I have been a member here for the past few weeks and have been excited at the progress made with the latest AKU updates. The problem is that I can only understand what the updates do. I understand what the AKU is, but am confused by a lot of things.
First, I own a UTStarcom 6700. (HTC Apache, I believe?) My carrier is TELUS Mobility in Canada. My biggest fear is bricking my mobile. I understand that I am supposed to install the latest AKU in Bootloader mode. If I mess up an update, or the update just doesn't work with the mobile -- or even if it does work and I want to go back -- can I go into Bootloader mode again and install the last OFFICIAL firmware update to go back to AKU 2.2? There is an update process here on TELUS' web site. Because my mobile came with the latest firmware, I didn't need to do this. But for those more in the know, does that page I just linked detail what I would essentially need to do to go back to the last official firmware?
That out of the way, what exactly is required to update the firmware to add AKU 3.3 support? I have seen a few .exe files floating around, and I am wondering if they are generic? I have seen a couple that indicate they are for the HTC Apache, but are they generic to that mobile, or tailored for Sprint, Verizon, etc.? I'm afraid of crapping something out on my mobile because the firmware adds some features for Sprint, or lacks some features for TELUS. (Things I am worried about are #777 for DUN, that sort of thing, and other carrier features or details.)
That brings me to the next thing... extended ROM. I sort of get the impression that if there is anything specific to my carrier that it is contained in the extended ROM? I've seen people discussing how to unlock the extended ROM, though I haven't figured out how to do it myself, mainly because I am not sure if I have to. If there is nothing for me to gain, I won't do it.
In a nutshell, I own a UTStarcom 6700, my carrier is TELUS Mobility, and I would like to upgrade to AKU 3.3. (I understand that AKU 3.5 is still buggy, like no USB sync support at the moment -- correct me if I am wrong.) I see a lot of posts throughout the forums, but nothing really all in one place. I would love a step-by-step detail of how to do it. In fact, if I could get a few people to help me get this going, I would offer my services to create a how-to with screenshots, etc.
If someone could help me with this, I would really appreciate it. If something comprehensive could be written up, could we sticky it?
So any word on Crossbow yet? I've heard a couple people might be working on it. I'm guessing it will include all of the benefits of AKU 3.3 and then some?
Thanks in advance!
and Who is The BEST ROM ?
There is no such thing as a "best ROM" - it's all up to personal preference
Hi -
There is no one right ROM for Trinity. Here's a quick explanation for what a ROM really is. There are many people on this board who know more about ROMs than I do, so if anyone sees any errors in what I've written, please let me know.
A ROM is a collection of software packaged together that when flashed to your phone installs the software. ROM packages generally consist of four categories of software:
1.) An operating system (some flavor of Windows Mobile, 5 or 6)
2.) Radio software (Radio ROM)
3.) Phone software (Dialer, Task Manager, Multimedia, SMS/MMS software, contact list)
4.) All other software (Adobe Reader, TomTom, etc.)
People create new ROM packages by gathering an operating system, a radio, and a collection of software, and "cooking" them into a single distribution file, usually in the form of a CAB compression file.
The differences between AXL and Mary are in the OS, radio and other software they have mixed together. You have to look at the contents of each ROM yourself and compare to see the exact differences. Although it would be nice, I'm not aware of anyone listing out the differences between the software choices made by each of the main ROM cookers, so you have to do it yourself.
Some important notes on ROM packages:
1.) Any software that is "cooked" into the ROM can't be removed or updated, it's in there permanently until you change your ROM. This is something to consider if you want to be able to upgrade to future versions, and is the reaosn many ROM cookers also make a "lite" version of their ROM.
2.) I'm pretty weak on this, but from what I understand in addition to the normal physical ROM memory, there is a section of physical ROM called "hidden" or "extended" ROM, and the cookers have figured out how to make that ROM available for use. This is why some ROMs show 70+ megs of ROM/RAM available. I think this extended ROM can also be used to store software.
3.) The operating systems (OS's) do continue to change. People get new phones from their telecom operator, and when they dissassemble the phone's ROM, they can extract the new OS's and check the version numbers. There is no way I know of currently to update the OS without flashing a completely new ROM. Different ROMs include different versions of the operating system, although many of the ROM cookers are quick to re-release their ROMs when a new OS comes out.
