Related
So I may jump ship from the N1 to the Vibrant. On the N1, in less than ten minutes I can run a nandroid backup, flash a new kernel, new radio and a new rom. In another 3-4 minutes, I can switch back. I've literally switched kernels >3 times/day before. How much different will things be on the Vibrant? Is it harder to do these things? Is there as much risk?
Thanks
right now no one knows, there is no custom kernels, custom recovery, custom roms, etc
There are custom roms and you can easily root the device...but it will obviously take some time to reach N1's customization...
I've had my G1(I know, not the N1) since day 1, and I've been flashing roms since day one. The only reason I flashed roms was because I felt the G1 was lacking in a lot of things. Now that I have the Vibrant, I feel like there's no need to flash a different rom. It's already pretty fast, and I actually like the touchwiz UI. The UI doesnt completely take over the Android interface, it's more like adding extra little features.
ultra spikey said:
I've had my G1(I know, not the N1) since day 1, and I've been flashing roms since day one. The only reason I flashed roms was because I felt the G1 was lacking in a lot of things. Now that I have the Vibrant, I feel like there's no need to flash a different rom. It's already pretty fast, and I actually like the touchwiz UI. The UI doesnt completely take over the Android interface, it's more like adding extra little features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly, plus the Black/Blue color scheme is far better looking to me over stock Android. TouchWiz is not like Sense or previous generations of the skin and that's a good thing.
Ill second that. I am really enjoying my touch wiz interface and I didn't think I would. That being said I miss my app drawer that slid up from the bottom.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
I don't know much about flashing to different ROMs yet, but I can give you an overview of the TouchWiz experience from my viewpoint.
Coming from an iPhone, I really like TouchWiz 3.0. And believe me when I tell you: that was their goal with the UI. It screams Apple, in layout and function. But of course, it ultimately feels a bit like an imitation in some areas. I feel like they rushed TouchWiz 3.0 out of the door.
The Clocks and Alarms app is much better than the iPhone's, which is something I was not at all expecting. It's really quite nice. The calendar app is about on par, in terms of layout. The upper hand is that this syncs OTA with Google's cloud services. The music player is very 'iPod-like', but is ultimately a rush job (embedded album art does not work very often and so forth).
All things considered, it's a really nice UI for Android.
That said, there are some really basic functions which did not make the transition from stock Android. For example: you cannot fully edit contacts in the 'Contacts' app. You cannot delete them, you cannot add custom ringtones. Coming from the iPhone, where I had meticulously completed the profiles of every contact with an obscene amount of info and custom ringtones, this is annoying.
There are a few 'little things' like that, which really matter to me. And this has kind of soured the experience for me, making me second-guess my decision. To be honest, I'm still sort of on the fence over this of the N1 as my iPhone replacement.
The grey area for me is in Android 3.0's release. Google has stated that they're going to overhaul the UI. The idea is that they want to make it more user-friendly, to make the use of custom skins less prevalent. Well, I'm all for this. Trouble is: will these handset manufacturers adopt it, considering their vested interests in their custom experiences?
Samsung's UI is definitely my favorite out of Sense, MotoBlur and the lot. But I'd be lying if I said that I didn't wish for a Nexus One for the security of owning the only unlocked stock device.
Hope that helps...
Give it some time and stock Android will be on the Vibrant. Thats the great thing about Android and Xda.
Yeah, I really love the idea of xda and the amount of support that all of these devices receive from the community. Of course, the trouble is: if you root for a custom rom - even if it's stock Android - the N1 is the only solution for getting OTA updates regularly. With stock Android on the Galaxy S, you're going to have to re-flash every time the ROM is updated. Not the end of the world, but definitely irritating.
Running a JB/Unlocked iPhone, I'm used to dealing with work-arounds, and waiting for hacks. That's the price I paid for using a non-carrier phone. I couldn't accept the automatic updates from Apple, and this became a mild annoyance (reinstalling everything and so forth). But when you decide to 'play nice' and own a carrier-specific phone, you kind of want the experience of timely OTA, non-hacking-related updates that simply update your device, without first wiping it clean.
Know what I mean?
I'm still not sure if I'm going to keep my Galaxy S, or buy an N1 while there's still time (the 'rumors'? of the N1's touchscreen issues are really all that held me back). But either way, I hope that all devices have some way to experience the latest and greatest from Google.
The touchscreen is bad on that phone especially when it comes to multitouch. I'm sure you've already seen the videos comparing the two touchpads and the Vibrant's touchscreen is SO accurate... multitouch included.
Jon C said:
Yeah, I really love the idea of xda and the amount of support that all of these devices receive from the community. Of course, the trouble is: if you root for a custom rom - even if it's stock Android - the N1 is the only solution for getting OTA updates regularly. With stock Android on the Galaxy S, you're going to have to re-flash every time the ROM is updated. Not the end of the world, but definitely irritating.
Running a JB/Unlocked iPhone, I'm used to dealing with work-arounds, and waiting for hacks. That's the price I paid for using a non-carrier phone. I couldn't accept the automatic updates from Apple, and this became a mild annoyance (reinstalling everything and so forth). But when you decide to 'play nice' and own a carrier-specific phone, you kind of want the experience of timely OTA, non-hacking-related updates that simply update your device, without first wiping it clean.
Know what I mean?
I'm still not sure if I'm going to keep my Galaxy S, or buy an N1 while there's still time (the 'rumors'? of the N1's touchscreen issues are really all that held me back). But either way, I hope that all devices have some way to experience the latest and greatest from Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While its a little early to be 100% yet but Android hacking is a lot different than iphone hacking. The iphone is a closed system and you have to wait till its broken open to update. Android is already open when its released. As for OTAs if Cyanogen supports the Vibrant then there is an app to download and install new updates. Typically if you stay with the same developer, like Cyanogen, then you don't have to wipe when there are updates.
After froyo 2.2 all my touch screen problems was gone.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
So untrue after froyo 2.2 those problems was fix the nexus one is a awsome phone.and I believe the same for the vibrant.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Can you do me the world's biggest favor?
Would you make some YouTube videos, showing the multitouch tests of your N1? I so, so, so, would love to own one, but I have zero tolerance for faulty hardware. I've been researching this stuff since the N1 launch, and it's the only thing holding me back from purchasing that device.
'Multitouch Vis Test' is probably the easiest way, but if you can think of others to test with, that would be great.
Jon C said:
The music player is very 'iPod-like', but is ultimately a rush job (embedded album art does not work very often and so forth).
