Database Users

[Q] To flash or not to flash (Stock ROM to CM7 alpha)

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.

Looking to get the A500...

Hello everybody, I'm sageDieu and I am a very active user in the Samsung Mesmerize/Fascinate forums as well as the general Q&A, Apps and Games, Development etc threads here at xda.
I have been exploring options thinking about getting a tablet, and I have used a lot of them at Best Buy. I was just looking around and found that i had a bunch of rewards points on my credit card, just enough to get me the Acer A500. So the first thing i did was head over to xda to see what the development was looking like for this tablet, and from what i can tell it looks pretty active which is promising. The main thing I would want to do when i get a tablet is get it rooted, wiped and on a stock honeycomb rom with as much performance and as little proprietary software as possible.
My questions for you guys are:
1. Do you recommend getting the tab? It seems to be my best potential option, and the hardware specs look great.
2. What is the process of rooting, CWM, roms, etc. in a nutshell for this device? I am familiar with terminal, linux, adb, all that stuff for my phone and lots of other devices I've played with. I'm assuming for this just grab and run gingerbreak then adb CWM over? I've never owned a tab before.
3. After I get to that point (if I do, still not even sure about buying the thing) can you guys tell me what your favorite roms are? There seem to be a lot that have active stable development.... mostly 3.1 with different options but then there's the 3.2 xoom one and some other ones... it's a bit overwhelming coming from my phone where we have stock, a custom debloated rom and then CM7 and MIUI. Just some quick recommendations would be great for things like speed, battery life, performance, bloat, stability, etc..
Thank you so much to anybody that takes the time to help me out. If I do get this device I assure you I will be very active in the forums and do my best to keep it going.

sageDieu said:
1. Do you recommend getting the tab? It seems to be my best potential option, and the hardware specs look great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have any experience with other tablets except seeing some being used. I have not used them myself. Thus I have a hard time giving anything concrete in the way of differences or opinions, but, well, I haven't had any issues with my Iconia and the hardware is just great; the battery lasts and lasts and lasts, the screen is pretty, the full-sized USB port is really daymn handy.. And I like the one thing Acer has made in their ROM: Dolby enhancements. It does make a difference
2. What is the process of rooting, CWM, roms, etc. in a nutshell for this device? I am familiar with terminal, linux, adb, all that stuff for my phone and lots of other devices I've played with. I'm assuming for this just grab and run gingerbreak then adb CWM over? I've never owned a tab before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Install Iconiaroot.apk and tap on "root", you're done.
2. Install Acer Recovery from Market, tap on Install, you're done.
And that's that, you've got CWM installed and the thing rooted. Not too hard
3. After I get to that point (if I do, still not even sure about buying the thing) can you guys tell me what your favorite roms are?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally like the stock ROM the most, the others have this or that naggle..

i have been enjoying the minimal rom (albeit overclock would be nice). Going to be testing out lightspeed with thors kernel to see how well that one compares.
I looked at five different tabs; Samsung, xoom, HP webos tab, blackberry Playbook, and this one. The two downfals of the iconia are the screen and the processor. There are faster and better displays out there but the tablet had all theother features I wanted at a much cheaper price. A good competitor for this one was the Asus transformer, but I wanted better haptic feedback from using the keyboard.

1. I enjoy mine and would recommend it. That said, honestly you'd have to say exactly what you're looking to get out of the Tab so others can offer constructive recommendations.
2. You'll find rooting and installing CWM to easier and quicker just than just about any phone out there. Literally can do both inside of 2 minutes right on the Tab itself.
3. As far as roms go there are options. That said, since HC source code will probably never see the light of day the talented devs on here are pretty limited on what they can do. The good news is most stock roms are fairly bloat free in comparison to phone roms. I believe the Galaxy rom has the most customization you'll find. So.. check some rom threads on here and experiment. A few kernels are available too.
Hope that helps

