Database Users

Why FroYo Kernel?

I have one question.
Why use the froyo kernel at all?
Upgrading ALL defy/defy+s to the latest (rootable, 1321 or 139 preferred for simpler root) 2.3.6 GB kernel would simplify rom/kernel development for the devs. Since more and more defy+s are in use they can simply drop development for the froyo kernels and focus on the GB kernel, since now all defys, whether the old one or + would be running 2.3.6. Any current devs (if they want to retain current status) would just have to switch to GB kernel support for their rom once and keep it that way.

Because the SOC module (green lens) is compatible only with the Froyo kernel.
Upgrading to the Gingerbread kernel means that the camera will be unusable for those Defys.
Forgot to add: Having a locked bootloader sucks.
Trimis de pe Defy CM9

So all defys are not equally upgradable to GB (kernel)?
What kinda BS policies are these from Moto? Locked BL they have their reasoning about not wanting users to hard-brick the phones, but what reason to not allow officially updating to GB for ALL defys?

Unfortunately, no, not all Defys can be upgraded to the Gingerbread kernel and still be fully functional (exception being the Greenbread mod). And the devs can't do anything about it because of the locked bootloader.
Regarding Motorola and it's policies - it's all about the money. Outdated phone -> unhappy people -> they buy a new, updated phone -> happy Motorola.
Trimis de pe Defy CM9

Using Froyo makes sense for those, who want to keep the warranty and have to stick to the highest officialy available version. I had to update because CM roms work only with Froyo upwards.

vap_66 said:
Outdated phone -> unhappy people -> they buy a new, updated phone -> happy Motorola.
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Click to collapse
They buy a new, updated phone from someone else. By keeping the Defy stuck on Froyo they've made a lot of people decide never to buy any product from Motorola again.

that is true. the bl lock stops us from changing kernel.
Sent from my MB525 using xda premium

This means that there is Froyo source, but not the driver source for the green lens ?
At this moment, if I want to improve my Defy (green lens, original Froyo 2.2.2), what firmware is the best?
It should support everything (3G, 2G, HSDPA, WI-FI, camera for both photos and video recordings, GPS, sensors and so on).
I'm a newbie and for me it's a bit confusing to see a mod called, e.g., "[ICS] CM9 Android 4.0.4 for the Defy (Froyo kernel)" (there are others, this is only the first I've found... )
ICS is ICS, Froyo is Froyo.
What I gain and what I loose with an ICS "Froyo Kernel"?
Is it ICS or Froyo painted with ICS dust ?

vap_66 said:
Because the SOC module (green lens) is compatible only with the Froyo kernel.
Upgrading to the Gingerbread kernel means that the camera will be unusable for those Defys.
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Well, I've just upgraded to WIUI 2.4.20 (GB) and now I've GingerBread (2.3.7) full working.
My Defy has a green lens and the camera is working, both for photos and videos.
Have I missed something about the thread?

Are you sure WIUI changed your kernel? ROMs and kernels can play mix'n'match.

Motorola has locked the bootloaders of defy
Thus we can only use motorola signed kernels.
Defy has a froyo kernel and defy plus has GB kernel. Both signed by motorola.
Only these to can be used in custom roms. Even in ics and even in jelly bean (Android 5.0) we will have to use these kernels as long as motorola doesnt unlock the bootloader. Froyo build of ics means ics that runs with froyo kernel. GB kernel works only with red lense cameras of defy and all defy+. So only froyo build will work for green lens defy.

^^
This was exactly why i was confused. Do you mean the green lens Defy cannot be officially upgraded (either OTA or RSDLITE) to GB ? And the red lens Defy can be upgraded to GB?

rogier666 said:
Are you sure WIUI changed your kernel? ROMs and kernels can play mix'n'match.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you're right...
Android Version 2.3.7
Kernel Version 2.6.32.9-gb08c3c8
But the 2.3.7 version is GingerBread, whilst the 2.6.32 kernel version is Froyo.
So what's the point ?
The mods are always Froyo but with GB features ?

Defy with green lens can be upgraded to gb kernel but many features inculding cam may not work.
The gb kernel was extracted from defy+. As defy+ has only red lens the gb kernels works with defy red lens also.
Fully functional green lens gb kernel will be possible only when defy gets an official gb update (highly unlikely) or when the defy bootloader is unlocked(higly unlikely too).
---------- Post added at 04:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:58 PM ----------
defy green lens with gb kernel may end up in a bootloop.
so thread with caution.
Flashing an GB sbf will prevent you from coming back to Froyo(Downgrading).
Always try to flash using CWM to keep downgrading options alive

Are there no "fixed" GB SBFs to keep downgrade options alive?