4.) Any software that can be installed manually can be installed in a ROM. This includes "trial" or "unregistered" versions. For that software, it may be installed on your phone when you install the ROM, but it is a limited-use version and you will need to purchase the software and get a registration code to unlock the full software. If the software is "cooked" into your ROM and you decide not to use it, YOU CAN'T UNINSTALL IT without reflashing to a new ROM. It won't do any harm, but it will use up memory that could be put to better use.
5.) A suggestion on other software: If you flash your OS often, it makes things easier to keep copies of the CAB files for your favorite other cab installations on your SD card, so you can easily reinstall them when you reflash the OS.
6.) Most of the ROMs use the same installer software,which works well and can recover from some errors (just follow the instructions or if no instructions retry the flash procedure). However, some telecom operators install something called a Service Provider Lock (SPL) to prevent people from installing "unapproved" software on their phone. Removing or otherwise getting around this SPL is a process called "unlocking" - if you try to reflash your phone's ROM, and something goes wrong, this SPL could prevent you from being able to fix your phone, making it useless (or "bricked"). There are software packages that should be able to fix a bricked phone (search the board to find), but it is easier to remove the SPL first, so you never have to worry about crashing your phone.
7.) If you remove your SPL, you have technically violated the terms of your contract with your service provider!!!! In daily use, it really doesn't affect them, so they probably won't make a stink about it, and probably can't tell you've done so. But, if you bring it in for service, send it in under warranty, call their service line to get support, the technician will probably see you have removed your SPL, and can refuse to provide service or warranty support. However, the techs are people and depending on the issue may or may not make a big deal about it, but it's certainly within their right to refuse to service for free.
8.) There are differences in telecom providers!!! This is particularly important with respect to Radio ROMs. If you think about it, your phone has to send the right signals to your service provider's radio tower to make a call. The specific information it has to send and the manner in which it sends it are determined by the radio protocol, which is built into the radio software. As a result, some radio software will not work with some providers, and some will work better than others. This difference willbe regional, so consider where you will be using the phone (Asia, Europe, SA, Africa, NA). Some radios could even be configured to specific providers (but I don't know for sure).
9.) Latest vs. most stable - sometimes, the latest versions introduce new bugsor are less stable than others, so consider this as well.
10.) Most of the differences between the ROMs seem to revolve aroudn the cooker's choices for phone software - the dialers, the contact managers, etc. These primarily change the "look and feel" of the phone rather than the raw performance or capabilites. Since look and feel is the big difference, it's impossible to say which look and feel everyone will like - it's a matter of taste / personal preference.
11.) Don't bug the cookers!!!! The people cooking ROMs for us are doing it in their spare time. They're not getting paid to do it, they're just trying to help each other out. While they seem to be interested in hearing about bugs so they can fix their ROMs, pestering them with requests to make some piddly change just for you is rude. Don't pester them with change requests and customizations, and then throw a hissy fit when they don't want to do it your way. If you don't like their ROM, then cook your own.
So, to pick the ROM that works for you, you're probably going to have to try a few out. The combination of OS and Radio will likely be regional (some will not be able to use the latest radio, for example), and form there on in you have to choose which has the dialer/contact manager you like the most, and includes the software you want to have (or go with a lite version).
Good luck!
Mike
to Mike (landshark),
thank you and congratulations on your excellent explanation. I wish I read this when I bought my device, would make things much easier.
Great post!!!!
Good work!!!!
will be very usefull!
Thank you!
Wonderful post!!!!
Beautiful work!!!!
will be bloody usefull!
Orz
Sticky pls !
Thanks! Very useful for a noob like me
Question about SSPL
landshark said:
Hi -
There is no one right ROM for Trinity. Here's a quick explanation for what a ROM really is. There are many people on this board who know more about ROMs than I do, so if anyone sees any errors in what I've written, please let me know.
A ROM is a collection of software packaged together that when flashed to your phone installs the software. ROM packages generally consist of four categories of software:
1.) An operating system (some flavor of Windows Mobile, 5 or 6)
2.) Radio software (Radio ROM)
3.) Phone software (Dialer, Task Manager, Multimedia, SMS/MMS software, contact list)
4.) All other software (Adobe Reader, TomTom, etc.)
People create new ROM packages by gathering an operating system, a radio, and a collection of software, and "cooking" them into a single distribution file, usually in the form of a CAB compression file.