By your numbers:
1. I think it's the best tablet out there for the money, and definitely in the running for best tablet period. There are faster, lighter tablets available, but there is nothing out there that completely matches the feature set of the A500. Depending on what you want from a tablet, you might end up like me with it being your "only" option.
2. Best way to describe the A500 rooting process: SCARY EASY. I can't believe how easy it was after what I had to go through to root my HTC Evo 4G phone. Everything on the A500 is like one-click. The IconiaRoot app roots it in one step, the Acer Recovery Installer installs ClockWork Mod in basically one click, and then you're able to flash away on whatever ROMs you want.
3. I'm no use here. I like the stock Honeycomb v3.1! You actually might, too. There's a lot less bloatware on tablets compared to phones, and even stock it's pretty smooth/fast. I definitely felt the need to hack up my HTC Evo phone, but my A500 is only rooted and tweaked a little.
Good luck with your decision!

Thanks for the feedback. In response to "what I want in a tablet," it would mainly be a media device, games, music, movies etc. and I might use it for development in the future.
Sadly, my Xbox broke and I have decided to use my points for a new one since it gets a lot more use than I think this would. I really appreciate the answers, and I will keep you guys in mind when I save up the cash to buy a tablet. Thanks
Sent from my MIUI SCH-i500

Fascinate bros!

sageDieu said:
Thanks for the feedback. In response to "what I want in a tablet," it would mainly be a media device, games, music, movies etc. and I might use it for development in the future.
Sadly, my Xbox broke and I have decided to use my points for a new one since it gets a lot more use than I think this would. I really appreciate the answers, and I will keep you guys in mind when I save up the cash to buy a tablet. Thanks
Sent from my MIUI SCH-i500
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol nothing worth playing on Xbox until MW3 comes out in Nov. COD Black Ops blows chunks, MW2 was the last good one of the series. Wait until November for your Xbox, and get your Iconia now!! lol

kjy2010 said:
lol nothing worth playing on Xbox until MW3 comes out in Nov. COD Black Ops blows chunks, MW2 was the last good one of the series. Wait until November for your Xbox, and get your Iconia now!! lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pfft, PS3 > Xbox anyways

WereCatf said:
Pfft, PS3 > Xbox anyways
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
On topic: Hello, I hope to be a new member of the Iconia Community shortly. I was going to make one of these topics, but thanks to the OP, I didn't have to =p.
I've read the reviews by those big name reviewers on the Iconia, Galaxy Tab, Thrive, Playbook, iPad (eww), Transformer, etc.. but they'll never compare to actual users of the product in the real world. With that being said I have one more question to add:
What are the specific issues/concerns that have come up with the Iconia? I've read there are sleep issues with the unit? I haven't had the chance to read through the changelogs of the various roms for the Iconia yet, but have they fixed any of the stock issues?
Thanks in advance and hope to hang around here for some time to come =)

Athrun88 said:
What are the specific issues/concerns that have come up with the Iconia? I've read there are sleep issues with the unit? I haven't had the chance to read through the changelogs of the various roms for the Iconia yet, but have they fixed any of the stock issues?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quite many people seem to have issues with WIFI not getting IP address, but apparently the fix is easy enough. I don't know if newer firmwares have fixed the issue.
Personally I have not had a single issue with the tablet at all so again I cannot comment much more than that.

i run stock rooted and have only 1 small issue.....occasionally I will install from the market and the apk will download but never move past "installing" i have to leave the market and come in again and redownload the apk etc.
Also if you are looking at purchasing, and have a cosco around do it there. 32gig version with case (a crappy one) and hdmi cable for $429 is very hard to beat. Also with the cosco you get 90 day return and 2 years warranty. (3 if you use amex to buy)

Aaron Camp said:
Also if you are looking at purchasing, and have a cosco around do it there. 32gig version with case (a crappy one) and hdmi cable for $429 is very hard to beat. Also with the cosco you get 90 day return and 2 years warranty. (3 if you use amex to buy)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are afew private sellers that are selling the unit. I really don't care about warranty because i'll be rooting, and with my past history with devices and electronics, i've never claimed warranty anyways. I will, however, look into that, there's a costco near my work! Looking at a seller with a 16GB model at $350 Canadian unopened box. Seems like a good deal.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is great
Just get android 6

New S5e SM-T720, stay on stock or flash?

