So, you just rooted your super awesome Android phone, thanks to Rivera82falcon and his awesome guide? You saw my awesome guide for flashing ROMS, and wanted to try it, but didn't know where to begin? Well, you're in the right place.
Also, don't blame me if your phone explodes into a million pieces and one gets stuck in your eye. Nothing you do is my fault. Well, here we go.
STEP ONE: AOSP or Sense?
You probably know what Sense is, but you might not know what AOSP is. It stands for Android Open Source Project. Basically, you are getting a base of stock gingerbread. Now let's talk about the advantages and disadvantages.
AOSP is far faster than most Sense ROMs, and offers more customization as far as themes and kernels. Keep in mind, you can't just install AOSP and put the sense launcher on it. It won't work. With AOSP, you can get Gingerbread, Froyo, or even Ice Cream Sandwich looks for your phone.
Sense, on the other hand, is usually slower, and sometimes offers limited customization when compared to the Theme engines for AOSP. Sense can feel sluggish sometimes, but can be very fast if the ROM is well built. It is not as streamlined as AOSP. On the other hand, you get all the awesome sense apps, like weather, clock, and calendar.
Personally, I switch back and forth between Sense an AOSP. They both have their advantages and disadvantages.
STEP TWO: How Much Is Working?
Many people see an awesome looking ROM and it says ALPHA or BETA, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything to people. They flash it and wonder why their radio doesn't work, or why WiFi won't connect. ALPHA ROMs are ROMs that are in the early testing phase and may have key functions broken or missing. Don't go on a vacation with an ALPHA ROM on your phone. Never flash one if you depend on your phone for your job. A BETA ROM is a ROM that is nearing the end of testing. It may still have broken features, but the core functions such as Radio, Data, WiFi, and SMS are often working. Don't flash this ROM if you are expecting a finished product, you will be disappointed. These ROMs are usually fairly slow as well. A vX.x.x ROM (ex: v1.0.1) is released to the public but probably still has some bugs like Bluetooth, MMS, or some other random issues. This ROM still might not be the fastest, but is still easily able to function. Anybody can flash these ROMs. RLSX (ex: RLS1) ROMs are released and are nearly finished. They may have some small bugs or not be fully optimized, but they are nearly perfect. Final ROMs are complete, and you can expect no further changes, usually.
STEP THREE: What Features/Look Does It Have?
Not all Sense and AOSP ROMs are created equal. Many look very different from each other and have very different features. For example, a Sense 2.1 and Sense 3.5 ROM are very different, and CM7 is very different from PoolParty. Read the entire OP and look at any screenshots provided. Make sure you like the look, so you don't waste time flashing it if you hate the look. That said, there is nothing wrong with flashing a ROM just to try it out.
STEP FOUR: Choosing Your Favorite (My Recommendations)
Sense
-Incredible 2 HD by newtoroot
*Great Battery Life
*Nearly Bugless
*Sense 3.5/Android 2.3.5
Download Link
-Skyraider Zeus
*Sense 2.1/3.0 Mix
*Very fast for a Sense ROM
*Great battery life
Download Link
AOSP
-CyanogenMod 7
*Lots of customization
*Very fast
*Updated very often
*Android 2.3.7
***IF YOU USE THE NIGHTLIES, THERE MAY BE BUGS***
Download Link
-TSM PoolParty
*Android 2.3.7
*Lots of theming
*Very fast
Download Link
SUGGESTIONS FROM OTHER USERS
-MIUI (knipp21)
*Fast AOSP ROM
*Lots of theme options
*Very customizable
*Looks good with GO Launcher and Launcher Pro
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1162835
-Liquid Smooth 3.x (i'manoob)
*Also very fast
*Lots of customization
http://liquidsmoothroms.com/
I hope that this was helpful to people. The next guide will be a noob dictionary.
Very nice writeup man. Kudos.
Sent from my Incredible 2 HD using XDA App
I can vouch for Virtuous Roms. All their work is bug free and visually appealing and user friendly.
Nice write up AC.
collinjames said:
I can vouch for Virtuous Roms. All their work is bug free and visually appealing and user friendly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree Collinjames, the new Affinity ROM is very nice, battery life is insanely good, and it's nearly bug free. My softkeys stopped lighting up so I went back to 2HD RLS1.1
What about including custom kernals AOSP and Sense?
Skyraider Zeus rom is worthy of the incredible, Incredible 2. No bugs which is the most important thing, has never crashed ever on me, that is incredibly important. I don't ever actually use sense exept for the great camera, lockscreen, and weather. But this rom is a no brainer really.
It gives you every option you could think of and has no downside.
I wish this nice little article was up when I was wasting my time trying out buggy roms.
I just feel puzzle about which rom to choose at that moment, thanks a lot for your guide.
liquid 3.x is a good aosp rom as well
Thanks for the post, I like how you broke down the advantages of each.. this has proven to be very helpful.
