Going from 4.4(Not 4.4.4) to 5.1 - Moto X Q&A

Hey guys. I haven't updated my phone since 4.4 (Not 4.4.4) because I've done all kinds of tweaks & added xposed & such. I've been really happy with my phone, so I purposely disabled OTA updates.
Well, after all these years it's time for me to wipe & start over. I'd like to keep it official because I need rock-solid stability.(I only restart my phone once or twice a month currently) so that means OTA 5.1. What path should I take to do this without bricking? I'll be manually copying stuff I want to retain, so I don't need to keep data or anything like that. I don't care about wave-to-wake because I've never had that "feature". I usually do all my de-bloating & tweaking manually, so I just want plain-jane OTA reliability as a start.
XT1060, Verizon, Developer Edition. Unlocked bootloader & currently rooted. Will I be able to root 5.1 via the normal methods once I'm on 5.1? I usually use minimal adb/fastboot to do this stuff, but I'm not opposed to using one of the various "tools/1-click/all-in-one". I just want a clean start.

I think you could use a full image instead of an OTA. Request access here and then wait a day or two: https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/recovery-images
Or find them mirrored elsewhere.

Related

[Q] Setting up and rooting a new Verizon Moto X DE

Hello all,
Hopefully this is not considered a useless post and is deleted! I have previously owned the OG Droid and GNex, both rooted and have run custom ROMs so, I am not a COMPLETE noob, but I'm also not an expert.
In any event, I purchased a Verizon DE phone so I could easily unlock and root. I have yet to even activate it, so it is FRESH! It has come with 4.2.2, 139.10.53-ghost, which seems like the original image. I want to upgrade this ONLY to the point of still being able to run my standard tethering app (which I am not sure which 4.4 upgrade breaks this functionality), and root. I also want to be able to run custom ROMs if desired.
I am also confused by whether or not there is a potential downgrade "bricking" of the device. There are threads out there which seem like it can be done, (see http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/ref-how-to-root-4-4-links-guides-t2603358), and many other threads that say that regardless of being a DE, it cannot be downgraded. If someone can clarify this for me, that would be great.
Three other questions at this point. One, the thread referenced above discussed using TWRP or CWM for recovery. I have only used CWM in the past. Are there pros and cons to either one? Seems like most everyone uses TWRP for the Moto X.
Two, are there ROMs for the Moto X that have all of the rooted functionality of 4.4.2, with none of the drawbacks of stock, rooted 4.4.2? Would I be better off using one of those?
Finally, will I be able to prevent OTA notifications if I stay with stock, rooted, and upgrade only to certain point?
Sorry for all the questions, and yes, I have been searching and reading, but I have not found enough clear information to feel comfortable not asking directly.
Thank you all in ADVANCE!
There are currently 4 Moto or Stock ROMs for the Verizon Moto X XT1060
139.10.53 = Initial Shipping 4.2.2
139.15.1 = 4.2.2 w/camera update or 1st OTA
140.45.5 = 4.4 or 2nd OTA
164.55.2 = 4.4.2 or 3rd OTA.
The Developer Edition, once the bootloader is unlocked, can be rooted no matter what Moto ROM is on your phone.
Due to changes in parts that are included with 4.4.2, under certain circumstances when trying to downgrade from 4.4.2 to 4.4 or lower, you could either brick your phone, or set it up to brick in the future when you take an upgrade. So it is suggested you just stick with what is on your phone once you get on 4.4.2. Besides, you wont need to downgrade to gain root once you unlock your bootloader.
If you haven't had 4.4.2 on your phone yet, you are perfectly welcome to upgrade from 4.2.2 to 4.4, then downgrade to 4.2 w/camera update (4.2.2 with camera update is Blur_Version.139.15.1.ghost_verizon.Verizon.en.US aka VZW_XT1060_4.2.2-13.9.0Q2.X-116-MX-17-57-X-1_CFC_1FF.xml). which is pretty much what the "Downgrading the bootloader" section of -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/ref-how-to-root-4-4-links-guides-t2603358 says.
Why worry about downgrading? Well, Locked bootloader users needed to downgrade to take advantage of an exploit in the older rom to gain root and disable write protection. This is not needed on the Dev Edition once the bootloader is unlocked.
As for custom roms, or 3rd party roms. Once your bootloader is unlocked you can flash them.
As for tethering. If you stick on a Stock Moto ROM, On 4.2.2 I used the Wifi Tether for Root from the Play Store.
For 4.4 and 4.4.2 I Use the wifi_tether_v3_4-experimental1.apk from https://code.google.com/p/android-wifi-tether/
change device profile to galaxy nexus (cdma/lte)
