful
If you dig this idea, please bump it for awareness. Otherwise, we can let it disappear.
No harm, no foul
We've had 15 people contribute so far. The more we get, the more comprehensive the data!
I'll bump this. Before I used to check the thread rating and whichever ROM thread had the best rating, I would go in and test it out. This could help out.
This'll definitely help in deciding a ROM to flash. Bump.
Sure I'll support this...
NOTE: please don't use this list as a bible...once we start rooting phones, they can tend to have a mind of their own. Some roms run great on some phones but are unstable on others. Same goes for kernels and themes. Remember, YMMV.
Great Idea.
jd9900 said:
Sure I'll support this...
NOTE: please don't use this list as a bible...once we start rooting phones, they can tend to have a mind of their own. Some roms run great on some phones but are unstable on others. Same goes for kernels and themes. Remember, YMMV.
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Click to collapse
Agreed. Hopefully the whole "wisdom of the crowds" thing can at least push people in the right direction.
You all owe it to yourself and your phone to read the threads associated with these ROMs before flashing though!
I removed two added suggestions that did not follow the style of the vote. Please add roms not "MORE ROMS PLZ"
Awesome idea. Will vote.
Sticky this. I think it would clear up alot of questions too. Id say combine this idea with the release matrix from androidspin.com would be great.
for reference to what im talking about
http://db.androidspin.com/androidsp...id_build_base_os=&android_developer_id=&go=go
bump
this will be good for those rooting from froyo
sent from my baby. . . the evo 4-gees
I think that it's a great idea to add some sorting/ratings/details about all the roms out there, to anyone that hasn't been on these forums a while I'd assume it's quite overwhelming.
I'm not sure what the best idea is, as voting in a thumbs up/down fashion might not be the greatest way to show evaluation, I'm sure a lot of people with negatives are gonna be the ones with bugs or couldn't get it to work right.
In the end, I think rom reviews would be ideal, if we could get someone to do them. I remember shopping for a Nintendo DS cart, if anyone is familiar with them, and I found a website that had frequently updated reviews of the different available cartridges from the various teams that made them, and even though everyone knew the R4 brand cartridge I was able to get a good feel for the developers and features I was choosing from and I chose another brand that I was quite happy with.
I think voting makes it a popularity vs people with bugs/problems contest, more detailed voting (stars/categories) would end up being too tedious for most, and the spreadsheets, tho useful, don't really tell you everything you need to know.
Reviewers can also make the community more aware of who is making our kernels, the differences between them, available themes, battery life comparisons, etc.
We just need to find some people that swap roms enough and would be willing to do the write ups...
i think it will become a popularity contest which is part of the point, but the problem i see is that there are many die hard fans of this rom or that rom and i have no doubt they will negatively rate other roms just to try to move there fav rom up the list whether or not they used the rom, was something wrong with it, or not.
I think any type of ranking system is more hurtful then helpful. If you are a dev for a rom that isnt as popular or is new you may show at the bottom of the list even though your rom is bug free stable and fast. If people use this list as a true reference they will see your rom at the bottom or not on it at all and assume your rom isnt very good this could be very discouraging to the devs that even though they work hard and have a very solid rom they may not get many users and may be considered a "bad" rom since they haven't been around as long or arent one of the big 4-5 that people frequently use.
just my take on it. i like the review idea of the above user that along with nief's rom comparison that actually compares performance and battery life i think is the most helpful personally giving every rom its fair chance. it also takes popularity out of it to some degree and gives newer roms a fair chance vs coming in down 1000 votes.
I agree but people certainly do gravitate toward quality.
I took a lot of time to think about what the best way of doing this would be, and Moderator seems to be the best idea:
1. Reviews get outdated with each iteration. What you cite as problems now, can be fixed tomorrow.
2. The benchmarking idea is also bad since each phone is different. My phone pegged in the high 40s on old Linpack on most ROMs where others were seeing mid thirties. Again, outdated is an issue.
3. A poll on the site doesn't allow for other ROMs to be added easily
4. You can always change your mind.
Unfortunately, since the question is "what is everyone's favorite ROMs" is technically a popularity question, a popularity contest is what it is.
shameless TTT
Bump! Sticky?
Bump for fantastic happy goodness.
If this would have saved us from the inevitable 400 other threads started each week asking, "which ROM should I flash?", I think it could have been a great idea!
You have my vote I support it.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
Can someone tell me whats up with the 50+ ICS ROMs? It's a bit concerning that all this effort seems to be put into reproducing the same exact thing. I think the community would benefit from cooperation rather than competition... But I feel like I must be missing something here, I am new to the Nexus S but not to Android, is there something about the Nexus S community that I'm not getting?
Not complaining at all, or should I say, I'm not trying to complain. I also want to point out that I appreciate the developers who pour their time and effort into our devices and help us to get the maximum value out of them.
(Want to note, I am running AOSP's ICS build and loving it.)
joenathane said:
Can someone tell me whats up with the 50+ ICS ROMs? It's a bit concerning that all this effort seems to be put into reproducing the same exact thing. I think the community would benefit from cooperation rather than competition... But I feel like I must be missing something here, I am new to the Nexus S but not to Android, is there something about the Nexus S community that I'm not getting?