While i agree with you aosp choices..i think everyone should at least try miui...most customizable rom I've ever used...and looks great with go launcher or launcher pro.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda premium
I will add an "other people's recommendations section" soon. Just because I dont necessarily agree with all of these *cough*MIUI*cough*, but I want people to get all the input they can.
Thanks for posting this. As someone who is new to rooting phones this information is very useful.
---------- Post added at 08:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:30 AM ----------
AgalychnisCallidryas said:
I will add an "other people's recommendations section" soon. Just because I dont necessarily agree with all of these *cough*MIUI*cough*, but I want people to get all the input they can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I tried MIUI for a few days. Although I like how customizable it is with all the themes available I found it too buggy. I kept getting lockups and reboots. I hoped the 11.18 release would have helped but it actually made it worse. Also, the lack of an app drawer was very hard to get used to. I'm still not sure I like that concept. I guess it's too iPhone-ish for me.
valorian13 said:
Thanks for posting this. As someone who is new to rooting phones this information is very useful.
---------- Post added at 08:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:30 AM ----------
Yeah, I tried MIUI for a few days. Although I like how customizable it is with all the themes available I found it too buggy. I kept getting lockups and reboots. I hoped the 11.18 release would have helped but it actually made it worse. Also, the lack of an app drawer was very hard to get used to. I'm still not sure I like that concept. I guess it's too iPhone-ish for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine never locks up, what kernel? And use go launcher or launcher pro.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda premium
knipp21 said:
Mine never locks up, what kernel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry but I'm not sure. I would say what ever 11.18 has. I'm still learning all there is to know about rooting so I never paid attention to kernel versions.
valorian13 said:
Sorry but I'm not sure. I would say what ever 11.18 has. I'm still learning all there is to know about rooting so I never paid attention to kernel versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running MIUI 1.11.18 right now along with the aerovan .7 bfs kernel. I haven't had a single lockup. Running buttery smooth.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using XDA App
I also run MIUI 1.11.18 an never had any problems I also use areoevan .07bsf kernel. This rom an skyraider are the two most stable roms I have run.
AgalychnisCallidryas said:
I will add an "other people's recommendations section" soon. Just because I dont necessarily agree with all of these *cough*MIUI*cough*, but I want people to get all the input they can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you try it with a traditional launcher you will love it lol
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda premium
ok, so since I'm still learning here, when you flash a ROM does the kernel get changed too? Or is this something you have to flash in addition to the ROM?
yes it will change it to which ever kernel the rom
is supplied with. You can find the custom kernel you wish to use an then just flash it after the rom just make sure it's for aosp or sense which ever you choose to run.
RRF12 said:
yes it will change it to which ever kernel the rom
is supplied with. You can find the custom kernel you wish to use an then just flash it after the rom just make sure it's for aosp or sense which ever you choose to run.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the explanation. That helps.
Related
I thought it would be fun to take a poll to see which ROM folks in this forum think is best...
Baked Snacks
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=701685
This thread will get moved soon
brandenk said:
Baked Snacks
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=701685
This thread will get moved soon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What makes you prefer Baked Snack? I'm not doubting your choice, just curious what makes it better than the others.
Been using Calk's builds for a long time now. Seems my taste in ROMs is very similar to his. Keep in mind "the best" is extremely subjective.
Dissenter said:
Been using Calk's builds for a long time now. Seems my taste in ROMs is very similar to his. Keep in mind "the best" is extremely subjective.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course... It seems there are a few popular ones out there, and then a lot of "second tier" ROM's. What makes Calk's builds "the best" for you?
Matt_TX said:
Of course... It seems there are a few popular ones out there, and then a lot of "second tier" ROM's. What makes Calk's builds "the best" for you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like the combination of performance and battery life of the kernel he chose to use. He also does an awesome job getting a bunch of graphical changes for the "cool" factor too.
Beyond the ROM, Calk contributes a lot of other things to the community. He's been making kitchen and kitchen development tools for the Windows Mobile groups for a while and I was very pleased to see him come to the Android team at the same time I made the leap. It's a big change for people like me that have been Windows Mobile sideline hackers for a while and it's really nice to see a familiar face.
Dissenter said:
I like the combination of performance and battery life of the kernel he chose to use. He also does an awesome job getting a bunch of graphical changes for the "cool" factor too.
Beyond the ROM, Calk contributes a lot of other things to the community. He's been making kitchen and kitchen development tools for the Windows Mobile groups for a while and I was very pleased to see him come to the Android team at the same time I made the leap. It's a big change for people like me that have been Windows Mobile sideline hackers for a while and it's really nice to see a familiar face.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good info... I'm currently running CM6 and loving it, but I'm torn what to try next... EViO, Baked Snack and VaelPak are all possibilities.
None of the ROM's really have the exact thing I want. Ideally, I'd like a ROM that has the following:
- Sense E-mail App
- Sense Calendar App
- Sense Lock Screen
- Sense Status Bar (with Custom Battery Icon)
- AOSP Contacts & Dialer
- AOSP Messaging (SMS/MMS)
- AOSP Gallery
- 4G Support
- FM Radio
- WiFi/Wired Tether
- Sprint Bloatware Removed (apart from Sprint TV)
- ADK Laucher (easy to add after the fact)
Any ideas on how to get this? I wish I was a Dev... I would build my own
Matt_TX said:
Good info... I'm currently running CM6 and loving it, but I'm torn what to try next... EViO, Baked Snack and VaelPak are all possibilities.
