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Hey guys! I'm picking up an Xperia Play in a couple of days and was looking for some general advice about the phone. This will be my first Android device, I've been on WebOS/Garnet for my last two phones. I'm just a little overwhelmed with the options presented by the Play and Android in general. For instance, I'm not sure if I should root my phone or not - what are the advantages?
Any other general guides to Android/the Play would be wonderful if any such guides exist. I'm looking to deck this thing out with every emulator on the market as well as get the PSXperia hack up and running (I've downloaded the program, but can't figure out how to use it).
You can sense my overall noobishness in general, I'm sure. Any advice or tips about this device would be great. I'm really excited about the Play and getting comfortable with Android. Thanks everybody!
kershner25 said:
Hey guys! I'm picking up an Xperia Play in a couple of days and was looking for some general advice about the phone. This will be my first Android device, I've been on WebOS/Garnet for my last two phones. I'm just a little overwhelmed with the options presented by the Play and Android in general. For instance, I'm not sure if I should root my phone or not - what are the advantages?
Any other general guides to Android/the Play would be wonderful if any such guides exist. I'm looking to deck this thing out with every emulator on the market as well as get the PSXperia hack up and running (I've downloaded the program, but can't figure out how to use it).
You can sense my overall noobishness in general, I'm sure. Any advice or tips about this device would be great. I'm really excited about the Play and getting comfortable with Android. Thanks everybody!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
congratz im waiting for mine is the mail right now lol
rooting allows you to have full access to the file system sorta like a administrator
on a windows machine since out the box you cant edit files or remove bloatware without root you cant install certain programs from the market without root
also having root and unlocked bootloader allows you to flash a custom recovery image which will allow you to flash customs roms(a custom version of android dev by a user here on xda or anywhere in general)
yes i highly recommend but if you ever plan on returning the phone to verzion for example you will have to revert it back to stock
and for the program psxperia you need to install the latest version of java from java.com
and if your on a windows machine you double click the psxperiatool.JAR file
and it should run not sure on OSX
in the end you made a good choice on choosing android as mainstream as it became its still a powerful system way better IMO than ios or even webos
since android has so many developers theres gonna be an endless amount of programs
will post new finds myself etc
edokassiah said:
and unlocked bootloader allows you to flash a custom recovery image which will allow you to flash customs roms(a custom version of android dev by a user here on xda or anywhere in general)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot flash the recovery image directly or you will mess up boot partition, you need to flash a kernel with embedded recovery built in
Thanks for the info. I'm confused about the locked/unlocked bootloaders. How do I know which one I'll have? And how "easy" of a process is rooting the phone if I don't plan to install any custom roms or anything?
Also, how does transferring .apk files from my PC to the device work?
kershner25 said:
Thanks for the info. I'm confused about the locked/unlocked bootloaders. How do I know which one I'll have? And how "easy" of a process is rooting the phone if I don't plan to install any custom roms or anything?
Also, how does transferring .apk files from my PC to the device work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you havent unlocked your bootloader yourself it is locked there are many risks and advantages to unlocking your bootloader, but if you dont intend to flash custom roms there really is no need, just like with root, if you dont know what it is, you probably wont need it
transfering .apk's from your pc is easy, just copy the .apk to your sd card, then use a file manager to find the .apk, tap on it and the installer will pop up , you need to tick unknown sources in settings though
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1176367
AndroHero said:
You cannot flash the recovery image directly or you will mess up boot partition, you need to flash a kernel with embedded recovery built in
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hes asking about android in general not aiming specifically at the xperia play
If I root my phone, do I have to switch everything back in order to get updates? All I really want to root my phone for would be to remove bloatware/speed it up a bit, is there a better way than rooting?
There is plenty of tutorials here, I suggest that you read, read, and then......read some more
_terror_ said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1176367
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for this link, it's seriously going to help me while rooting my phone. This might be a dumb question, but bear with me - better safe than a bricked phone. The guide to rooting in that link says that I need to flash my Play to the .184 Generic UK firmware...am I understanding it correctly that I need flash this firmware onto my American Verizon Play? I want to make sure nothing is going to get screwed up regionally, as I'm going to want to keep getting OTA updates and all that.