I'm hoping someone can give me the general consensus on whether flashing ROMS for this device vs staying on stock is best. I'm not currently up on the state of Samsung bloatware, if it's gotten better or worse. I found an open box at BB for $300. I'd say excellent condition. I'm getting it for my 12 year old daughter. I suppose the main concern is the general stability of flashing, say Lineage, and the lag that Samsung has, or at least used to have, as they age.
Thanks much!

orangepowerpokes said:
I'm hoping someone can give me the general consensus on whether flashing ROMS for this device vs staying on stock is best. I'm not currently up on the state of Samsung bloatware, if it's gotten better or worse. I found an open box at BB for $300. I'd say excellent condition. I'm getting it for my 12 year old daughter. I suppose the main concern is the general stability of flashing, say Lineage, and the lag that Samsung has, or at least used to have, as they age.
Thanks much!
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Click to collapse
If I was going to use the tablet myself, I'd certainly flash a custom ROM and get root access. But for a 12yr old girl, I'd stay with stock and know she'd be getting the latest security updates. It's not like this was an 8 or 16gb tablet where getting rid of bloatware would be a major concern. It has plenty of storage and RAM to handle that. Just my two bits.

I only hand my son tablets / phones that can run custom ROMs (Lineage in particular). This way I can control what goes on them, what software, what he sees. I guess you could do similar things with a rooted stock device, but still. The other half of that is, most of the devices I give my son are old enough they aren't getting security updates from the manufacturers anymore. In those cases the only way to get security updates of any sort is to run custom ROMs.

Having rooted my tablet and also installed twrp I would certainly not do it for someone else to use
I would suggest buying package disabler pro and disabling all bloatware and Bixby.
When you use 'disable bloatware' on package disabler, it disables storage on sd card. So you just need to look through the disabled list and re-enable external storage.
Other than that small bug it is excellent.

ExTall said:
Having rooted my tablet and also installed twrp I would certainly not do it for someone else to use
I would suggest buying package disabler pro and disabling all bloatware and Bixby.
When you use 'disable bloatware' on package disabler, it disables storage on sd card. So you just need to look through the disabled list and re-enable external storage.
Other than that small bug it is excellent.
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Have you noticed a performance improvement? I see that it is slow for ordinary use such as social networks, the web and reading books.

miangelgabriel said:
Have you noticed a performance improvement? I see that it is slow for ordinary use such as social networks, the web and reading books.
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I can't really say as I installed package disabler pro when I first had the tablet as I hate apps like bixby.
My tablet has always seemed plenty fast to me
Regards Extall

Not much bloatware on One UI.
Sent from my SM-T720 using Tapatalk

miangelgabriel said:
Have you noticed a performance improvement? I see that it is slow for ordinary use such as social networks, the web and reading books.
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Click to collapse
I have read books with $29 dollar chinese knockoffs. How long does it take to turn a page? My very first tablet had an Antutu of about 900. This one about 185,000. I was still able to "surf the net" with that first one. They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I'm beginning to doubt that. I think it is in the MIND of the beholder. How anyone can consider this tablet slow for surfing or social networking, just blows my mind. "OH, but my latest and greatest iPad is just SOOO much better."

I can't remember having an Android device since my OG Droid that I didn't root and flash. I'm going to skip that for this S5e, for the first time. Everything I do with it these days, my head isn't bumping into it's 'ceiling', so to speak. My SM-T580 was a different story (thank goodness for @followmsi and @srgrussso among others), and custom paid off very well.
Then again, maybe I'm just getting old.:laugh: :highfive:

orangepowerpokes said:
I'm hoping someone can give me the general consensus on whether flashing ROMS for this device vs staying on stock is best. I'm not currently up on the state of Samsung bloatware, if it's gotten better or worse. I found an open box at BB for $300. I'd say excellent condition. I'm getting it for my 12 year old daughter. I suppose the main concern is the general stability of flashing, say Lineage, and the lag that Samsung has, or at least used to have, as they age.
Thanks much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the Verizon LTE version and even with the Verizon preinstalled apps it doesn't take up a lot of space. I have the 64GB version and I had PLENTY of space for all of my apps. I put a 512GB microSD card in it so I don't have any space issues.

