This is my first Sony device. Historically, I've been a nexus fanboy, but being in the mobile industry I jump through secondary phones every other month. That said, I'm used to being able to flash different radios/basebands for different reasons (performance improvements, battery improvements, enabling LTE by reverting back to an old radio on my Nexus 4, etc.).
Is there an easy way to flash basebands on the XZ? If there is, is Flashtool the only option? Is it possible to flash a baseband in recovery? Flashtool doesn't play so nice with my MBA and it'll get tiresome if I need to keep pulling out a windows laptop. Additionally, since I prefer AOSP ROMs, I'd hate to have to flash back to stock via Flashtool every time I want to upgrade the baseband. Seems a little cumbersome.
Thoughts? Ideas? Limericks?
Related
I just bought a nexus and i would like to know what are the best apps and games to install as well of should i stay with the stock rom or should flash it.
Thanks
As long as you backup your stock ROM you are all right. you can always return to the stock ROM
Sent from my Nexus One using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk
I'd wait until May 19 (Google I/O conference) to see what the next official update is all about before unlocking your phone and installing other ROMs.
Despite what people claim, once you go through with installing a different recovery system on the phone (a requirement for running custom ROMs), there's NO going back to 100% stock. It's not like other phones where you can restore the phone to it's original configuration.
now that froyo is right around the corner, i'd probably agree with prawnpoboy. i don't feel like i made a mistake in rooting and switching ROM, kernel, and radio. but, that was so i could get some functionality that stock didn't have, and put some new theme's on it. but, you can get some decent home applications and whatnot on stock without rooting (and consequently voiding your warranty).
i'd say wait the 2 weeks, and see what happens.
I currently have a Samsung Galaxy S, and I'm thinking of upgrading to a new phone in the coming months (there's loads of annoying issues with the SGS). The Optimus 2X is appealing to me because it's out now for a decent price, and so will probably be cheaper when time comes to upgrade.
I have a few questions though, to which I've not found the answers elsewhere in my admittedly feeble attempt at searching;
Does the phone ship with an unlocked or unlockable bootloader?
Further to that, how difficult is it to root?
How much space is there in the /system/ and /data/ partitions?
What filesystem does the phone use natively (The SGS uses RFS, which is slooooow)?
What's the custom ROM situation like? Everything I've seen so far is based on stock - is/are there no completely custom ROMs?
Further to the above, has LG released source to their drivers? I imagine that being an nVidia chipset, they'd be using a 'binary blob' with a 'shim' like they do with Linux...
Does this phone use the standard Android tools & partitions, or do you have to deal with another program (like Samsung's Odin utility)? By "tools & partitions" I mean using fastboot to flash the various images (fastboot recovery.img recovery, for example)
Does the LG cruft slow the phone down in any way?
Your helpful replies will be most appreciated (and probably your unhelpful ones, too)
unfnknblvbl said:
I currently have a Samsung Galaxy S, and I'm thinking of upgrading to a new phone in the coming months (there's loads of annoying issues with the SGS). The Optimus 2X is appealing to me because it's out now for a decent price, and so will probably be cheaper when time comes to upgrade.
I have a few questions though, to which I've not found the answers elsewhere in my admittedly feeble attempt at searching;
Does the phone ship with an unlocked or unlockable bootloader?
Further to that, how difficult is it to root?
How much space is there in the /system/ and /data/ partitions?
What filesystem does the phone use natively (The SGS uses RFS, which is slooooow)?
What's the custom ROM situation like? Everything I've seen so far is based on stock - is/are there no completely custom ROMs?
Further to the above, has LG released source to their drivers? I imagine that being an nVidia chipset, they'd be using a 'binary blob' with a 'shim' like they do with Linux...
Does this phone use the standard Android tools & partitions, or do you have to deal with another program (like Samsung's Odin utility)? By "tools & partitions" I mean using fastboot to flash the various images (fastboot recovery.img recovery, for example)
Does the LG cruft slow the phone down in any way?
Your helpful replies will be most appreciated (and probably your unhelpful ones, too)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) The bootloader is unlocked
2) Getting root is peace of cake
3) System partition is around 350 MB, data partition is 1,2 GB
4) EXT3, EXT2
5) The device is rather new, but there are few custom ROMs based on stock, and there is a proof of CM7 booting, the official CM support is in works
6) There are sources for kernel, and several drivers, haven't investigated much, you can download SU660 source code and check it yourself for more info
7) Getting to fastboot is a bit tricky and not as simple as in many devices, but there is fastboot, and flashing via fastboot works. There is also deicated nvflash tool.