Just to share my own experiences since I'm new to the Xperia Play (previously had an Acer Liquid.. crappy hardware but great community of devs.. anyways..)
I'd recommend rooting your phone off the bat - the simple reason is rooting will involve wiping your phone's data, so if you already have a few months of use that means having to restore everything which is tiresome. First thing when my phone arrived was follow the rooting guide here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1116090
After that however I wouldn't recommend messing around TOO much with custom firmwares and such etc.. get used to the phone as it is and figure out what you like, don't like. if your like me within a few weeks or months you'll want something new - this is when you might want to start looking at messing around with the phone - new home launchers or even a new ROM (if your phone can have it's boot loader unlocked, from what I understand mine can't). The games and Emulators should keep you busy as is
The only customizing I've done to my phone is rooting it with Gingerbreak and using the leaked Sony Launcher.
I realize this is a pretty nooby thing to do that annoys all the veterans, but I consider this to be a fairly crucial piece of information I need before I attempt to root my phone, so I'm just gonna go ahead and bump this thing before it gets lost in the shuffle.
In order to root with a locked bootloader on an American Verizon XPlay, I need to flash to the .184 generic UK firmware, then root, then OTA update, correct?
kershner25 said:
I realize this is a pretty nooby thing to do that annoys all the veterans, but I consider this to be a fairly crucial piece of information I need before I attempt to root my phone, so I'm just gonna go ahead and bump this thing before it gets lost in the shuffle.
In order to root with a locked bootloader on an American Verizon XPlay, I need to flash to the .184 generic UK firmware, then root, then OTA update, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. That method will not work on the r800x (verizon xplay) to root yours you will need to see [How-to] R800x Root
Dont worry about annoying people lol . Who cares what others think? Everyone has to start somewhere.
But it would be better with a stickied thread for new users to look @.
So now, instead of the 3 step process linked previously in this thread, I have to unlock the bootloader and do a whole bunch of other stuff? This method is like 100x more complicated. Is there no other way? I don't intend to install any custom roms, I strictly want to root solely for freezing bloatware.
No i dont think so. You would be better asking for help from other r800x owners in that thread.
The exploit gingerbreak uses on 2.3.2 was patched in 2.3.3 (worldwide) and was also patched by verizon before they released the handset on 2.3.2. Up untill the bootloader was unlocked on the r800x rooting was not possible.
Ask in that thread and you should recieve the help/info you are after.
hiya mate right ive rooted and put on custom recovery but now its screwed up my cam , wifi , and the market so be warned im trying to fix this problem as we speak
---------- Post added at 10:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:27 PM ----------
im new to this to really but having a play with no cam and no wifi and no market. the market is there but cant dwnload nothing is taking the piss can anyone help me please
Mozza2k11 said:
But it would be better with a stickied thread for new users to look @.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is one already stickied in the Q&A section.That it has gone practically unnoticed counters this statement.
kershner25 said:
Thanks so much for this link, it's seriously going to help me while rooting my phone. This might be a dumb question, but bear with me - better safe than a bricked phone. The guide to rooting in that link says that I need to flash my Play to the .184 Generic UK firmware...am I understanding it correctly that I need flash this firmware onto my American Verizon Play? I want to make sure nothing is going to get screwed up regionally, as I'm going to want to keep getting OTA updates and all that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Their is not such thing as a bricked phone
always is a way to fix it and usually its as simple as flashing a FTF
or whatever stock rom your device uses takes like 5 minutes tops lol
and logsemans guides will tell you anything you need to know
just use them for refrence
Xperia Play Super Compilation (Q&A Sticky)
and if you head down the path of rooting and stuff
messing with files
you wont be able to get ota updates lol.
it will "brick you"
I recentally made a quick video with tips for android users/beginners if you want to watch it. Thought it would help people. http://youtu.be/Pd5DerUoEcY
Hello everybody. I just picked up a Verizon Xperia Play today, and I am now aware that there is no free solution to unlock the bootloader at this time, but there is a paid solution.
