Hey guys I have been doing quite a bit of searching through the forums and still have a couple questions about custom roms and rooting. Forgive the noobness but the droid incredible is my first android device and I only recently got it.
1. My first question is what is the simplest way (rom + root I assume) to get a stock version of android on my incredible? Also what rom would you recommend (I have seen a pretty big list but know nothing about them)?
2. What is the difference, if any, between a kernel and a rom? Ive seen both words used a lot and have seen kernels that are stock and roms that are as well. Which would I use between the two?
I know these questions may be dumb but I have been searching for a couple days and have gone through hundreds of threads trying to find the definitive answer (there were some benefits though, I use launcher pro and the droid x's keyboard now) any help would be appreciated.
1. You are right in assuming that the quickest (and only) way to get a stock version of Android on your phone is to root your phone and install a custom recovery that will allow you to flash a rom. It is not really possible for me to recommend a rom because rom's are all about personal preference and my preference may be different from yours. That being said, if you are interested in stock Android, check out Cyanogenmod. The biggest thing right now is that for the Incredible, Cyanogenmod is the only true stock Android that is compiled from AOSP (Android Open Source Project) however it is still in its early stages for our device, so it's still buggy. The other roms are modified versions of our stock sense rom, so some of the roms are modified to have the bulkier parts of of the Sense UI removed, but it is still a Sense rom.
2. I'm not going to profess to be extremely in the know about kernels, but a kernel is the go-between for the hardware and the os/applications. If you want to learn more about kernels, you can read the wikipedia page about kernels found here. Basically what you need to know is that the rom is the operating system, so if you wanted to change the OS such as from Sense to Vanilla Android, you would flash a rom. If you wanted to change the way the system runs, such as if you want your processor to be overclocked or undervolted, you would flash a kernel.
Hope this helps.
That answered everything! Thanks for the reply and I will keep checking the forums for stock roms that seem stable!
So I thought Skyraider (3.5 and Athena) were Gingerbread based ROMs. I've been looking around, but I'm still a little confused. Which ones are Gingerbread based ROMS and which ones are currently the most bug-free?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865331 is this the only one?
Thanks
Give a man a fish, and you'll feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you'll feed him for a lifetime. So, I'm going to directly answer your question, but also give you some more background so that in the future, you'll have a better understanding of how these ROMs work.
There are 3 primary types of ROM out for the Incredibe; Sense, Sense(less), and AOSP.
Sense - A sense-based ROM, obviously, has HTC Sense. These ROMs are extracted from a phone, then ported to the Incredible, and/or customized as needed. Most Sense ROMs are actually based off an official Incredible release (Redemption, Virtuous, Skyraider Sense, etc.). Some are based off the Evo (Redemptive Revolution), while others are ports from the Desire Z or Desire HD. In order for a Sense-based ROM to be 2.3 (gingerbread), HTC has to first port Sense to Gingerbread, which they haven't done yet. So, there's no Sense-based 2.3 ROM out, yet.
Sense(less) - Really, all a Sense(less) ROM is, is a Sense-based ROM with Sense elements removed or hidden. This is to preserve the stability of a Sense-ROM while offering the look and customization of an AOSP ROM.
AOSP - Android Open Source Project; These are the ROMs where a developer takes the a stock Android version, ports it to your phone, and may or may not customize the crap out of it. These are the ROMs where you'll get Gingerbread. The most popular seems to be Cyanogen(mod). CM7 is in the nightly phase, which is an advanced beta, but very stable with only minor issues. It's currently based on Android 2.3.2
So, to answer your question, there are a few Gingerbread ROMs out, none of which use Sense. Cyanogen(mod) is a good place to start.
Your post should be a sticky or a FAQ. This makes perfect sense and really cleared up any confusion I had. Thanks!
jaykresge said:
Give a man a fish, and you'll feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you'll feed him for a lifetime. So, I'm going to directly answer your question, but also give you some more background so that in the future, you'll have a better understanding of how these ROMs work.
There are 3 primary types of ROM out for the Incredibe; Sense, Sense(less), and AOSP.