8) Yes, it slows it a little bit, check out TMobile G2X preview to see how fast it is with stock Android, but 3rd part launcher also solves that problem.
Brilliant. Thank you very much for that
US G2X
Thinking of getting that one. Have MT4G, but with impending AT&T takeout, thinking of selling it on eBay while still able to get halfway decent price (prices have dropped some since announcement). The G2x is going to also have AT&T 3G/4G bands, so would not be a dead-end device.
I have read reviews of the 2X which said the screen is less responsive by design. Question - how does it work/feel in everyday use?
I have been trying to find answers for a week now and have found a lot of info. The problem is most of the info is contradictory and I'm not really sure which is good and which is not. I currently have an AT&T Samsung Captivate, firmware ver 2.2, kernel ver. 2.6.32.9 build# FROYO.UCKB1. I believe that is the stock At&t froyo build. It is rooted, I do have SGS tools (which I don't really understand what all it can do for me) and Titanium backup (which I've not tried to use yet for fear of breaking my phone). I run 91PandaHome and a bunch of apps I like.
My problem is that the phone sometimes is just really sluggish, certain programs really kill it. For example, I have PlantVsZombies which mostly runs ok, but sometimes slows down and worse 3 out of 5 times I play will not close. I have to power/volume up reboot to get out of the game. Other programs occasionally do this to me, but not as often.
I've been reading up and see that there are lagfixes, and understand that samsung apparently chose a ****ty file system, but I don't understand android well enough to know what's safe. What I want to know is what is as of today the safest, easiest way to fix the lag. I think I am going to be told something that changes the file system to ext4 is what I want, but I really don't understand what will be safe to use for that. I thought I wanted OneClickLagFix, then I found that maybe Voodoo was what I wanted, and now it seems that neither is currently being developed. Reliability, ease of transition and ease of putting it back to stock are important factors for me.
Suggestions, links and general help will be greatly appreciated.
Try going to a custom rom where all of that is done for you. Since you are new to this, I suggest you go look up the rom Serendipity 6.4, it's very easy to install and has it's own thread in the development section.
fianor said:
I have been trying to find answers for a week now and have found a lot of info. The problem is most of the info is contradictory and I'm not really sure which is good and which is not. I currently have an AT&T Samsung Captivate, firmware ver 2.2, kernel ver. 2.6.32.9 build# FROYO.UCKB1. I believe that is the stock At&t froyo build. It is rooted, I do have SGS tools (which I don't really understand what all it can do for me) and Titanium backup (which I've not tried to use yet for fear of breaking my phone). I run 91PandaHome and a bunch of apps I like.
My problem is that the phone sometimes is just really sluggish, certain programs really kill it. For example, I have PlantVsZombies which mostly runs ok, but sometimes slows down and worse 3 out of 5 times I play will not close. I have to power/volume up reboot to get out of the game. Other programs occasionally do this to me, but not as often.
I've been reading up and see that there are lagfixes, and understand that samsung apparently chose a ****ty file system, but I don't understand android well enough to know what's safe. What I want to know is what is as of today the safest, easiest way to fix the lag. I think I am going to be told something that changes the file system to ext4 is what I want, but I really don't understand what will be safe to use for that. I thought I wanted OneClickLagFix, then I found that maybe Voodoo was what I wanted, and now it seems that neither is currently being developed. Reliability, ease of transition and ease of putting it back to stock are important factors for me.
Suggestions, links and general help will be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a few quick things:
Titanium backup is a good friend to have on your phone. It won't break it - it will just take snapshots (for lack of a better phrase) of your apps so that you can restore them later if you need to.
Most lagfixes are cooked into kernels, so using lagfix will most likely go hand-in-hand with flashing to a custom rom. Not that you can't lagfix stock, but statistically speaking, lagfix will be done with a new kernel via the Clockworkmod Recovery Menu.
As for general fixing of lagginess... (READ UP FIRST) Flash a custom Rom (READ MORE). Most of the problems you're experiencing (ARE YOU READING UP ON FLASHING?) should be fixed by flashing (DO MORE READING) a custom rom. Do some research on roms and pick one that you think you'll like. (Note - don't post questions asking which one to do, it tends to be a bit of a touchy subject on the forum.) If you're wanting to be cautious, it would be safer to stay with a Froyo-based rom, as they're more tested and there's less danger involved (specifically, you don't have to flash bootloaders, which is the area where you can get a real brick).
