Best Software Version - Moto X Q&A

I'm curious what people think is the best software.
I just got a brand new unopened XT1058 (on 4.2.2). I'm very familiar with these phones (have had xt1030s, xt1080s, xt1053). Rooted, bootloader unlocks, multiple roms, etc. I have run 5.1 and although its nice to have the latest software, I don't think it brings out the best in this phone. I think my vote is 4.2.2 w/ camera update, but there are some things in 4.4 that I will miss.

Related

4.3 delayed?

I know there was a system dump of 4.3 on t Mobile, but it was said to still be in development. Some people were thinking the moto x would get faster updates being so close to stock android. However at this point we're getting close to when the heavily customized galaxy s4 is *supposed* to get its update.
Could the major camera firmware update have delayed them on 4.3? Or are we looking at another phone that will still be several months delayed getting android updates?
From what I've seen there were 3? leaks of 4.3 engineering builds so far to date for the Moto X. In addition to the standard 4.3 features, they seem to also be updating Touchless Controls, Active Display and the Camera App. Now I saw that 4.3.1 is rolling out to the Nexus 7 LTE and I'm sure we will see it released to AOSP "soon" with a list of changes as well as 4.3.1 updates for the other Nexus devices.
What I think happened is Motorola was told that 4.3.1 would be rolling out "soon" so rather than keep working on fixing bugs in 4.3.0 that could be fixed in 4.3.1, Motorola tackled the main issues such as the camera, call quality, etc for the OTA and will resync their builds with AOSP so they can go straight to 4.3.1 for their OTA.
Now I could be totally wrong but given Motorola's previous update history, the Bionic for example went from Gingerbread straight to 4.0.4 and skipped 4.0.2 and 4.0.3, from there it went straight to 4.1.2 and skipped 4.1.1. I know Motorola is rebranding themselves right now but I guess they made a calculated decision to get the biggest issues fixed first, then release the big update which will take more testing.
I also think that because Samsung and HTC released Google Play Edition devices, they got earlier access to 4.3 than Motorola did so this would explain how they've had additional time to work on integrating their UI's into 4.3. I think Google is just playing it a bit too safe in trying to ensure no one thinks Motorola is getting prefered treatment over other companies.
dpw2atox said:
From what I've seen there were 3? leaks of 4.3 engineering builds so far to date for the Moto X. In addition to the standard 4.3 features, they seem to also be updating Touchless Controls, Active Display and the Camera App. Now I saw that 4.3.1 is rolling out to the Nexus 7 LTE and I'm sure we will see it released to AOSP "soon" with a list of changes as well as 4.3.1 updates for the other Nexus devices.
What I think happened is Motorola was told that 4.3.1 would be rolling out "soon" so rather than keep working on fixing bugs in 4.3.0 that could be fixed in 4.3.1, Motorola tackled the main issues such as the camera, call quality, etc for the OTA and will resync their builds with AOSP so they can go straight to 4.3.1 for their OTA.
Now I could be totally wrong but given Motorola's previous update history, the Bionic for example went from Gingerbread straight to 4.0.4 and skipped 4.0.2 and 4.0.3, from there it went straight to 4.1.2 and skipped 4.1.1. I know Motorola is rebranding themselves right now but I guess they made a calculated decision to get the biggest issues fixed first, then release the big update which will take more testing.
I also think that because Samsung and HTC released Google Play Edition devices, they got earlier access to 4.3 than Motorola did so this would explain how they've had additional time to work on integrating their UI's into 4.3. I think Google is just playing it a bit too safe in trying to ensure no one thinks Motorola is getting prefered treatment over other companies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was my other thought. Maybe have to wait longer but be better off with 4.3.1 over 4.3
Hopefully 4.4 is quick though!
mikeosu said:
That was my other thought. Maybe have to wait longer but be better off with 4.3.1 over 4.3
Hopefully 4.4 is quick though!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
or it could be skipped over for 4.4, google does have more control over it now. I am getting my moto x tomorrow I can't wait.
Maybe the S4 having been released months in advance also has something to do with it....
Sent from my XT1053 using Tapatalk 2
enigmaco said:
or it could be skipped over for 4.4, google does have more control over it now. I am getting my moto x tomorrow I can't wait.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very true. I would be ok with that if it meant an earlier update! I'm probably getting one soon with that best buy deal. Too good to pass up!
The biggest fix in 4.3 was the trim support (and SE Linux, but you won't notice that)... Moto X already has trim built in so there really isn't much rush on the 4.3 front.
I'd prefer a skip to 4.4 if that makes it a faster release.