After playing around with this phone for a few hours, I am desperate for root now. All of this bloatware and this auto-brightness "feature" is driving me absolutely insane. So I have reached the point where I am willing to pay for a bootloader unlock solution so I can root. I wish to know how I can go about going through with the paid solution?
I have tried sending a PM to Ashergray, and Blagus regarding this solution (as instructed to do in his topic), but for some reason I cannot send PMs..? Also, I couldn't reply to the thread in the dev topic to ask this question because I don't have ten posts yet. If a kind fellow nerd could tell me what I should do? There is nothing to click on Blagus' site that allows me to obtain this service.
I really don't want to regret buying this phone. The gaming experience on this is so fantastic, and an unlocked bootloader with rooting would make this guy happy.
Thank you for any replies.
<waits to be flamed for doing something wrong>
PMs are a pain in the butt, sometimes they show up when you send them, sometimes they don't
Over in the General section, Alejandrissimo has the paid solution to rooting/unlocking your play.
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1232050
Sent from my R800x using XDA App
@TSBroich you don't have enough posts yet to send pm's, you'll need 8 I think.
Regards Dousan...
Got the paid service, and now my bootloader is unlocked. It was very easy.
Thank you guys for your suggestions and input.
No problemo, just be careful when an OTA comes out, the euoropean edition (800i) was bricked by having an unlocked bootloader...
Sent from my R800x using XDA App
Wow that sucks. I will definitely be extra careful, especially since I'm trying to install the European R800i stock ROM onto the Verizon R800x Xperia Play.
I've gotten it to boot up, I just cannot do anything except bring the notification bar down, and browse through the Xperia Play games cover flow..thing.
Still trying everything to get this to work.
Why would you have regretted buying it without the root ability? I'm still on the fence about this phone and trying to gather info
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
Well if you like playing SNES, N64, GBA and PS1 games, it shouldn't even be a question about whether you should buy it or not IMO.
Although, if I could go back in time, I would have bought the unlocked R800i version instead of the one from the Verizon store (R800x).
Even without root, the R800x is still a great phone, and gaming is top notch. However, without root, you will have to live with quite a bit of bloatware and the screen is permanently set to auto-brightness.
But the one thing that really gets me is that the Verizon version is stripped of the whole Sony Experience (No Playstation store, etc).
I dould definitely recommend this phone to you, but root it and get the unlocked version.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium
Are you using a CDMA or GSM Verizon for your image? I know Verizon is CDMA and AT&T is GSM, so make sure you're using a CDMA version.
Also, try installing a home replacement app, see if that lets you do more...
Also, downloading the 800i apks (they are in the system dumps somewhere in the development section) can allow you to install the apps we're missing on the 800x.
Sent from my R800x using XDA App
paxChristos said:
Are you using a CDMA or GSM Verizon for your image? I know Verizon is CDMA and AT&T is GSM, so make sure you're using a CDMA version.
Also, try installing a home replacement app, see if that lets you do more...
Also, downloading the 800i apks (they are in the system dumps somewhere in the development section) can allow you to install the apps we're missing on the 800x.
Sent from my R800x using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The CDMA version is Verizon's version, so it doesn't have the features I'm looking for. That's why I'm flashing the EURO R800i image. Here is my process so far, and the outcomes:
It boots up just fine (new boot animation).
However, I am stuck at one spot. I cannot do anything except bring down the notification bar, view the Xperia Play games when I slide out the gamepad (VCast is gone!), and change USB options when plugged into the computer.
Here are the steps that I have taken:
-Full stock restore with FlashTool
-Flashed doomlords boot.img with the command "fastboot flash boot boot.img"
-Flashed frasertag's system.img with the command "fastboot flash system system.img"
-Flashed the system.sin from the R800i Firmware (I extracted it) with the command "fastboot flash system system.sin"
-Disconnected USB then turned the phone on. It boots just fine.
Hmm, you don't say. I wonder how I would go about installing APKs (including a new launcher) on the device even though I cannot navigate through any menus...or anything else.
ADB here I come..haha.
Hope this helps, it's a quick guide on using adb to install apps:
http://androidcommunity.com/forums/f4/how-to-install-apps-using-adb-4482/
Thank you for this reference. I was going to look for that myself, but you saved me the trouble.