Oh, and (shameless self plug) if you need to know what different terminology and items on the forum mean, just click the link in my signature.
jmtheiss said:
Just a few quick things:
Titanium backup is a good friend to have on your phone. It won't break it -
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, it CAN break your phone if you don't know how to use it. Backing up is safe, but never, ever restore system data with TiBu when changing ROMs and only restore app data you know is safe.
I would recommend staying away from any Gingerbread-based ROMs until you have a better understanding of the phone and the process. Andromeda 3 is a good choice for a Froyo-based ROM and is very easy to flash, but do your research on the process before you attempt it. Almost any custom ROM will have a lagfix in the kernel and performance will be noticeably better than stock. You will likely have to redo your root after installing a new ROM, so read up on that process, too.
jmtheiss said:
As for general fixing of lagginess... (READ UP FIRST) Flash a custom Rom (READ MORE). Most of the problems you're experiencing (ARE YOU READING UP ON FLASHING?) should be fixed by flashing (DO MORE READING) a custom rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I lol'd at the "()" parts
To build on jmtheiss post. For "reliability" look for a KB1 based ROM as this is what your phone is currently running, and is the newest version of firmware written specifically for the AT&T captivate. You won't come across any major issues that make the phone unusable, nor any "annoying" bugs. Then if your feeling more adventurous, and have gotten a solid understanding of the process of flashing ROMs, look to I9000 based 2.2.x ROMs, and lastly 2.3.x based ROMs.
For "ease of transition" start by getting the SGS Kernel Flasher or Heimdall to change the kernel. From there you can get past 3e recovery and you'll be free to make other changes.
For "ease of putting it back to stock" first find out what is your stock. Since this phone technically has 3 different "stock" firmwares. Then get a copy of that firmware (and steps on how to flash it) and keep it on your computer, in a location you'll be able to find easily in case of problems. Depending on how far "to the dark side" you go, will effect just how much of the "stock" files you'll need to keep as backups.
Personally I'd suggest this ROM as it's whats currently on my phone. Many have started off with Cognition and it's still a crowd fav. Both are KB1 based ROMs
I had posted a similar thread earlier, but it had a different reason and a different solution, yea, KL7 was the solution..but its been a week since I upgraded and now unfortunately my note is becoming slower!!!
what could be the reason. Im on stock kl7 meant for DBT. i had s2 earlier (nw its with my wife) and i really miss the superspeed s2. i have a iphone 4 with me (secondary phone) and now due to timesaving efforts im using more of iphone 4 eventhough i hate the small size. (pls dont call me a iphone fan!!!). i need note's display and size and s2's speed!!
any latest stock rom's??? (non wipe versions???)
khan.dharvesh said:
I had posted a similar thread earlier, but it had a different reason and a different solution, yea, KL7 was the solution..but its been a week since I upgraded and now unfortunately my note is becoming slower!!!
what could be the reason. Im on stock kl7 meant for DBT. i had s2 earlier (nw its with my wife) and i really miss the superspeed s2. i have a iphone 4 with me (secondary phone) and now due to timesaving efforts im using more of iphone 4 eventhough i hate the small size. (pls dont call me a iphone fan!!!). i need note's display and size and s2's speed!!
any latest stock rom's??? (non wipe versions???)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why don't you use Custom ROM??
ranjan.alva said:
Why don't you use Custom ROM??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ive never used custom rom in any of my android devices..ive following 'fears'
1. will it affect any major aspect of the phone (ive seen many threads like battery issues,wifi issues etc etc..)
2.if later i want to update latest firmware via kies, wil that be a problem>?
3.will i wipe out my data/apps etc?
4.which is the best custom rom available?>
khan.dharvesh said:
ive never used custom rom in any of my android devices..ive following 'fears'
1. will it affect any major aspect of the phone (ive seen many threads like battery issues,wifi issues etc etc..)
2.if later i want to update latest firmware via kies, wil that be a problem>?
3.will i wipe out my data/apps etc?
4.which is the best custom rom available?>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Possibly. Possibly not. Depends on the ROM. Usually the ROM developer will provide detailed information about what's working, what's working better, what's working worse, and what's not working at all. It's up to you to find the best overall fit.
2. You'll have to do a CWM backup and flash back to stock in order to use Kies. Then again, that's kind of a moot point if you're using a custom ROM anyway. Usually dev's will bake in the latest/best working firmware into their ROM's anyway, so Kies really isn't that big of an issue. I've personally never had a need for Kies; I've always just used Odin. It's way better anyway.