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't used my iPod Nano 4th Gen in some time, I find that the N1 is handling my music needs just fine. But if I had a nickel for every time album art was hosed on my iPod Nano I would not have a mortgage anymore...
hah2110 said:
So I may jump ship from the N1 to the Vibrant. On the N1, in less than ten minutes I can run a nandroid backup, flash a new kernel, new radio and a new rom. In another 3-4 minutes, I can switch back. I've literally switched kernels >3 times/day before. How much different will things be on the Vibrant? Is it harder to do these things? Is there as much risk?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First you must know that the process is completely different. For right now most roms are installed through the Odin process. This process completely wipes all of the information on the phone (including apps and settings) and then installs the new rom. So you will have to backup your apps and settings every time you change roms (Titanium backup would work but it's not always fool proof). Second all roms are going to be based off of Samsung code. That means no Sense roms, no stock roms (well you can get the stock launcher but your dialer and notification bar will always be touchwized), and no froyo until Samsung releases there own version. This has been true so far with all previous Samsung phones and looking at the development with the I9000 it seems to hold true for the Galaxy S. All this does put you at less risk of bricking your phone but it does mean you also have less chance of serious customization. Also with limited source code for the I9000 (there are some drivers that are not source code but actually compiled) it's very difficult to just plop roms on from other sources.
psychoace said:
First you must know that the process is completely different. For right now most roms are installed through the Odin process. This process completely wipes all of the information on the phone (including apps and settings) and then installs the new rom. So you will have to backup your apps and settings every time you change roms (Titanium backup would work but it's not always fool proof). Second all roms are going to be based off of Samsung code. That means no Sense roms, no stock roms (well you can get the stock launcher but your dialer and notification bar will always be touchwized), and no froyo until Samsung releases there own version. This has been true so far with all previous Samsung phones and looking at the development with the I9000 it seems to hold true for the Galaxy S. All this does put you at less risk of bricking your phone but it does mean you also have less chance of serious customization. Also with limited source code for the I9000 (there are some drivers that are not source code but actually compiled) it's very difficult to just plop roms on from other sources.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why can't CM do his thing?
cm is trying to port cyanogen to the vibrant. in fact ive read that the vibrant and the droid x are his 2 top priorities so it will come soon enough. and once he gets it done we will probibly see a bunch of roms based of cyanogen
blazewit said:
cm is trying to port cyanogen to the vibrant. in fact ive read that the vibrant and the droid x are his 2 top priorities so it will come soon enough. and once he gets it done we will probibly see a bunch of roms based of cyanogen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have yet to see any information confirming any of that. First on his twitter he only seems to be working on the Evo right now. Second I doubt he would work on the Droid x until it's rooted (which most likely will be never). Last I have seen only a small pattern of talk about someone in conversation with Cyanogen about allowing a Galaxy branch of the CM code for use with the Galaxy S. Problem is this doesn't solve the issue of not having source code for a few drivers. This does not even attack the issue of getting the rom onto the phone. So don't hold your breath for any of that.
yea your right it was just one site claiming that cm is working on the vibrant,from what i can tell gothdroid and a bunch of other g1/dream devs are working right now for custom recovery and porting cm6 and froyo asop
so
i currently have the slide 3g that in theory i would really like to sell and pick up a newer vibrant or g2 but in reality i dont think anyone is gonna buy it
so i am left with a opportunity to trade for a hd2, but i am having my doubts
i know it can do both android and wm but it seems to have alot more quirky issues and i see alot of these phones for sale on craigslist.
so if the slide is updated as promised to 2.2 with sense, what would be other reasons to swap phones?????
sorry didnt mean to post this i was tryong to read similar threads!
Well the HD2 is much more powerful than the slide as far as specs are concerned, likewise the builds of Android it runs run much better than they do on the Slide. The HD2 has a bigger, higher resolution screen. And it runs WinMo.
I personally had the HD2, and once I switched over to the G2 I was amazed at what I missed out on. If you want hella features, keep the slide. If you want... a big screen.. Get the HD2 (or a Vibrant).
gaarry said:
I personally had the HD2, and once I switched over to the G2 I was amazed at what I missed out on. If you want hella features, keep the slide. If you want... a big screen.. Get the HD2 (or a Vibrant).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what exactly are hella features
i thought since it would run froyo i would have access to the market and all programs that can run on android devices?
kkeller416 said:
what exactly are hella features
i thought since it would run froyo i would have access to the market and all programs that can run on android devices?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would have access to everything your Android phone will do. You just have to find an Android build that works well for you. They aren't perfect yet, although it sounds like some are pretty close. Even cooler you can dual boot WinMo or Android... Best of both worlds really. Can't dual boot another OS on an Android phone, as far as I know...
crisisinthecity said:
You would have access to everything your Android phone will do. You just have to find an Android build that works well for you. They aren't perfect yet, although it sounds like some are pretty close. Even cooler you can dual boot WinMo or Android... Best of both worlds really. Can't dual boot another OS on an Android phone, as far as I know...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not trying to bash WinMo as I did like it, but what exactly does WinMo have on Android? Please enlighten me.
WinMo has, in my opinion, ease of expandability. IE, EVERYTHING about WinMo can be tweaked, moved, removed, or just plain changed in some way, all right out of the box, no convolutated(or in the case of the G2, temporary) rooting process required. WinMo has a better corporate install base of course. WinMo being a derivative of Windows of course, makes it so that alot of Windows programs have a WinMo port, the best of which being emulators. The emulator scene on WinMo is just phenominal. Give me time, i've got more.
ashasaur said:
WinMo has, in my opinion, ease of expandability. IE, EVERYTHING about WinMo can be tweaked, moved, removed, or just plain changed in some way, all right out of the box, no convolutated(or in the case of the G2, temporary) rooting process required. WinMo has a better corporate install base of course. WinMo being a derivative of Windows of course, makes it so that alot of Windows programs have a WinMo port, the best of which being emulators. The emulator scene on WinMo is just phenominal. Give me time, i've got more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the only short experience with windows mobile was with a tmobile Dash
and in my opinion was horrible as well as very difficult to navigate and deal with. however that may have been a earlier version of that software.
android seems to have the capability of being "tweaked, moved, removed, or just plain changed in some was," just like wm software just a bit different i guess it comes down to how much time you want to learn a new thing.
i just want to make sure that the andriod phone i have now can be duplicated in the hd2 phone, and im not loosing out on the features i have now such as sense and andriod market and some of the google apps
For the most part yeah, you will be getting if not the same experience running Android on the HD2 that you would on the slide, but prolly a better one because of the superior hardware. Most if not all Android builds for the HD2 feature the Market and Google apps built in.
gaarry said:
I'm not trying to bash WinMo as I did like it, but what exactly does WinMo have on Android? Please enlighten me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did I say that it had something on Android? I was saying that it can run Android and access the market, etc. Plus you can dual boot it with WinMo.
WinMo with Sense and CHT is pretty awesome in my opinion... More dumb apps or games would be the only thing that I can even think of that Android has over WinMo. I'm not really into games and stupid apps that I don't need. My HD2 does everything that I need it to do.
WinMo is super solid for business and everyday use. Having that with an Android dual boot is even better... Best of both worlds is better than only having an Android option IMHO. I'm into nerding out, so I find WinMo satisfies my geekyness. Flashing ROM's, Radios and doing tweaks are fun.
crisisinthecity said:
Did I say that it had something on Android? I was saying that it can run Android and access the market, etc. Plus you can dual boot it with WinMo.
WinMo with Sense and CHT is pretty awesome in my opinion... More dumb apps or games would be the only thing that I can even think of that Android has over WinMo. I'm not really into games and stupid apps that I don't need. My HD2 does everything that I need it to do.
