Android Phone Users!

[Shadow12ogue]

What kind of Android phone do you have? Have you rooted your phone? Are you having any technical difficulties? Let me know, I'm curious...LIKE A CAT! Plus I happen to enjoy tinkering with phones and wouldn't mind helping you, I'm always reading up on them and studying them. Well Android phones that is, if you have an iPhone there is a bonfire in the corner for you to go be trendy in. lol

[yuppie11975]

Did you just put a "lol" at the end of your own joke? Anywhore, I have an android! I've had two phones replaced because they were restarting every time they were turned on. I presume this was due to my sim card though, because I used to the one from my old phone. It's strange that the same thing would happen twice. For some reason, my third android is working alright, I don't use it much thoughl What does rooted mean? I presume it's not... you know?

[Shadow12ogue]

What kind of Android do you have? Rooted means taking off the standard Operating System (Gingerbread, Froyo, or another) and flashing a custom ROM on it. Custom ROMs allow you to overclock your CPU/Processor, to do things that normally wouldn't be allowed or able to do. Removing apps that are installed by carriers that have no purpose, aren't used, or are a form of spyware (Yes they do put spyware on your phone). Example of doing things you wouldn't be able to Normally do: I shouldn't be able to have my phone be a WIFI hotspot for other devices, not with out paying for it. I don't pay for it, nor will I ever because I feel that Tmo infringed on my privacy by putting an IP logger/GPS locator/Keylogger on my phone with out my permission. Android phones are based off of Linux which is an Open Source Operating System (you can customize EVERY feature on your computer, down to how it runs, what it looks like when it boots/shutsdown).

[yuppie11975]

When you talk about the wifi, you mean I could run my wifi through android towers? (Not neccesary, I have great wifi, and normally use it for my phone anyway, but just curious, it could work like that? I imagine it would be pretty slow? (Android internet sucks)

[khh]

I've got an Motorola Milestone (the European version of the Motorola Droid) with android 2.2.1 . I have rooted it, but I run the stock rom. Motorola haven't modified android it in any way, except installing a custom app to control the audio, so there's no reason to change it. Also, the milestone has a locked boot-loader and it's a hassle. I haven't experienced any technical difficulties other than it rebooting for no apparent reason a few times. Excepting, of course, all the time I've done something stupid with my root-powers and changed important files. But I've always managed to fix it again. What kind of Android do you have? Rooted means taking off the standard Operating System (Gingerbread, Froyo, or another) and flashing a custom ROM on it. Custom ROMs allow you to overclock your CPU/Processor, to do things that normally wouldn't be allowed or able to do. Removing apps that are installed by carriers that have no purpose, aren't used, or are a form of spyware (Yes they do put spyware on your phone). Example of doing things you wouldn't be able to Normally do: I shouldn't be able to have my phone be a WIFI hotspot for other devices, not with out paying for it. I don't pay for it, nor will I ever because I feel that Tmo infringed on my privacy by putting an IP logger/GPS locator/Keylogger on my phone with out my permission. Android phones are based off of Linux which is an Open Source Operating System (you can customize EVERY feature on your computer, down to how it runs, what it looks like when it boots/shutsdown).

[Shadow12ogue]

When you talk about the wifi, you mean I could run my wifi through android towers? (Not neccesary, I have great wifi, and normally use it for my phone anyway, but just curious, it could work like that? I imagine it would be pretty slow? (Android internet sucks) Yea, pretty much. If you have WIFI hotspot, you enable your phone to use it's Network towers/signal and to broadcast it much like a wireless router/modem would. And yea, I typically stay on a WIFI network I have access to, however when I'm away from home or somewhere where a open/unsecured WIFI isn't available, it's nice to be able to just use my phone instead. I've got an Motorola Milestone (the European version of the Motorola Droid) with android 2.2.1 . I have rooted it, but I run the stock rom. Motorola haven't modified android it in any way, except installing a custom app to control the audio, so there's no reason to change it. Also, the milestone has a locked boot-loader and it's a hassle. I haven't experienced any technical difficulties other than it rebooting for no apparent reason a few times. Excepting, of course, all the time I've done something stupid with my root-powers and changed important files. But I've always managed to fix it again. Boot-loader if I'm not mistaken is the boot animation for when the phone powers on? If so it might have some sort of "S-off" feature, I know that's typically what HTC devices use but I could be mistaken. Hahaha, well make sure you always do a Nandback up before tinkering on your phone. There was a moment when I thought I had managed to brick my new phone, I was really worried. It ended up booting up correct after like the hundredth time of doing a battery pull, and now it's running smoothly and flawlessly. Why not run a Custom ROM on your phone? I'm sure there is likely one out there.