None of the ROM's really have the exact thing I want. Ideally, I'd like a ROM that has the following:
- Sense E-mail App
- Sense Calendar App
- Sense Lock Screen
- Sense Status Bar (with Custom Battery Icon)
- AOSP Contacts & Dialer
- AOSP Messaging (SMS/MMS)
- AOSP Gallery
- 4G Support
- FM Radio
- WiFi/Wired Tether
- Sprint Bloatware Removed (apart from Sprint TV)
- ADK Laucher (easy to add after the fact)
Any ideas on how to get this? I wish I was a Dev... I would build my own
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would think that this wouldn't be that tough. Try starting with a Sense ROM, pull out the dialer/messaging/gallery and whatever else you don't want, then install the AOSP apps you want. I'm sure the apk's can be found around here.
Where is the love for Burnt Droid - by netarchy?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=745738
Simple Sense ROM with great firmware, and a couple nice apps tacked on.
JTNiggle said:
I would think that this wouldn't be that tough. Try starting with a Sense ROM, pull out the dialer/messaging/gallery and whatever else you don't want, then install the AOSP apps you want. I'm sure the apk's can be found around here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it as simple as just uninstalling the Sense apk's that I don't want and installing the AOSP ones? If so, I can probably restore the apps I want from a Titanium backup of CM6. For some reason I thought it was more involved that that - especially with the AOSP Contacts & Dialer.
Dissenter said:
I like the combination of performance and battery life of the kernel he chose to use. He also does an awesome job getting a bunch of graphical changes for the "cool" factor too.
Beyond the ROM, Calk contributes a lot of other things to the community. He's been making kitchen and kitchen development tools for the Windows Mobile groups for a while and I was very pleased to see him come to the Android team at the same time I made the leap. It's a big change for people like me that have been Windows Mobile sideline hackers for a while and it's really nice to see a familiar face.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Agree entirely with Dissenter. Calk brings a lot to the table.
Really enjoyed Hero's early EVO work and Baked is still great. Also used Cyanogen on my G1 forever, but Calk's stuff has been stable, fast and clean (at least for me) as long or longer than anyone else on EVO. It is a beautiful thing. I had problems with most of the other ROMs, but for the EVO, Hero and Calk always seem to have there kitchens working.
Just_s said:
+1
Agree entirely with Dissenter. Calk brings a lot to the table.
Really enjoyed Hero's early EVO work and Baked is still great. Also used Cyanogen on my G1 forever, but Calk's stuff has been stable, fast and clean (at least for me) as long or longer than anyone else on EVO. It is a beautiful thing. I had problems with most of the other ROMs, but for the EVO, Hero and Calk always seem to have there kitchens working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, what would you say are the pros/cons of EViO vs. Baked Snack?
there is a fine line between the "best rom" and my "favorite rom"
best i have had was a stock rooted rom, granted it wasnt fast but it had everything working and no bugs that i could find ...
my fav has been CM6 ... fast and snappy ... but lacking the Fm radio and 4G i disire ...
i have a hard time finding a big difference between sense roms ... but thats just me, i'm slow on this stuff still
I like Fresh 3.2
Sent from my HTC Evo 4G using XDA app.
ThrowingKs said:
Where is the love for Burnt Droid - by netarchy?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=745738
Simple Sense ROM with great firmware, and a couple nice apps tacked on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya, where's the love?
I prefer my evo burnt for sure.
modded fresh for me. Dude is on point with his ROMs.
Gotta have my Apps2SD support.
Thinking about coming out with my own ROM based solely off of his as a base.
Evio cured my flashaholic's issues for a while, but with Baked Snack update and the Evio update its tough, i have to give the slight edge to fresh right now because of the new release, that thing is sick. I am pumped once that thing hits the street its going to be on! Too many choices is a good thing as i think the Evo is THE android device to have with all the Dev support
My two cents
1. Fresh 3.28
1.a Evio
1.a Baked Snacks
YMMV
Matt_TX said:
Good info... I'm currently running CM6 and loving it, but I'm torn what to try next... EViO, Baked Snack and VaelPak are all possibilities.