Not complaining at all, or should I say, I'm not trying to complain. I also want to point out that I appreciate the developers who pour their time and effort into our devices and help us to get the maximum value out of them.
(Want to note, I am running AOSP's ICS build and loving it.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Man, I am much similar to where you are right now. I am not new to Nexus S or Android, but I feel that the abundance of ROMs is a good thing.
Having so many ROMs shows that the device is still running very strong: Something Android phones NEED to have behind them.
On the other hand I dislike it. To all the developers out there, I think you guys are amazing and genius no doubt. So take the following lightly...
What people don't like to see when browsing for a ROM is a dozen ROMs that are all identical. We need something new and fresh, hence why I like MIUI.
What I think should be done is as you said, have co-operation to make one master ROM because we have hundreds of people in the Nexus S community ready to help.
Speaking on my behalf I HATE SO MANY ROMs Because I simply cannot decide which is best because they are all similar in many ways, and I don't have time to try each one out as much as I want to. I do like having these ROMs but when it comes to choosing one its a big choice for me.
Any feedback on this?
I agree with a not so great abundance or ROMs. But most are not devs. They are simply "chefs" because they never actually developed anything. They just price and scrap things from source to mods. Cm9, ASOP, Peter A(because of his radios and kernal) are devs. We have lots of chefs.
I made brickROM just because of this situation. Its never been done, but the community wasn't ready for it yet.
Either way you can tell what rom has Is "real" I would say there's about only 5
And its sad for new Android users that come here get presided by a catching slogan and rob themselves from using a much better rom
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using XDA App. Developer of brickROM, and OP of XDA Thread of The Year 2011.
What would you do if you don't like any of the existing ROMs? May be one is missing a feature you need, another just has too many features you don't want? The answer is simple -- create your own ROM, or modify an existing one... I think most devs just make the ROM they want to use as their daily driver and simply share it here (i.e. what's going on is not about competition, at least from my point of view)
It sounds good to gather all devs to create a ROM that suits everyone's needs, but IMHO it is nearly impossible to do that
suksit said:
What would you do if you don't like any of the existing ROMs? May be one is missing a feature you need, another just has too many features you don't want? The answer is simple -- create your own ROM, or modify an existing one... I think most devs just make the ROM they want to use as their daily driver and simply share it here (i.e. what's going on is not about competition, at least from my point of view)
It sounds good to gather all devs to create a ROM that suits everyone's needs, but IMHO it is nearly impossible to do that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But these futures found in everyone's ROM are just mods that you can flash. I flash 8 zips with every rom update but I know that a personal mix so I have no need to share it.
I'm capiale of changing my waklppaer
I flash custom font, and inverted apps with some tyranny Widgets and kernal. With gnex sounds. No reason to "cook" it. This is not development.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using XDA App. Developer of brickROM, and OP of XDA Thread of The Year 2011.
Reserved
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using XDA App. Developer of brickROM, and OP of XDA Thread of The Year 2011.
suksit said:
It sounds good to gather all devs to create a ROM that suits everyone's needs, but IMHO it is nearly impossible to do that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The CyanogenMod team pull it off quite well, all that is needed is a bug tracker and patch review system and boom! instant cooperation.
Maybe we have too many "chefs" in the kitchen
joenathane said:
The CyanogenMod team pull it off quite well, all that is needed is a bug tracker and patch review system and boom! instant cooperation.
Maybe we have too many "chefs" in the kitchen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am agree with you CyanogenMod need a bug tracker for CM9.
Here is an interesting fact in case anyone didn't know but MR. Cyanogen himself is rocking a Nexus S http://twitter.com/#!/cyanogen/status/153353404159234049
I wonder what build of ICS he is running, probably from his own private reserve...
joenathane said:
The CyanogenMod team pull it off quite well, all that is needed is a bug tracker and patch review system and boom! instant cooperation.
Maybe we have too many "chefs" in the kitchen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will be honest here and say that I personally dislike Cyanogen Mod for the most part. True that they are the gut best in performance, but if the only ROM I had was Cyanogen, I would not be very happy with it. I just think that for my favor, Cyanogen focus' so much on power, yet takes the look of the ROM as a after thought. The modified music on Cyanogen ROMs and the overall execution of his work lacks style and design, as if he first said "Make it fast, then maybe make it look ok" MIUI on the other hand has a great deal invested in how it looks which gives a very effective illusion of performance.
I think that the problem is we have so many chefs in that small kitchen and they have all made so many great dishes that sooner or later they will have eventually all used the same spices by some point, so we are beginning to lose that uniqueness in each one.
LGIQEXPO said:
I will be honest here and say that I personally dislike Cyanogen Mod for the most part. True that they are the gut best in performance, but if the only ROM I had was Cyanogen, I would not be very happy with it. I just think that for my favor, Cyanogen focus' so much on power, yet takes the look of the ROM as a after thought. The modified music on Cyanogen ROMs and the overall execution of his work lacks style and design, as if he first said "Make it fast, then maybe make it look ok" MIUI on the other hand has a great deal invested in how it looks which gives a very effective illusion of performance.
