I've noticed that some new people are still trickling in to the Bionic scene, and stumble over old/outdated guides, ROMs, root methods, etc. So I figured I'd post up a refresher on the current state of things. Hopefully this is more helpful than spamful.
(this is the first time I'm writing one of these posts, so please judge hard
TLDR tips:
HDMI can only be used on Stock based ROMs, or alternatively in AOSP ROMs by installing the JBX-kernel.
You must use Linux, or a Virtual Machine running Linux (easy method) to root JB (though there is apparently one other way using safe root).
ROMs that predate the JB update won't boot on JB firmware.
Bootstrap will (soft) brick a Bionic on JB firmware.
The Bionic is locked, we use "SafeStrap" as our recovery to install ROMs, flash zips, etc.
Downgrading below JB is not (yet) possible. Maybe one day, but I don't cross fingers.
House of Moto is your (soft) brick buster, RSD alternative for clean wipes, upgrade tool to JB from ICS/GB.
Firmwares / Moto updates / Android Versions
There have been just a few official updates from Moto for the Bionic, and none have been reversible (excluding some ICS leaks). The current most updated official version is moto-98.72.22 on android-4.1.2 or Jelly Bean. Updating to JB will cause removal of any previous root access.
A much easier way to update is to use the House of Moto; it'll perform a FDR and optionally wipe your SD card, but it is the easier/more thorough/recommended update path.
Current official update : cdma_targa_9.8.2O-72_VZW-22_cfc.xml.zip
md5sum : 1481ac6035682b732f76a621a36a9153
Info about other firmwares/updates/OTAs (.905, .2233, .232, .246 FXZs)
The Bionic has had a number of updates, some official and some leaked. There was a security change during its course of history, and because of it we are not able to downgrade the firmware after a certain point.
You may find some threads lingering around about old updates and OTAs. Here is a bit of info about them, in chronological order (or at least to the best of my knowledge).
GB
Blur_Version.5.9.902.XT875.Verizon.en.US FXZ
Blur_Version.5.9.905.XT875.Verizon.en.US.zip OTA
ICS leaks
232
235
238
6.7.242
6.7.244
ICS
Blur_Version.6.7.246.XT875.Verizon.en.US FXZ
JB
Blur_Version.98.72.22.XT875.Verizon.en.US FXZ
twinkyz1979 outlines which versions can downgrade back to 905 and below here.
Basically, there was a change in some security code between the leaked firmwares .232 and .235. Before this change, the Bionic was able to jump back and forth from 902 to 232 and between. Once the Bionic is updated to 235, it is not able to go back down any more, and can only go up on each firmware.
Root
A thread here detailing the easy method, using a VM by marty45714
Thread describing the Linux-only method, for native *nix users
As of this post, there is only one root method for Bionics on the official JB firmware. The method requires a Linux installation, and uses a samba share exploit. There is NO way to get around this requirement, though it is possible to run a Virtual Machine on top of Windows to achieve this.
An alternative way to root may be to use "safe root". I am unfamiliar to this method and haven't tried it myself. A youtube video shows the process. I haven't come across any threads detailing any further (feel free to tip me if you find any).
Recovery / Safestrap
You can get it from Hashcode's website.
We used to have a tool around called Bootstrap, but it does not work with the current JB update so please do not try it on JB. It will cause a (soft) brick and other messes.
Safestrap is a work around for our locked bootloaders. Once you install it, you have the option to make up to 4 "safe" slots to flash ROMs to. It's comparable to dual-booting. Although it is possible to flash ROMs over your stock/"unsafe" slot, it's unnecessary and dangerous (in my opinion, of course).
The slots reside on your internal-SD, and can each have your choice of 2/3/4 GB in size of a Data partition (for app installs).
ROMs
This section can sort of be divided into 2 subsections; Blur/stock based ROMs and Kexec/AOSP ROMs
Kexec ROMs do not (yet)can now support HDMI (not docks?) with the help from a kernel. Webtop is not found on these ROMs.
Kexec ROMs can be more or less stable than Stock ROMs, but usually contain more experimental and reversed code.
As far as loading pre JB Kexec ROMs onto a JB Bionic, I've never wondered about that until this moment. If anyone knows, please let me know.
-----
Stock ROMs cannot be updated/based on a version of android that Moto has not updated us to (nothing greater than 4.1.2 JB as of this post).
Stock ROMs are pretty likely to be your stable ROMs, being mostly based on moto's code and not so much including experimental code.
There are still some GB/ICS stock ROMs that are floating around, and these cannot be loaded onto a Bionic that is updated to JB.
Stock ROMs can use the HDMI port and docks.