I rooted the SM-T725 few months ago when i got it but this was the 3rd time i had problems booting up and the twrp backup didn't work this time so i just cleaned it and i use stock now and i removed bloatware with ADB. I use only open source software no more google. But that just my way, if you want to root go with it but if its just to remove bloatware just use ADB.
Android 10 coming this june/july and probably android 11 will come to this tablet too because samsung does 2 major android updates to the device they release. If they don't you can unlock the bootloader and install android 11 in the future if a developer make it of course but i doubt it because galaxy tab s6 lite is coming soon so i don't know the future of this tablet.

S5e
OhioYJ said:
I only hand my son tablets / phones that can run custom ROMs (Lineage in particular). This way I can control what goes on them, what software, what he sees. I guess you could do similar things with a rooted stock device, but still. The other half of that is, most of the devices I give my son are old enough they aren't getting security updates from the manufacturers anymore. In those cases the only way to get security updates of any sort is to run custom ROMs.
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Just got this SM-T720 & was planning on putting Lineage 17.1 (OFFICIAL) on it.
Got the firmware, Magisk, TWRP all downloaded.
But on TWRP's site it says you have to root before installing a "rooted TWRP" image?
What's with this?
Not asking for a full tutorial but seriously TWRP can't just be flashed in Odin then vbmeta multi-
disabler, WIPE, then flash ROM + Magisk?
Any help will be greatly appreciated. My posts elsewhere are days old & no replies....
zach

I just got this tablet yesterday. I've had several previous Android tablets and phones and I've always rooted them. So far, I haven't run into anything that makes me want to root this one. I was pleasantly surprised to find that there is a battery protection setting that allows you to limit charging to 85%. Normally, you have too root to do that. I may find a need to root somewhere down the road, but right now I'm hoping to get by with stock and unroofed.

Can you keep dex on other ROMs?

coolbeans2016 said:
Just got this SM-T720 & was planning on putting Lineage 17.1 (OFFICIAL) on it.
Got the firmware, Magisk, TWRP all downloaded
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Click to collapse
I've done it a few times and I would recommend following the maintainers instructions, LuK1337's Instructions . Dont skip anything, dont add anything, dont wipe anything that isnt listed, follow them exactly.
This tablet is picky. Magisk can be flashed in TWRP, but from what Ive found many modules can't, they will make the tablet fail to boot. Most modules can only be flashed in Magisk. My recommendation would be to get it booting before adding modules or even Magisk for that matter.

I'm using mine as stock, and this seems plenty fast for the 2 weeks I've owned it. Slow to read books? That sounds like an app problem - moon reader on a 2018 Fire HD 8 didn't have a problem reading books. How slow is the Fire 8? If I was in plex, hit the home button, and started netflix it was about 10 seconds from the press of the home button until netflix was responsive.
Besides, do you really want to have to fix your kid's devices when they inevitably have a problem?

**Edit** I also have a question. Are there any security issues when flashing roms or rooting on this like with the phones with KNoX and not being able to use secure folder and such? Im guessing if I flash a ROM I'd also be losing access to this right? (samsung apps and secure folder) Thank you!
Ughh Im kind of regretting buying this tablet now..did I make a mistake? From what Ive seen on here, it sounds like its best not to root it. Ive found that on some newer devices, irts best not to root them to avoid unnecessary problems because some just dont work well with root and magisk, especially if a lot of the modules arent going to work. I mean I dont really have any reason to root this except for not being able to use / change the themes. I cant believe they dont have the theme store on this tablet! I'm so bummed thats one of the good things about samsung phone that I miss.