I think that the problem is we have so many chefs in that small kitchen and they have all made so many great dishes that sooner or later they will have eventually all used the same spices by some point, so we are beginning to lose that uniqueness in each one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only problem with that is Miui uses CyanogenMod code as a base(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIUI#Development) and CyanogenMod 7 has the theme chooser integrated for easy themeing(check the last three links in my signature to see some themes I created for it).
I don't think any mod team have contributed more to Android than the CyanogenMod Team, they certainly have my respect for that.
I agree about the spices, all these chefs cooking the same exact entree and now which on to choose...
joenathane said:
The only problem with that is Miui uses CyanogenMod code as a base(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIUI#Development)
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Click to collapse
It's a fact, not a problem.
Back on topic,
LGIQEXPO said:
I think that the problem is we have so many chefs in that small kitchen and they have all made so many great dishes that sooner or later they will have eventually all used the same spices by some point, so we are beginning to lose that uniqueness in each one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe at some point the community will decide which dishes live and which will die. I don't think people will keep posting ROMs if nobody uses it.
suksit said:
It's a fact, not a problem.
Back on topic,
I believe at some point the community will decide which dishes live and which will die. I don't think people will keep posting ROMs if nobody uses it.
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Click to collapse
This^^ plus one thing, good all these chefs are popping up, that's showing a swell in number of people interested in development, in the end it can only have a positive outcome. Let em dev.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk
suksit said:
It's a fact, not a problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I obviously didn't mean problem in that sense, I meant it as in the 'problem' with his argument not the problem with CyanogenMod or Miui, I'm not sure how you interpreted it the way you did...
suksit said:
I believe at some point the community will decide which dishes live and which will die. I don't think people will keep posting ROMs if nobody uses it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what about the "noobs" who are instantly confronted with 20+ ICS ROMs and not a clue to which is worth its weight in salt?
joenathane said:
I obviously didn't mean problem in that sense, I meant it as in the 'problem' with his argument not the problem with CyanogenMod or Miui, I'm not sure how you interpreted it the way you did...
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Click to collapse
Sorry if I interpreted it wrong (English is not my native language anyway ) I thought you're trying to imply that "since MIUI is based on CM, @LGIQEXPO shouldn't compare them together" or "if you like MIUI, it means you already liked CM." Just wanted to say that it is not a problem if one wants to compare those two.
joenathane said:
what about the "noobs" who are instantly confronted with 20+ ICS ROMs and not a clue to which is worth its weight in salt?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Occasionally I'd see a thread titled "Help me decide which ROM is best" and the most popular answer would be "Why don't you try them all?" Yeah it would be madness to try all 20+ ROMs in a row, but I don't think anyone will do that.
Before flashing a ROM, I'd (suggest them to) read everything in the first few posts by the OP, and take a look at the screenshots (most of the time I can decide if I will like this ROM or not by these two factors) If those "noobs" are not too ignorant I believe they'll have a small list of ROM(s) they want to try (may be 4-5 choices, which is reasonable.)
I know it is on the same code, but I more so meant the apps that MIUI re-did for their ROMs, and how they offer a nice end user appeal.
What would be amazing is if all the known devs of these ROMs would just once come together to use their own strengths, and make a mast ROM out of it. MIUI Design and style, Cyanogen tweaks and speed, Peter A. stability, the overclocking everything! (I can't wait for that hahah )
you want fewer rom, get a ns4g. Although we only have a fraction of the roms found in the other forum, they all seem to have their own distinct character.
i was using an SII before this so i was a frequent on that part of xda.. they do have a separate page for original development and another one for development (being kitchen products)
Hey,
Just wanted to add my opinion in all of this that there are so many "equal" roms.
I as some mentioned on another thread am a chef to rom developing, and I don't mind.
Why I do this is because I don't have the time or knowledge to create Android source apps so I take what I think is the best from each rom and create my own.
For example for me CM9 is way to bloated with too many configurations and options I prefer a more real cleaner AOSP, something like Peter Alfonso (buglessBeast), but I do like the T9 dialer from CM9, so I cherry-pick that from CM9 and add it to a PA base.
Also for the notifications power menu I liked TeamKang one so I added that. That way I'm making my own custom rom to my liking and also I don't have to be flashing 20 zips every time there is a new update or wipe my phone
I just thought on sharing it just if some one has the same likes in roms I'm no asking for anything in return. Also I do this in my little free time.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using XDA App
mandaman2k said:
Hey,
Just wanted to add my opinion in all of this that there are so many "equal" roms.
I as some mentioned on another thread am a chef to rom developing, and I don't mind.
Why I do this is because I don't have the time or knowledge to create Android source apps so I take what I think is the best from each rom and create my own.
For example for me CM9 is way to bloated with too many configurations and options I prefer a more real cleaner AOSP, something like Peter Alfonso (buglessBeast), but I do like the T9 dialer from CM9, so I cherry-pick that from CM9 and add it to a PA base.
Also for the notifications power menu I liked TeamKang one so I added that. That way I'm making my own custom rom to my liking and also I don't have to be flashing 20 zips every time there is a new update or wipe my phone
I just thought on sharing it just if some one has the same likes in roms I'm no asking for anything in return. Also I do this in my little free time.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for adding your voice to the discourse.
If I was asked to offer an opinion on what you do, this is what I would say....