[khh]

Boot-loader if I'm not mistaken is the boot animation for when the phone powers on? If so it might have some sort of "S-off" feature, I know that's typically what HTC devices use but I could be mistaken. Hahaha, well make sure you always do a Nandback up before tinkering on your phone. There was a moment when I thought I had managed to brick my new phone, I was really worried. It ended up booting up correct after like the hundredth time of doing a battery pull, and now it's running smoothly and flawlessly. Why not run a Custom ROM on your phone? I'm sure there is likely one out there. No the boot-loader is like the bios on a computer, it's what actually starts booting the OS. Which means I can't install custom roms, or use Nandback, I think (unless I crack it, which is possible but difficult).

[Shadow12ogue]

I haven't had time to look up what it would require to root/crack your phone (sorry) however I can direct you to either XDA or Android Forums, they generally cover every phone there is. I'm still branching about in my local Carrier models, and unfortunately I'm pretty sure here in the states the only carrier that has your phone is Verizon, and I haven't really gotten into them too much. Been sticking to the GSM phones from T-mo and AT&T. I flashed a new ROM to my phone today RebelROM RC1, it's really nice it's using a ice cream sandwich theme so it looks really sleek. I like the nice soft blue colour of the notification bar's icons. I'll post some screen shots once I have some time to put them on my photobucket, and...well...actually i don't think I can post html/url coding just yet anyways :/ lol

[Shadow12ogue]

No the boot-loader is like the bios on a computer, it's what actually starts booting the OS. Which means I can't install custom roms, or use Nandback, I think (unless I crack it, which is possible but difficult). You have the first version of the Milestone? I'm checking out how to root that version... I wouldn't mind helping you! Just want to make sure I know which model I'm working with because there's a lot of different versions. :p

[khh]

You have the first version of the Milestone? I'm checking out how to root that version... I wouldn't mind helping you! Just want to make sure I know which model I'm working with because there's a lot of different versions. :p Yes. It's easy to root, though. just hard to install a custom rom. You don't have to look up how to do it, though, I get by with just root access.

[Shadow12ogue]

Oh, is it just that there isn't many custom ROMś out there for you? Or just that they aren't stable? I almost had my phone meltdown in my hands early sunday. My phone kept getting FC (force closes) the night before so I figured I would just wipe dalvick and regular caches, and I did and nothing got fixed. Then when using Titanium Backup i got a notification my SU binary needed an update, I told it to update (ERROR ERROR ERROR lolz) and thatś when 5H!7 hit the fan. Basically my phone had to be battery pulled and when it first turned on it displayed "RAMDUMP" and I was like "Oh awesome I just bricked my phone...". I spent like an hour trying to get my phone to flash a unstable rom just so I could finangle my way (WITH NO KEYBOARD!!!) all the way to the new stable ROM. I managed to pull it off after waiting for an hour it to DL, and flashed it with no problems.... Huge relief. Moral of the Story: ALWAYS DO A NANDROID BACKUP!!!!

[BlakeE45]

Phone: Droid Razr Maxx Rooted: No. Difficulties: None. I LOVE this phone, as my primary use of my phone is as a mobile hotspot. The 4G LTE gets 40mb/s up and down where I am usually. 12GB data plan to accompy those speeds, because it's needed. For perspective, I burned through 600ish MB today alone.

[Shadow12ogue]

Nice! Sounds really epic BlakeE45, just curious as to why you haven't rooted it? Warranty/Insurance reasons? Idk why...I just feel compelled to root my Android phones. LOL I just like tinkering with things

[Artelis]

I have an htc desire. It still runs 2.2. Can I legitimately upgrade my OS without rooting? If not, would the hardware be able to handle rooting plus an upgrade straight to 4.0?