check box: wifi-driver reload
check box: enabled routing fix
If you have troubles, its also suggested to...
check box: wifi-driver reload 2
Doing this, I can set the SSID and WPA key. And it doesn't touch any system files or anything, so it is one less thing to get in the way of taking future OTA updates.
Oh, and the Dev Edition XT1060 and the retail/motomaker XT1060 use the same roms, radios, etc.
To root the dev edition see -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/moto-x-qa/instructions-unlocking-rooting-dev-ed-t2649738
KidJoe said:
If you haven't had 4.4.2 on your phone yet, you are perfectly welcome to upgrade from 4.2.2 to 4.4, then downgrade to 4.2 w/camera update (4.2.2 with camera update is Blur_Version.139.15.1.ghost_verizon.Verizon.en.US aka VZW_XT1060_4.2.2-13.9.0Q2.X-116-MX-17-57-X-1_CFC_1FF.xml). which is pretty much what the "Downgrading the bootloader" section of -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/ref-how-to-root-4-4-links-guides-t2603358 says.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks KidJoe! So I gather there would really not be a reason to downgrade a DE device anyway, since you can root it regardless of what stock ROM you are running. And since there are ways to wifi tether on 4.4.2, that is a non-issue.
I am still a bit confused regarding your quote above about the "upgrade from 4.2.2 to 4.4, then downgrade to 4.2 w/camera update..." Do you have to follow that path to get to 4.2 w/camera update, or can you just flash that ROM (139.15.1) once unlocked?
I currently use FoxFi on my GNex (paid for it!) and was hoping to use on Moto X. That's really why I didn't want to upgrade too far. Not sure that it works on it though.
Thanks again!
amajamar said:
I am still a bit confused regarding your quote above about the "upgrade from 4.2.2 to 4.4, then downgrade to 4.2 w/camera update..." Do you have to follow that path to get to 4.2 w/camera update, or can you just flash that ROM (139.15.1) once unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Was just saying that if you never had 4.4.2 on your phone, wanted to upgrade to 4.4, and later wanted to go back to 4.2.2 w/camera, you could.
amajamar said:
I currently use FoxFi on my GNex (paid for it!) and was hoping to use on Moto X. That's really why I didn't want to upgrade too far. Not sure that it works on it though.
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, FoxFi still doesn't work on 4.4.2 on the X even when rooted. I don't recall if it works on 4.4. But I never used it.
If you have a DE there is absolutely no reason to downgrade. Ever. If you want to be able to tether here's the easiest way to do it.
Activate your phone.
Take all the updates.
Go to this site: https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/unlock-your-device-a
Follow those directions to a "T". Once that's done, download Xposed Framework, then download MotoTether.
The only time you'll need to worry about being rooted is if you delete bloatware and go to take the next OTA. You'll either need to reinstall all the apps you deleted manually or go to Motorola and request the factory image to reflash it.
The Tallest said:
If you have a DE there is absolutely no reason to downgrade. Ever. If you want to be able to tether here's the easiest way to do it.
Activate your phone.
Take all the updates.
Go to this site:
Follow those directions to a "T". Once that's done, download Xposed Framework, then download MotoTether.
The only time you'll need to worry about being rooted is if you delete bloatware and go to take the next OTA. You'll either need to reinstall all the apps you deleted manually or go to Motorola and request the factory image to reflash it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I should take the updates BEFORE unlocking? I was assuming it was the other way around. OK. Regarding "bloatware", if you just "freeze" it, does that prevent future OTAs? If you attempt to take an OTA with those apps either frozen or deleted, will you be risking bricking?
amajamar said:
So I should take the updates BEFORE unlocking? I was assuming it was the other way around. OK. Regarding "bloatware", if you just "freeze" it, does that prevent future OTAs? If you attempt to take an OTA with those apps either frozen or deleted, will you be risking bricking?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rather than retyping.. please see -> http://mark.cdmaforums.com/MotoX-Unlock1.htm
while written due to the 3rd party supplier of bootloader unlock codes, the info applies equally to Dev Edition phones (other than the source of your unlock code)
The Tallest said:
If you have a DE there is absolutely no reason to downgrade. Ever. If you want to be able to tether here's the easiest way to do it.
Activate your phone.
Take all the updates.
Go to this site: https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/unlock-your-device-a