A theory I have on why it didn't work is that the Nandroid backup was from factory stock, and NOT rooted.
So what I'm going to try next is:
-Do a Nandroid backup while in a rooted state, and all of the Verizon related software removed. Try restoring that.
-Download the system dump from the R800i, and install the R800i Launcher APK via ADB Shell.
With a launcher installed, hopefully we'll be able to, you know...do stuff.
Once the launcher is there, and it's confirmed that we can navigate the pages, we can go about installing the R800i apps if they aren't already there. But I shouldn't be getting ahead of myself now.
Haha, you good sir, are my hero, i read the other thread you opened, and i think i'll start following that one now
I'm curious if they were lazy and left the framework for the apps in there, but just removed the apps... well, we'll know since you're our brave guinea pig.
Got the Playstation Pocket Widget/App/Store onto the R800x successfully, along with the other Sony Ericsson widgets.
If I can confirm that the launcher will work, then I will do a Nandroid backup of this (so I can come back to it later, and to test in the restoration process), and go ahead and try all of this again. haha
2.3.3, really wishing gingerbreak would work right about now :/
retrogrymlyn said:
2.3.3, really wishing gingerbreak would work right about now :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couldn't you re-unlock the bootloader and root again even on 2.3.3? I have seen it done by other people (not me though. I am sticking with 2.3.2 unlocked and rooted).
Also, if anybody wants to make their R800x Verizon Plays look, feel and act like the R800i, here is the link to my long post about using the R800i launcher, widgets and apps. I failed at getting the ROM to fully function, but these are almost as good as having it on there.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=18516468#post18516468
kexec-tools
Hey everybody first post so I hope I don't sound like a total noob. I don't know if this will work but after rooting my phone and exploring some of the files I found a kexec-tools file. I have read that some phones have been able to have a custom kernal flashed using kexec-tools. Just thought I would put it out there and see what others had to say.
can a verizon be unlocked and used on gsm carriers?
TSBroich said:
The CDMA version is Verizon's version, so it doesn't have the features I'm looking for. That's why I'm flashing the EURO R800i image. Here is my process so far, and the outcomes:
It boots up just fine (new boot animation).
However, I am stuck at one spot. I cannot do anything except bring down the notification bar, view the Xperia Play games when I slide out the gamepad (VCast is gone!), and change USB options when plugged into the computer.
Here are the steps that I have taken:
-Full stock restore with FlashTool
-Flashed doomlords boot.img with the command "fastboot flash boot boot.img"
-Flashed frasertag's system.img with the command "fastboot flash system system.img"
-Flashed the system.sin from the R800i Firmware (I extracted it) with the command "fastboot flash system system.sin"
-Disconnected USB then turned the phone on. It boots just fine.
Hmm, you don't say. I wonder how I would go about installing APKs (including a new launcher) on the device even though I cannot navigate through any menus...or anything else.
ADB here I come..haha.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Editing, since I posted in the wrong place, sorry.
(SIM card on Verizon issue)
Tks
dead link
Hi. I've already rooted my phone. Now I want to try the ICS firmware from Sony and need to unlock my bootloader. The link provided. Above appears to be dead. I would be happy to pay for the unlock code or service. Thanks for any info.
Unlocking R800x
Okay I don't think I'm a complete noob at this as I've already rooted an HTC Hero, Droid1, and Nook Color. Could someone please explain how I'm supposed to unlock my R800x bootloader in simple terms? I'm getting conflicting directions everywhere I go and I'm more than willing to pay for it but no one I pm will reply for the unlock code.
This is a long shot, but this is something I've love to know whether it is possble or not. I have heard a couple people say that they pulled this off.
Obviously, the R800x Xperia Play on Verizon is the stripped down version of the UK version. The R800i has the whole Sony Experience, and I wish to have that on mine. So I thought to myself, couldn't I just flash the R800i 4.0.A.2.368 UK ROM found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1221105
onto my R800x Xperia Play? And before anybody says it, I KNOW that the network won't work, no phone and no sms. Only Wifi would work. That is fine by me. I would be perfectly fine with this just being an Android WiFi gaming device with the whole Sony Experience that the R800x lacks.