Kernels
A third-party kernel can be loaded with some AOSP ROMs to add/change features. A project called JBX-kernel is being developed by dtrail1 for 4.4 ROMs and is aimed primarily at low power consumption, while having options for performance as well.
House of Moto
A guide written by bigv5150 (Windows/Linux/Mac)
It is posted in the droid ultra forums, but can apply to the Bionic. The root method (if still included) will not work on JB Bionic.
A very handy tool, put together by SamuriHL. If you find yourself stuck with a non-booting Bionic, this is your next step. It is also handy for completely wiping your Bionic (think FDR but for all partitions in the phone) (this wipe will erase root).
If you need to use this tool, you're expected to read all the instruction before downloading, reading the instruction again before launching it, and reading the instruction while using it just in case. You can mess some things up using this tool, and you can clean some big messes with it as well. Pretty much every question about using it has been asked and answered already. Tread carefully my friend
Verizon alternatives
I haven't played in this area yet, but I may be soon.
So far I've seen people use their Bionics on pageplus, cricket, T-mobile, and I've seen efforts for getting on Boost mobile and at&t. But I don't know much about this.
Some helpful links :
Patch to fully enable GSM on Verizon CDMA Android phones
Thanks to bedwa for the tip
If any thread or download links become dead, let me know. I have found many alternates, made copies, and have backed up and stored most Bionic related material I've come across, except for most ROMs.
I thought I'd list some ROMs here, divided by their status (Stock vs Kexec). These are (semi) current, and you should be able to find these and load them up on any Bionic updated to stock JB :
Stock based
RAGING BIONIC
Blurry
Call of Droid
FlyingJelly
Gameblur
Revolution-Unleashed
Kexec
Cyanogenmod
Cool Blu
Eclipse v5
LiquidSmooth
CyanFox
Avatar
PACman
CarbonRom
Mokee OpenSource
Gummy
AOKP
Thanks to KenanAlcorn for the tips
Basically, if you see "Stock / moto / no gapps needed" then its a Stock based ROM. (webtop, docks, hdmi)
If you see "Gapps / CM / AOSP / AOKP / Kexec " or an android version number > 4.1.2 then it's a Kexec ROM. (no webtop, docks, hdmi).
I'd be happy to add links, if they would be helpful to any one. Though I don't want to upset anybody. Some ROMs are released exclusively on some forums, in order to keep a hold on issue tracking and other such things. If you see this, I'd be glad to link to any ROMs with permissions.
Great post for the bionic noob!
Sent from my KK DROID BIONIC using my fingers
Thanks for this, I'm sure it will help out a lot of bionic beginners. A few KEXEC ROMs you could add to that list are Mokee OpenSource, Gummy, and AOKP.
chrisp6825 said:
Verizon alternatives
I haven't played in this area yet, but I may be soon.
So far I've seen people use their Bionics on pageplus, cricket, T-mobile, and I've seen efforts for getting on Boost mobile and at&t. But I don't know much about this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as things are done right, running it on AT&T is no issues whatsoever.
You follow the instructions in the Q&A section (Root, NV edit and Prop Edits) I have been using CM 11 with no issues, tethering the whole 9 yards.
I Flash this zip Here. This Zip is GOLD.
Thanks for this! Great post
XT875 Running CyanFox
Thanks! I recently reset my computer and lost all of the settings I had when I first rooted my Bionic. This is a great thread to help if that were to happen again!
This will sound weird, but I'm one of the guys that NEVER got the official JB firmware from Verizon. And I'm running SlimKat just fine through Safestrap ROM slots, and my last official firmware is the official ICS release.
Right now I have 3 slots
Stock = Technically Icarus HD, but it's still based on stock
Slot 1 = My "daily driver" Cyanogen MOD 10, NOT the latest (I think I'm still on 10.1.2 when they're up to 10.2.1 already)
Slot 2 = SlimKat, not the latest either, I think it's a beta from February 2014.
I switch among them "at will" via Safestrap, and I got SlimKat pretty dialed in now.
So if people are having problems upgrading to JB... Or problems with firmware after JB OTA, perhaps they shouldn't do it, and just live with the previous firmware? What are the potential problems?
kschang said:
So if people are having problems upgrading to JB... Or problems with firmware after JB OTA, perhaps they shouldn't do it, and just live with the previous firmware? What are the potential problems?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I can tell, there are no true benefits to upgrading to JB, as opposed to staying on ICS. Any benefits can easily be found in a CM based ROM (now are fairly stable, even on 11/Kk).
But just to clarify, once you begin the JB upgrade process, you most likely cannot abort or undo it. You risk a great chance of messing the flashing process up and potentially bricking.