I think what you do is okay for you, but the problem is when you release it. There is a problem because as you state, you cherry pick features and/or "code" from other ROMs, and that can/will lead to issues for your user base. Lets take for example the T9 dialer, what happens when security bugs are found and fixed and optimizations make it into an update of the T9 dialer? Well that would mean you would need to update your ROM, but what if you're busy with your job or just with life and are too busy to get around to it? Well now your users of your ROM are without those security, bug fixes and optimizations, and multiply that by all the other pieces of the ROM that you cherry picked from other sources.
My point here to be clear is that due to the nature of your ROM, it will always lag in patches to security issues, bug fixes and optimizations and I think that is ultimately a disservice to your user base.
There is a value that you create, so I guess the question here is, does that value of bringing all these pieces into one convenient package outweigh the negatives of the lagging patches/fixes?
I mean no offense, and I hope this isn't taken as such, I just want to encourage some discourse on these things...
I understand, after 2+ years, that ROM development and the forums for the EVO are gonna slow down. Devs are going to move on to other devices, but there is a really disturbing trend here that is irritating the hell out of me.
ROMs used to be released as Aplha's Beta's RC's, final, etc. You could look at the OP and see everything about the ROM. Devs took their time crafting something unique.
Now, I'm seeing these ROMS come out at a rapid pace and I'm not liking it for several reasons.
1) Poorly written OP's that don't even list the Android base version or the kernel, etc.
2) The same ROM with different names and the only real differences are a few 3rd party apps, or a slight theme change.
3) ROMs released as finals, with a ton of bugs. I'm not talking about FFC, Netflix, 4G bugs on ICS/JB ROMS; I'm talking about ROMS with no Wifi, for example. The majority use WiFi. Why the HELL would you release something where one of the most important aspects doesn't even work?? It's like not paying attention to details is suddenly OK
Settings that don't stick. Sounds that don't stick. Constant System Process Errors. These are pre-release errors, and I don't see them getting fixed, because it's become like a race to port every other ROM from every other device and tweak to boot up on the Evo, then letting it go.
I REALLY wish I could take the time and learn how to properly cook up my own ROM. My OCD of paying attention to details would probably make it great.
Hipkat thats the best thing ive heard in weeks,someone finally speaking out about the BS thats being posted now days and its like everyones in a race to see who can come out with the most borked roms,lol,like you said,they are all the same,except the apps and some themeing and half of them cant do that either,i'm sure this isnt meant to be a bashing session,its just getting rediculous with the drama some are causing and all the crappy ass roms being released,some guys do know what their doing,theres been 1 or 2 that i've put out that i shouldnt have,but come on guys at least take your time and try to do it right,only takes a little common sense and effort.If you havent noticed,over half the members and devs have left because of the BS,when i started doing roms,it was fun,nows its just a big joke,lol.
I dont care if anyone gets pissed about this and i'm sure they will,but oh well life goes on,you will eventually get over it.
It's definitely not a bashing, but a call for Devs to take a little more time and do it right
HipKat said:
It's definitely not a bashing, but a call for Devs to take a little more time and do it right
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Click to collapse
I don't Dev, Cook, Build, Port or whatever term is used so I have alot of respect for those that do. With that being said I would also state that I am in complete agreement with you and Diablo.
I look at damned near every topic started in the Dev forum just to see what is being made. I take weeks to look at a new ROM and follow the threads to see what comes of it (with the only exception being Mazda's new CAJB ROM. On that one I went with name recognition and am pleased that I did)
In regards to the mass influx of ROMs I'll say this: If you guys don't take the time to keep up with each item you produce, work on bugs, add new options, answer questions from the users then you'll soon find yourself out of favor. Your reputation here, just like in RL, is something of value. It takes very little to earn trust, respect and loyalty. Most people will always give you the benefit of the doubt. Do something to devalue that trust and it can be nearly impossible to regain.
I think some wisdom can be gleaned by the following quote:
jamieg71 said:
I've seen devs, chefs, hackers, w/e, that make statements like "I do this for myself and just choose to share" or things to that effect. I call BS. I won't speak for anyone else but myself when I say, I do this for the thrill of it, for the challenge, to learn, and to share. I'd be lying if I said I didn't care about d/l numbers or that seeing my thanks meter grow did not give me some juvenalalistic (is that a word?) thrill. The fact is, guys like me doing this stuff get off on it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We know why you do it, and if you want to keep your junkies and not lose your rep, then make sure you take the time to Develop your craft and thereby make a better product for the masses...
Sorry for the rant
Well said, and nice quote from Jamie, who, btw, you notice took a lot of time with Reloaded
HipKat said:
Well said, and nice quote from Jamie, who, btw, you notice took a lot of time with Reloaded
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...lol, 'nuff said!
I think everyone needs to remember the difference between Development and Port / Theme / Tweak / Mod. That simple labeling would be a start
Over in Evo LTE land, they have finally recognized this distinction by creating entirely separate forums for "HTC EVO 4G LTE Android Development" and "HTC EVO 4G LTE Original Android Development"
One is for tweaks or ports, and the other is for people who actually compile something.
I made a request for the same original dev section but got denied as our device is to old.