Follow those directions to a "T". Once that's done, download Xposed Framework, then download MotoTether.
The only time you'll need to worry about being rooted is if you delete bloatware and go to take the next OTA. You'll either need to reinstall all the apps you deleted manually or go to Motorola and request the factory image to reflash it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I whole-heartedly agree with everything written in this post. You also have to make sure you are on stock recovery if you want to take an OTA. There are plenty of guides around here about taking an OTA, so just make sure you read some of those before you accept an OTA.
I have a suggestion for the OP:
1 - take all the updates on the phone. This will update the radios, boot loader; recovery, and the main ROM (system).
(The boot loader can not be downgraded, but as mentioned above, there really isn't any reason why you would want to try and downgrade your bootloader because you have a DE device)
2 - unlock the bootloader. you can google the steps in the process. Basically you get the unlock key from Motorola. The toughest part of the process is getting the fastboot and device drivers set up properly on your computer. This step will all of the userdata (pictures, apps etc.)
3 - use Fastboot to flash a custom recovery (I use TWRP ver 2.7). then boot into TWRP recovery w/o rebooting. Note that the volume down button is used in the bootloader to highlight your desired option, then volume up is used to select the option. When you are in TWRP and then exit, I believe it will prompt you to install the superuser binaries, which you will want to do.
At this point you can choose do flash a custom 4.4.2 ROM from the Dev section here (the Krypton rom is very good), or you can run stock w/ root. If you choose stock, I recommend the following steps for wifi and customization:
4 - boot up device normally and set it up. you will have be on the stock 4.4.2 rom with root.
5 - install Xposed from here on XDA.
6 then install the xposed module from the moto x apps section (it may also be available to download from within xposed) that enables wifi tethering. This will allow you to use the built in tethering without subscription issues.
7 - install the GravityBox xposed module (you can download this from within Xposed). This allows many of the customizations that you would normally find only in a custom rom (custom quicksettings, reboot options etc).
8 - install rootcloak module for xposed (download within xposed). This will let you run Isis or other apps that don't like root (it comes preconfigured for many apps).
jasoraso said:
I have a suggestion for the OP:
1 - take all the updates on the phone. This will update the radios, boot loader; recovery, and the main ROM (system).
(The boot loader can not be downgraded, but as mentioned above, there really isn't any reason why you would want to try and downgrade your bootloader because you have a DE device)
2 - unlock the bootloader. you can google the steps in the process. Basically you get the unlock key from Motorola. The toughest part of the process is getting the fastboot and device drivers set up properly on your computer. This step will all of the userdata (pictures, apps etc.)
3 - use Fastboot to flash a custom recovery (I use TWRP ver 2.7). then boot into TWRP recovery w/o rebooting. Note that the volume down button is used in the bootloader to highlight your desired option, then volume up is used to select the option. When you are in TWRP and then exit, I believe it will prompt you to install the superuser binaries, which you will want to do.
At this point you can choose do flash a custom 4.4.2 ROM from the Dev section here (the Krypton rom is very good), or you can run stock w/ root. If you choose stock, I recommend the following steps for wifi and customization:
4 - boot up device normally and set it up. you will have be on the stock 4.4.2 rom with root.
5 - install Xposed from here on XDA.
6 then install the xposed module from the moto x apps section (it may also be available to download from within xposed) that enables wifi tethering. This will allow you to use the built in tethering without subscription issues.
7 - install the GravityBox xposed module (you can download this from within Xposed). This allows many of the customizations that you would normally find only in a custom rom (custom quicksettings, reboot options etc).
8 - install rootcloak module for xposed (download within xposed). This will let you run Isis or other apps that don't like root (it comes preconfigured for many apps).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After reading the link Kidjoe supplied earlier (That was a FANTASTIC, MUST READ reference for noobs who want to understand the complexities of the Moto X), I may stay off KitKat, as I am not a fan of the white icons in the notification bar, however I do think this is the route (root??) I will take.