3. Depends on the ROM again. However, coming from stock to a custom ROM, it's highly recommended that A) you do a backup of your stuff and B) you perform a full wipe (keep your backup data in tact obviously).
4. That's up to you really. What may be the best ROM for me might not be well suited for you. Have a look in the dev section and see what's out there!
Jade Eyed Wolf said:
1. Possibly. Possibly not. Depends on the ROM. Usually the ROM developer will provide detailed information about what's working, what's working better, what's working worse, and what's not working at all. It's up to you to find the best overall fit.
2. You'll have to do a CWM backup and flash back to stock in order to use Kies. Then again, that's kind of a moot point if you're using a custom ROM anyway. Usually dev's will bake in the latest/best working firmware into their ROM's anyway, so Kies really isn't that big of an issue. I've personally never had a need for Kies; I've always just used Odin. It's way better anyway.
3. Depends on the ROM again. However, coming from stock to a custom ROM, it's highly recommended that A) you do a backup of your stuff and B) you perform a full wipe (keep your backup data in tact obviously).
4. That's up to you really. What may be the best ROM for me might not be well suited for you. Have a look in the dev section and see what's out there!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks, so custom rom is one solution which i would definitely look into. and it was seriously helpful reply.
khan.dharvesh said:
ive never used custom rom in any of my android devices..ive following 'fears'
1. will it affect any major aspect of the phone (ive seen many threads like battery issues,wifi issues etc etc..)
2.if later i want to update latest firmware via kies, wil that be a problem>?
3.will i wipe out my data/apps etc?
4.which is the best custom rom available?>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah you got some points ter, even me too still in Stock rom coz am waiting for CM9.
Hello, first off, I'm new to the android OS, especially flashing ROMs. I did however have some prior experience in flashing other mobiles such as the Symbian platform on my previous Nokia phones.
I would like to try the new Firmware XXLA1 as of now Im using an OTA update kernel version of 2.6.35.7-N7000DXKL3[email protected]#2.
Btw, im from the Philippines and I bought this handset on this country.
So going back to my question, what are the repercussions and implications if I flash the LA1 official ROM from Samsung knowing that its a ROM for "Open Europe"?
if your phone is unlocked (No carrier restriction) you can flash any Stock ROM
Yes, i bought it unlocked. Will the app availability in the market change?
Also, since its an official ROM, would it break my warranty?
I Live in Indonesia, yes samsung Indonesia say it will break our warranty but you can flash it back to KL3 whenever you want to claim it..
Bump. I would also like to know of any important differences between stock roms if any. I live in the US and will be getting my Note in the next day or so and think I will root it but keep it stock and just uninstall any bloatware I deem unnecessary.
I recommend using it for a week before you try any (potentially) warranty breaking mods on it. Get used to it. learn how things work. Then when you start modding you will have a far better idea if the mod has broken something or not.
You can generally flash a ROM from any region, as long as you understand the language. You can flash RADIO seperately, and you would choose one that will work well with your local provider. Lastly, you can manually set the APN settings to lock onto your chosen provider.
Be aware that some new devices have a "binary counter" which will sometimes increase when you flash something. Your warranty may be affected. Spend time reading the forums learning about the issues before you flash.
Thanks! Sounds like a plan
leihuwan said:
Hello, first off, I'm new to the android OS, especially flashing ROMs. I did however have some prior experience in flashing other mobiles such as the Symbian platform on my previous Nokia phones.
I would like to try the new Firmware XXLA1 as of now Im using an OTA update kernel version of 2.6.35.7-N7000DXKL3[email protected]#2.
Btw, im from the Philippines and I bought this handset on this country.
So going back to my question, what are the repercussions and implications if I flash the LA1 official ROM from Samsung knowing that its a ROM for "Open Europe"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking at the kernel version you have, it is safe to assume that we possess the same unit, and yes we have the same roots (oy, kapatid!) as well.
I started rooting my unit after a few weeks of getting familiar with it. Don't worry too much, since i was able to successfully flash root my unit and install CWM (clockworkmod), using the zergrush exploit.
Once CWM was installed, the 1st thing i did was a nandroid backup, just to keep a backup on my stock settings.
After that, i tried flashing custom ROMs, and it worked flawlessly, albeit with bugs. Just follow the steps outlined on each ROM thread and you should do fine.
Managed to encounter boot loops, phone not booting up, etc., but nothing too critical that made my unit useless.
As for your question, the obvious implication is that by flashing custom ROMs, you void your warranty. So, unless you have qualms in losing your warranty, then go ahead and flash a custom ROM.