I agree that there are a ton of ports and not enough originality or bugs being fixed. What I would like to state us that the op is stating that a lot have some third party apps but that's like calling the kettle black. You yourself have a rerelease of a miui from where all you did was slap your team name in the thread. I believe the original thread still exists. I'm not calling you out at all but at the same time the work that goes into all these ports or mods or what not is a ton. I myself have my rom thread and some new stuff coming out but I don't call people out usually on their stuff unless its a pure kang(meaning an actual using of ur work with out permission) not a duplicate port.
Yeah some of the revs here could put a little more work in and for sure learn to organize their rom thread a whole hell of a lot better but at the same time who else do u see bringing the newest and best to a two year old device.
XDA Moderator
It's not that they have 3rd party apps, all ROMS do, it's that some ROMS are just the same ROM with a few different 3rd party apps, or a slight variation in theming, and I mean real slight, but tbh, my biggest beef was with the OP not even listing what kernel is in the ROM, or if it has A2SD or a way to get it working, or the version of Android it's based on, etc.
Add in bug reports that get ignored or the person posting the report gets demeaned for it.
Mostly, it's just the sloppiness that I see going on over the last few months. Too hasty to release something without really perfecting it first
HipKat said:
It's not that they have 3rd party apps, all ROMS do, it's that some ROMS are just the same ROM with a few different 3rd party apps, or a slight variation in theming, and I mean real slight, but tbh, my biggest beef was with the OP not even listing what kernel is in the ROM, or if it has A2SD or a way to get it working, or the version of Android it's based on, etc.
Add in bug reports that get ignored or the person posting the report gets demeaned for it.
Mostly, it's just the sloppiness that I see going on over the last few months. Too hasty to release something without really perfecting it first
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Click to collapse
I can agree with that there. sloppy op's without all the listings of what is added or taken out and what its running with a q & a section amoung other things.
I feel like we developers and porters alike should make a check list. Every time you want to post something, run through the list and then once everything is there, read again. If it seems like a business proposition (detailed, understandable, provocative and complete) then, that is the right moment to unleash it.
Thats exactly what i do,i make a list in notepad of what i want to do to the rom,then i go through and check it off as i go,wahla,i have a channelog,so to speak,then post it on the thread.Just like in my 4 Kornerz thread..... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1612933
Same thing I'm gonna do as I try and update this MIUI GB ROM
What's funny is that the main reason I always hated opening ROM threads is because I'm completely OCD and feel like the posts have to make perfect sense. I try for my thread to make a little bit of sense at least at this point. And I try to keep change logs, bug reports & FAQs up to date.
But then again, I only have one ROM thread in this device section.
----------------------
Current Device: HTC EVO 4G LTE | ROM: toasted-deck CM10 | Kernel: Stock
Kernel should be listed.
a2sd included/not included AND if a specific version is known to work/not work.
Gapps included/not included (you can usually tell from the size of the ROM, but still)
SuperSU vs. Superuser
Wifi and data working/not working
Boot animation audio (can lead to uncomfortable moments when flashing in restrooms, in bed, around family or in TSA security lines--- yes, all personal experiences)
Probably much more...
RootzWiki kinda sorta tried to standardize some of that in OP headers. Would be cool to see that concept expanded in a visually pleasing manner. But, I know people like sprucing up their OP to their liking. Example:
Source: https://github.com/s...mmc-ra-recovery
Mod Type: Recovery Difficulty: Moderate Mod Status: Kang Mod Base: Carrier:
Requires Root: Yes Apply In: Fastboot Optional: Themed Optional: Android Version:
I think ports are great. If the developer is planning on just bringing it over and leaving it alone I think that's fine, but they should be upfront and say "Hey, I did this. Probably won't do any more with it myself, but anyone is welcome to add to it. Otherwise, enjoy."
What I'd really like to see is the people who respond first after an OP + OP reserved do something with that slot besides planting their flag of happening to be online at the right time (e.g. "First. Looks cool!"). They could take the lead, especially for very active developers with many ROMs and threads, to follow that thread and maintain an updated ROM Cheat Sheet/Known Fixes post. How many times have you followed the development of a ROM and things like the new boot animation didn't make it into the next update because the developer forgot. Then people post, "Hey, what happened to the boot ani" five or six times. Then a nice person posts it on Dropbox. Then a few people say other things. Then people repeat the question. Then people point them to the Dropbox link two pages back. Repeat. Repeat. Probably wouldn't matter though since a lot of people never read the OP. They sure wouldn't read that. I'll shut up.
smelkus said:
Kernel should be listed.
a2sd included/not included AND if a specific version is known to work/not work.
Gapps included/not included (you can usually tell from the size of the ROM, but still)
SuperSU vs. Superuser
Wifi and data working/not working
Boot animation audio (can lead to uncomfortable moments when flashing in restrooms, in bed, around family or in TSA security lines--- yes, all personal experiences)
Probably much more...
RootzWiki kinda sorta tried to standardize some of that in OP headers. Would be cool to see that concept expanded in a visually pleasing manner. But, I know people like sprucing up their OP to their liking. Example:
Source: https://github.com/s...mmc-ra-recovery
Mod Type: Recovery Difficulty: Moderate Mod Status: Kang Mod Base: Carrier:
Requires Root: Yes Apply In: Fastboot Optional: Themed Optional: Android Version:
I think ports are great. If the developer is planning on just bringing it over and leaving it alone I think that's fine, but they should be upfront and say "Hey, I did this. Probably won't do any more with it myself, but anyone is welcome to add to it. Otherwise, enjoy."