If the upgrade completes, you most certainly cannot go back to ICS (as of yet).
(All in regards to the official moto upgrades, JB, ICS, etc)
Sent from my XT875 using Tapatalk 2
Yeah, that's what I figured. Since I'm KEXEC'ing SlimKat I see no reason to do the official JB upgrade at all. My ROM at the time was to customized to run the FXZ upgrade.
There are a few things to note:
1) Only stock based ROMs have dock support... ANY dock support. That includes HD dock, Nav Dock, clock/desk dock, etc.
HashCode said NavDock was on the todo list for CM10 for MONTHS... until Bionic fell off the scope. So I guess that's our "last best hope".
You can work around the Nav Dock by having in-car bluetooth autorun the car mode app. Not as convenient, but tolerable.
2) Only stock based ROMs have WebTop support... if any one still use that.
CM11 NavDock DOES work
kschang said:
...
1) Only stock based ROMs have dock support... ANY dock support. That includes HD dock, Nav Dock, clock/desk dock, etc.
HashCode said NavDock was on the todo list for CM10 for MONTHS... until Bionic fell off the scope. So I guess that's our "last best hope".
You can work around the Nav Dock by having in-car bluetooth autorun the car mode app. Not as convenient, but tolerable.
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There was a commit back around 04/08/2014 that enabled USB analog dock audio for OMAP4; there was another dock-related OMAP4 commit on 04/06/2014 as well. Since the 04/09/2014 nightly build on CM11, my Moto NavDock works - the phone automatically recognizes NavDock insertion and opens my chosen car mode app (I use IBolt as my dock screen software), and closes out from it upon removal. Audio via the dock's split USB cable functions as well. The phone successfully recognizes and sets car mode (seen in notifications), but you need a program installed to handle car mode, as otherwise it does nothing.
Shakkuras said:
There was a commit back around 04/08/2014 that enabled USB analog dock audio for OMAP4; there was another dock-related OMAP4 commit on 04/06/2014 as well. Since the 04/09/2014 nightly build on CM11, my Moto NavDock works - the phone automatically recognizes NavDock insertion and opens my chosen car mode app (I use IBolt as my dock screen software), and closes out from it upon removal. Audio via the dock's split USB cable functions as well. The phone successfully recognizes and sets car mode (seen in notifications), but you need a program installed to handle car mode, as otherwise it does nothing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I noticed that the 4/15 nightly of SlimKat does this too. May have to revise my statement.
A couple notes on hardware...
1) It is possible to replace the trim piece (that metalic looking cover on top that goes around the screen and buttons, has the Verizon logo), you can often find it on Amazon or eBay, but it's a pretty involved process as it uses a trimmed sheet adhesive. Probably not worth the effort, just put a case on it.
2) I got the Diztronic case that fits the extended battery. Fits like a glove, cheap (about $10) feels grippy and pliant, doesn't add too much bulk (still fits into docks).
3) You can get super-extended battery that's even bigger than the BX8 extended battery, but those often requires its own battery back, and thus no longer fit into docks. If you have no docks this doesn't affect you much, except those super-sized setup are too big to fit into belt cases and such, so you'll have to carry the phone naked, and the battery backs often comes with bad tolerance problems. I bought one and I had to sand down a lot of areas to get it to fit properly.
4) If you have the extended battery, your best option for belt case is... wait for it... a Mophie Juicepack Belt Case for iPhone 5, available at most Best Buys for $29.95. It's designed for iPhone 5 with the extended battery case by Mophie, but it fits the Bionic quite well. Your other option is order one of those (p)leather cases off Amazon. There's one that has the clip AND two belt loops for under $10, and it fits surprisingly well.
5) The best car dock is still the Moto NavDock.
Very useful to me,thanks a lot.
从我的 XT875 上通过 xda-developers.com 发送 powered by appyet.com
Just wanted to note, I've moved much of my focus to a new device (moto x), and won't be paying full attention to the Bionic development anymore.
I do still have the device and am planning to use for a project in the future, although it's battery is seriously shot (wont hold a charge for more than 7 hours, even with screen off the whole time).
I still checkout the various forums I used to frequent over the years, but I know that will become less and less over time.
If anyone spots any out-dated info in this thread, please feel free to post here or PM me to let me know, and I'll update the original posts. I'm glad this thread was able to help a few people, and I hope it continues to help long after activity dies and info is buried.
Live long Bionic scene, the most helpful/entertaining/surprising phone group I've been a part of. lol
chrisp6825 said:
Just wanted to note, I've moved much of my focus to a new device (moto x), and won't be paying full attention to the Bionic development anymore.