None of the ROM's really have the exact thing I want. Ideally, I'd like a ROM that has the following:
- Sense E-mail App
- Sense Calendar App
- Sense Lock Screen
- Sense Status Bar (with Custom Battery Icon)
- AOSP Contacts & Dialer
- AOSP Messaging (SMS/MMS)
- AOSP Gallery
- 4G Support
- FM Radio
- WiFi/Wired Tether
- Sprint Bloatware Removed (apart from Sprint TV)
- ADK Laucher (easy to add after the fact)
Any ideas on how to get this? I wish I was a Dev... I would build my own
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Evio = pure win
Sent from hell using XDA App
EViO2 is the best! Everything works and its a speed demon. Its the fastest 2.2 and smoothest I have ever used.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
i can't even imagine what hero and calk can do with that new release! Damn it feels good to be a gangsta
wsantiagow said:
EViO2 is the best! Everything works and its a speed demon. Its the fastest 2.2 and smoothest I have ever used.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey guys my wife has an htc droid incredible that she wants better performance out of. As of yet she is always complaining about how it sucks and its slow and boring. I'm sure she will want something she can use a theme on, and something extremely stable..the last thing I need is to hear her freaking out that it is messing up on her.
Also I have no idea if there is a way to create a nandroid backup on the dinc like I do with the fascinate with clockwork, hopefully there is because whatever I end up doing I need to be able to go back without a hitch...
Any and all thoughts/suggestions are greatly appreciated guys! Thanks!
SCH-I500 - Vanilla Froyo AOSP .8/Voodoo5/NexTheme
Sense or non-sense?
Its the wife..of course nonsense. Lol really though I'm sure sense but as long as i am able to revert no problem we can try non-sense. If she ends up not liking any of it I need to be able to restore to like it never happened and she can go on with all her stuff there lol
SCH-I500 - Vanilla Froyo AOSP .8/Voodoo5/NexTheme
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=883380
Try that or maybe Incredibly Re-Engineered, and maybe update to Lou's #9 for a kernel.
Awesome. What are the general steps to backing up and then flashing the above? (or anything else on the dinc for that matter) the most I have done is unrevoked and that's just as easy as super one click root lol
SCH-I500 - Vanilla Froyo AOSP .8/Voodoo5/NexTheme
I'm not sure if i'm allowed to post links to another site since i'm new to this forum but i'll pm you a link to a tutorial.
Awesome. Thanks brother!
SCH-I500 - Vanilla Froyo AOSP .8/Voodoo5/NexTheme
Not sure if it sent or not so i sent it again. Anytime.
Lol I got it both times thanks I was actually in the middle of reading up on some of the stickies when you sent that
SCH-I500 - Vanilla Froyo AOSP .8/Voodoo5/NexTheme
Lou's #9 and Myn's twopointtwo
I recommend the Incredibly Re-Engineered rom. It is sense based and has been very stable and very good with both battery and performance. I am using v2.3.1 and the incredikernel kernel.
Also, I did not see if anyone responded to your question about the backup with clockwork. Clockwork backup does work with the incredible. I have had to use it a few times myself
edit: Oh by the way this is my first post. Hello to everyone here at XDA!
For "non" Sense I'd definitely go with CyanogenMod 7 RC1. It's fast, stable, and GINGERBREAD!!!
DroidIncredible said:
edit: Oh by the way this is my first post. Hello to everyone here at XDA!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi.....welcome
As for the OP: After you figure out the nandroid backup stuff (which isn't too hard, esp since you have experience with your device)....
I stuck with Virtuous for a while which was basically an improved stock ROM...probably not what your wife wants if she wants it different and finds stock "boring" (but still a great rom). Unfortunately, not much development there anymore.
Skyraider sense was my next move. Loved it! Still sense, very stable, but lots of modifications and customizations available (ie: themes). A major upset was the fact that ihtfp69 stopped working on it for the time being.
However, I'm currently running CM7 (build #2) and it's great. Not a final version yet, so may not yet be as stable as she is looking for (though, I've only had 1 random reboot in 5 days of running different CM7 roms, otherwise, absolutely no other issues for me). But if you install it and set it up for her, and point her towards all the themes available, I'm sure she'd be happy.
So there's my experience, hope it provides some insight into the options for the Incredible I'm sure everyone else has their pros and cons, but I have honestly not been disappointed with any of the ROMs I've installed. These developers do a GREAT job!
Good luck
CM7: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=916881
Virtuous: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=765447
Skyraider: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=764787
UOTE=Graydon1;11513780]I'm not sure if i'm allowed to post links to another site since i'm new to this forum but i'll pm you a link to a tutorial.[/QUOTE]
I have the same exact situation as the other guy. My wife wants me to work on her incredible. Could you send me that link as well. Thanks in advance!!!!!
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
I put IncROM on my wife's Incredible as her first ROM - it was good looking, stable, quite fast, and had insane battery life w/ the stock HTC kernel.
She's since migrated to UlitmateDroid with me, as it has a whole different look/feel, and tons of options, as do many AOSP ROMs. Give AOSP a look for something different.
If not AOSP, some of the Z ROMs are pretty cool too.
That's part of the fun of being rooted; getting to try on different stuff, see what fits you best.
Happy modding!
Let me dig up the links again for ya.
Being someone who has tried a lot of ROM's and Kernels..
Sense kernels run the best for incredibles. I haven't found a non-sense (aka AOSP) that will run without a few significant bugs.