What I'd really like to see is the people who respond first after an OP + OP reserved do something with that slot besides planting their flag of happening to be online at the right time (e.g. "First. Looks cool!"). They could take the lead, especially for very active developers with many ROMs and threads, to follow that thread and maintain an updated ROM Cheat Sheet/Known Fixes post. How many times have you followed the development of a ROM and things like the new boot animation didn't make it into the next update because the developer forgot. Then people post, "Hey, what happened to the boot ani" five or six times. Then a nice person posts it on Dropbox. Then a few people say other things. Then people repeat the question. Then people point them to the Dropbox link two pages back. Repeat. Repeat. Probably wouldn't matter though since a lot of people never read the OP. They sure wouldn't read that. I'll shut up.
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Click to collapse
LOL, you forgot 'Lather, Rinse...'
Who else clicked the link
While I agree with the OP 100%, I think at the end of the day there is NO rule that states that you need to do all that..... This is for FREE, and therefore we should be happy with we get on our EVO's nowadays..... I wish developers took their time to put a fully detail change log, bug list Q&A's section, but honestly if we don't like the way certain devs handle their threads, then just move on to the next Rom either way I don't develop, and I can figure out most stuff regarding a Rom by myself now, so I'm just thankful for all the roms out for the og EVO.
Edit: what I would like to know is what's going on with all the Rom teams flip flopping, what's up with that? Sorry to go off topic, lol.
Sent from my PC36100 using xda premium
Sorry, but while I appreciate the freeness of the work done and am grateful for it, there should still be enough info to identify exactly what you're getting into.
Perfect example. A lot of ICS/JB ROMS require the patched A2SD file. Good luck finding it. Why not add a link to the OP?? Same with GAPPS
And the date that it was released is much appreciated, although not as critical. The Android version if it's a Sense and/or GB ROM is definitely something that should be there, along with the kernel.
PHE-NOM said:
Edit: what I would like to know is what's going on with all the Rom teams flip flopping, what's up with that? Sorry to go off topic, lol.
Sent from my PC36100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Two teams merged. Some people have left teams. I myself left td to not look partial towards a certain group.
XDA Moderator
Hello Everyone
I have come across device tree for Hima M9/CyanogenMod 12.1 with a custom Kernel. (If I'll tell you the name of either , you'd Google in a second)
The developer is a genius and trust me you'd see both of these within a month. Stay tuned for updates.
I can attach screenshots but I'd not post links as previous experiences that I had meant that people started troubling the developer and he quit the project all together. Respect the developers and read in my signature about development process and what it is actually like to be one.
This is just a confirmation and I can actually prove it to everyone who are interested.
I see many device tree updates every day so I am sure once CM12.1 is available officially, it'd open gates for all sorts of custom ROMs!
Attachments coming in few hours as I'm heading out
wow that would be awesome! cant wait to run a pure android rom on this beast
*all f***** fingers crossed*
Yay!
Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk
Hnk1 said:
Hello Everyone
I have come across device tree for Hima M9/CyanogenMod 12.1 with a custom Kernel. (If I'll tell you the name of either , you'd Google in a second)
The developer is a genius and trust me you'd see both of these within a month. Stay tuned for updates.
I can attach screenshots but I'd not post links as previous experiences that I had meant that people started troubling the developer and he quit the project all together. Respect the developers and read in my signature about development process and what it is actually like to be one.
This is just a confirmation and I can actually prove it to everyone who are interested.
I see many device tree updates every day so I am sure once CM12.1 is available officially, it'd open gates for all sorts of custom ROMs!
Attachments coming in few hours as I'm heading out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The link below is to the thread which its being discussed in within m9 Q&A section. Rashid97 is the dev working on the project
http://forum.xda-developers.com/one-m9/help/cyanogenmod-12-12-1-htc-one-m9-t3069920
v1rk said:
The link below is to the thread which its being discussed in within m9 Q&A section. Rashid97 is the dev working on the project
http://forum.xda-developers.com/one-m9/help/cyanogenmod-12-12-1-htc-one-m9-t3069920
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aaronrw said:
Yay!
Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk
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sweetrobot said:
about ****ing time!!! so sick of the nonSense...
cm / aosp / aokp ftw.
paperweight for the last couple of months. tried a bunch of the existing roms, just not my cup of tea.
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k1moe said:
wow that would be awesome! cant wait to run a pure android rom on this beast
*all f***** fingers crossed*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am afraid that is not it what you are pointing out.
Here are the screenshots.
You can clearly see that how much commits are posted daily and it is going on at a very brisk rate. Cheer up everyone!
Request :
Just please do not trouble the developer if you find out who is he.
READ THIS HERE
Alternatively you can see more information in my signature!
Hnk1 said:
DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
INTRODUCTION
I am starting this forum in hope of educating my readers about ROM development according to my experiences. Further, I will highlight what is the usual developers' thought process before they decide to build a ROM for a specific device. The reasons why they usually choose a certain device or why they prefer one device over another would also be stated briefly. I also have intention of looking into ways how we can speed up ROM productions for any device and what you can do to play your part.