I do still have the device and am planning to use for a project in the future, although it's battery is seriously shot (wont hold a charge for more than 7 hours, even with screen off the whole time).
I still checkout the various forums I used to frequent over the years, but I know that will become less and less over time.
If anyone spots any out-dated info in this thread, please feel free to post here or PM me to let me know, and I'll update the original posts. I'm glad this thread was able to help a few people, and I hope it continues to help long after activity dies and info is buried.
Live long Bionic scene, the most helpful/entertaining/surprising phone group I've been a part of. lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again for doing this, you may be moving to greater things but your legacy lives in the Bionic forums :good:
Confirm Alt Root Method
Root
A thread here detailing the easy method, using a VM by marty45714
Thread describing the Linux-only method, for native *nix users
As of this post, there is only one root method for Bionics on the official JB firmware. The method requires a Linux installation, and uses a samba share exploit. There is NO way to get around this requirement, though it is possible to run a Virtual Machine on top of Windows to achieve this.
An alternative way to root may be to use "safe root". I am unfamiliar to this method and haven't tried it myself. A youtube video shows the process. I haven't come across any threads detailing any further (feel free to tip me if you find any).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just wanted to confirm that the second method in the Rootjunky YouTube video above does work as advertised. Much simpler than setting up a Linux VM. Thanks for all of the info.
I think towelroot was also reported to work. IIRC, it is for Android 4.4.2 and lower.
edit: ok, maybe not - I just tried it on one. (unless there is a modstring you can enter in the app in the place you enter those to get it working on this phone)
there was a time when I felt like I knew all there was to know about the Bionic...3 phones later, i don't remember so much about the early days. I have a bionic on .905 (as to preserve the original web top). I probably have to keep it on crap software, which is ok. I want the appropriate version of Eclipse (for that many moons ago, i think 6/2012) os I can at least have a custom rom that supports web top/hdmi dock/car dock/wireless charging. i honestly just found out today that the bionic works with it...and picked up the back for $5 on ebay. :0 anyway, My question that i do not remember the answer to is what versions of safestrap can i use and stay on .905 . the newest one (1/2015) would be awesome, but somehow, i doubt that works. I don't want to make the only Bionic i still have on GB a sacrificial experiment, but at the time i left it on .905, i had 3 bionics and there was a reason i didn't upgrade safestrap. i just can't find and don't remember why. anyone have a copy of Eclipse? thank you!!
kitcostantino said:
there was a time when I felt like I knew all there was to know about the Bionic...3 phones later, i don't remember so much about the early days. I have a bionic on .905 (as to preserve the original web top). I probably have to keep it on crap software, which is ok. I want the appropriate version of Eclipse (for that many moons ago, i think 6/2012) os I can at least have a custom rom that supports web top/hdmi dock/car dock/wireless charging. i honestly just found out today that the bionic works with it...and picked up the back for $5 on ebay. :0 anyway, My question that i do not remember the answer to is what versions of safestrap can i use and stay on .905 . the newest one (1/2015) would be awesome, but somehow, i doubt that works. I don't want to make the only Bionic i still have on GB a sacrificial experiment, but at the time i left it on .905, i had 3 bionics and there was a reason i didn't upgrade safestrap. i just can't find and don't remember why. anyone have a copy of Eclipse? thank you!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Newest safestrap has to have jellybean kernel don't flash it, stay on the 3. X that your on, no need to update I miss webtop2 so bad
Sent from my Z970 using XDA Free mobile app
Related
1. How difficult is it to root and install custom ROMs on the Droid Bionic?
2. Are there any custom ROMs based on AOSP or CM7? Or those without Motoblur? I looked through the Development forum and I don't see any rom with those specifically stated... I saw some CM9 roms but I don't want to use those yet until support for ICS is more widespread on the apps I usually use.
3. Has anyone gotten a Wiimote or 6axis controller to work on emulators with the stock rom? or with any of the custom roms?
4. How does webtop work? Does it work with custom roms? I want to use a lapdock for typing things during my internship in the hospital. Can webtop use Smart Office or any office app in the phone?
5. All Droid Bionics have the Verizon logo on the bottom of its front right? The seller didn't post a picture of the phone and I won't be the one to pick it up personally... What particular markings can I describe to a nontechy aunt so she would be able to determine if the phone for sale is Droid Bionic?