WinMo is super solid for business and everyday use. Having that with an Android dual boot is even better... Best of both worlds is better than only having an Android option IMHO. I'm into nerding out, so I find WinMo satisfies my geekyness. Flashing ROM's, Radios and doing tweaks are fun.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I admit I loved flashing ROM's, radios, tweaking. But it was just too plain for me, no apps, not much social networking. I'll admit it is perfect for a businessperson, but for me, and my priorities, Android successfully satisfied me. I know that it could have been dual booted, but running off a SD Card was kind of iffy to me. WinMo has the customization down, but no apps. Android has apps, and some customization. It just goes down to personal preference I guess. I mean I loved both devices, but Android just suited me better. Plus I like my real keyboard haha.
gaarry said:
I admit I loved flashing ROM's, radios, tweaking. But it was just too plain for me, no apps, not much social networking. I'll admit it is perfect for a businessperson, but for me, and my priorities, Android successfully satisfied me. I know that it could have been dual booted, but running off a SD Card was kind of iffy to me. WinMo has the customization down, but no apps. Android has apps, and some customization. It just goes down to personal preference I guess. I mean I loved both devices, but Android just suited me better. Plus I like my real keyboard haha.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been eyeing the G2 and thinking about pickup up one for sure... Right now I've got the HD2 and an Iphone 2G 16GB. I gave my old G1 to my girlfriend. I agree that running Android off of the SD Card isn't my first choice, but I think it's OK... I only want a G2 because I'm a total phone nerd and like to have new stuff. Probably end up with a W7 phone eventually too.
For those who have tried, is the CM7 alpha worth replacing the stock Glacier ROM? What are the benefits over the current stock HTC Sense ROM? What's missing or not quite there?
Wrong Section, good question though
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
Cm7 nightlies - no longer CM7 alpha
It's true that this is probably the wrong section and I'm a noob too but before they bring in the new rules about minimum postings in the developer section, I'll throw in my ten cents.
Background:
US T-Mobile version of Mytouch4G and had no reason to be unhappy with the stock Rom but just love to scratch an itch and see what happens.
In the pursuit of seeing what happens I successfully rooted the phone to the point of permanent S=off (but not complete unlock as I have no need for that yet)
and over the course of the last few weeks systematically installed and tested three of the froyo builds/ports available on this forum.
Each have their strengths and weakness which are clearly listed so I wont catalogue the details I'll just say the following:
It's a lotta lotta fun! there was a geek in me waiting to get out and I finally see what the true potential is with this platform (android) - It's probably unlimited.
Aside from the philosophical point of wanting to have the freedom to do whatever with and put whatever you want on the device, that rooting facilitates (I’m a veteran of two generation of iphones), there is also that practical point that rooting does unlock the full potential of the device available right now which includes a host of apps already on the market only for rooted devices.
I don’t want to go into all those possibilities here because they are covered in detail in any google search but let’s just say that once you’re on the other side of the proverbial fence, the grass really is greener.
I know I’m being vague at this point, but let me continue a little longer.
Having also owned a number of windows based htc devices through 2005-2008 I’m no stranger to htc sense and some of the useful little gadgets that they seem to have evolved to a fairly decent level in android and I’ll say this:
Take away the surface veneer which is not as bad in the MT4G as in some others (bloatware) and you find that the meat and potatoes of the platform/operating system is all android.
And it runs MUCH better without the crap. – forget about overclocking (which helps and is fun) loose the veneer and the device flies.
And what you lose in the process – a couple of apps – you replace immediately with comparable ones for free down at the market.
So – phone runs better, can do more, has a host of better looking ui’s and themes that all the talented developers on this forum are constantly pushing out – then what about the risks?
I haven’t had a single hitch – not one.
I’m as impulsive as the next guy but I just took it steady with the information overload – carefully rooted the phone and from there, flashing one rom after another has become no more complicated than booting into recovery – case closed.
It’s become second nature.
And I’ve had to do a double take once or twice when something didn’t play out exactly as described but I’ve discovered that I had overlooked a detail here and there and it’s an easy fix.
Point being that there are constant warnings and disclaimers for obvious reasons, but my device at least has turned out to be very hardy – no scares here.
So finally, I’ve been eyeing developments in the gingerbread camp like everyone else and I’ve been wary of the alpha builds because my zero level of expertise keeps me from playing in that league and I see early this morning that an official CM7 release is out for my model the glacier.
At first I run I into problems flashing Clockworkmod to 3.0 and even try to flash the rom and boot from 2.5 with the predictable conclusion of a stuck boot loop all the while not really knowing what to expect from this ginger hype and whether it’s really worth the trouble of leaving my now very stable cooked froyo rom.
Someone then creates the thread a few lines up describing how to simply use rom manager to install the update for CWM 3.0 and at 2am I’m on my way.
I flash the rom and install the additional google apps and what do I find?
GINGERBREAD IS **** HOT!
Nuff said.
I won’t be overclocking it as a rule but I get 2805 on quadrant – previous high being in the 2500’s (each chip is actually different so I’ve heard that everyones score will vary)
The device has no lags, splutters, and runs quite literally incredibly.
and the look and feel of gingerbread? – I’ll add to what I said earlier – it’s amazing – it’s a moving graphical, visual feast.
It will seriously rain on apple’s parade when this thing hits the main stream and I think quite honestly that it’s the greatest mobile device operating system ever created.
I know I’m gushing but it really is that good and considerably more impressive than froyo while having the same core navigation and other functionality.
I won’t be going back.
I won’t endorse taking risks with your device but I’ll say it’s worth taking a look.
A few afterthoughts for those asking the questions:
There is a brand new version of the market packaged with the 20110115 version of the larger gapps file floating around on this forum – it also rocks!
Although most apps available on the market have not yet been updated for gb 2.3, they all work so far on my machine with one or two unimportant exeptions.
I’ve replaced all sense functionality with free apps off the market – no loss there.
The device runs smoothly and all functionality is tested and working in the latest release - great job guys doing the work here.
Long and the short of it being …it’s all good.
hope that helps.
Definitely worth a flash to try yourself. I mean it's CyanogenMod so how could it not be good?
Sent from my HTC Glacier using Tapatalk
matkam said:
For those who have tried, is the CM7 alpha worth replacing the stock Glacier ROM? What are the benefits over the current stock HTC Sense ROM? What's missing or not quite there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would be very surprised at how extremely stable these roms are. I've been running them for a few weeks now and they're definitely stable enough to be your daily driver.
The main thing to consider is that Sense is a highly customized ROM while CyanogenMod is based on Pure Google with some additional configurations available.
Try it out, it's pretty easy to go back if you don't like it. For a while there I was nandroiding back and forth between Sense and CM6 about twice a week, lol.
CM7 some after thoughts
Continuing from my earlier post, I thought I would head off a few questions about observable differences in gingerbread - well the CM7 incarnation:
Android market loads and populates faster.
The wireless radio picks up signals/networks faster and connects gracefully and quickly.
All aspects of the functionality of the whole system and each individual app seems to be smoother and more efficient.
Youtube no longer has that annoying glitch coming out of landscape.
My new 16bg class 6 mini sdhc card finally works and no longer gives me the blank card or damaged card bull crap every time I unmount or remount from usb mode – didn’t expect that one and had resigned myself to going back to the stock 8gb card it shipped with.
The app drawer pops out at you in what seems like 3d while leaving the background wallpaper intact. – so the app drawer just floats while you scroll through it.
Every aspect of the device and systems are customizable – I mean everything – probably in part due to the efforts of the CM7 team.