Questions from a potential Oneplus 8 buyer

I am considering moving to a Oneplus 8 Pro or maybe 8T. I have been using an HTC U11 running Team Venom roms for years but with them no longer developing and no updates coming it is time to consider moving on.
I have read some posts on rooting and it seems pretty straight forward. I'm assuming that TWRP will eventually have a recovery unless there is information to the contrary that I haven't seen? How does the Oneplus 8 run with the stock rom but with root access? I know this is subjective but would you recommend another rom rather than staying stock if I root?
I feel like I will regret not having an external SD card but I guess that can't be a deal breaker since a lot of phones don't have them now.
Thanks in advance for your input.

PieceKeepr said:
I am considering moving to a Oneplus 8 Pro or maybe 8T. I have been using an HTC U11 running Team Venom roms for years but with them no longer developing and no updates coming it is time to consider moving on.
I have read some posts on rooting and it seems pretty straight forward. I'm assuming that TWRP will eventually have a recovery unless there is information to the contrary that I haven't seen? How does the Oneplus 8 run with the stock rom but with root access? I know this is subjective but would you recommend another rom rather than staying stock if I root?
I feel like I will regret not having an external SD card but I guess that can't be a deal breaker since a lot of phones don't have them now.
Thanks in advance for your input.
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Click to collapse
Hello there,
Long time HTC use myself since the beginning (G1 days)
I have to say that the 8 pro is a stellar device which absolutely ticks single box, plus it looks slightly funky too which as an ex HTC owner I really like that.
TWRP actually is not needed at all.
Magisk ROMs install using magisk, AOSP, PA, pixel ROMs all install using a bat file inst adb / fastboot, to rescue you can do several things.
For magisk ROMs that fail simply boot to safe mode then reboot and they'll be deactivated.
For custom ROM recovery you have several choices, the main one is the MSM tool which is an official OnePlus deployment / maintenance tool that can return you to stock in a few minutes, the other would be to extract the payload.bin of a firmware (the ROM part) then use the installer bat you used to install the custom ROM.
Kernels can be installed using a kernel manager like ex kernel manager so no worries there.
As for a functional TWRP. If you remain on Android 10 then you have it. 11 is currently being worked on and is making great strides from some talented Devs.
In all it's a good situation, the phone is brilliant; no two ways about it, the community is thriving and when you notice it go quiet it's usually because everything for everyone is working perfectly, I personally couldn't go back to HTC now unless they dropped a true beast of a phone.
The only gripe I have about the whole device and development community is the camera on custom ROMs, it's GCam or third party software which for most is ok. But I missed the stability of OOS and using all four cameras.
That being said there more than enough to keep you occupied and flashing the best ROMs you'll find on XDA, that will only continue and get stronger.

dladz said:
I have to say that the 8 pro is a stellar device...
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Click to collapse
That was my impression based on what I've read. Thanks for the input, I appreciate it.
I'm most likely going to pick one up sometime in next few weeks or so and I'm thinking about rooting and running the stock rom just to see how it goes and be able to make full system backups just in case. I'm sure more development will be done and it should be viable for a good while.
Thanks again.

PieceKeepr said:
That was my impression based on what I've read. Thanks for the input, I appreciate it.
I'm most likely going to pick one up sometime in next few weeks or so and I'm thinking about rooting and running the stock rom just to see how it goes and be able to make full system backups just in case. I'm sure more development will be done and it should be viable for a good while.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea my thoughts exactly, initially I wanted to root and go a bit nuts but the stock OS is actually really well made, I use CPL launcher to give me the extra options visually.
I turn off zram and make a few CPU / GPU tweaks in ex manager but beyond that I don't need anything else.
If you can't be bothered debloating or you want mods with the stock OOS then choose xXx or R-Ice.
Again there will be more.