One of the quickest, most stable and clean sense ROM's would be
- Sky Raider's 3.5:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=764787
An excellent Kernel that majorly helped improve my battery life
- Chad's Incredikernel :
http://chad0989.dyndns.org/2.6.32.27-incredikernel-12232010-plus25v.zip
You will need clockwork installed to create nandroid backups and also to flash new ROM's and Kernels, and additionally rooting your phone can be found below:
http://unrevoked.com/#inc
>> Everyone has their preference and I highly respect every developer on here, but there was just a few things in Lou's Kernel that bugged me.
I'm sure you will try a few ROM's before sticking with one, the above are just my suggestions. When running Chad's kernel, do not use setCPU or anything like it because it already has (a better) one built in that helps extend battery life with screen off, and performance/battery with screen on
Thanks everyone! And welcome to the forums brother
SCH-I500 - Vanilla Froyo AOSP 0.8.1/Voodoo5/NexTheme
Just a thought but if stock Sense is boring to her, she may eventually want to try an AOSP ROM. In that case, I would recommend MIUI with Invisiblek #28 and, by that time, I'm sure Cyanogenmod 7 will have a stable release. Its bad a** and gingerbread based. Also, if she decides to stay with Sense and simply wants more options for it, Virtuous is another stable Sense ROM.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Try out 'Launcher Pro' (maybe PRO if you like it). It has really cool transition effects that your wife would probably love (I love 'em)
It's what I use instead of the regular sense UI.
Check this vid out for a better idea:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIK9yBlWYt4
You can get this from the droid market for free. PRO gets you the widgets I think, not much else.
You can also adjust the speed of transition that will make your phone seem much faster. I know the stock incredible homescreens are pretty laggy.
I have flashed my fair share of roms from Sense to Sense(less), Foyo to Gingerbread the list goes on. One thing I have noticed is that they all seem to have a similar appearance. I have yet to see a Rom that is unique in appearance. Does anyone know of any Roms that give a truly unique look, something new and different?
MIUI is the most unique android rom, it's like a iphone android hybrid.
I agree. I always come back to Miui. They update the rom on every Friday, and as of late it has been incredibly stable. Every so often I'll switch to a Sense rom, but within a week I'm back to Miui.
Acer Liquid. Definitely.
doubleojon said:
I agree. I always come back to Miui. They update the rom on every Friday, and as of late it has been incredibly stable. Every so often I'll switch to a Sense rom, but within a week I'm back to Miui.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong lol I have to disagree and say the new liquid ui is the most unique Rom..its totally different
Sent from my Dinc
I found that Rom to be... I don't know, frustrating? Issues with the lockscreen, the multiple music players... I think Miui is much more solid, and the built in features are unmatched.
I would have to say that both MIUI are completly in there own. Both based off AOSP (incase you are wanting to try different kernels) But I preferred LiquidMetal. I am not a fan of the iphone. Although the options in MIUI were a lot better as far as customization. I only used each for a short time and am currently on gingersense remix (b2) (attempting to download b3 as I type. This one is nice but looking more like a sense rom with some of the new sense 3.0 stuff on it.
I say give both MIUI and liquid metal a go and see what you think.
rcklesslydriven said:
I would have to say that both MIUI are completly in there own. Both based off AOSP (incase you are wanting to try different kernels) But I preferred LiquidMetal. I am not a fan of the iphone. Although the options in MIUI were a lot better as far as customization. I only used each for a short time and am currently on gingersense remix (b2) (attempting to download b3 as I type. This one is nice but looking more like a sense rom with some of the new sense 3.0 stuff on it.
I say give both MIUI and liquid metal a go and see what you think.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is that one running for you? I tried both 3.0 roms and got sick of the rosie loops.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
I love Miui, I really do but it doesn't like my Incredible. It's starting to get better and more functional with the latest updates but still laggy. I have never tried nor heard of LiquidMetal. I will have to look into that one.
I am curious about the 3.0 Roms that are coming out. I'm timid to try them out right now though, I fear that since they are not "stable", I will grow a resilience to them.
MIUI gets my vote. The early versions were too much of an iPhone clone for my tastes but have since gone back to it on recent versions.
However, I'm not crazy about the way they did the launcher being iPhone-esque by keeping all apps on the desktop, I prefer having an app drawer. So I run it with the Go Launcher.
MIUI's theming engine is incredibly easy to create themes on your own, and there is a huge collection of themes online, although I like a good sleek dark theme.
It has been incredibly stable for me, and I've really gotten to like their styles of pop up dialogs and menus.
I have tried all of the 3.0 and 2.1/3.0 ROM's. I can tell you that after a few reboots and soft reboots, they will calm down, and you will enjoy them.
With that said, GingerSense ReMix by wdfowty is the best right out of the box. No loops at all, I assume because it is from a 2.1 base with 3.0 goodies added in.
Try them!
Lsdozer said:
I have tried all of the 3.0 and 2.1/3.0 ROM's. I can tell you that after a few reboots and soft reboots, they will calm down, and you will enjoy them.
With that said, GingerSense ReMix by wdfowty is the best right out of the box. No loops at all, I assume because it is from a 2.1 base with 3.0 goodies added in.