Locked BL Consequences

Could someone please explain the consequences of having a locked BL? Especially wrt to the Moto X? Also, what is this SS that everyone keeps talking about?
TIA
I've been in your situation before and couldn't find help or answers, phone makers sign there software with a signature when it boots so when the phone loads it looks for that signature and won't load unless the os had that signature. When your boatloader is locked it means you can't install custom roms or fully root your phone, people have to find an exploit to root it, like case's rockmymoto exploit. SS is safe strap and it is a workaround for installing custom roms on a locked boatloader phone.
Sent from my XT1055 using xda app-developers app
charlie-n said:
I've been in your situation before and couldn't find help or answers, phone makers sign there software with a signature when it boots so when the phone loads it looks for that signature and won't load unless the os had that signature. When your boatloader is locked it means you can't install custom roms or fully root your phone, people have to find an exploit to root it, like case's rockmymoto exploit. SS is safe strap and it is a workaround for installing custom roms on a locked boatloader phone.
Sent from my XT1055 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So basically then, something like the AT&T moto x can be rooted by using the rockmymoto exploit, but custom ROMs have to be made specifically to support SS?
Seeing as how I dont think development for the Moto X isnt going to take off on a major scale (like, say the Nexus), it would make no difference having a locked or unlocked BL, am I right?
anirudh412 said:
So basically then, something like the AT&T moto x can be rooted by using the rockmymoto exploit, but custom ROMs have to be made specifically to support SS?
Seeing as how I dont think development for the Moto X isnt going to take off on a major scale (like, say the Nexus), it would make no difference having a locked or unlocked BL, am I right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well there are several roms out there for unlocked BL currently. The reason to have a unlocked BL: if you want to flash roms a lot, if you want to make sure that you always can have root (sometimes exploits for a FW won't come out), and if you want complete control over your phone.
Much less dev will be done for SS roms because people are finding it difficult to build them I believe. I only use SS to keep root and take newer otas, or run roms like eclipse that are based off of stock FW, then just trimmed down with added features and lots more.
If you have the money, having an unlocked BL is nice because you don't need exploits for roots and other things. I would go with one if money wasn't an issue purely for that fact. Not sure how they are getting OTAs right now, but sometimes unlocked BLs also get OTAs quicker than locked BLs. And they can always flash the OTA if there is a leak. You can also always downgrade your device to a different FW if you want with an unlocked BL.
jayboyyyy said:
well there are several roms out there for unlocked BL currently. The reason to have a unlocked BL: if you want to flash roms a lot, if you want to make sure that you always can have root (sometimes exploits for a FW won't come out), and if you want complete control over your phone.
Much less dev will be done for SS roms because people are finding it difficult to build them I believe. I only use SS to keep root and take newer otas, or run roms like eclipse that are based off of stock FW, then just trimmed down with added features and lots more.
If you have the money, having an unlocked BL is nice because you don't need exploits for roots and other things. I would go with one if money wasn't an issue purely for that fact. Not sure how they are getting OTAs right now, but sometimes unlocked BLs also get OTAs quicker than locked BLs. And they can always flash the OTA if there is a leak. You can also always downgrade your device to a different FW if you want with an unlocked BL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Money isnt the issue here. The thing is the Moto X isnt available in my country, but someone is selling their AT&T moto on local ebay. I jumped ship from using android for so many years to an iPhone 5 (my current phone) because I just wanted a phone I could use. Kinda grew tired of flashing ROMS and kernels all the time. The Moto X hits the sweet spot with the perfect size and stutter free operation. To me, this is the perfect android phone. All I need is root and a custom launcher. That is available for the AT&T phones I believe? And as you said, ECLIPSE is available for me to flash if I feel like.
Other than that, apps like lightflow and others dont differentiate b/w locked and unlocked BLs, do they?
anirudh412 said:
Could someone please explain the consequences of having a locked BL? Especially wrt to the Moto X? Also, what is this SS that everyone keeps talking about?
TIA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Straight from the man himself in regards to SafeStrap.
http://rootzwiki.com/topic/104161-recovery-locked-safestrap-recovery-v365-2013-11-13/
Any locked BL users care to give their 0.02 about life with a locked BL? :silly:
anirudh412 said:
Money isnt the issue here. The thing is the Moto X isnt available in my country, but someone is selling their AT&T moto on local ebay. I jumped ship from using android for so many years to an iPhone 5 (my current phone) because I just wanted a phone I could use. Kinda grew tired of flashing ROMS and kernels all the time. The Moto X hits the sweet spot with the perfect size and stutter free operation. To me, this is the perfect android phone. All I need is root and a custom launcher. That is available for the AT&T phones I believe? And as you said, ECLIPSE is available for me to flash if I feel like.
Other than that, apps like lightflow and others dont differentiate b/w locked and unlocked BLs, do they?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
before you pull the trigger make sure the phone will work in your area. IDK about all of the other country phone stuff, but I have seen people posting about what lte bands and radios each different model of the moto x can support. Also, some models you can flash other carriers FW on them, some you can't. And if you buy some models with for some carriers, you can unlock the BL then move it to ATT or whatever service you are using. Like i said, IDK about all of that so that will take some reading and investigating on your part.