I UNDERSTAND YOUR FRUSTRATION FOR NO CUSTOM ROMS EVEN AFTER SOME MONTHS BUT THIS DOESNOT GIVE YOU THE RIGHT TO SPAM
I am sure many of you must be really disappointed by the lack of development for your device and I know this must be frustrating when we see other devices are getting ROMS so quickly. I know many are too excited when they find a little about any OTA/ Custom ROM and sharing such news is fully justified. However, it's beyond my logic & thinking why the forums are SPAMMED for any little information they might find anywhere regardless of their sources or if it has been ALREADY POSTED. I reckon many of these threads could have been avoided by simply searching in the forum.
ROM DEVELOPMENT
I can assure you that many develoeprs are working very hard to PORT and develop different ROMS for a device. However, the reason we can not see any CUSTOM roms till yet is due to complicated nature of a device itself.
Usually developers prefer a device which is :
1. Easy to work with, less complicated to code with or in other terms DEVELOPER friendly. For example, for a while I had a real issue with HTC phones as they have too many things to work with like Bootloader, S Lock, Radios, Hboot version etc while in Nexus devices you only need to unlock your device with one fastboot command. That's all and you are ready to flash ROMs.
2. Personal preference of Device. This simply means that we all have different tastes and thus we choose different devices. A certain developer might only work for a certain brand while other might work with few brands. This has nothing to do with anything but a personal choice.
3. A device that promises reward in terms of money/self satisfaction. Developers usually go for devices which have most active users so if their intention is also to get some money out of it in terms of donation, this will work well with devices which are more in number.
4. Knowledge about a certain brand more than another.
5. MONEY TO BUY A CERTAIN DEVICE/DEVICES. Suppose a developer wants to make ROMS for Xperia L/ SP/Z and Xperia U. Yet he only has 500 dollars to choose from. He then will have to make a choice between devices and this will eventually mean that not all of the devices get the same treatment. Money is the most decisive factor why a developer doesnot chose your device but rather another. For example purpose only, if I have to choose between devices, I might prefer SP over Xperia L as I can see more future of SP than Xperia L(I might be wrong).
6. Simply he bought a device or it is gifted/donated to him
SOME REQUESTS
Please STOP bugging developers by trivial questions. Just think how many other people ask the same question and it gets very frustrating to actually work on the device itself.
Every developer has a LIFE apart from developing ROMs. They also have a family, school, work, hobbies, bad days and so much like us. So they will do it when they feel like doing it. Just sit back and relax. Enjoy your device until developer releases the ROM for your device. Asking a REASONABLE question seems plausible but asking same questions/useless questions without using brains is just STUPID. Kindly refrain from that.
If you have seen a developer who has taken the initiative to work on your device , the best thing to do is to be patient. Let him concentrate. Spamming and spamming again won't help really.Yet some users start SPAMMING developers, their twitters, blogs and accounts. That's really sad. You can discuss on the forum what you think about it but IRKING developers isnot really cool.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP DEVELOPERS AND SEE CUSTOM ROMS.
1. Search the form first and look for answers. DON'T start new posts/questions/threads when it is ALREADY mentioned in some other section.
2. STOP PMing/SPAMING developers but rather ask a question WHICH havenot been asked before in the forum. Do not engage in the habit of making a new forum for everything. Try to keep threads as little as possible.
3. Follow developers and see what they have updated about on their official twitter,facebook,etc rather than bugging them on different forums/social websites.
4 DONATE THEM. DONATE THEM . DONATE THEM!
The amount of efforts they put, sitting for hours in front of their PCs and I know how frustrating it gets when you try to run commands and everything seems to work yet you can not boot up your ROM. And worse, you can not find WHY really. Just a change in line in build.prop results in failure of ROM to boot up and specially working from source to build ROM is really really tough. The best thing you can do is being supportive and patient !
A ROM development requires not just EXCESSIVE amount of hardwork, time, energy and dedication but also they need MONEY to actually buy devices and try it on. They are happy and encouraged to keep on developing ROMs when they see their efforts are not wasted and they are rewarded and respected for what they do.
SOME BASICS OF ROM DEVELOPMENT
Usually this is required to make a full custom ROM
Blobs which contain hardware information which comes from hardware manufacturer like Qualcomm in case of Snapdragon processors
A fully functional device tree
Latest Android source (Or the android version source you want to build for)
Specific Custom ROM coding which is based on Android Source
Usually a device tree and kernel tree is needed before custom roms can be made available. This is a long trial and error process in which every component of hardware is made functional as usually manufacturers do not provide any code for their devices and thus new code is to be written which is very frustrating and long process!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hnk1 said:
I am afraid that is not it what you are pointing out.
Here are the screenshots.
You can clearly see that how much commits are posted daily and it is going on at a very brisk rate. Cheer up everyone!
Request :
Just please do not trouble the developer if you find out who is he.