Try them!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly what I wanted to hear. Flashing now.
doubleojon said:
That's exactly what I wanted to hear. Flashing now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, whats the verdict?
Ok., so Many New ROM's... which make's newbies get confused which is the best.
Best in term's of:
1.stability
2.design
3.compatibility
4.usability
5.user experience
6.support for new updates
7.user friendly
8.no bug's
9.Global mode
10.Battery life.
guy's pls. share your thoughts.... so I/YOU can decide. which is which
Thanks.
If you want sense try This one. It is by far my favorite sense rom as of right now. If you don't want sense OMFGB is the most stable, and fast non-sense rom I have used.
Ok, I'll bite
Best in term's of:
1.stability - Currently running Miui 1.8.19 Very stable. Unity also very stable for me.
2.design - Depends on if you want a Sense based rom or AOSP Rom... Unity for Sense was great. I love Miui for the customization's.
3.compatibility - So far I have been able to use any of the usual apps that I would run with the stock non rooted rom.
4.usability - Miui has been a very usable daily driver for me. MMS works, calls have no issues. Wifi works... Don't use BT so can't say on that.
5.user experience - very good
6.support for new updates - Haven't need to use this yet. But from what I have seen, the support on most of the roms we have available is good.
7.user friendly - I would say that the Sense based roms may be more user friendly to someone that has been using Sense based roms. Miui is pretty simple to get the hang of as well as the other AOSP (Cyanogen and others).
8.no bug's - only bug I have found in Miui, is the soft touch keys don't rotate when going to landscape mode. No biggie as I didn't expect them to.
9.Global mode - Haven't used this yet.
10.Battery life - Battery life has been great with both Unity and Miui. This could be due to the fact of the custom Kernals and being UV'd. Both have easily lasted all day under heavy use. I plug into the charger at night before going to bed, and generally have 40% battery left.
Hope this may help someone out
thanks ...I need more ideas so i can compare ,. keep it coming
I'm running CM7 Nightlies #48
1.stability - extremely stable so far. The only FC I get is when I first boot up ADW EX FC's, but I think it's because I'm impatient
2.design - I love the look of vanilla android. If you don't, or think it's boring, you won't like it. There are boat load of themes, though. And the great thing is all CM7 themes are compatible, regardless of which phone
3.compatibility - I haven't ran into any apps that I can't run
4.usability - very usable. Don't really know how to answer this
5.user experience - excellent, with all the customizable options
6.support for new updates - nightlies, lol
7.user friendly - I would say it is user friendly for anyone who is on XDA. Maybe not your average user, though
8.no bug's - none that I've ran into. Some complain about low volume in calls, but I don't experience that
9.Global mode - haven't tested
10.Battery life - excellent. I can easily get through a day
Edit: I should add that I haven't had a stock rom in god knows how long. So I am very used to little quirks here and there and don't even notice them anymore. Others may
Sent from my finally rooted Dinc 2
As for omfgb the phone was broken when I tried it. Omgb was pretty much flawless. As of now I'm running the gingersense rooted stock with great results.
Sent from my ADR6350 using XDA App
I ran OMFGB for a while, it performed well. I really like it because it is slimmed down AOSP but still has some nice features. Didn't seem to have much bugs, but nightlies can always produce bugs for people. OMGB 1.2 is the stable version of it.
Running Miui now because I wanted something different. Its performing well but it doesnt seem as quick OCd at 1.3 as OMFGB was OCd at 1.3 for me. The theme manager and customization in Miui though are awesome. Battery seems good so far.
Grabbed Skyraider Zeus today.....similar to mik Rom mix.....same great stable performance....with a few more features...at least so far lol
Sent from my ADR6350
ericsignals said:
Grabbed Skyraider Zeus today.....similar to mik Rom mix.....same great stable performance....with a few more features...at least so far lol
Sent from my ADR6350
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any bugs so far?
stelv said:
Any bugs so far?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only bug I have ran into is that it wont install certain skins. Not really a big deal but could be a breaker for some people. I tried honeybread, glasssense, and one other cant remember and none of them worked. Carbon fiber one does though.
I VERY highly suggest ANY ROM posted by "newtoroot" he has four great and different ROMs. They each have a few bugs, it just depends on your taste as to if the things bother you. Some people can use it as a daily others can't.
ihftp69, release a preview ROM of his SkyRaider Zeus, and is, afaik completely bug free 2.1 Sense ROM experience with sense 3.0 components.
MIUI has been my daily driver for about 2 weeks now. Everything works (MMS, BT, Wifi, etc) and the themes are awesome. Very consistent with updates and has a great dev team. Haven't seen any FCs from the system apps. Also, battery life is great.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using Tapatalk
Can I run launcher Puerto from miui?
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TheMavic said:
MIUI has been my daily driver for about 2 weeks now. Everything works (MMS, BT, Wifi, etc) and the themes are awesome. Very consistent with updates and has a great dev team. Haven't seen any FCs from the system apps. Also, battery life is great.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have to echo this remark. Going on a week with MIUI and have had no issues outside of it resetting yesterday while playing around with the music player it came with. Battery is on par with stock, but having a pretty UI means I play with the phone a lot more .