1. Yes
2. Nightly builds of AOSP and CM are at droidhive.com
3. Huh
this is why poeple leave xda just sayin way to man noob questions most of the development is over a droidhive stated previously and rootzwiki poeple leave here cause of noobness like this just sayin.. good luck..
raylgo said:
1. How difficult is it to root and install custom ROMs on the Droid Bionic?
2. Are there any custom ROMs based on AOSP or CM7? Or those without Motoblur? I looked through the Development forum and I don't see any rom with those specifically stated... I saw some CM9 roms but I don't want to use those yet until support for ICS is more widespread on the apps I usually use.
3. Has anyone gotten a Wiimote or 6axis controller to work on emulators with the stock rom? or with any of the custom roms?
4. How does webtop work? Does it work with custom roms? I want to use a lapdock for typing things during my internship in the hospital. Can webtop use Smart Office or any office app in the phone?
5. All Droid Bionics have the Verizon logo on the bottom of its front right? The seller didn't post a picture of the phone and I won't be the one to pick it up personally... What particular markings can I describe to a nontechy aunt so she would be able to determine if the phone for sale is Droid Bionic?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Not difficult. Devs have created excellent bootstrap apps that let you install Clockwork Recovery (or a variant) so that you can change ROM's like you always have.
2. Since the kernel cannot be modified (due to the unlocked bootloader) we do have have any AOSP or Cyanogenmod ROMs. The closest I've seen to AOSP is the Eclipse ROM.
3. I don't know.
4. Webtop will work with custom ROM's. Webtop runs on a separate partition that custom ROM's don't modify.
5. The Droid Bionic typically does have a Verizon logo on the lower-right. The Bionic, unfortunately, doesn't have much of anything to set it apart. A generic description could have people mistaking the Droid X or Droid X2. Bionics have the closely-coupled MicroUSB & HDMI ports on the left side. Headphone jack on top. Camera sensor has "8MP | AF - 1080p HD VIDEO" labeled on it. The loudspeaker on the back has a tiny oval shaped hole for it. That's the best I can do.
And search and read.. my two cents
I have a few more questions before I make the leap to buy my first ever Android based device.
The Questions:
Will Rooting make my phone more susceptible to being Hijacked/Hacked /Virus?..so on. I presume its no, but security is nothing to play with. Does McAfee have an App? (That was a joke)
Is there currently anything I should stay way from that doesn't currently work or isn't stable with 4.0 Ice-cream Sandwich?
Will Adobes Apps (Photoshop Touch for example) work on the SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE/GT-N7000? I ask this because said app is made for a tablet...but the GALAXY NOTE isn't your average tablet since it's a phone? It meets the resolution requirements... just not the size. Hence the confusion. This kind of thing is actually my biggest query at the moment...perhaps I should broaden the question...If it is made for a standard tablet, will it work with this sort of tablet?Would Paranoid Android assist me in this concern? (I think it would based on what I have seen)
Once I have rooted- is there any way for ME to customize the UI and how the hardware (such as GPS and Ram) functions. As you may have gathered I know my away around Adobe Suite and I could at the very least do some of that... or do I just have to...ugh...what's the jargon word...
Flash the Rom with someone else's handy work?
Does anyone have a recommendations on where I should buy the Unlocked SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE/GT-N7000 Note? I just want to know the options I may have other than Amazon, Ebay, or Expansys.
- Doesn't really matter anymore. If anyone would still like to answer it -here it is.
---
You all (well most) have been very helpful. I know the main purpose of this site is Modding Android (or at least the phones they come on) , and not to play 20 questions with the noob who doesn't even have the device yet!
So - Thank you for your understanding. It is greatly appreciated!
------------------
Edit3: Found Answer to "Will THIS root method work with 4.0 Ice-cream Sandwich?" The answer is yes.
Bump!
This is the last time I intend to bump this (not that I wanted to in the first place). If this is truly meant to drift off unanswered than so be it.
I just hope that in the event of something horrible (or at least unknown) occurring to my phone that I can search the answer...since asking doesn't seem to be working at the moment.
(ಥ﹏ಥ)
Read the last report of fsecure, it dont matter if you are root, just as vulnarable. Malware bring their own beer to the party. Depends on enduser
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2
I figured as much.
Ill go read the last report of fsecure right now. ^____^
Thanks.(..and feel free to answer more questions )
CrazyOGuy said:
I figured as much.
Ill go read the last report of fsecure right now. ^____^
Thanks.(..and feel free to answer more questions )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, if you can download it, Adobe it should work. You can try a custom rom which supports tablet mode should you not be able to download with normal dpi. That will enable tablet mode in market, after clearing market data and reboot it should become available for dl.
Currently there are a couple good stock ICS roms and a couple good custom roms. All (except cm9 xplodwild is safe, not other cm9) kernels are dangerous due to Brickrisk of known bug. However, all cm9 based suffer the bugs of cm9, speakerphone broken, high battery consumption, etc. Most have their own bugs on top.