The stock gingerbread phone dialer app is changed for the better and is obviously one of many enhancements including the ability to program your sip (voip) settings straight into the phone doing away with third party apps altogether to make or receive calls (if you’re into voip)
You’ll have to dig around to find the .apk for the stock car/navigation mode app and I solved that riddle by downloading the free android app(car home) from the market and also installing a third party app (car mode control) which is used to launch it – I’ve been lazy and haven’t investigated yet whether it’s actually necessary to have the go between, but it works.
and swype, if you want it, can be downloaded direct from the guys that developed it at the beta.swype page (wasn't allowed to post the link) - by simply registering to test the latest beta, which is better than in the stock MT4G rom.
Someone report the first post to have this moved.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Whosdaman said:
Someone report the first post to have this moved.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't realize it had to be reported. I always assumed that because you're a mod you can do whatever the hell you want.
Well in your case just pick current RC fork from repository and use it normally you don't have to wait for the SR fork. Unless you are dev I don't see why you would want to flash it every night unless you understand basic and even in that case weekly might be fine. I been there done that as flashing new rom everyday as it came down the pipe I tried few CM7A few times let the dev do more work as ill make that my rom when SR is out, ATM have IGv1.1.6 as I flashed it this afternoon.
matkam said:
For those who have tried, is the CM7 alpha worth replacing the stock Glacier ROM? What are the benefits over the current stock HTC Sense ROM? What's missing or not quite there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you thought your phone was fast out of the box, this is faster. If you thought it was a bit laggy (like me), it's like getting a brand new phone.
Also, having better experiences with CM7 GB on MT4G than I ever did on my Nexus S. This is saying a lot.
ZeroSX said:
Also, having better experiences with CM7 GB on MT4G than I ever did on my Nexus S. This is saying a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same for me. Such a smoother experience all around.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using Tapatalk
I just flashed & I must say it is a much smoother expericence. I love it & its not even a stable build.
matkam said:
For those who have tried, is the CM7 alpha worth replacing the stock Glacier ROM? What are the benefits over the current stock HTC Sense ROM? What's missing or not quite there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this your first Android phone? Have you ever played with a Pure Google Experience Android phone? If you're nervous about the CM7 builds, try CM6. Easier to flash since you don't need to manually flash the recovery and it will give you a feel for CyanogenMod and the Pure Android feel.
Think of the G2, that comes with plain Android right out of the box. Go to a T-mobile store and poke around with it to see if you like it.
I simply cannot stand the HTC Sense stuff... Personal preference.
I had CM6.1 for a couple weeks and I am VERY happy with it. I am waiting another week or so to start using the CM7 builds just because I have been too busy with other stuff.
neuralboy said:
It's true that this is probably the wrong section and I'm a noob too but before they bring in the new rules about minimum postings in the developer section, I'll throw in my ten cents.
Background:
US T-Mobile version of Mytouch4G and had no reason to be unhappy with the stock Rom but just love to scratch an itch and see what happens.
In the pursuit of seeing what happens I successfully rooted the phone to the point of permanent S=off (but not complete unlock as I have no need for that yet)
and over the course of the last few weeks systematically installed and tested three of the froyo builds/ports available on this forum.
Each have their strengths and weakness which are clearly listed so I wont catalogue the details I'll just say the following:
It's a lotta lotta fun! there was a geek in me waiting to get out and I finally see what the true potential is with this platform (android) - It's probably unlimited.
Aside from the philosophical point of wanting to have the freedom to do whatever with and put whatever you want on the device, that rooting facilitates (I’m a veteran of two generation of iphones), there is also that practical point that rooting does unlock the full potential of the device available right now which includes a host of apps already on the market only for rooted devices.
I don’t want to go into all those possibilities here because they are covered in detail in any google search but let’s just say that once you’re on the other side of the proverbial fence, the grass really is greener.
I know I’m being vague at this point, but let me continue a little longer.
Having also owned a number of windows based htc devices through 2005-2008 I’m no stranger to htc sense and some of the useful little gadgets that they seem to have evolved to a fairly decent level in android and I’ll say this:
Take away the surface veneer which is not as bad in the MT4G as in some others (bloatware) and you find that the meat and potatoes of the platform/operating system is all android.
And it runs MUCH better without the crap. – forget about overclocking (which helps and is fun) loose the veneer and the device flies.
And what you lose in the process – a couple of apps – you replace immediately with comparable ones for free down at the market.
So – phone runs better, can do more, has a host of better looking ui’s and themes that all the talented developers on this forum are constantly pushing out – then what about the risks?
I haven’t had a single hitch – not one.
I’m as impulsive as the next guy but I just took it steady with the information overload – carefully rooted the phone and from there, flashing one rom after another has become no more complicated than booting into recovery – case closed.
It’s become second nature.
And I’ve had to do a double take once or twice when something didn’t play out exactly as described but I’ve discovered that I had overlooked a detail here and there and it’s an easy fix.
Point being that there are constant warnings and disclaimers for obvious reasons, but my device at least has turned out to be very hardy – no scares here.
So finally, I’ve been eyeing developments in the gingerbread camp like everyone else and I’ve been wary of the alpha builds because my zero level of expertise keeps me from playing in that league and I see early this morning that an official CM7 release is out for my model the glacier.
At first I run I into problems flashing Clockworkmod to 3.0 and even try to flash the rom and boot from 2.5 with the predictable conclusion of a stuck boot loop all the while not really knowing what to expect from this ginger hype and whether it’s really worth the trouble of leaving my now very stable cooked froyo rom.
Someone then creates the thread a few lines up describing how to simply use rom manager to install the update for CWM 3.0 and at 2am I’m on my way.
I flash the rom and install the additional google apps and what do I find?
GINGERBREAD IS **** HOT!
Nuff said.
I won’t be overclocking it as a rule but I get 2805 on quadrant – previous high being in the 2500’s (each chip is actually different so I’ve heard that everyones score will vary)
The device has no lags, splutters, and runs quite literally incredibly.
and the look and feel of gingerbread? – I’ll add to what I said earlier – it’s amazing – it’s a moving graphical, visual feast.
It will seriously rain on apple’s parade when this thing hits the main stream and I think quite honestly that it’s the greatest mobile device operating system ever created.
I know I’m gushing but it really is that good and considerably more impressive than froyo while having the same core navigation and other functionality.
I won’t be going back.
I won’t endorse taking risks with your device but I’ll say it’s worth taking a look.
A few afterthoughts for those asking the questions:
There is a brand new version of the market packaged with the 20110115 version of the larger gapps file floating around on this forum – it also rocks!
Although most apps available on the market have not yet been updated for gb 2.3, they all work so far on my machine with one or two unimportant exeptions.
I’ve replaced all sense functionality with free apps off the market – no loss there.
The device runs smoothly and all functionality is tested and working in the latest release - great job guys doing the work here.
Long and the short of it being …it’s all good.
hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you see a link for an official CM7 release for this phone?!?!
Q.Entity said:
I simply cannot stand the HTC Sense stuff... Personal preference.
I had CM6.1 for a couple weeks and I am VERY happy with it. I am waiting another week or so to start using the CM7 builds just because I have been too busy with other stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know that's how I felt when I bought the phone. I kept thinking about returning it for a G2 just to get plain Android. Ironically, by the time I finally rooted my phone and flashed CM6, Sense had grown on me to the point that I kept nandroiding back and using it by choice. Ha!