Fasinationinmotion said:
Only bug I have ran into is that it wont install certain skins. Not really a big deal but could be a breaker for some people. I tried honeybread, glasssense, and one other cant remember and none of them worked. Carbon fiber one does though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Skins from this thread work
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1122229
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SR3TLAW said:
Can I run launcher Puerto from miui?
Sent from my Incredible 2 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure what Launcher Puerto is, but you can run Launcher Pro it takes away some of the MIUI experience, but all the menu's and stuff are different. Quite a unique rom
Sent from my finally rooted Dinc 2
I really like the OMFGB roms, very stable, everything works and its fast. I also like the MIUI rom. I really love that fact that I can use the torch from the home lock screen by pressing the home key! MIUI also has a great dev community as well. It's really a personal preference, but as far as performance, I like those two the best.
Here is another vote for MIUI. Great stable ROM.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using XDA App
If you want some sense 3.0 features, the SkyRaider Zeus beat them all in stability and functionality, haven't found any bugs yet. Virtuous Unity came in close 2nd if you can live with the compass being backward, it lag a bit during first startup, overall it doesn't feel as smooth as Zeus even at 1.3Ghz. Gingerbang 1.5 is my number 1 choice if I want something close to stock, very snappy even at stock speed and it gave me the best battery life even after i overclocked to 1.2Ghz.
I switch between GingerSense and MIUI with great results from both. Exchange nuances keep me coming back to Sense-based ROMs, but MIUI in terms of customization taunts me constantly.
Stability has been great on both as well as compatibility.
Greetings everyone.
I would like to root and install a new ROM on my girlfriend's Incredible 2. Now normally I would experiment myself but since it is not my own phone I will not have the opportunity to go flash crazy and try everything. As such I would like to get some recommendations. The main thing would be speed and stability. I do not know what she has done to her phone I just know that it is stock something. I am also unsure of what root method to use but that is simply due to the fact that I haven't been able to check anything yet. I just want to get some groundwork done before I jump in. She is always using her phone so I figured it would be nice to make her experience more enjoyable. Thanks in advance!
Edit:
There wouldn't be something as beast as the Decks reloaded ROM on the Evo would there? That is essentially what I would like to flash for her. Something ridiculously stable that has all the tweaks that I would need to add in. If not just let me know what the most stable rom is and what tweaks I should include as I flash for the lady.
for a good overview of available roms, kernels, radios, tweaks, and s-off guides you might start here
I think you're going to have to use the tacoroot method. that's what I did and I had the most current verizon updates. I just flashed chilly beans pd rom last night and it seems great. incredibly paranoid android I hope that helps
I love paranood but all the tweaks may overwhelm her. Dkstunnas global cm9 ROM has everything working and is fast, viper ROM is the best sense ROM in my opinion, and I also love gingerbread miui. Tazz patriot and macrodroid also have a nice sense 3.6 ROM named Arctic ascension, which is a little faster than venom but maybe less visually awe inspiring, I also made a descended version of that ROM but it is extremely stripped down (made for speed). All the ROMs I mentioned are completely functional and stable, except paranoid, which the newest version doesn't have a working front facing camera, but watch it, I'm sure chilly will get it worked out, he's a good dev, hope I've given you a small idea of what some of my picks are like...
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda app-developers app
Jasonp0 said:
for a good overview of available roms, kernels, radios, tweaks, and s-off guides you might start here
I think you're going to have to use the tacoroot method. that's what I did and I had the most current verizon updates. I just flashed chilly beans pd rom last night and it seems great. incredibly paranoid android I hope that helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kinda outdate post you linked but still a good start ...maybe some one should up date it one day lol
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda app-developers app
Are you doing this for her or for you? Does she want it rooted? If not, leave it be. If she is happy with it then adhere to the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" line if thinking. If she does want it rooted, which type of rom does she want? Does she like sense and prefer not to have to learn her way around a new type of os? If so, skyraider Zeus is really good. Also, nits has some good gb sense roms. If she wants to try something new cm7 is fast and stable. As Jeremy said, gingerbread miui is great, just be careful with themes. Always backup before changing themes as some of them will lock your phone up and force you to restore a back up. It isn't common but I found several that did it. If she wants everything working with no bugs or random restarts, stay away from ics/jb at least until (if) we get source. If she is daring and can work through those issues without freaking out, the ones Jeremy mentioned are sweet. Pacman is one of my favorite roms ever, I just had some bugs that pushed me away for now. And they may be more phone related than rom. Hope that helps.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda app-developers app
Thanks everyone. From my browsing of this forum i think I will just let her pick between skyraider zeus, team venom, magnolia and Gingerbread miui.
I believe these roms to have a good balance from my quick skimming.