[Shadow12ogue]

Here give me a few, I have work tonight but I can scout around when I get home later. Your phone can likely handle rooting it, not sure if there is a ROM out for it with ICS (4.0 if I'm not mistaken). You should be able to check if you have a update by going into Settings<Software Update. Try it on WIFI I think some phones will only do that over WIFI I know my old HTC Inspire was like that so it could be a HTC thing. Looks like most the ROMs are for GB (Gingerbread 2.2 I think).

[Supernova]

Droid Charge (Samsung). Running android 2.6. Haven't rooted it yet, but I think I might soon. I've just got to do something to improve performance, not to mention the idea of having spyware on my cell phone kinda creeps me out. My biggest question regarding that is still weather or not it's possible to screw up some aspect of the functions required to make and receive calls and texts, or something that ties it to my Verizon account. I have to admit I'm not totally up on how those aspects of cell phones work, but I would imagine that's not likely.

[Artelis]

Here give me a few, I have work tonight but I can scout around when I get home later. Your phone can likely handle rooting it, not sure if there is a ROM out for it with ICS (4.0 if I'm not mistaken). You should be able to check if you have a update by going into Settings<Software Update. Try it on WIFI I think some phones will only do that over WIFI I know my old HTC Inspire was like that so it could be a HTC thing. Looks like most the ROMs are for GB (Gingerbread 2.2 I think). I did a little research after I posted. There is no update for htc desire past 2.2 - I've run the built in update check many times. Anyway, ya I've been thinking about rooting. Is there software to protect against bricking? That is my only legitimate concern. I'm a computer guy by nature, so I'm not worried about dealing with some nitty gritty.

[BlakeE45]

Nice! Sounds really epic BlakeE45, just curious as to why you haven't rooted it? Warranty/Insurance reasons? Idk why...I just feel compelled to root my Android phones. LOL I just like tinkering with things I'm a tinkerer myself, although I just simply haven't seen a need to yet. I'm sure I'll probably get around to it eventually out of boredom or if I see something cool I do only with a rooting. For example, I jailbroke my iPad 2 to put Siri on it.

[Taosaur]

My phone is an old Xperia X10 running a custom 2.3.3 ROM built mostly on the stock ROM but with some bloat removed and some performance tweaks. I'm getting the itch to flash a new ROM and kernel, but that will probably require unlocking the bootloader which is a little riskier and more complicated than sticking with stock-based ROMs. I also have a Nook Color, which if you can get one for under $150 (and you can often get a like-new, full-warranty refurb for less than that) is a great platform for experimenting with Android. If anyone's interested, here's my overview of what you can do with it: Flavors of Daylight: Your Nook Color Options: Root & ROMs My blog is nearly half Nook Color guides at this point For the last couple weeks I've been running the unofficial CyanogenMod 9 Alpha (Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0.3). It still has a lot of issues, but I'm loving the ICS interface and a lot of the Google apps (Gmail, Gtalk, to some extent Gmusic) have really stepped up. I have a CyanogenMod 7 (Gingerbread 2.3.7) backup I can flash if the alpha bugginess gets to me, but so far I'm inclined to stick with it. I did a little research after I posted. There is no update for htc desire past 2.2 - I've run the built in update check many times. Anyway, ya I've been thinking about rooting. Is there software to protect against bricking? That is my only legitimate concern. I'm a computer guy by nature, so I'm not worried about dealing with some nitty gritty. Just rooting is pretty safe and simple with the vast majority of devices. The fear of bricking mostly dates back to the earliest iOS and Android systems. Your best bet is to spend a little time over here: HTC Desire - xda-developers For anyone wanting to know what they can do with their Android device, I'd search it on XDA, read some stickies in your device's Development and General forums, and just be alert for material that's up to date. If the threads are huge, I'll usually read the first half dozen posts on the first page, then the last couple pages. With most devices, there will be one main method of rooting, also known as gaining superuser access, but there will be many custom ROMs. It looks like MIUI is popular for the Desire, and CyanogenMod 7 Stable builds are a safe bet on pretty much any device officially supported by the CM team.