I also don't know about lightflow, but basically once you have root, all rooted apps should be able to do what they do. I personally know of nothing that requires an unlocked BL to work (besides flashing roms, kernals, radios, or other stuff). Just root. I'm assuming lightflow is like any other app that requires root. Don't believe any app should ever be changing anything to your bootloader (besides exploits that come in the form of an app).
Im on a lock BL fyi. Had the money for the dev but once root came out for the phone, I decided to go with subsidized. All I wanted was root. And it seems kitkat will have a root exploit made by jcase so im not worried about the future either.
jayboyyyy said:
before you pull the trigger make sure the phone will work in your area. IDK about all of the other country phone stuff, but I have seen people posting about what lte bands and radios each different model of the moto x can support. Also, some models you can flash other carriers FW on them, some you can't. And if you buy some models with for some carriers, you can unlock the BL then move it to ATT or whatever service you are using. Like i said, IDK about all of that so that will take some reading and investigating on your part.
I also don't know about lightflow, but basically once you have root, all rooted apps should be able to do what they do. I personally know of nothing that requires an unlocked BL to work (besides flashing roms, kernals, radios, or other stuff). Just root. I'm assuming lightflow is like any other app that requires root. Don't believe any app should ever be changing anything to your bootloader (besides exploits that come in the form of an app).
I'm on a lock BL fyi. Had the money for the dev but once root came out for the phone, I decided to go with subsidized. All I wanted was root. And it seems kitkat will have a root exploit made by jcase so im not worried about the future either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, it just occurred to me I wouldn't need lightflow on the MotoX, it doesn't have a notification light
Either way, even if I do have an unlocked BL, flashing AOSP is out of the question as I wouldnt want to miss out on Active Notifs and always listening G Now. Stock ROM with a few tweaks is all I need.
Under ideal situations (read global release of perhaps the best android phone to date), I wouldn't be in this predicament.
jayboyyyy said:
Im on a lock BL fyi. Had the money for the dev but once root came out for the phone, I decided to go with subsidized. All I wanted was root. And it seems kitkat will have a root exploit made by jcase so im not worried about the future either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
May I take the liberty of asking which phones have you used before? I have read a few threads and the general consensus is that this phone is smoother than the 'so-called' flagships like the GS4 and the One. Would you happen to agree? As I said before, I just need a phone that works without lag. I am not a heavy user by any means. Texting, whatsapp and a few occasional games like the Clash of Clans. The GPU is quite capable from what I have heard
anirudh412 said:
May I take the liberty of asking which phones have you used before? I have read a few threads and the general consensus is that this phone is smoother than the 'so-called' flagships like the GS4 and the One. Would you happen to agree? As I said before, I just need a phone that works without lag. I am not a heavy user by any means. Texting, whatsapp and a few occasional games like the Clash of Clans. The GPU is quite capable from what I have heard
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ya the phone is just as quick if not quicker than those flagship phones. while its hardware is not "superior" the code behind everything and the processors set up how they are make it just as snappy as those other phones. I never owned either of the two you described but I have played with them all for enough time. You won't be disappointed with the phone at all. A lot of people think it is the best android phone generally that has been released. I;'m in that boat. Closes equivalent to an apple product (flow , feel, etc) that I have used. Those other phones are great as well. Id go htc one over sg4. I was about to buy those phones but then held out to see when/if the moto x was going to be released. Glad I did. went with this phone over those. The size of the phone is perfect for me. I don't like huge screens that barely fit in my pcoket. Battery life is solid (i dont use this things for 6 hours a day like others, not sure how they generate an income ha). the features are amazing and change how you use your phone. Truely the first phone I have seen that released some cool features that were extremely useful and not just eye candy. Google backing moto is a big plus too, you know that if anyone is going to get good treatment, it will at least have to be moto. take the plunge, no chance you will regret it.
jayboyyyy said:
ya the phone is just as quick if not quicker than those flagship phones. while its hardware is not "superior" the code behind everything and the processors set up how they are make it just as snappy as those other phones. I never owned either of the two you described but I have played with them all for enough time. You won't be disappointed with the phone at all. A lot of people think it is the best android phone generally that has been released. I;'m in that boat. Closes equivalent to an apple product (flow , feel, etc) that I have used. Those other phones are great as well. Id go htc one over sg4. I was about to buy those phones but then held out to see when/if the moto x was going to be released. Glad I did. went with this phone over those. The size of the phone is perfect for me. I don't like huge screens that barely fit in my pcoket. Battery life is solid (i dont use this things for 6 hours a day like others, not sure how they generate an income ha). the features are amazing and change how you use your phone. Truely the first phone I have seen that released some cool features that were extremely useful and not just eye candy. Google backing moto is a big plus too, you know that if anyone is going to get good treatment, it will at least have to be moto. take the plunge, no chance you will regret it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for taking the time to help me out. Moto X, here I come :highfive:

[Q] Third party roms? CM, AOKP, Slim, etc?

Hello all,
I am looking to pick up a Moto X (xt1095) to replace my xt1053. I am a little dismayed however at the lack of availability of roms for the device.
I am used to having CM or Slim or at least gravitybox running, and it looks like none of these are working yet for this phone. Is this simply because of the recent release of Lollipop and the scarcity of the Moto X or is there some underlying problem?
Basically, is there hope for the future?
Probably has more to do with most devs not touching Moto because of how developer hostile they were years ago. Also I suspect most are waiting to see if the Lenovo takeover pushes moto into a more "old moto" stance on devs again.
I was wondering the same, the phone has so much potential, why no development at all?
Thanks for the responses. I was hoping I suppose to at least see CM and some other mainstream developers already onboard, but I guess it's just because 3rd party devs haven't built around lollipop yet.
Same problem with Xposed.
Pan Skrzetuski said:
Hello all,
I am looking to pick up a Moto X (xt1095) to replace my xt1053. I am a little dismayed however at the lack of availability of roms for the device.
I am used to having CM or Slim or at least gravitybox running, and it looks like none of these are working yet for this phone. Is this simply because of the recent release of Lollipop and the scarcity of the Moto X or is there some underlying problem?
Basically, is there hope for the future?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chris123NT said:
Probably has more to do with most devs not touching Moto because of how developer hostile they were years ago. Also I suspect most are waiting to see if the Lenovo takeover pushes moto into a more "old moto" stance on devs again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a short thread in the General section with a developer looking for some files so he can start to build CM11 and 12. Several days old.
I got my pure edition on the way, and I also noticed the lack of ROMs. - I currently have an N5, my girlfriend really likes it so I'm going to give it to her for Christmas, was not really looking to upgrade, but oh well.
I really do hope the scene for this phone picks up a bit, otherwise I might just sell it and go back to N5... Unless the phone is so amazing that it will keep me from the ROM scene, but I don't know... I'm a flashaholic.
On the same subject - My friend got the same phone, but he mentioned needing to contact Motorola to get a bootloader unlock code so he could root it, is that a necessary step, or can that be avoided?
I understand the above step voids warranty, could also be why people are staying away from cooking ROMs for this.
Shemploo said:
I got my pure edition on the way, and I also noticed the lack of ROMs. - I currently have an N5, my girlfriend really likes it so I'm going to give it to her for Christmas, was not really looking to upgrade, but oh well.
I really do hope the scene for this phone picks up a bit, otherwise I might just sell it and go back to N5... Unless the phone is so amazing that it will keep me from the ROM scene, but I don't know... I'm a flashaholic.
On the same subject - My friend got the same phone, but he mentioned needing to contact Motorola to get a bootloader unlock code so he could root it, is that a necessary step, or can that be avoided?
I understand the above step voids warranty, could also be why people are staying away from cooking ROMs for this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You just have to go to their website( https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/unlock-your-device-a ) and follow their instructions to unlock their phone.. Contacting them is not necessary. Voiding the warranty has been the case for multiple phones, however it hasn't stopped devs before.. Doubt that is the case
I bought the pure edition yesterday, I did my research and figured it would be better than a nexus 6 (way to big for me) and bought it. I assumed there was plenty of Dev work, I mean its a near stock phone and will likely outsell the nexus 6, but there's not even an official build of CM!!! Even the gnex is getting cm12. I just don't understand it. Z
IRX120 said:
I bought the pure edition yesterday, I did my research and figured it would be better than a nexus 6 (way to big for me) and bought it. I assumed there was plenty of Dev work, I mean its a near stock phone and will likely outsell the nexus 6, but there's not even an official build of CM!!! Even the gnex is getting cm12. I just don't understand it. Z
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's funny cause CM is my least favorite of ROMs, they always seem to break things when they make changes, and ROMs based on CM are always left in the dark trying to catch up, fix whatever broke as result.
If there's not much being developed for this, I suppose I'd probably go back to 4.4 and work around it with xposed.
I think more development will come in time but I think most are waiting for stable 5.0 first. I look forward to gravitybox but personally I have never been as happy on any rom as I am AOSP(ish) and don't see the need with a phone like this to install any roms. It was more necessary back "in the day" to get rid of crapware and overbloated UI's (*cough* Touchwiz *cough*). Phones like the Nexus series, GPE editions, and the Moto X's have made me personally re-evaluate my interest in full ROM's.
If you guys were around when the original Moto x came out, then you'd remember that it also had a lack of roms and dev action when it launched... However now it's getting cm 12 like no one's business... I think it's just a matter of time before the roms start rolling in