Sense - A sense-based ROM, obviously, has HTC Sense. These ROMs are extracted from a phone, then ported to the Incredible, and/or customized as needed. Most Sense ROMs are actually based off an official Incredible release (Redemption, Virtuous, Skyraider Sense, etc.). Some are based off the Evo (Redemptive Revolution), while others are ports from the Desire Z or Desire HD. In order for a Sense-based ROM to be 2.3 (gingerbread), HTC has to first port Sense to Gingerbread, which they haven't done yet. So, there's no Sense-based 2.3 ROM out, yet.
Sense(less) - Really, all a Sense(less) ROM is, is a Sense-based ROM with Sense elements removed or hidden. This is to preserve the stability of a Sense-ROM while offering the look and customization of an AOSP ROM.
AOSP - Android Open Source Project; These are the ROMs where a developer takes the a stock Android version, ports it to your phone, and may or may not customize the crap out of it. These are the ROMs where you'll get Gingerbread. The most popular seems to be Cyanogen(mod). CM7 is in the nightly phase, which is an advanced beta, but very stable with only minor issues. It's currently based on Android 2.3.2
So, to answer your question, there are a few Gingerbread ROMs out, none of which use Sense. Cyanogen(mod) is a good place to start.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
never knew what AOSP stood for, so thanks for that!
jaykresge said:
Give a man a fish, and you'll feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you'll feed him for a lifetime. So, I'm going to directly answer your question, but also give you some more background so that in the future, you'll have a better understanding of how these ROMs work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been playing with ROMs for last few months and could not figure this out until this post.
thanks
jaykresge said:
Give a man a fish, and you'll feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you'll feed him for a lifetime. So, I'm going to directly answer your question, but also give you some more background so that in the future, you'll have a better understanding of how these ROMs work.
There are 3 primary types of ROM out for the Incredibe; Sense, Sense(less), and AOSP.
Sense - A sense-based ROM, obviously, has HTC Sense. These ROMs are extracted from a phone, then ported to the Incredible, and/or customized as needed. Most Sense ROMs are actually based off an official Incredible release (Redemption, Virtuous, Skyraider Sense, etc.). Some are based off the Evo (Redemptive Revolution), while others are ports from the Desire Z or Desire HD. In order for a Sense-based ROM to be 2.3 (gingerbread), HTC has to first port Sense to Gingerbread, which they haven't done yet. So, there's no Sense-based 2.3 ROM out, yet.
Sense(less) - Really, all a Sense(less) ROM is, is a Sense-based ROM with Sense elements removed or hidden. This is to preserve the stability of a Sense-ROM while offering the look and customization of an AOSP ROM.
AOSP - Android Open Source Project; These are the ROMs where a developer takes the a stock Android version, ports it to your phone, and may or may not customize the crap out of it. These are the ROMs where you'll get Gingerbread. The most popular seems to be Cyanogen(mod). CM7 is in the nightly phase, which is an advanced beta, but very stable with only minor issues. It's currently based on Android 2.3.2
So, to answer your question, there are a few Gingerbread ROMs out, none of which use Sense. Cyanogen(mod) is a good place to start.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with the rest, thank you for the insight on what the ROMS mean... I am currently running CM7 Nightly build #17, only issue I still have is playing a video and a qcp file...sigh anyhow great stuff and thanks again
nocode99 said:
So I thought Skyraider (3.5 and Athena) were Gingerbread based ROMs. I've been looking around, but I'm still a little confused. Which ones are Gingerbread based ROMS and which ones are currently the most bug-free?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865331 is this the only one?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://t3hh4xx0r.com/ check here for some gingerbread
Removing gingerbread rom HELP!
I am new to the xda websites and forums alltogether. I rooted my phone about 3 weeks ago, and found a rom by xda to try an alpha version of gingerbread. I need to return my phone to either the rooted stage it was previously to adding the gingerbread, or completely unroot it altogether. I imagine that someone has probably posted about this already, but I was unable to find it. If anyone could help it would be greatly appreciated. Please excuse my idiocy.