Now I've been on cm7 for a few days and I'm pretty happy with it.
CM7 official nightlies
I can't post a link out but the link to the CM7 builds is usually towards the top of the mytouch 4G Android Developement forum page.
It's constantly being updated and it looks like the latest build takes care of a number of little issues including swype, google car home and maybe the apps pack too
To those voting not to flash, have you tried CM7? What's keeping you from being happy with it?
I just flashed it myself and am pretty happy with it. The experience is much more consistent than the stock Sense ROM, gingerbread is really fast/smooth, and CM7 adds a lot of options for customization. Wifi isn't working though.
matkam said:
To those voting not to flash, have you tried CM7? What's keeping you from being happy with it?
I just flashed it myself and am pretty happy with it. The experience is much more consistent than the stock Sense ROM, gingerbread is really fast/smooth, and CM7 adds a lot of options for customization. Wifi isn't working though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reboot for wifi to work.
BTW, CM7 is slick as an iced glacier.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
neuralboy said:
GINGERBREAD IS **** HOT!
Nuff said.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This has got to be the biggest fanboism i've every heard on any forum. Gingerbread is not that different from FroYo. It looks the same it feels. it acts the same.
To the OP If you want to flash the most current baked variant of Android then by all means flash away. If not FroYo will serve your needs just fine.
hi, guys. i was about to sell my htc hd2 becuz after modding it, it just fell short of my expectations.. it caused huge batt drain and was slow. i want to give it one more chance. i never installed android on it, but i want to. but, i want an android version that:
1) saves battery life the most, and is fast.
2) and one that looks like the 6.5 stock with sense from the hd2.
if any of you can suggest an android version based on these needs, please let me. thanks.
koolxx said:
hi, guys. i was about to sell my htc hd2 becuz after modding it, it just fell short of my expectations.. it caused huge batt drain and was slow. i want to give it one more chance. i never installed android on it, but i want to. but, i want an android version that:
1) saves battery life the most, and is fast.
2) and one that looks like the 6.5 stock with sense from the hd2.
if any of you can suggest an android version based on these needs, please let me. thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) "Android" drains more battery than Windows Mobile, always. The reason I quote it is because Android itself doesn't drain more battery, the user drains more battery. Android is much more versatile and user friendly than any other OS out there so you have more things on it and use it more, therefore...less battery life. Sense roms drain the battery even further, more eye candy/features = more drain. Non-Sense roms drain the least battery and CyanogenMod roms (CM/CM6/CM7 as they're referred to) are a little better than Sense roms when it comes to battery drain (most of the time), however, I prefer Sense as it just looks better and has more handy features; for Sense I recommend CMYLXGO's (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=915159) or CoreDroid's (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=926507) --- I personally use CoreDroid's as CMY's has been giving me crashes when changing notifications and sometimes the dialer hangs, CoreDroid is fantastic though and looks nice with the theming, I'll stick to that for quite a while. As for Non-Sense roms, I recommend HyberDroidGBX (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=918899).
2) As for one that looks like WM6.5, I don't see it happening. None come like that stock that I've seen and I've never seen a theme that looks like it, in my opinion, it would take far too many apps/widgets to make it look like WM6.5 to keep it stable.
In my opinion, if you want to get rid of you HD2 because of the battery life/speed, you won't be happy with another phone ever again.
I assume this is your first 'true' smart phone, their battery is just as good as an old Nokia/Motorola phone when it comes to standby, but what do you expect when you have a screen 4 times the size and features out the ass? If you want a smartphone AND long battery life, there's one solution...use it for Phone calls only (and render it useless as a smart phone in the process)
The HD2 is an extremely fast phone, it was on the top for speed for quite awhile.
The HD2 was meant for Android, why they limited it to WM blows my mind but it crippled it.
Run Android on your HD2 and you'll be happy; Android beats WM in every way possible IMO, they're almost perfectly stable now too. VERY minor bugs left with these Android builds.
1) "Android" drains more battery than Windows Mobile, always. The reason I quote it is because Android itself doesn't drain more battery, the user drains more battery. Android is much more versatile and user friendly than any other OS out there so you have more things on it and use it more, therefore...less battery life. Sense roms drain the battery even further, more eye candy/features = more drain. Non-Sense roms drain the least battery and CyanogenMod roms (CM/CM6/CM7 as they're referred to) are a little better than Sense roms when it comes to battery drain (most of the time), however, I prefer Sense as it just looks better and has more handy features; for Sense I recommend CMYLXGO's (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=915159) or CoreDroid's (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=926507) --- I personally use CoreDroid's as CMY's has been giving me crashes when changing notifications and sometimes the dialer hangs, CoreDroid is fantastic though and looks nice with the theming, I'll stick to that for quite a while. As for Non-Sense roms, I recommend HyberDroidGBX (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=918899).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you for your good input. i think at this point i'm going to sell my phone. this is just too much for me.
In my opinion, if you want to get rid of you HD2 because of the battery life/speed, you won't be happy with another phone ever again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats not true.. i was checking out my friend's iphone 4 and i got to say, i'm addicted to it.
I assume this is your first 'true' smart phone, their battery is just as good as an old Nokia/Motorola phone when it comes to standby,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
actually, this is my 6th phone.
The HD2 is an extremely fast phone, it was on the top for speed for quite awhile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats not true! the iphone beats it in terms of speed. its been tested and proven. i dont mean to advertise the iphone, but based on what i've experienced with and read about it, it comes on top in terms of speed, apps, battery, and stability.
iPhone is actually slower than the HD2 in terms of specs, iPhones just 'appear' faster because iOS is as simple as Windows 95 and Windows Mobile is as slow as...I don't really have a pun for this one but it's slow.
The battery life is based upon the user, I will admit that iPhone's have a little bit of a better battery life (as long as you don't abuse 3/4G).
Keep in mind, you're basing your assumptions about the HD2 off of WM which is slow and lacking features all on its own.
Hey Koolxx glad to see you in the Android forums.
I truly hate to see you say you are considering selling (I read your other thread in the HD2 General forum too) your HD2 as the HD2 is not just your run of the mill smartphone. It was the first in a new wave of smartphones because of the screen size, screen resolution, and 1gz Snapdragon processor. If you take a look at the new smartphones that have been and are being released after the HD2 you will see exactly what I mean.
I loved and still do love Windows Mobile, it was a pioneer as far as a what a truly functional mobile OS should be and the capabilities it has. I have considered several times going back to Windows Mobile since I made the switch to Android, but have not for several reasons.
1. I just can not bare the thought of having to deal with the quirkiness of Windows Mobile, everyone should know what I mean by that.
2. I truly believe Android is the OS of the future. Android is growing at such a rapid pace it is leaving other OS's behind. One reason for this is not because of the popularity of Android but because Android is a open sourced system meaning anyone who can contribute to it as far as improvements and features can. This is what is meant when you hear "When it is no limits to what Droid gets, it is no limit to what Droid does."