[Shadow12ogue]

I did a little research after I posted. There is no update for htc desire past 2.2 - I've run the built in update check many times. Anyway, ya I've been thinking about rooting. Is there software to protect against bricking? That is my only legitimate concern. I'm a computer guy by nature, so I'm not worried about dealing with some nitty gritty. If you put ClockWorkMod (CWM) on your phone you can do a Nandroid back up, and with Titanium BackUp you can back up user apps. That way if you hit a boot loop, or something else like that (I had mine hit a boot up shut off, no restart) you just use the back up made PRIOR to trying to install the zip (aka flashing the ROM). I wouldn't worry too much about bricking your phone, all you need to do is read the threads (as Taosaur said XDA-DEV is a good one and so is androidforums.com) and see what others are saying. A lot of ROMs have bugs, almost all of the Devs will get rid of the bugs but always read the ENTIRE thread (first posts, and last posts especially) to see what is and isn't working on the ROM. Don't worry I don't even have a full 4.0 ICS yet waiting on a custom kernel to be made for my RebelROM so that CM9 can be ported over and stuff. The Dev for my phone however doesn't have an Exhibit ii so things are at a very...cautionary...pace lol. Considering your phone is older (I think) you shouldn't have a problem finding a Root method that works for your phone, and eventually finding a ROM that you can enjoy. Droid Charge (Samsung). Running android 2.6. Haven't rooted it yet, but I think I might soon. I've just got to do something to improve performance, not to mention the idea of having spyware on my cell phone kinda creeps me out. My biggest question regarding that is still weather or not it's possible to screw up some aspect of the functions required to make and receive calls and texts, or something that ties it to my Verizon account. I have to admit I'm not totally up on how those aspects of cell phones work, but I would imagine that's not likely. No most ROMs have full functionality when it comes to Text, calling, camera, and data. As to tying in with your Verizon, I don't think there should ever be an issue with that. I believe Verizon/Sprint recognize phones by their IMEI (what ever it is on non-sim card phones) and not their firmware. Tmo hasn't caught on that I rooted my phone and am using WiFi Hotspot (supposed to have to pay for this feature), and won't unless I hand my phone over to a Tmo tech. Yea you would be surprised that there is Spyware (exp: IQ carrier) installed into most phones. The carriers say that it isn't for intrusive purposes, and that it is for uh...what was the wording...like basically for reporting errors and shiz. I deleted a lot of stuff off my phone after rooting that are potentials for exploitation (GPS, Bluetooth, IQ Carrier, and there was another but I can't remember the name. If you ever had a phone on Tmo you would understand, the amount of bloatware they put on phones is absolutely absurd). A new version of the ROM I use is supposed to be dropping soon, so I can't wait to start testing on it. And Blake if you want to have a custom start up, shut off, and splash screen rooting is the way to go. Just figured I would toss that in there, doing it for Samsung is difficult though (I have the graphics designing down, but not the converting from imq to zip down :/ ) PS: I'm glad to see this thread getting some life!!!

[Shadow12ogue]

I have an htc desire. It still runs 2.2. Can I legitimately upgrade my OS without rooting? If not, would the hardware be able to handle rooting plus an upgrade straight to 4.0? Root Guide HTC Desire

[Supernova]

Ok. I guess I'm just a little touchy because I bricked a 64 gig iTouch a year or two ago and it was basically scrap, and now that I finally got a nice phone I don't want to fuck it up. It actually kinda helped drive me away from Apple products, the fact that I couldn't even pull the battery to get it to boot fresh (or just to get rid of the bright white glow coming from the screen), and all that hardware was basically trash even though there was no physical damage to it. As long as I'll be able to restore my firmware and OS should something go wrong (and I fully expect to be able to) then I might go ahead and take a shot at it as soon as I get the time.

[Taosaur]

If you put ClockWorkMod (CWM) on your phone you can do a Nandroid back up, and with Titanium BackUp you can back up user apps. That way if you hit a boot loop, or something else like that (I had mine hit a boot up shut off, no restart) you just use the back up made PRIOR to trying to install the zip (aka flashing the ROM). Just to clear something up, rooting and flashing a custom ROM are two different things, and generally the order operations is: root--> install custom recovery (like CWM)--> install custom ROM. Some devices can be flashed with a custom ROM or recovery without rooting the stock firmware first, but generally you root first, install ROM Manger from the market, and flash CWM from there. Making a backup of your unrooted phone is often difficult or impossible, but there will generally be stock images floating around that you can use to return to stock if you want.