[Q] ATT Moto X, rooting and Long Term Effects

My Moto X is still on 4.4.2, and I've removed Write protection with MotoWpNoMo. Back then I had read somewhere that you would no longer be able to upgrade because of the application of MotoWpNoMo. I haven't been able to find where I read that so is that still true? Can I upgrade to 4.4.4 or even L when it is released?
Also I have notice that my battery no longer will last the full day that was boosted when the Moto was first Launched. I run apps like tasker and xposed framework. I have been trying to track down what could because my battery to lasting only half the time. What apps could I use to get a better picture of my battery situation?
I've also considered ditching the stock from and touchless controls since it seems like I use it less and less each day. I know there is a way to load Rom with safestrap bur I know nothing about it. Could someone link me to some good info about how it works and how to prevent messing up this wonderful phone?
The MotoWpNoMo and SlapMyMoto vulnerabilities were patched in 4.4.2, so if you updated to 4.4.2 on a locked bootloader you lost what MotoWpNoMo gave you and write protection is enabled on your phone. But you might have kept root.
The OTA's do a pre-flash verification check. Things like Xposed, patches, hacks, modifications, etc. can/will get in the way of that, preventing the update from installing.
Also, the OTAs on the X are incremental. So if you want 4.4.4, you'll have to be on 4.4.2. If you want L, you'll have to be on 4.4.4.
If you really want future updates, you have to weigh how important Rooting, even partial or temp root is. (Temp root means you have root until you power off/on your phone. It still doesn't disable write protection so you can't create files in /system and other folders, and any changes made would be lost at power off/on)
Since you can not unlock your bootloader (unless the China Middleman can come through for you, see the thread in the general section), you can't even temp root 4.4.4, and likely wont be able to L.
If rooting in the future doesn't bother you, the quickest way to get back on the OTA path, undoing any changes you might have made, is to use RSDLite and re-flash the firmware which is currently on your phone (NEVER ATTEMPT TO DOWNGRADE or use an older ROM version!! or you risk bricking your phone!)
As for battery... it could be an app, like some of the recent google or moto app updates that have come down recently. It could also be the battery in your phone degrading. There is a thread on battery life with many good tips. And you could try running your phone until it shuts off, then charging via wall charger until 30 min after it says 100% a couple of times in a row to reset the battery's "electronic battery gauge".
As for safestrap, I don't use it since I have a Dev Edition and unlocked my bootloader. There are some threads and discussions over on Rootzwiki.com BUT you will need to be rooted with write protection disabled to use SafeStrap... Since you are now on 4.4.2, you can't disable write protection, so safestrap is out.

[Q] Unlocked 4.4.2 worth upgrading to 4.4.4?

So I've recently unlocked the bootloader thanks to SunShine. I previously froze the Moto updater app in Titanium so as not to continually receive prompts to upgrade. Since I'm not unlocked, rooted and have TWRP running.. Would it be worth my time to upgrade to 4.4.4?
1. What are the benefits or drawbacks of upgrading or is it so minor I'm barely going to notice a difference?
2. I don't want to screw anything up. I want my Xposed apps and everything I have now running great.
3. If I do upgrade is it difficult to re-root (assuming I will indeed lose root) or is it as simple as reinstalling SuperSU?
4. Is "okay Google Now" any faster? I'd use it more if it wasn't so incredibly slow.
5. I assume there will be no data wipe if I upgrade, correct?
6. Is it even worth it to upgrade? Better cell service? Faster or slower os?
Side Question: Can anybody recommend good WiFi Hotspot app now that I'm unlocked and rooted?
Sent from my Moto X
You can upgrade and flash custom recovery and root on any Android version now.
Will 4.4.4 change much? No. But there's no reason not to. You may need it for future X feature updates perhaps. Not sure.
Supposedly 4.4.4 lowered Android O/S battery usage, though my wifes 4.4.2 is fine... So again, up to you.
I don't see how updating will hurt anyway. But... Once you do, there's no going back.
Also on 4.4.2 AT&T unlocked through Chinese, have been planning to update to 4.4.4 now that it's rolled out to AT&T, mostly to see if the supposed camera improvements are better, and though I don't use the video recorder, I like that they added the pause (I was surprised when I couldn't find it)
I believe I just need to uninstall xposed, unfreeze any system apps, flash stock recovery, take the update, and reinstall TWRP