Now ICS source is out wait a couple days as more custom roms and kernels will be build as well as bugfixes. And off course, support the devs with donations for coffee, so they stay awake and make no errors lmao .
I love this community, enjoy
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2
CrazyOGuy said:
I have a few more questions before I make the leap to buy my first ever Android based device.
The Questions:
Will Rooting make my phone more susceptible to being Hijacked/Hacked /Virus?..so on. I presume its no, but security is nothing to play with. Does McAfee have an App? (That was a joke)
Is there currently anything I should stay way from that doesn't currently work or isn't stable with 4.0 Ice-cream Sandwich?
Will Adobes Apps (Photoshop Touch for example) work on the SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE/GT-N7000? I ask this because said app is made for a tablet...but the GALAXY NOTE isn't your average tablet since it's a phone? It meets the resolution requirements... just not the size. Hence the confusion. This kind of thing is actually my biggest query at the moment...perhaps I should broaden the question...If it is made for a standard tablet, will it work with this sort of tablet?Would Paranoid Android assist me in this concern? (I think it would based on what I have seen)
Once I have rooted- is there any way for ME to customize the UI and how the hardware (such as GPS and Ram) functions. As you may have gathered I know my away around Adobe Suite and I could at the very least do some of that... or do I just have to...ugh...what's the jargon word...
Flash the Rom with someone else's handy work?
Does anyone have a recommendations on where I should buy the Unlocked SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE/GT-N7000 Note? I just want to know the options I may have other than Amazon, Ebay, or Expansys.
- Doesn't really matter anymore. If anyone would still like to answer it -here it is.
---
You all (well most) have been very helpful. I know the main purpose of this site is Modding Android (or at least the phones they come on) , and not to play 20 questions with the noob who doesn't even have the device yet!
So - Thank you for your understanding. It is greatly appreciated!
------------------
Edit3: Found Answer to "Will THIS root method work with 4.0 Ice-cream Sandwich?" The answer is yes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. No. Truth is, root or no root, you are equally vulnerable to malware. Just read the reviews and all before installing any, you know, 'unknown' app.
2. Wiping, factory resets and CWM. Although this is just for stock German ICS and older ICS ROMs like Stunner. New ROMs like Paranoid, CM9 are safe. Still in case you must search before you do anything with custom ROMs just to be on the safe side.
3. Can't find Photoshop Touch on the play store. But there must be a work around am sure. I am using Paranoid by the way.
4. You can pretty much flash a custom ROM and flash various themes and things. Don't know about RAM but you can over clock or under clock your processor. There are various tweaks scattered so just search for it and more often than not you will find it. Carbon tweaks are really good. Search them in themes and apps.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA
baz77 said:
Ok, if you can download it, Adobe it should work. You can try a custom rom which supports tablet mode should you not be able to download with normal dpi. That will enable tablet mode in market, after clearing market data and reboot it should become available for dl.
Tablet Mode. Ill look out for that in the features.
Currently there are a couple good stock ICS roms and a couple good custom roms. All (except cm9 xplodwild is safe, not other cm9) kernels are dangerous due to Brickrisk of known bug. However, all cm9 based suffer the bugs of cm9, speakerphone broken, high battery consumption, etc. Most have their own bugs on top.
Brick Risk Eh?...Well this is why I ask these things. Ill stay away from cm9/kernels. I know enough now that it looks like can look into some custom roms with a *little* more on the ball.
Now ICS source is out wait a couple days as more custom roms and kernels will be build as well as bugfixes. And off course, support the devs with donations for coffee, so they stay awake and make no errors lmao .
I love this community, enjoy
As far as communities go Its not that bad...if you can get a reply.
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sujal said:
1. No. Truth is, root or no root, you are equally vulnerable to malware. Just read the reviews and all before installing any, you know, 'unknown' app. What happens if root malware tries to root me. Must go deeper /s
2. Wiping, factory resets and CWM. Although this is just for stock German ICS and older ICS ROMs like Stunner. New ROMs like Paranoid, CM9 are safe. Still in case you must search before you do anything with custom ROMs just to be on the safe side.
Wouldn't do it any other way. I've already learned alot just from searching (presuming I can figure out the right question to input in the query)
3. Can't find Photoshop Touch on the play store. But there must be a work around am sure. I am using Paranoid by the way. I actually have it linked...oh...no I don't. Ok... Easy Fix.
4. You can pretty much flash a custom ROM and flash various themes and things. Don't know about RAM but you can over clock or under clock your processor. There are various tweaks scattered so just search for it and more often than not you will find it. Carbon tweaks are really good. Search them in themes and apps. Haven't heard of Carbon tweaks before. Will look it up.