Are these the correct links?
http://www.teambamf.net/topic/1737-romgb-skyraider-zeus-13-inc2-update-11222011/
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1383848&highlight=search+this+forum
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1953899
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1162835&highlight=gingerbread+miui
For OP, concur with what others above already said ... search for both speed & stability involved compromises in balancing out on a rooted custom ROM since you are on XDA searching ...
1. There are 2 stock Sense Rom based on VZW's OTA releases, one by AndyBones with additional tweaks/add-ons and a newer one by CS, stripped of bloatware (she isn't going to mess with NFL or CityKids ID, yada yada) Put TB on it and update Play Store, etc. and once it's done updating the Apps, you are good to go - both maintained full GSM functionality and if you get it unlocked officially by Big Red, you can truely made it a global phone, insert a local prepaid Sim card & have inexpensive voice calling rates everywhere instead of using its partner's Vodafone Sim.
2. Next up is the Nit's Stock Sense v5.0.m-ext4, that's highly finished & polished, everything works with numerous options and it is equal to SkyRaider's Zeus v1.3 rom, both can be overclocked for speed in trading off some battery life - still going to give you a full 20 to 30 hours day of heavy use depending on Apps running, and in the case of DW's identical DI2 running SR Zeus, typically 3+ full days of standby with minimal voice calling/SMS and little or no 3G/WiFi browsing. Installed SRZ on her's since it was released 15 months ago and trouble-free, never froze and zero maintenance. I run between Stock Sense v5 and SRZ and still indecisive, switching every so often - especially when I'm traveling as I use GSM bands for non-US local calling, no re-programming or *#*# codes or menu to cycle thru. I keep copies of CWM's backup on the devices and in cloud storage in case of restoration, but it's been good. Update the kernels and to the newer radios once it's running, and you have a trouble-free device, set-n-forget - switched to a smaller (4 x 1) widget for the clock & weather display on the homescreen and I'm happy.
BTW, I have the newest Google Apps like Currents, Play Book & Play Magazine, etc. running on these Roms - when I don't have my true tablet, the Nexus 7 running JB 4.1.2 with me.
3. CM7's is good, simple & fast and good for changing things, haven't "play" with CM9 global ones lately - apparently most of the issues with camera, bluetooth & minor bugs are smoothly out. Tazz/MD's Sense 3.6 ROM is newer and is functional and refreshing - battery life isn't as good as older GB roms, as I recall. Be prepared for minimal tech support for you loved ones.
4. Nit's masterpiece, Team V's Viper Rom is the newest/hottest and best preview of JB/4.x for the DI2, I like it - TB restore from older GB and other roms might or might not work, depending on the Apps, it's best to do a fresh & clean install after full/deep wipe first. If it wasn't for the exclusive CDMA only or GSM only Rom , set by the initial Aroma installation & somewhat "fair" battery life - I would probably use it as my daily. Once (a big IF) HTC & VZW release kernel sources/codes or rollout ICS updates - serious development will resume as everything is now ported over from other/leaked sources. Paranoid's Rom by Chilly looks good, developer's work with the Nexus 7 set a benchmark that's not easy for others to follow/exceed - I haven't check it out myself but I'm sure it's excellent.
Thanks for the heads up! She has been complaining about how slow her phone seems to be lately so I figured it was a good excuse to root. I didn't see your post until just now, but those rom suggestions seem great! When I did show her a couple of screens she liked the look of MIUI best. Is the link I posted earlier a stable enough version for her? Or should I be looking at a different thread?
bryyando said:
Thanks for the heads up! She has been complaining about how slow her phone seems to be lately so I figured it was a good excuse to root. I didn't see your post until just now, but those rom suggestions seem great! When I did show her a couple of screens she liked the look of MIUI best. Is the link I posted earlier a stable enough version for her? Or should I be looking at a different thread?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Miui variants has been around for a long time - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1830675 - I haven't flashed or use one lately since the HTC Eris days, LOL but from the thread posts, it looks good enough for me, if you like it - go for it. Just backup always and if ... just restore or flash a different one, go back-n-forth - trials and errors work for me all the time (well, almost.) Enjoy.
The most stable miui is the gb 1.12.9. I think that is the right number. If you are using clockwork mode go into Rom manager and download it. There are 2, the other is 1.30.9 it something like that. Most people say that one wasn't as stable as the previous build. If you use the gb Rom get Aero's .7 kernel. A lot of people like the ics build but it may have stability issues that someone not wanting to wipe cache or go through fixes would want to deal with.
Maybe it's 1.12.9 and 1.12.30, I don't remember for sure, but you don't want the one with 30 in the number.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda app-developers app
for a quick rom you should really try INCREDIBLY('<PARANOID2.19.10
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2049902
ltredbeard said:
for a quick rom you should really try INCREDIBLY('<PARANOID2.19.10
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2049902
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not for someone who doesn't want to troubleshoot periodically.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda app-developers app
MRom
Seriously stable cm
It's gb has great battery life (I can go over 2 days with mild usage (tablet does most of my home android stuff and almost all my gaming )
Theme able which is great for customizing it for non nerd users
Plus it's about the only non stock based rom that has rotating lights
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