Here is probably the best place to start researching:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=969371
jaykresge said:
Give a man a fish, and you'll feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you'll feed him for a lifetime. So, I'm going to directly answer your question, but also give you some more background so that in the future, you'll have a better understanding of how these ROMs work.
There are 3 primary types of ROM out for the Incredibe; Sense, Sense(less), and AOSP.
Sense - A sense-based ROM, obviously, has HTC Sense. These ROMs are extracted from a phone, then ported to the Incredible, and/or customized as needed. Most Sense ROMs are actually based off an official Incredible release (Redemption, Virtuous, Skyraider Sense, etc.). Some are based off the Evo (Redemptive Revolution), while others are ports from the Desire Z or Desire HD. In order for a Sense-based ROM to be 2.3 (gingerbread), HTC has to first port Sense to Gingerbread, which they haven't done yet. So, there's no Sense-based 2.3 ROM out, yet.
Sense(less) - Really, all a Sense(less) ROM is, is a Sense-based ROM with Sense elements removed or hidden. This is to preserve the stability of a Sense-ROM while offering the look and customization of an AOSP ROM.
AOSP - Android Open Source Project; These are the ROMs where a developer takes the a stock Android version, ports it to your phone, and may or may not customize the crap out of it. These are the ROMs where you'll get Gingerbread. The most popular seems to be Cyanogen(mod). CM7 is in the nightly phase, which is an advanced beta, but very stable with only minor issues. It's currently based on Android 2.3.2
So, to answer your question, there are a few Gingerbread ROMs out, none of which use Sense. Cyanogen(mod) is a good place to start.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cyanogen also has a stable build which is based on Gingerbread 2.3.3 where the nightly build is currently based on 2.3.4 and I can attest to the fact that build #108 is bug free.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Wrath_unleashed said:
Cyanogen also has a stable build which is based on Gingerbread 2.3.3 where the nightly build is currently based on 2.3.4 and I can attest to the fact that build #108 is bug free.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The post that you quoted was from January. I assure you that it was correct at the time
Here's one. I'm running it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1113507&page=63
About to flash CM7. Seen some mention of 'kernal' in various threads. What does it do? and do I need to update it?
Cheers.
same question
The Kernel controls things like battery drain and CPU levels for overclocking etc... its not a must do but recommended for best performance. there is probably not a "best" one but more like the best that suits you. If you are running CM7 i would recomend Vork Kernel's or ManU kernels
Richardtrip's kernels are also very good: overcklocking, manual voltage level, Two-way call recording.
plohoi said:
Richardtrip's kernels are also very good: overcklocking, manual voltage level, Two-way call recording.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you used the call recording? If so how do you "activate" it or listen to the calls afterwards?
CdTDroiD said:
Have you used the call recording?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes call recording is working fine.
CdTDroiD said:
If so how do you "activate" it or listen to the calls afterwards?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are several apps in http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=993793 thread, I used app by skvalex.
Since I'm new to Desire and HTC- what is the difference between Sense and AOSP kernels?
(before you ask- I know what AOSP is)
Do Sense firmwares require some extra drivers/modules/settings in kernel?
gen_scheisskopf said:
Since I'm new to Desire and HTC- what is the difference between Sense and AOSP kernels?
(before you ask- I know what AOSP is)
Do Sense firmwares require some extra drivers/modules/settings in kernel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there!
Sense is HTC proprietary software built over the top of Android. This code is not open source and is what HTC use to set themselves apart from other manufacturers like Samsung etc. Sense is what they sell as their user experience.
AOSP stands for Android Open Source Project. Since Android is an open source operating system, Google publish all the code and necessary tools to develop Android. Companies like HTC get the code and then write Sense over the top. Devs in this community like Cyanogen take the AOSP code and build their ROMS from scratch.
When you see ROMS that are for Sense 2.1 on Gingerbread for example this means that someone has been able to port software running on other phone models like the Desire HD or Incredible etc to your phone model (Desire)
As for the kernels you will need to make sure that the kernel you run is supported on the device and that's about it. The Kernel has to have some key components or the phone won't work so the ROM you use just uses them.