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My words in BLUE.
What just happened there?
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA
What is this... I don't even. Looks like you just thanked me. Uhhhh...You are Welcome!^_^
Pro Tip: Look forward to a lot more question thick posts. Golly you all use a TON of acronyms and No Visual Aids.
CrazyOGuy said:
What is this... I don't even. Looks like you just thanked me. Uhhhh...You are Welcome!^_^
Pro Tip: Look forward to a lot more question thick posts. Golly you all use a TON of acronyms and No Visual Aids.
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Sorry for that man! Was more than half asleep. I thought some other guy gave me a link to Photoshop touch app so I thanked 'him' for that. Happens!
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA
Yes. Photoshop touch works in ICS.
Zapped through server hops to XDA forums
Despite going through several threads here and somewhat failing on easy rooting, found a one-click via YouTube, MotoFail_Windows something or other I believe it was. Seems simple enough.
However, in looking through Android Development here for this device, there doesn't appear to be many ROMs, am I missing something? Had no idea so much effort would be spent making this phone work for GSM folks. Any and all help for a newbie D4 owner who has every intention on rooting/flashing/tethering in the very near future is MUCH appreciated.
DNak206 said:
Despite going through several threads here and somewhat failing on easy rooting, found a one-click via YouTube, MotoFail_Windows something or other I believe it was. Seems simple enough.
However, in looking through Android Development here for this device, there doesn't appear to be many ROMs, am I missing something? Had no idea so much effort would be spent making this phone work for GSM folks. Any and all help for a newbie D4 owner who has every intention on rooting/flashing/tethering in the very near future is MUCH appreciated.
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Rooting is pretty easy. I would recommend using jsnweitzel's Droid 4 Utility. Super easy to use.
Unfortunately you're not missing something in regard to ROM development. It's really fallen off here recently. Best thing to do currently is probably update your D4 to the most current Moto ICS leak. The CM9 and AOKP builds for the leaks are fairly stable. If you don't want to go that route I would recommend myfishbear's Eclipse port for GB.
The good news is it sounds like hashcode (main D4 dev) is getting closer to getting us up and running with the kexec kernel exploit that will allow custom kernels. Hopefully, once that gets going, ROM development will pick back up.
DNak206 said:
Had no idea so much effort would be spent making this phone work for GSM folks.
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There really are no good GSM QWERTY phones out there right now. There's a couple of Blackberry-style ones which are awful and the Sony Xperia Mini which is also awful. Both have tiny keyboards. Most GSM QWERTY people seem to be hanging onto their old HTC Desire Z (which you will know as the T-Mobile G2) or coming here and getting a Droid 4. There really aren't any other options.
For US folk wanting custom ROMs. The process is actually the same as getting GSM support, root, flash the latest ICS leak, install safestrap, install either AOKP or CM9. You can follow my guide for getting GSM to work since it's actually the same process.
I've added to the OP instructions for putting AOKP or CM9 on there, both of them are the same low level stuff, produced by Hashcode, with the ROM-specific framework grafted on top.
Awesome input, thanks guys (and gal). Unfortunately the kid trying to sell it apparently was unaware the phone was active in his "brothers" name. This is of course after calling Verizon to make sure the phone was clean. $280 in the box, my instincts should've kicked in but the kid actually seemed sincere. Ah well, still keeping my eyes peeled and will eventually get one so this is helpful info. Thanks again.
1. What is the current root method? I know there's the D4 Utility but I'm not sure it's been updated for a good long while. Don't knock a good thing I suppose. I feel I've still seen Razrblade roaming around out there as well. What is the best root method at the moment, as I've seen there are different builds of BusyBox and Superuser these days. The last time I loaded root with the D4 System Utility I had a handful of things go wrong, nothing major but very decent annoyances, the Permissions for some Apps working right, but with others night (Or ones I've used before without the rooting problems). Just trying to find the most compatible/up to date one.
2. I'm confident the answer will be a resounding Cyanogen, but hear me out - What are the best current ROMs which involve energy efficiency, RAM/CPU Optimization? I'm a simple guy, I love tinkering but I don't keep any one thing installed for long. My normal day involves texting, browsing a web page or two, and playing a silly game called Dragons World, which eats battery like a mofo. I would just like the ability of longevity through the day, as it stand right now if I open Dragons World 4 times in a 2 hour period that's over 30% of my battery gone.I'm sure it's just the App, but I do adore it so.