From what I read, the 8T is a downgrade from the 8 Pro. I'm looking to see the 9 Pro, and if it's not great, I'm going to get another 8 Pro. =)

reilus said:
From what I read, the 8T is a downgrade from the 8 Pro. I'm looking to see the 9 Pro, and if it's not great, I'm going to get another 8 Pro. =)
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Click to collapse
Is there an 8T pro?
The 9 pro should be a beast but....
Not sure where they can go in regards to innovation but they're on a particular path now, but the size can't be bigger, it's already IP certified and has wireless charging, RAM is maxed out.
I think the major changes are going to be the battery, maybe the cameras (again), possibly audio and hopefully efficiency.
Maybe a more dedicated gaming mode or some aftermarket peripherals like the ROG and razor.
Time will tell but I like the formula they have with the 8 pro, the build quality is superb.
Perhaps the screen will be upgraded too.

The 9 & 9 Pro are sounding better and better! Can't wait...
OnePlus 9 Pro review: One of the best Android phones you can get
The OnePlus 9 Pro is a nearly perfect Android phone
www.tomsguide.com

galaxys said:
The 9 & 9 Pro are sounding better and better! Can't wait...
OnePlus 9 Pro review: One of the best Android phones you can get
The OnePlus 9 Pro is a nearly perfect Android phone
www.tomsguide.com
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Click to collapse
Yep that's kind of what I was saying.. (well I wasn't far off) same size, camera upgrade, no word on gaming but I like the direction they were going with that, other things like wireless charging and IP have been done and as such they're staying, no word on audio but hopefully they do bump that up.
I think Moore's law is finally dying on mobile chips the 865 and coupled adreno in the 8 pro are stupendous chips, the games that it's capable of running beats the Shields Nvidia chip which is considerable when you think about it and unless the 888 doubles up, it's an evolution rather than revolutionary chip In comparison.
I'm not sure I'd bother getting the 9 or 9 pro, I don't see the upgrade worth it. If I was on a 6 or maybe a 7 pro then perhaps but the 8 pro for the first time in my android life actually is going to last it's contract duration due to it being such a strong phone, unless maybe you've got screen issues.
Unless they add aperture control to the camera
U never know

Was a HTC fun. Awesome phones, but soft upgrades suck.
I recomend 8 Pro. Now you can buy it cheap from online sales forums. I pay 570 euro for just the phone (like new). I already have warp charger and cables. 8/128 gb new cost 900 euro.
Unfortunately 9 pro will not be much of a difference. "Leaks" SD 888, some camera updates, 65w warp charge. Wireless still 30w. Still Great. I use it. It's awesome.
512gb memory it will hurt the price bad.
My hope was that they give us a square flat screen with no creap front camera.

My new 8 Pro arrived today. I'm going to leave it stock while I get it set up and get used to it. I know I'll want to root it soon though and I'm seeing a couple different root methods. What is the recommended method that most are using for simple yet reliable rooting?

I did not try to root on Android 11. So i rollback to Android 10 (some months ago)
My safe instalation: i was on Android 11, i go back (rollback zip) to Android 10.
OnePlus Community
Introducing our new OnePlus Community experience, with a completely revamped structure, built from the ground-up.
forums.oneplus.com
Then use dladz guide to root :
(GUIDE) Unlocking bootloader, Rooting - from start to finish UPDATED.
Hi all, Have looked around the guides and such on these threads for the Oneplus 8 Pro and haven't found a full comprehensive guide outlining all parts of the bootloader unlocking and root process, so thought I'd put together my experience for...
forum.xda-developers.com
Steps to upgrade and keep root:
1- Uninstall ALL Magisk modules (if you have any). Reboot to System.
2- install Oos stable or open beta with Settings > Local upgrade . DON'T reboot!!!
3- Open Magisk > Install. Choose (Install to inactive slot after' OTA). DON'T reboot !!!
4- Back in Magisk > Install > Direct install.
5- Reboot to system.
Now you are on the latest version of Android and root.