[Q] Should I Install OTA update?

Hi, First off, I'm super rusty in the custom rom and kernell scene so explain things as easily as you can please.
Now, I have a moto x XT1053, the unlocked variant that they sold on the moto website that came with a net10 chip.
The thing is that I obviously unlocked the bootloader and installed the TWRP recovery. I have (almost) stock android and by that I mean stock with Xposed. I want to know if any of you guys could point me in the right direction, I mean, do I install the OTA update or do I return my phone to stock, and if it's the later, How do I return my phone to stock to do a proper OTA update?
Thanks in advance!
I have the same phone and was in pretty much your situation, including being rusty in flashing roms, kernels and such. I went with the OTA and am very glad I did. My subjective impression is that it's faster and at least as stable.
I thought my phone was close-to-stock, as I had removed some stuff (Xposed, notably) a while back to receive the 4.4.2 OTA. But the new Lollipop OTA wouldn't install, so I took the bull by the horns and flashed stock system.img that I got from Motorola's official firmware repository. I had to request access, and it took about 12 hours for that to come through.
After I downloaded the firmware zip file, I unpacked it and located the system.img file. Search on Google or this forum for the way to flash an img file to your phone, if you've forgotten (as I had). When I have time later today, I'll try to post a link to some clear instructions. I don't want to try to tell you from memory, as this is something I do about once or twice year since I got a Moto X (I tinkered a *whole* lot more when I had an HTC Sensation, but I've decided that if I want to keep my wife, I'd better stop playing with my mobile phone.)
I did this at the advice of a Motorola technician, who said the "most definitive way to return to unroot" was to flash stock system.img for 4.4.4. (I was part of last week's U.S. soak test, so Moto techs were handling questions from people like me who were wrestling with the OTA.)
I had worried that I might lose apps and data by flashing system.img, but I didn't lose a thing. I *did*, though, lose root, and I haven't re-rooted yet. Before I root, I'm waiting for the stock Lollipop 5.1 firmware to be made available on the Motorola repository so that I can have a backup of stock recovery.img.
Meanwhile, I'm enjoying Lollipop, which is like having a new phone.
varxx said:
I have the same phone and was in pretty much your situation, including being rusty in flashing roms, kernels and such. I went with the OTA and am very glad I did. My subjective impression is that it's faster and at least as stable.
I thought my phone was close-to-stock, as I had removed some stuff (Xposed, notably) a while back to receive the 4.4.2 OTA. But the new Lollipop OTA wouldn't install, so I took the bull by the horns and flashed stock system.img that I got from Motorola's official firmware repository. I had to request access, and it took about 12 hours for that to come through.
After I downloaded the firmware zip file, I unpacked it and located the system.img file. Search on Google or this forum for the way to flash an img file to your phone, if you've forgotten (as I had). When I have time later today, I'll try to post a link to some clear instructions. I don't want to try to tell you from memory, as this is something I do about once or twice year since I got a Moto X (I tinkered a *whole* lot more when I had an HTC Sensation, but I've decided that if I want to keep my wife, I'd better stop playing with my mobile phone.)
I did this at the advice of a Motorola technician, who said the "most definitive way to return to unroot" was to flash stock system.img for 4.4.4. (I was part of last week's U.S. soak test, so Moto techs were handling questions from people like me who were wrestling with the OTA.)
I had worried that I might lose apps and data by flashing system.img, but I didn't lose a thing. I *did*, though, lose root, and I haven't re-rooted yet. Before I root, I'm waiting for the stock Lollipop 5.1 firmware to be made available on the Motorola repository so that I can have a backup of stock recovery.img.
Meanwhile, I'm enjoying Lollipop, which is like having a new phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, should I:
Delete GravityBox and Xposed
Install the .img file found within the zip for the Moto X dev Edition
Then I'll be able to install the OTA withouth losing data?
mundofeliz said:
So, should I:
Delete GravityBox and Xposed