No defy owner should upgrade to gingerbread kernel by flashing an sbf. Our bootloader can load the gingerbread kernel, the gingerbread bootloader can't load the froyo kernel.
So when you flash the sbf you can ONLY use gingerbread kernel based ROMs from then. Otherwise you can just flash the kernel you want from the recovery.
It would even be wise for defy+ owner with bl5 and 6 to flash the bl6 froyo ROM so that they can use both builds by just flashing the right kernel.
About official gingerbread: they are for the defy+. Officially the defy has no gingerbread ROM. For some countries the defy even stays on eclair. Although it would have cost Motorola 5 min to replace the camera and battery drivers. Only problem is money for Motorola and the operators.
Sent from my MB525 using XDA

[Q] Upgrading to 2.3 on Defy using Defy+ official rom?

Hello, I have a motorola Defy with 2.2 OS, I've been looking on the web some threads where it says that you can install the official 2.3.5 release for Defy+ on your regular Defy, does this work? is there any disadvantage? I'd like to update using an official update, not a modified one, thanks in advanced!

Questions go in the Q&A section

You should look at what kind of lender you have in your device: green lens means that you have to use defy Roms, red lens means that you should use defy + roms.
More on this asking to Google or xda search bar ;-)
Sent from my MB525 using XDA

There are several disadvantages of flashing a Defy+ stock sbf on a regular Defy and not a single advantage.
1. If you own a green lensed Defy (SOC module) you can kiss your camera "Good bye"
2. People have reported issues with wifi connectivity
3. You can NEVER go back to Froyo again
4. If you are still under warranty, you can kiss it "Good bye" too, as 2.3.5. was built for Defy+, not Defy and your warranty will be void (remember - you can never go back to Froyo)
5. People would kill to be in your shoes and be able to flash and use different custom ROM's, based on both Froyo and GB kernels (downgrade is not an issue with custom ROM's, unlike stock ROM's)

If your defy is a green lens one. I suggest use GGL rom. This based on 2.3.6 GB. And totaly perfect with defy. I use this one. camera working too.You can go back to 2.2 froyo.
1. You should have a rooted defy.
2. You should instal clockworkmod.
And the next steps are here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1500286

[Q for DEVS] Custom ROMs compatibility: Defy+ and Defy XT535?

While this question has been asked in a couple of threads, it has not been answered or received attention.
While many of the custom ROMS claim to work with both Defy and Defy+, there are a lot of doubts about their compatibility with Defy XT. For those who haven't heard of the phone, its a Asia version of Defy+, but comes with a secondary camera and a lot of internal hardware mods.
Keeping in mind that the XT has a different chipset (Qualcomm MSM7227A) compared to Defy+ (TI OMAP 3620), possibly a different processor, will we be able to use the custom ROMs developed for Defy/Defy+ to upgrade XT?
I'm pretty sure, being a limited release the development scene for XT would be much slower than that for Defy/Defy+. Even now i couldn't find many firmwares specific or confirmed to work on XT.
If the compatibility doesn't exist and considering that the front camera is not an absolute necessity, is it worth buying the XT? I'd rather have a slightly older hardware and be able to install cool custom stuff, than to get stuck with the stock ROM.
Also, i couldn't find whether and how better is XT hardware over the Defy+.
I'd be happy to see some DEVs comment on this, as it has been asked over and over and help us make the right buy decision. Thank you so much!

I am also waiting for a custom rom for my defy XT

I would say go with Defy+ rather than Defy XT if Front camera is not a concern for following points.
1. Defy+ has 2GB of internal Memory out of which around 1.4GB is available for apps where Defy XT has very low.(I've read it but could ot find reference now will post if found)
2. Defy+ have better battery than Defy XT (1700 vs 1650)
3. Looks of Defy+ are far better that Defy XT
4. Custom ROM avaiabilty is far better for Defy+

Which SBF do I flash? + Memoirs

Hey all,
After being with the lovely Defy community now for more than a year, and getting my defy to really chug along thanks to Quarx,
I have now gotten the Motorola Droid Razr for a great price, which is a really awesome phone.
Unfortunately, Jelly Bean is a bit laggy for the person I am passing my Defy onto, and I don't want to go back to stock 2.2
I want to flash a Defy+ stock GB rom on for my red lense.
I live in New Zealand as well, could you guys tell me what sbf to flash for my area (maybe there is an international version)
Thanks guys!

[Q] CyanogenMod: Yes or No?

Hey guys I have the Motorola Defy Mini (XT320) and I have the following question:
Is CyanogenMod worth it to install?
If I switch to CyanogenMod will I see any performance improvement?
In the CyanogenMod website, under the list of supported devices I only see the Motorola Defy, is it available for the Mini too?
And one last question: If I ever install it can I switch back to Android?
Thanks a lot for taking time to read! :laugh:

at this moment there are no cyanogenmod versions for defy mini
p.s. anyway cyanogenmod is a modified version of android

pochopsp said:
at this moment there are no cyanogenmod versions for defy mini
p.s. anyway cyanogenmod is a modified version of android
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ok thanks!