READ THIS HERE
Alternatively you can see more information in my signature!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What i pointed is where the developer actually mentioned he his working on it and the link can be sourced by anyone, and people in that thread have been checking the github as mentioned. Theres now two threads on the discussion of cm12.1 which talk similar. All you are doing is not mentioning the dev based someone who used his work without his permission. Also to add the dev replied that thread to have to say they having working booting img just some features aren't working.
Link to his github for the current work
https://github.com/Hima-Dev/android_device_htc_hima-common
Thank GOD
---------- Post added at 01:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:32 PM ----------
I'll be happy to donate
I'm really excited about this, because the person doing this is making amazing progress and at last count I want to say it was only Wi-Fi and one other thing not working with said developer already pretty certain that they know how to change that, it's just a lot of trial and error (any dev knows how frustrating it can be having to compile the source all over again to test a tiny change)
What this means for me, personally, is that I can do what I've done on past htc devices and knock out a fairly complete port of miui (some default miui stuff doesn't play nice during flash, like the camera app, so I'll likely include the stock m9 camera app as packaged for other phones so it doesn't rely on sense)
Anyway... ?
v1rk said:
What i pointed is where the developer actually mentioned he his working on it and the link can be sourced by anyone, and people in that thread have been checking the github as mentioned. Theres now two threads on the discussion of cm12.1 which talk similar. All you are doing is not mentioning the dev based someone who used his work without his permission. Also to add the dev replied that thread to have to say they having working booting img just some features aren't working.
Link to his github for the current work
https://github.com/Hima-Dev/android_device_htc_hima-common
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cheers for side information. I know the developer and I'm pretty sure you'd get a kernel and Cm12.1 pretty soon.
Actually I Would let the developers sort out their differences themselves, for me it is Cm12.1 coming pretty soon.
agentfusion said:
I'm really excited about this, because the person doing this is making amazing progress and at last count I want to say it was only Wi-Fi and one other thing not working with said developer already pretty certain that they know how to change that, it's just a lot of trial and error (any dev knows how frustrating it can be having to compile the source all over again to test a tiny change)
What this means for me, personally, is that I can do what I've done on past htc devices and knock out a fairly complete port of miui (some default miui stuff doesn't play nice during flash, like the camera app, so I'll likely include the stock m9 camera app as packaged for other phones so it doesn't rely on sense)
Anyway... ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whhhaaatttttt?!?!?! Miui?!?!?
Wait
Galaxysm said:
Whhhaaatttttt?!?!?! Miui?!?!?
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Click to collapse
Yeah. Once we have a reliable port of CM12, then porting other stuff is pretty easy. All I have to do is find a device that already has miui with the same resolution and dpi/ppi and port the assets over to the m9.
Preferably I'd like to port the miui patchrom so I can setup an automated build system to build a fresh copy every time aosp and miui are updated, but I don't have anywhere near enough time for that.
agentfusion said:
Yeah. Once we have a reliable port of CM12, then porting other stuff is pretty easy. All I have to do is find a device that already has miui with the same resolution and dpi/ppi and port the assets over to the m9.
Preferably I'd like to port the miui patchrom so I can setup an automated build system to build a fresh copy every time aosp and miui are updated, but I don't have anywhere near enough time for that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice I can't wait!!
Nice to see this coming ... And for MIUI I haven't been able to use it since I change my original EVO ... It would be great to have it as an option ...
Great news
Daily reminder that CM12 is a desperately needed and coveted thingy for the m8+1.
Is it lollipop 5.1?
Sent from my HTC One M9 using XDA Free mobile app
vegetaleb said:
Is it lollipop 5.1?
Sent from my HTC One M9 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cm12.1 is lolipop 5.1
Anyone knows the progress on this...
epedrosa said:
Anyone knows the progress on this...
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Be patient. The OP says "within a month" and it has only been roughly 2 weeks
Hi All
There are a lot of MM roms for Bacon
Thanks to all the Devs for Roms
You can share as to what you like the most in the comments section
Please Note all the Roms are moslty in WIP or Alpa or unofficial.
Try them as your own risk.
This voting is not to discriminate any Rom/Dev but just to see which is the most loved Rom
i did not work on developing of any of these Roms, I do not take the credit for any of these roms
NOTE: I DO NOT HAVE ANY INTENTION TO HURT ANY FEELINGS OF ANY DEV OR ROM USER, PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR SUGGESTIONS IF ANY
Pointless thread. For one, all MM ROMs are in their infant stages and lack any "real" features that any of the teams have on 5.1 and below. That's like comparing oranges to oranges and threads like this are bound to bring comparisons and heat. Thread needs to be closed.
kitkat
I'd vote for all of them, because any work towards bring MM to our phone is greatly appreciated. They're all going about it in a slightly different way, and are at different stages. This is great to see, as it results in a variety of great choices once projects mature. Thanks to all the devs, keep up the great work!
This is my favorite version of "marshmallow".. ;p
Setting.Out said:
This is my favorite version of "marshmallow".. ;p
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Click to collapse
Those are cute
There is another MM-Rom, http :// test.sungsonic .co I've installed T1 and its working pretty good!
It smells like this thread is going to be deleted.
IIRC, threads comparing roms are against xda rules.
TugaPower is really nice so far at least...but this is just a post in an attempt to get my 10 post so I can participate in discussions
The best ROM is the one that works best for you.
Thread closed