PieceKeepr said:
My new 8 Pro arrived today. I'm going to leave it stock while I get it set up and get used to it. I know I'll want to root it soon though and I'm seeing a couple different root methods. What is the recommended method that most are using for simple yet reliable rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As @null0seven said there's a few, the bootloader one is one of mine.
I have a payload dumper thread in guides, it outlines all the methods to root, the one Null has mentioned is the bootloader unlock although the root method is a little dated now. Probably best to stick with booting rather than flashing patched images.
There's two slots on the OnePlus 8 Pro.
A and B
They can carry different images independently, although only one can be used at a time.
Give the booting a patched image of the guide a look at it's the easiest.
When it comes to updating simply remove active magisk modules, take the update but don't reboot or the update will replace the patched boot image.
Whilst in the above state magisk has the ability to patch on the fly, this is due to the update alternating boot image slots.
So the method of root when taking an OTA (which must be full btw) is to take the update then without rebooting, open magisk and flash to open slot, then simply reboot and you're back in the new OS with root and all your data/apps and storage has been retained as you left it.
All this is outlined in the guide.
If you get stuck let me know or just pop a question in there, either myself or someone else will help you. But the guides should be though, plus nearly every scenario has played out in there so check search too.

Thank you @null0seven and @dladz. I feel like such a noob now that I switched devices for the first time in years. I'm already missing root (Ad blocking and debloating for sure) so that'll be a project for later today or tomorrow.

PieceKeepr said:
Thank you @null0seven and @dladz. I feel like such a noob now that I switched devices for the first time in years. I'm already missing root (Ad blocking and debloating for sure) so that'll be a project for later today or tomorrow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries man.
It's really easy tbh.
My advice is make friends with payload dumper and oxygen updater, always use the beta version of magisk, just change the channel to beta then update.
Beyond that it's a doddle.

Rooting was easier than it looked and was successful. Thanks for the guide @dladz!
I'm struggling trying to get R/W access so I can debloat. Titanium Backup says it can't find the apk, Root Uninstaller says it can't aquire the proper permissions and from what I have read there is no way to grant access in the newer versions of Android. Is my only option to flash a new ROM or is there another way to remove apps that I don't want?

PieceKeepr said:
Rooting was easier than it looked and was successful. Thanks for the guide @dladz!
I'm struggling trying to get R/W access so I can debloat. Titanium Backup says it can't find the apk, Root Uninstaller says it can't aquire the proper permissions and from what I have read there is no way to grant access in the newer versions of Android. Is my only option to flash a new ROM or is there another way to remove apps that I don't want?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you're very welcome mate, glad you're sorted.
So what i would do is one of two things. You can either uninstall the apps using ADB or you can freeze them, tbh freezing has been spot on for me.
I've nuked with ADB the ones i really hate.
OR NoLimits xXx has a great debloater tool.
System doesn't have access anymore unless it's unmounted i believe, so magisk can obtain access (i could be wrong there but i think that's how it is able to make changes there)
Heres a great guide on the adb uninstall process: https://www.xda-developers.com/uninstall-carrier-oem-bloatware-without-root-access/
If theres an app you want to get rid of just google search it and go from there.

Just got my One plus 8 pro for $550 256gb. I was thinking of waiting out for the OnePlus 9 pro but kinda don't wanna pay 1k

Nitro1010 said:
Just got my One plus 8 pro for $550 256gb. I was thinking of waiting out for the OnePlus 9 pro but kinda don't wanna pay 1k
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Great Buy! Enjoy a OnePlus classic device...

Nitro1010 said:
Just got my One plus 8 pro for $550 256gb. I was thinking of waiting out for the OnePlus 9 pro but kinda don't wanna pay 1k
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Ridiculous price, nice one.
Any more in stock or was it a private seller?

dladz said:
Ridiculous price, nice one.
Any more in stock or was it a private seller?
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Click to collapse
Private Seller, met on offer up so everything was cash. Original box and charger. And Day 1 screen protector on the front(so no scratches I can see for now both front and back). Bezel has the most wear. Paint chip on top right and tiny paint wear from repeated probing of the sim car slot hole. Overall I feel like it's a good buy for the price I got it at