3. On the same topic, What's the best modified Stock out there? Meaning deodexed, debloated or slim (Or all of the above), reducing the garbage usage of unused processes, or setting most of them to On Call only instead of running whenever they feel like it (I glare at you MotoGarbage). Just something nice, clean and effective.
4. Now the fun stuff, personal ROM right now? Most customizable? I love to have a side-loaded ROM which supports the latest features, alternative Lock screens, a new built in home screen (Not just a downloadable launcher from the Playstore thrown on top), a powerhouse of features, and interesting new items. the AVATAR ROM seems pretty nifty, however I've never used it's line, and I hear a lot of people run Eclipse however the latest edition I could find was for 4.1.2 ...
5. Leading me to the next question: So how about that 4.4/4.3? Is it even worth flashing at the moment? Is 4.3 stable and 4.4 highly questionable? Is there a major gain? I'm still running 4.1.2 stock after a fresh wipe from horrid slowness.
6. Last but not least, let's pull it all together: Safestrap or BMM? It feels like BMM has made a huge comeback, I see it's name everywhere these days, but I've been more or less born and raised on SS, ya know as with the D2 the only option was CWR and nothing else. I've seen a pros and cons, I consider myself an advanced user (As I've fiddled enough to wipe my own stock system even with SS...) so the mechanics don't scare me, more so the reliability of the programming itself. I hear it allows 2 system partitions thanks to the Webtop mount? That's pretty amazing, and has me willing and ready to try it unless proven otherwise of how SS is superior, since I know it just updated to 3.65.
Am I right in saying the top contenders for ROMs are still Cynanogen, Eclipse, Avatar and XXSlim?
It's been a while since I've been delving into this realm. Let me know what you can, I'll continue googling in the meantime.
I'm curious on this topic too, seems my d4 has been a little lacking on the tech side lately and it's time for a refresh!
Razrblade is the current root method unless you've updated to the latest version of the stock without root then you'll have to wait for a new method. Safe strap recovery I have found to be better than bmm. Stargos cm11 ROM is the best yet in my opinion. Try it out and good luck
Sent from my DROID4 using Tapatalk
are probably slim to none. I've been following for quite some time and considering making a switch to Nexus. Anyone else on the same boat?
chirayu said:
are probably slim to none. I've been following for quite some time and considering making a switch to Nexus. Anyone else on the same boat?
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was gonna upgrade my note 2 to this... guess i'll be holding on to it for a while. got a nexus 6 on verizon so i don't want another, not that i don't love it, cause i do!
I've been between AOSP, AOKP, Cyanogen, Omni, PA, various unicorns, so on and so forth, on several different phones, including the original G... It's a shame that we may never get a bootloader unlock and TWRP, but honestly, I'm perfectly OK with the (rooted) stock ROM. In my experience, the phone is liquid smooth, fast, has decent battery and the UI doesn't look bad. Root fixed almost every issue I've had with this phone (bloat, low headphone volume, ads...)
I am regretting everything about this purchase. If people don't give up on the sprint variant there will probably be ROMs eventually but it is going to be 6 months at least I bet and by then people start to lose interest and move on to something better.
I will just say to use this as a lesson to prepare yourself. I am guessing it will be harder and harder to root and ROM phones in the future. I see the same path that happened with gaming consoles. Lots of different ways to exploit them. Then a next gen comes on and more difficult ways. Then updated versions come out that make it extremely hard. Then a next gen comes out and it is impossible.
The same thing is happening with phones.
When i get time, i will be putting out a customized Stock ROM, like i did for the G2. I still need to make a final version for the G2, then i will concentrate on the G4. There will be several versions, but i would like to wait till we get an updated system to fix the vulnerabilities present. (As long as they don't kill our root method).
The bad part, is since we don't have a recovery option, we will have to flash via the command tool (that we used for root).
Agimax said:
When i get time, i will be putting out a customized Stock ROM, like i did for the G2. I still need to make a final version for the G2, then i will concentrate on the G4. There will be several versions, but i would like to wait till we get an updated system to fix the vulnerabilities present. (As long as they don't kill our root method).
The bad part, is since we don't have a recovery option, we will have to flash via the command tool (that we used for root).
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It might be able to be done with FlashFire.
Agimax said:
When i get time, i will be putting out a customized Stock ROM, like i did for the G2. I still need to make a final version for the G2, then i will concentrate on the G4. There will be several versions, but i would like to wait till we get an updated system to fix the vulnerabilities present. (As long as they don't kill our root method).
The bad part, is since we don't have a recovery option, we will have to flash via the command tool (that we used for root).
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Looking forward to the ROM. Thanks for the work.
please explain headphone volume fix. and what bloat software you have removed successfully..thanks so much