Verizon developer edition on 5.1?

I've had a nexus 6 for a while, but it started acting up and I -really- missed my moto x. Unfortunately, I had accidentally let it OTA back in to locked bootloader land some time when I was messing with it over the last couple years.
I just bought a dev edition and to my surprise, it wouldn't OTA to 5.1, and stopped at like 4.4. I've searched and searched, but can't seem to find out if it's even possible to have 5.1 on this device.
I really want to use android auto, and that requires at least lollipop
I could try another ROM, but honestly these days stock roms are a lot smoother than they used to be and I know everything I need will work.
Can verizon dev editions get 5.1?
Out of the custom ROMs, are any well vetted enough that things like VoLTE and wifi android auto will "just work"?
Thanks XDA!
AFIK VoLTE is not supported on Moto X and Yes lollipop is available on Verizon version.
Just look at stock image on ROM section and they have Verizon firmware
I'm running 5.1 on my Verizon XT1060. Latest "official" image posted from Motorola is all the way back at 4.4.2. I use it combined with xposed and gravitybox. Still use the XT1060 as my daily phone. Waiting for something in the same size, quality, and better performance to arrive... but I think we're out of luck; phablets are all the rage.

P20 Pro - stock Android, root, where to start?

I went from a rooted Nexus 6P to a P20 Pro a few months ago. While I like the hardware, love the camera, I am not a fan of the EMUI Android OS skin, or the lack of root. I specifically prefer the GApps over the Huawei ecosystem of apps that comes pre-installed.
I would like to install a 'stock' Android ROM, similar to my old Nexus 6P, including root. However, I am a bit overwhelmed by all the options available, required steps to get there and the issues people seem to be having. Especially compared to my old Nexus 6P where unlocking and rooting were a breeze.
Note that I am not that experienced with rooting and custom android roms, but I got around my Nexus 6P and guides pretty well.
Could you please point me in the direction what steps I need to take in my situation?
I reckon I first need to unlock my bootloader. I saw some retailers starting to offer these again. Will keep a close eye on those developments!
What ROM should I go for that best reflects the 'stock' Android experience with as few customizations as possible? I figured LineageOS or CypherOS are the most popular and well maintained roms.
I always updated my P20 Pro to the latest version whenever it came out. Is that an issue and/or should I downgrade first?
Can I get the same camera experience on the custom 'stock' Android ROMs? The one thing I like about the Huawei software is the camera that fully uses the 3 hardware lenses.
How is the device updated after installing a custom ROM. Does it support OTAs? On my Nexus 6P I had to manually flash the monthly updates which got quite annoying.
Any other tips, risks or things I should know before starting?
Thanks for helping me out!
Anyone got any tips? Looks like the keys to unlock bootloader are available again, albeit at a higher cost. Would like to start experimenting!
I'm also on that quest to @chillzilla. No one has responded a couple of videos online especially the tutorial for the lineage OS.
Got my code off FH last Friday and unlocked the bootloader.
Since then, I have been trying to work out how to root it and then rebrand it.
Not found anything concrete to work from yet, a lot of guides are old.
I heard about open kirin and I think it's could be the best usage right now, about the camera you can install the apk file of the real rom it's works like a charm. Fill free to take a look I created a poll about the best rom that we can use and see the options and choose what you want to like.
Happy hacking

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