3. Android has way more apps, development, and hacking support than Windows Mobile at this point.
4. I am learning everything I can about Android right now as I want to be a developer.
I could give more but those are the basic reasons. If you are still interested in going Android please click on the link in my sig that says "Guide" at the front. It can help you out a whole lot. Plus I have links in there to two of the best guides on installing Android to your HD2. My guide is meant to be more of a educational tool than a tutorial on how to flash Android or WP7.
I know you said you like the iPhone and Apply does have some good products. But I hate Apply because to me they are totally disrespectful to the consumer, you know the people that actually by their products. If I pay a large chunk of money for a device I want to be able to do what I want to with it. Not be told I can only use it in they way that the manufacture or OS developer wants me to. After all I paid my money for the device so it belongs to me not them. I could go way deeper into the conversation but this post is already massive.
Let me know if I can help you out any.
koolxx said:
hi, guys. i was about to sell my htc hd2 becuz after modding it, it just fell short of my expectations.. it caused huge batt drain and was slow. i want to give it one more chance. i never installed android on it, but i want to. but, i want an android version that:
1) saves battery life the most, and is fast.
2) and one that looks like the 6.5 stock with sense from the hd2.
if any of you can suggest an android version based on these needs, please let me. thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not going to argue about the iPhone. I never used it, I don't like it so I have nothing to say about it.
About android.
Really? You want a build which is themed to look like a WinMo stock? Why?
check this thread to see what Android GUI is about and the endless customizations you can do.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=743301
I cannot accept the fact that you want to sell your HD2 (the only device that support so many OSs) before even trying Android.
I am using Android since the firsts SD build came out and once NAND was out I have never changed back to WinMo.
Battery life for me is better than WinMo in equal use but as hd2k10 said it is the user who is draining the battery and not the OS.
There are Sense, Non-Sence and MIUI builds.
If you want an iPhone GUI you can always check MIUI builds.
koolxx said:
the iphone beats it in terms of speed. its been tested and proven. i
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By whom and when? IMO iPhone 4 is equally fast as HD2 with stock Android. And YES, I have used iPhone 4 a lot (my father owns it and I'm always helping him with something, intuitive OS my a** ) and both phones are just instant. I mean there is no lag at anything. But often iOS has to load something and you just sit there and admire blank screen before stuff appears. Never seen that on my HD2.
Android is as fast as the device it's running on. HD2 is amazingly fast, and so is OS running on it.
koolxx said:
thank you for your good input. i think at this point i'm going to sell my phone. this is just too much for me.
thats not true.. i was checking out my friend's iphone 4 and i got to say, i'm addicted to it.
actually, this is my 6th phone.
thats not true! the iphone beats it in terms of speed. its been tested and proven. i dont mean to advertise the iphone, but based on what i've experienced with and read about it, it comes on top in terms of speed, apps, battery, and stability.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I Cam buy your hd2, how much do you want for it?
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App
hd2k10 said:
iPhone is actually slower than the HD2 in terms of specs, iPhones just 'appear' faster because iOS is as simple as Windows 95 and Windows Mobile is as slow as...I don't really have a pun for this one but it's slow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think youre saying that an hd2 with droid may be faster that an iphone. if thats the case, i might agree with you, since i did see gingerbread 2.3.2 on an hd2 and its just incredibly fast!
The battery life is based upon the user, I will admit that iPhone's have a little bit of a better battery life (as long as you don't abuse 3/4G).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i've never used 3/4g.. i'm on wifi.
Keep in mind, you're basing your assumptions about the HD2 off of WM which is slow and lacking features all on its own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes this is very true. which is why i'm thinking about instlling gingerbread 2.3.2 that some russian guy called imilka has created. it looks VERY fast. i just hope he updated the cam though.. thats the only thing that worries me cuz the cam runs very very slow.
T-Macgnolia said:
Hey Koolxx glad to see you in the Android forums.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks t-mac.. yeah, hopefully droid can save my hd2 from being sold. lets see.
1. I just can not bare the thought of having to deal with the quirkiness of Windows Mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i know. winmo was a dissapointment for me.
If you are still interested in going Android please click on the link in my sig that says "Guide" at the front. It can help you out a whole lot. Plus I have links in there to two of the best guides on installing Android to your HD2. My guide is meant to be more of a educational tool than a tutorial on how to flash Android or WP7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i'm thking about installing gingerbread 2.3.2. it looks very sleek and modern, unlike the other droid builds that are horrible, that look like win '95 and look so nerdy. and thats for the positive feedback. i will install droid. and i appreciate you helping me. thanks, man.
zach.antre said:
I cannot accept the fact that you want to sell your HD2 (the only device that support so many OSs) before even trying Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dont worry, i'm giving my hd2 a 2nd chance when i install droid. then i'll see if i'll give it the axe or breath of life.
There are Sense, Non-Sence and MIUI builds.
If you want an iPhone GUI you can always check MIUI builds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow, theres more to choose from in terms of builds. i didnt know this. i will be chekcing this out.
Just explain me why do you have to post THREE post one after another instead of ONE?
raven_raven said:
Just explain me why do you have to post THREE post one after another instead of ONE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you dont like the way i post, DONT COME to my threads again. youre a pest. go away troll.
koolxx said:
if you dont like the way i post, DONT COME to my threads again. youre a pest. go away troll.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
You should use the multi-quote button instead, thats why is there for. Dont offend anyone, thats one of forum rules. He mentioned about it, cause you should keep forumclear and clean.
Back to topic, if you looking for fast, smooth and stable rom, check that one I have in my sig. I use it for months now and Im very satsified. Only you know, what are you looking for. Every rom thread has description of it, what is working and what is not, screenshots and users personal feelings about it. For me instaling Android from scratch to fully working phone is about 20mins and its not difficult. Just read, read and read again. Good luck
czacha234 said:
Hi,
You should use the multi-quote button instead, thats why is there for. Dont offend anyone, thats one of forum rules. He mentioned about it, cause you should keep forumclear and clean.
Back to topic, if you looking for fast, smooth and stable rom, check that one I have in my sig. I use it for months now and Im very satsified. Only you know, what are you looking for. Every rom thread has description of it, what is working and what is not, screenshots and users personal feelings about it. For me instaling Android from scratch to fully working phone is about 20mins and its not difficult. Just read, read and read again. Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
using the multi-quote button is to my discretion. and the only one insulting anyone here is raven. hes one of the trolls on my other thread that insulted me. if you want to curtail insults, consult with him, not me.
anyway, back on topic. i checked out the rom you suggested. it looks nerdy, no offense. but i was checking out imilka's Gingerbread on this page:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=989289
i like it a lot. but, the camera has issues. and its based on gingerbread 2.3.3.
i want gingerbread 2.3.4, but i want it looking like imilks'a gingerbread. how can i get gingerbread 2.3.4 installed looking like imilka's gingerbread? let me know and i thank you for your input.
koolxx said:
using the multi-quote button is to my discretion. and the only one insulting anyone here is raven. hes one of the trolls on my other thread that insulted me. if you want to curtail insults, consult with him, not me.
anyway, back on topic. i checked out the rom you suggested. it looks nerdy, no offense. but i was checking out imilka's Gingerbread on this page:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=989289
i like it a lot. but, the camera has issues. and its based on gingerbread 2.3.3.