The differences between AXL and Mary are in the OS, radio and other software they have mixed together. You have to look at the contents of each ROM yourself and compare to see the exact differences. Although it would be nice, I'm not aware of anyone listing out the differences between the software choices made by each of the main ROM cookers, so you have to do it yourself.
Some important notes on ROM packages:
1.) Any software that is "cooked" into the ROM can't be removed or updated, it's in there permanently until you change your ROM. This is something to consider if you want to be able to upgrade to future versions, and is the reaosn many ROM cookers also make a "lite" version of their ROM.
2.) I'm pretty weak on this, but from what I understand in addition to the normal physical ROM memory, there is a section of physical ROM called "hidden" or "extended" ROM, and the cookers have figured out how to make that ROM available for use. This is why some ROMs show 70+ megs of ROM/RAM available. I think this extended ROM can also be used to store software.
3.) The operating systems (OS's) do continue to change. People get new phones from their telecom operator, and when they dissassemble the phone's ROM, they can extract the new OS's and check the version numbers. There is no way I know of currently to update the OS without flashing a completely new ROM. Different ROMs include different versions of the operating system, although many of the ROM cookers are quick to re-release their ROMs when a new OS comes out.
4.) Any software that can be installed manually can be installed in a ROM. This includes "trial" or "unregistered" versions. For that software, it may be installed on your phone when you install the ROM, but it is a limited-use version and you will need to purchase the software and get a registration code to unlock the full software. If the software is "cooked" into your ROM and you decide not to use it, YOU CAN'T UNINSTALL IT without reflashing to a new ROM. It won't do any harm, but it will use up memory that could be put to better use.
5.) A suggestion on other software: If you flash your OS often, it makes things easier to keep copies of the CAB files for your favorite other cab installations on your SD card, so you can easily reinstall them when you reflash the OS.
6.) Most of the ROMs use the same installer software,which works well and can recover from some errors (just follow the instructions or if no instructions retry the flash procedure). However, some telecom operators install something called a Service Provider Lock (SPL) to prevent people from installing "unapproved" software on their phone. Removing or otherwise getting around this SPL is a process called "unlocking" - if you try to reflash your phone's ROM, and something goes wrong, this SPL could prevent you from being able to fix your phone, making it useless (or "bricked"). There are software packages that should be able to fix a bricked phone (search the board to find), but it is easier to remove the SPL first, so you never have to worry about crashing your phone.
7.) If you remove your SPL, you have technically violated the terms of your contract with your service provider!!!! In daily use, it really doesn't affect them, so they probably won't make a stink about it, and probably can't tell you've done so. But, if you bring it in for service, send it in under warranty, call their service line to get support, the technician will probably see you have removed your SPL, and can refuse to provide service or warranty support. However, the techs are people and depending on the issue may or may not make a big deal about it, but it's certainly within their right to refuse to service for free.
8.) There are differences in telecom providers!!! This is particularly important with respect to Radio ROMs. If you think about it, your phone has to send the right signals to your service provider's radio tower to make a call. The specific information it has to send and the manner in which it sends it are determined by the radio protocol, which is built into the radio software. As a result, some radio software will not work with some providers, and some will work better than others. This difference willbe regional, so consider where you will be using the phone (Asia, Europe, SA, Africa, NA). Some radios could even be configured to specific providers (but I don't know for sure).
9.) Latest vs. most stable - sometimes, the latest versions introduce new bugsor are less stable than others, so consider this as well.
10.) Most of the differences between the ROMs seem to revolve aroudn the cooker's choices for phone software - the dialers, the contact managers, etc. These primarily change the "look and feel" of the phone rather than the raw performance or capabilites. Since look and feel is the big difference, it's impossible to say which look and feel everyone will like - it's a matter of taste / personal preference.
11.) Don't bug the cookers!!!! The people cooking ROMs for us are doing it in their spare time. They're not getting paid to do it, they're just trying to help each other out. While they seem to be interested in hearing about bugs so they can fix their ROMs, pestering them with requests to make some piddly change just for you is rude. Don't pester them with change requests and customizations, and then throw a hissy fit when they don't want to do it your way. If you don't like their ROM, then cook your own.
So, to pick the ROM that works for you, you're probably going to have to try a few out. The combination of OS and Radio will likely be regional (some will not be able to use the latest radio, for example), and form there on in you have to choose which has the dialer/contact manager you like the most, and includes the software you want to have (or go with a lite version).
Good luck!