Install the .img file found within the zip for the Moto X dev Edition
Then I'll be able to install the OTA withouth losing data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The sequence you describe worked for me, assuming "deleting" GravityBox and Xposed is the preferred way of removing them. I can't remember.
The .img file to flash is system.img. You need to know how to get to fast boot/bootloader mode and perform the flash, of course.
If your experience is like mine, after receiving and installing the OTA, you'll have Lollipop without having lost any apps or data.
But you may want to wait for someone whose more up on this procedure to weigh in. When I updated, I proceeded as if I might lose all my apps and data, so I was pleasantly surprised.
BTW, I've since re-rooted, and I haven't had any problems. It's reassuring that the 5.1 ROM image is now available officially from Moto and elsewhere (info courtesy of dtg7: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61800775&postcount=11).
I'll do a Nandroid just in case. I'll do the steps above too, since all I've done is unlock bootloader, root and xposed I think this'll work for me. Kinda did only that originally for that reason but that was sooooo long ago. And also because the Moto X is such an amazing phone to begin with, I never saw the need to install other roms. Did you flash just the system.img, the recovery.img or both? I requested the firmware from moto and they approved but in the meantime I also downloaded the original too from filefactory, the exact same firmware I'm running (without modifications I mean.
mundofeliz said:
I'll do a Nandroid just in case. I'll do the steps above too, since all I've done is unlock bootloader, root and xposed I think this'll work for me. Kinda did only that originally for that reason but that was sooooo long ago. And also because the Moto X is such an amazing phone to begin with, I never saw the need to install other roms. Did you flash just the system.img, the recovery.img or both? I requested the firmware from moto and they approved but in the meantime I also downloaded the original too from filefactory, the exact same firmware I'm running (without modifications I mean.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IIRC, you'll need to do the Nandroid backup before you unroot, right?
I just flashed system.img. Won't that effectively restore the stock recovery? EDIT: According to the readme.txt file bundled in the stock ROM's zip file, recovery.img is flashed separately from system.img, so system.img will *not* restore the stock recovery.
I always feel safer running official firmware from Moto. For one thing, the labeling on the Moto dl site is very explicit, so you know exactly what you're getting.
I agree that the Moto X is a cool enough phone with a stock ROM that there's little need for custom ROMs. I was a flash-aholic when I had an HTC Sensation. But the Moto X pretty much has everything I need. Under KitKat, I did use XPosed to kill the Google search box, but otherwise I've been happy with the stock ROMs.
Oh, and I usually eventually run a custom recovery (TWRP) so I'll have more boot options. But I don't see that as essential now. I find I'm actually using my phone more than tweaking it, which is a change from previous phones.

XT1060 Downgrade from Lollipop to Kitkat

Been on lollipop for a bit now and I'm just not digging it. I don't like the double slide-down on the status bar, don't like that gravitybox doesn't seem to work well, I keep getting random reboots, and as far as I can tell, removable media doesn't seem to be working.
I've got a Verizon XT1060 developer edition and I'm unlocked. Upgraded from kitkat via OTA updates but did a factory reset of everything first, took the few small OTAs, then to lollipop.
I've been reading around about downgrading but it seems the majority of the posts with the danger danger notes are either for people who've been flashing stuff that wasn't officially for their phone, don't have developer edition devices, have root but don't want to lose it, etc.
What's the skinny on going back to the latest official kitkat version with a fully unlocked, XT1060? Can I just go grab the 4.4.4 image files from Motorola and flash ALL of them? Or do I need to skip flashing a couple files in there?
Kinda pissed that this update isn't going well. I suppose there's a chance I need to flash the stock files once Motorola posts them that'd help but that'll be a while and it's not going to change gravitybox support and the features I'm not digging.
Mike

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