I've tried flashing this R800i ROM with FlashTool, and it keeps failing. Which sort of surprises me, because a couple of others in the thread in the link I posted above claim that it worked for them. (I can't post there. Dev section. Not enough posts yet)
Is is just a fantasy that will never come true? Or am I simply doing something wrong? If I was not very clear about something, please let me know, and I will edit this post with corrections. Thank you for your kind advice or suggestions.
(trying to avoid buying an unlocked GSM Xperia Play)
i think its been confirmed that itll brick it someone tried to see if they could enable the sim card slot flashing a generic rom to the r800x yes the r800x has a sim card slot has a plastic thing covering it right behind/on top of the sd card
edokassiah said:
i think its been confirmed that itll brick it someone tried to see if they could enable the sim card slot flashing a generic rom to the r800x yes the r800x has a sim card slot has a plastic thing covering it right behind/on top of the sd card
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I'm not trying to enable the sim card slot. I just want the ROM on there so I can replace the horrible VCast with the Playstation Store, give me the Sony Ericsson widgets, basically all of the stuff that the R800i gets to have.
And since this phone is just my backup (WiFi only) device anyway, no network access does not concern me at all.
TSBroich said:
Well I'm not trying to enable the sim card slot. I just want the ROM on there so I can replace the horrible VCast with the Playstation Store, give me the Sony Ericsson widgets, basically all of the stuff that the R800i gets to have.
And since this phone is just my backup (WiFi only) device anyway, no network access does not concern me at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i get what ur saying but im sure itll brick it
i mean it if it was that easy why is there gsm roms and cdma?
keep trying is your bootloader unlocked? if not prolly y ur getting a failed error
TSBroich said:
Well I'm not trying to enable the sim card slot. I just want the ROM on there so I can replace the horrible VCast with the Playstation Store, give me the Sony Ericsson widgets, basically all of the stuff that the R800i gets to have.
And since this phone is just my backup (WiFi only) device anyway, no network access does not concern me at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, yes, this! I may not want the whole she-bang, but if I can find a way to replace the framework that wants to pull everything from the VZWapps store *shudder* then I would be a tad happier. Just replacing the "Play" app doesn't do it. So where is the framework that tells it where to go?
Second, I know there are portions of the SE Experience framework still in the R800x, as some of the widgets, when installed, still work. Also, there is something blocking the normal facebook app from installing an account hook like on other stock phones, even though the rest of the r800x is "stock". I think we can pretty much all see that the R800x was not "Stock" but rather just stripped. Almost all the hooks are still there, plus some that are VZW specific.
UPDATE:
I have gone ahead and tried this, done some testing. So far, I'm making progress!
I have gotten the European R800i ROM on my R800x Xperia Play.
It boots up just fine (new boot animation).
However, I am stuck at one spot. I cannot do anything except bring down the notification bar, view the Xperia Play games when I slide out the gamepad (VCast is gone!), and change USB options when plugged into the computer.
Here are the steps that I have taken:
-Full stock restore with FlashTool
-Flashed doomlords boot.img with the command "fastboot flash boot boot.img"
-Flashed frasertag's system.img with the command "fastboot flash system system.img"
-Flashed the system.sin from the R800i Firmware (I extracted it) with the command "fastboot flash system system.sin"
-Disconnected USB then turned the phone on. It boots just fine.
Now the reason that nothing actually functions at this point is because I only flashed the system.sin from the R800i firmware (this is just a theory!). Trying to flash the whole ROM in FlashTool will result in an error and fail. I have read in another post that a trick to bring full functionality (besides the network) is to create a Nandroid backup before flashing all of this, delete the system.img from the backup, then restore the Nandroid backup after all of the flashing is done. The restoration part has got me stumped so far..
I will keep trying, and will ask the guy who I got this idea from how he got past the restoring backup stage (where I'm stuck).