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sow basicly if I use Soft SPL and install a rom that has no radio and something goes wrong I can return to my original ROM. Is that right?
Thread renamed: added [Q] tag.
Please read the Announcements in the forums regarding posting rules!
I am new to XDA. I trying to figure out what the different ROMS are or look like for the 8525. Can someone help out a noob .
all roms would look identical (if they are the same OS (WM5,WM6,WM6.1))
however each is customised in it's own way - registry tweaks / new applications etc.
so its all preference, look around flash a few (im assuming the device is unlocked / hardspl?) and see which you prefer
Sheesh
And i was just thinking i could make it 1 day without somone opening a thread on this topik.
Does anybody know if it's possible to install Hebrew fonts with any of the Android ROMs?
I think I recall that question being asked previously, but cannot recall which thread, or if it is in fact possible, I expect it will be though.
OK found a few mentions of it, I may have to make up a little update.tar for them, but here's the link to the thread:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=613826&highlight=hebrew+fonts&page=4
As if by magic, ( or merely synchronicity), Duke911 has just produced this guide : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=7343996#post7343996 which should help sort you out, I did make up an upgrade, and will post it if you wish to try that.
Talk about magic! That's awesome!
Thanks!
I recently bought two HTC Titans from the States. They were supposed to be unbranded thru Amazon, but AT&T ones arrived and then were unlocked and working. They both have ROM version 7720 loaded. Connecting through Zune, I get the message that software and phones are up to date. This is obviously incorrect as the following updates are missing: 8107, 8112, 8773. Doing some rearch, I understand that AT&T is not going to roll out any more updates for their phones, even though they are unlocked. I tried forcing the update (by diconnecting while updating) but to no avail. Can anybody please assist with some advice.
Is it true that if the updates are not up to date, then 7.8 won't load and update?
HTC managed to get me a UK ROM, but the file is in .nbf file format and they are scared it wont work on my phones. Should we try and update or is there another solution?
Your help will be greatly appreciated. I want to keep the phones as current as possible and able to accept WP7.8.
Region:South Africa
It's not known so far whether 7.8 will be only available if you've received all previous updates.
I don't think that the UK ROM would have issues, but it might result in problematic signal quality with the non-AT&T radio driver. You might want to HSPL the device and flash a custom ROM with that radio.
Also, be aware that you can force system updates on the phone using th cab sender method.
Sent from my TITAN X310e using Board Express
ZetaZynK said:
It's not known so far whether 7.8 will be only available if you've received all previous updates.
I don't think that the UK ROM would have issues, but it might result in problematic signal quality with the non-AT&T radio driver. You might want to HSPL the device and flash a custom ROM with that radio.
Also, be aware that you can force system updates on the phone using th cab sender method.
Sent from my TITAN X310e using Board Express
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cab sender method sounds like the answer but seems so complicated if you are not so technicaly minded!
calli said:
cab sender method sounds like the answer but seems so complicated if you are not so technicaly minded!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't worry, it sounds more complicated than it is. Just read through this thread very thoroughly.
It's really just about making a backup, download a few files (the updates), putting these in a folder, run this tool and press 2 keys. The guide there explains it very in-depth.
Be sure to not to skip the text, as you for instance will have issues if you don't update your languages, too.
ZetaZynK said:
Don't worry, it sounds more complicated than it is. Just read through this thread very thoroughly.
It's really just about making a backup, download a few files (the updates), putting these in a folder, run this tool and press 2 keys. The guide there explains it very in-depth.
Be sure to not to skip the text, as you for instance will have issues if you don't update your languages, too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the encouragement. A few questions if I may please: Article talks about language packs - do these refer to Display language (English) or all keyboard languages?
Tried using Version and Language by Heathcliff74.xap, but phone gives message that it does not recognise file format.
Lastly, should I load all updates in sequence, or can I go straight to Tango (are the others necessay? I presume yes)
Thanks once again Cheers Calli
Cab Senser updates
ZetaZynK said:
Don't worry, it sounds more complicated than it is. Just read through this thread very thoroughly.
It's really just about making a backup, download a few files (the updates), putting these in a folder, run this tool and press 2 keys. The guide there explains it very in-depth.
Be sure to not to skip the text, as you for instance will have issues if you don't update your languages, too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You were right. It is very easy. Worked a charm. We now have updates up and including Tango (8773).
Thank you
Calli