Having said that, ROM developers usually optimise around one or two particular Kernels. They are usually included in the ROM or the Dev will tell you which one they recommend for certain purposes.
You do have to have apps in the system that can access settings if customising the performance beyond what the dev has already done is what you want to do.
Thanks for the answer but it's not exactly what I'd like to know
Thing is- what makes Sense kernel incompatible with AOSP firmware (and vice versa)
Sorry for not answering what you were looking for. I'll try again.
The Kernels for Sense would have specific code that enables features in the phone that HTC build. LED control, light sensor etc. I assume Sense is quite strict about what it will work on and what it won't.
The AOSP Kernels are built without knowing the exact hardware maps of the internal components and as such won't work with Sense because they simply don't know how due to HTC keeping a lid on all source work for Sense and the handset itself.
The best developers can figure most of it out (certainly I am not a dev, just a geek ) and teams like CyanogenMod have it mostly discovered and configurable.
Is that more helpful?
Isn't Sense a HTC's android framework "mod"? I mean does it "just" provide more/different functionality than AOSP?
AFAIK all kernels must be built knowing exact hardware map, otherwise some devices will not work or kernel will not boot. The only autodetect I'm aware of is display panel type and filesystems (I did mess with kernels @samdroid.net)
i have a question about kernels an such from what i understand is you don't need to update the kernel but its a good idea too do so. couple questions i have.
1. how do you know what kernel you have installed currently.
2. How do you flash or get a new one installed if you need or want it.
3. scene i am using core droid 6.3 gb2.3.3 what kernel would be the most compatible or effective?
I have had my inspire phone for 3 months an finally rooted it 3weeks ago sence then i have used the rom manager too play with different roms an make backups of the 2 i have found i like the most. After reading i have seen it stated too get the most out of these roms though you should install a different kernel.
To know your currently version, you have to go in parametres and then logiciel version and look at build. Sorry for my bad English.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA Premium App
I don't want open a new thread, so I will ask here.
Now I have
kernel
2.6.32.15-gf5a401c
baseband
32.49.00.32U_5.11.05.27
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Click to collapse
on stock pre rooted 2.2 Froyo.
I want put this ROM. Can I put this ROM with my kernel and radio or I musst put latest kernel and radio?
GTRSkyR34 said:
I don't want open a new thread, so I will ask here.
Now I have
on stock pre rooted 2.2 Froyo.
I want put this ROM. Can I put this ROM with my kernel and radio or I musst put latest kernel and radio?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will find that many roms contain a kernel in the zip file, so it will often change when you flash a rom. If not, the developer may recommend one.
Radio is independent of rom flash, and unless you start getting connectivity problems there is normally no need to change it. Again, some developers will recommend a radio (and maybe a RIL if they know a particular combination works well with their rom.
Hey guys, I'm currently running the "Blade ELITE v2.0" custom rom, which is a Sense-based rom, under "One X Android Development".
I'm thinking of trying non-Sense roms from the "Original Android Development" section, but I read somewhere that if you switch from a Sense rom to a non-Sense rom (or vice versa) then there'll be problems??
I forgot what it's about and can't find the site or topic where I read that from, but does it have anything to do with HBoots or anything important like that?
I'm on HBoot 1.39 so I think I'm good to go for pretty much any roms currently available, but I just wanna make sure there aren't any important things I might need to know that I've missed.
chaoscreater said:
Hey guys, I'm currently running the "Blade ELITE v2.0" custom rom, which is a Sense-based rom, under "One X Android Development".
I'm thinking of trying non-Sense roms from the "Original Android Development" section, but I read somewhere that if you switch from a Sense rom to a non-Sense rom (or vice versa) then there'll be problems??
I forgot what it's about and can't find the site or topic where I read that from, but does it have anything to do with HBoots or anything important like that?
I'm on HBoot 1.39 so I think I'm good to go for pretty much any roms currently available, but I just wanna make sure there aren't any important things I might need to know that I've missed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing to worry about as long you do a FULL wipe every time you change roms. I switch every few days and my hboot is 1.36.