i want gingerbread 2.3.4, but i want it looking like imilks'a gingerbread. how can i get gingerbread 2.3.4 installed looking like imilka's gingerbread? let me know and i thank you for your input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, everybody got his own preferences regarding to rom. As for you question, you cant have Android 2.3.4 until imilka release update to his rom. Maybe if you ask in his thread, you should get an answer. Besides, there is not much difference between 2.3.3 and 2.3.4. Just small improvements and bug fixes. Give it a try, you want to sell your HD2 anyway.
koolxx said:
using the multi-quote button is to my discretion. and the only one insulting anyone here is raven. hes one of the trolls on my other thread that insulted me. if you want to curtail insults, consult with him, not me.
anyway, back on topic. i checked out the rom you suggested. it looks nerdy, no offense. but i was checking out imilka's Gingerbread on this page:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=989289
i want gingerbread 2.3.4, but i want it looking like imilks'a gingerbread. how can i get gingerbread 2.3.4 installed looking like imilka's gingerbread? let me know and i thank you for your input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want 2.3.4 you need to go with Unofficial [URL="http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=940684&highlight=Cynagen+Nighly+7"]Cynogan Nighlies for HD2, NexusHD2-Gingerbread V2.7 , or TyphooN CyanogenMod 7 Nightly v3.2.2. Now as far as getting the look of the Imilka ROM, well his ROM has the look you are talking about because it is based off of the Desire HD and that is the UI the Desire HD has. I do not know if you can get a launcher or theme like that on your HD2 but the chances are very high that you can. You will just have to go into the Android Market and grab some launchers and then look at what themes the launchers offer. Or you can always download a Android Kitchen and start modding the ROM to your liking. Also check out these two sections HD2 Android apps and thems and Android Themes .
T-Macgnolia said:
If you want 2.3.4 you need to go with Unofficial Cynogan Nighlies for HD2, NexusHD2-Gingerbread V2.7 , or TyphooN CyanogenMod 7 Nightly v3.2.2. Now as far as getting the look of the Imilka ROM, well his ROM has the look you are talking about because it is based off of the Desire HD and that is the UI the Desire HD has. I do not know if you can get a launcher or theme like that on your HD2 but the chances are very high that you can. You will just have to go into the Android Market and grab some launchers and then look at what themes the launchers offer. Or you can always download a Android Kitchen and start modding the ROM to your liking. Also check out these two sections HD2 Android apps and thems and Android Themes .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hello once again, t-mac. and thanks for the support. i checked out the links you posted. the droids look good and similar. ok, i got some questions for you:
1) which do you recommend based on my needs of being very fast, no glitches/bugs, and long batt life?
2) i need launchers that look like the Desire HD. hopefully, there are for this droid.
3) can you tell me the advantages of 2.3.4 over 2.3.3?
4) and i see that you on 2.3.3. any reason why you wont switch to 2.3.4?
5) in imilka's gingerbread based on 2.3.3, why isnt the cam working? is there a fix for it?
6) is v2.3.4 the latest gingerbread version?
koolxx said:
hello once again, t-mac. and thanks for the support. i checked out the links you posted. the droids look good and similar. ok, i got some questions for you:
1) which do you recommend based on my needs of being very fast, no glitches/bugs, and long batt life?
2) i need launchers that look like the Desire HD. hopefully, there are for this droid.
3) can you tell me the advantages of 2.3.4 over 2.3.3?
4) and i see that you on 2.3.3. any reason why you wont switch to 2.3.4?
5) in imilka's gingerbread based on 2.3.3, why isnt the cam working? is there a fix for it?
6) is v2.3.4 the latest gingerbread version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) I recommend Cynogan Nighlies for HD2 ( have not tried yet but will soon) or TyphooN CyanogenMod 7 Nightly v3.2.2 (I have tried and liked it but I was using MAGLDR).
2) As long as the launcher supports the Android version which most launches support all Android versions including 2.3.4 then you can use them on any android device or Android ROM, you get the lauchers from the Android Market or do a Google search for Android launchers and download the .apk file and put it on your SD card and then use a file explorer in Android to find the apk and open it. Andropid will ask if you want to install the apk.
3) I really do not know all the advantages just yet but I know that you can get a couple of themes on 2.3.4 that you can not on 2.3.3. But i am sure there is more differences than that although I highly doubt they are very drastic.
4) The man reason is becaus I have been real busy around my house lately and have not had time to go to a WiFi spot to download some more ROMs. Plus I have been trying to get a Android kitchen up and running on my computer. But I keep getting a damn Bash.exe error saying cynwin.dll is missing from your computer and I have not been able to correct it yet. So you see I have been kinda preoccupied.
5) This I really do not know, I would have to be able to look at his ROM in a kitchen and also use ADB on it to see if I could track down the source of the problem, might would even have to decompile it. You have to remember the Andriod ROMs for the HD2 all come from other devices so they have to be modded to work with the HD2's hardware.
6) Yes 2.3.4 is the most resent Android phone release and it has not been out very long. You do have Android 3.0 Honeycomb but it is suppose to be just for tablets. But devs have been porting it to phones. The HD2 has a 3.0 honeycomb port but it is still really buggy still.
T-Macgnolia said:
1) I recommend Cynogan Nighlies for HD2 ( have not tried yet but will soon) or TyphooN CyanogenMod 7 Nightly v3.2.2 (I have tried and liked it but I was using MAGLDR).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi, t-mac. at this point, i'm confused. i looked at the droids you recommended and to be honest, i'm just not feeling them. i just want a very fast and reliable droid where everything (including wifi and cam) works with no glitches. and one where i can install a theme that looks like the desire hd. if that means installing 2.3.3 instead of 2.3.4, then so be it. but i got to have these conditions met.
i know i'm asking alot out of you. and i appreciate your time. but i just ask for more recommendations based on my needs. thanks man.
Let's be honest to ourselves here guys, out beloved Moto X Style was officially released in September which means this phone has now been out for at least 3 months and while all the effort that has since been put in this devices by key developers and people from day 1 up till now is very much appreciated and will continue to be appreciated, the development of this device compared to most flagships has been slow motion.
I am just trying to understand what the hell went wrong with this phone that made it end up with such super slow motion development, as when I originally bought the device I was thinking this phone would be at least in the top 20 most active phones on XDA development wise.
It had so much going for it, easy root, easy unlockable bootloader, a pretty much almost complete stock version of android, kernel sources released and motorolas good track record of updating their flagship phones in a timely manner and good hardware to accompany the great bloatware free stock software and a cheap price compared to some other flagships from other companies such as Samsung and Sony
With all this in mind I thought developers would flock to this device and we would have a massive development forum with loads of options between custom roms, mods, themes and other tweaks etc
But this is far from the case and I know the Nexus 6P being released probably had something to do with it, Still this should have been at least in top 20
At first I thought when Android 6.0 MM will be released development will increase then we needed the kernel sources as that was apparently not enough, then we had kernel sources but apart from 1 or 2 roms showing up being in alpha stages nothings changed too much.
This is such a disappointment to say the least.
If only I could understand why this is happening maybe something could be done to fix this or increase the development of this phone, I dont know maybe get some developers from the nexus 6p forums on here some how ...
Any ideas why this has happened and if anything can be done to increase development?
IS THERE ANY WAY WE AS A COMMUNITY CAN GET MORE DEVELOPERS TO WORK ON THIS DEVICE?
djsynth said:
If only I could understand why this is happening maybe something could be done to fix this or increase the development of this phone, I dont know maybe get some developers from the nexus 6p forums on here some how ...
Any ideas why this has happened and if anything can be done to increase development?
IS THERE ANY WAY WE AS A COMMUNITY CAN GET MORE DEVELOPERS TO WORK ON THIS DEVICE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it's due to a combination of factors, such as :
1) The popularity of the phone/ manufacturer. These figures show Lenovo/Motorloa in 5th place for sales, having a 3.7% market share in Q3 2015
2) The OS (Android) has improved a lot over recent years, to the extent where a lot of people (like me) are happy to stay with stock
3) With phones getting more expensive, more people are put off from unlocking their bootloader due to warranty issues
4) I'm no longer convinced about the benefits of custom ROMs - seems a lot of the time they break more things than they fix. Maybe a lot of other people now think the same.
5) Some apps, for example ones for mobile banking or subscrition TV & Video, will not work with a rooted phone.
In the past I've had various phones from various manufacturers, and I'd say if you get your kicks from installing custom ROMs, then buy a Nexus.
When i had the one plus one there were so many roms that was a brain storm... I prefer some and reliable roms than a plethora where you get confused!!!
2) The OS (Android) has improved a lot over recent years, to the extent where a lot of people (like me) are happy to stay with stock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4) I'm no longer convinced about the benefits of custom ROMs - seems a lot of the time they break more things than they fix. Maybe a lot of other people now think the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IMO you hit the nail on the head. I love this phone. I had the MXPE 2014 as well, was not a fan. Also owned the original, Loved it.
This MXPE has been great in imo, the lack of development has not been disappointing to me. The stock rom is really pretty good, there are minor tweaks that can be done but most can do these on their own.
I used to be a flash-aholic, but like @GretaLewd has stated...custom roms tend to break things. I'm more in favor of kernel development. But how many different kernels can you have? One way or another they'll be the same.
I also own a Nexus 6P, but my MXPE is my go to device.
I see users complaining about this phone constantly, I really don't think it matters what phone you put in the hands of those users...they would still find fault and complain.
Motorola and Lenovo did good by this device, I just hope they keep up with incrementals for a while.
Isn't the 64bit cpu reason because it takes more work to get cm/aosp roms?
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
Good thread. Would love to hear more thoughts
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
Ordered the device today. Hope slow development doesn't disappoint me on this device, as others have stated...
I have been using this device for 2 months now. I am happy with it an didn't face a single issue. I can do a little bit tweaking myself using Xposed.
So far the slow development doesn't bother me.
Only buy a device for what it can do out of the box, not what you hope it will be able to do with additional modding and development... Nothing else is guaranteed!
As it stands I'm very happy with my rooted stock Style, not need for custom roms.
chrisund123 said:
Only buy a device for what it can do out of the box, not what you hope it will be able to do with additional modding and development... Nothing else is guaranteed!
As it stands I'm very happy with my rooted stock Style, not need for custom roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a good way to approach Android phones I suppose but I believe
it's still nice to buy a phone that's great out of the box and good development wise, usually flagships tend to have good development and then the mid range and low end phones tend to get smaller developments but I guess there's an exception to everything.
patt2k said:
Isn't the 64bit cpu reason because it takes more work to get cm/aosp roms?
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt that's the reason since 64 Bit has been the standard since Lollipop and pretty much all the flagships have a 64bit cpu since the beggining of 2015 but that doesn't stop other development forums from flourishing.
GretaLewd said:
I think it's due to a combination of factors, such as :
1) The popularity of the phone/ manufacturer. These figures show Lenovo/Motorloa in 5th place for sales, having a 3.7% market share in Q3 2015
2) The OS (Android) has improved a lot over recent years, to the extent where a lot of people (like me) are happy to stay with stock
3) With phones getting more expensive, more people are put off from unlocking their bootloader due to warranty issues
4) I'm no longer convinced about the benefits of custom ROMs - seems a lot of the time they break more things than they fix. Maybe a lot of other people now think the same.
5) Some apps, for example ones for mobile banking or subscrition TV & Video, will not work with a rooted phone.
In the past I've had various phones from various manufacturers, and I'd say if you get your kicks from installing custom ROMs, then buy a Nexus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your break down on your thoughts of the subject and I must admit you've mention some very valid points here especially Point 1,2 and 5 but I think out of all of these its Point 1 and 2 that are the most significant, I suppose Motorola have a really small market share explains the lack of adoption between developers when comparing to some of the more prominent manufacturers such as samsung.
and The Android Stock OS has improved significantly within the past couple of years adding some new features that previously people had to root their phones to acomplish such as full app permission controls and backing up app data which google does for you now.
You need to follow development before buying a device these days. i.e. always wait at least 1-2 months. If you follow the development forums you would get an idea if developers are interested in said device or not. I for one, bought it right after I found out that AICP (CM12) rom was being developed. I was interested in running CM13 instead of other AOSP variations. And before I got the device the first (almost daily driver) builds were already uploaded.
Once cm is solid quite a few roms will pop up. Won't be long now.
Official MM has only been out for our phone for a little over a month. give it some time it may pick up. either way it's still an awesome phone out the box... and as stated above, once CM13 is stable im sure we'll see some of the other custom ROMs that are based off it.
GretaLewd said:
2) The OS (Android) has improved a lot over recent years, to the extent where a lot of people (like me) are happy to stay with stock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a great point, but I'd like to add that this is especially applicable to our MXPE. We're really close to stock as it is, so there's little motivation to go ROM to debloat like there is on Samsung, LG, and similar phones. On the flip side, we have a lot of really neat features (active display, approach, accelerator gestures, voice controls) that we would lose if we went ROM.
For me, these two points combine, leaving me with little motivation to ROM my phone, especially since I can could get most of the advantages of CyanogenMod with something like GravityBox, which will allow me to keep the Motorola features (I'm currently unrooted because of the warranty, but I'll be rooted in the future for sure) . Of course, these are my own personal opinions, but I suspect that they reflect at least some of the mindset of this community.
I agree with others, that custom roms are often more trouble than they're worth. The only reason to use them these days is if your device isn't going to be updated to the latest version of Android.
Ever since moto introduced 99% stock android + moto display, roms have been entirely unnecessary for me. I used to rom my phones to gain greater flexibility + customizability. Now that I have stock android + Xposed, I doubt I will ever flash another custom rom again.
I'm still waiting for custom super roms that will make this device best in the market. Why can we have a rom with 1080p display, tweak kernel with better control for heating issue for overall battery life and speed?
Sent from my XT1575 using XDA Free mobile app
The biggest issue is that developers don't support devices they don't own. With the launch of the nexus 6 (not the 6p) most developers got it and had no need to update to a y newer devices.
Also to the comment that all flag ships are 64 bit this is not the case. If you look the most popular devices as far as developers are concerned are non 64 bit.
Also as android matures you will see less and less roms. As it will be come harder. There are very few real development teams. Most are just kitchen sink roms. A base with tons of cherry picks and a new name. Nothing even worth looking at twice. But more developers are closing up the source of their projects because of these types of roms.
To be honest most users have no point in flashing roms. Only those that like the development side of it will continue to mod roms and flash things.