I am determined to make this work! haha
edokassiah said:
yeah i get what ur saying but im sure itll brick it
i mean it if it was that easy why is there gsm roms and cdma?
keep trying is your bootloader unlocked? if not prolly y ur getting a failed error
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes my bootloader is unlocked.
dam thats badass been alot of confirms that itll brick do us a favor and try inserting a sim card take the batt cover off and right under the sd card theres a sim card slot a piece of plastic is covering easily comes off see if it detects it
edokassiah said:
dam thats badass been alot of confirms that itll brick do us a favor and try inserting a sim card take the batt cover off and right under the sd card theres a sim card slot a piece of plastic is covering easily comes off see if it detects it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
During my experimentations, I bricked my Xperia Play a couple times. Luckily it must have been a "soft brick" or something, because I was able to restore it by doing a full restore to factory stock. Nothing else would register in the bricked state.
I do not have a SIM card for this phone at the moment. The only SIM card I have on me is the 4G card for the Droid Charge.
I tried restoring the Nandroid backups without including the system.img in the restore, and it still wouldn't fix the problem.
Here are a few theories I have on why it didn't work, and what might work:
-The Nandroid backup was from factory stock, and NOT rooted.
-The inability to do anything on the homescreen may be due to the lack of a launcher.
So what I'm going to try next is:
-Do a Nandroid backup while in a rooted state, and all of the Verizon related software removed. Try restoring that.
-Download the system dump from the R800i, and install the Launcher APK via ADB Shell.
Not giving up.
I have succeeded in putting the Sony Ericsson Experience from R800i onto the Verizon R800x.
I'll post pictures a little later.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium
TSBroich said:
I have succeeded in putting the Sony Ericsson Experience from R800i onto the Verizon R800x.
I'll post pictures a little later.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
post tut buddy and try to include any important info
Posted edited. Scroll down.
how did you manage to flash it. can you help me with the procedure
please post step by step method. please,.. for everyone...
Search in development about using flashtool.
Sent from my R800x using XDA App
NahuXtrme said:
how did you manage to flash it. can you help me with the procedure
please post step by step method. please,.. for everyone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am sorry for "abandoning" this thread, but I got incredibly busy with school. Here is what's going on. I got good news, and bad news.
Bad news, I got the ROM to flash onto the R800x, but encountered problems to the point where it's not even worth posting anything for.
Good news, so instead, I took a good chunk of goodies from the R800i dump, and put it on the R800x. A good number of the stuff works, but some doesn't. All these apps/widgets come straight from the R800i.
I am not taking the credit for any of these finds. I am just sharing things that I have found after searching the internet high and low.
First is the SE launcher. This will make your phone look and act a lot like the R800i. This includes the SE app drawer, the folders, the dock and the "jiggly" movements. Everything works except for the themes. Here is a download link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?zuq8hsexodjk3bx
Next is the Playstation Pocket/Suite app. This is the official Playstation app from SE. On the R800x, the widgets work perfectly, the app works fine, and the game launcher looks beautiful. The only problem is that when going to the section to buy more games, it doesn't show any games available for USA. But that's what PSXperia is for. If you aren't familiar with PSXperia, you must check it out.
Here is the link for Playstation Pocket:
http://www.mediafire.com/?mmhduygvlmsjdim
Here is the Media Shortcut widget. This just lets you select music, wallpapers or videos all in one widget. This of course comes from the R800i.
http://www.mediafire.com/?w41bp8wr7d81rb8
Here is the Photo gallery widget. I really like this one. It revolves in a circular motion with your fingers. Works fine in portrait mode, but does not work in landscape for me.
http://www.mediafire.com/?1yuvjhf2f7m1b4l
[ROOT REQUIRED:] And lastly for now, here is the Sony Xperia Play game launcher WITHOUT the VCast. You must remove the Xperia Play game launcher, and VCast. You can remove these using Titanium Backup. Then install this one. This removed VCast for me, and instead gave an icon in the corner that takes you to the Xperia Play optimized games from the Android Market.
http://www.mediafire.com/?5kmog06w4s3qn3i
UPDATE: jgregoryj1 has posted a better and easier method to remove VCast. See his post below (it's #18). It's way simpler, but know that root is still required.
I cannot seem to get the SE R800i music widget to work without crashing. But of course, the R800x stock one and others work like normal, so oh well...
Again, I am not taking any credit for these finds. I just tried these things for myself, and I am now sharing them with any who are interested in making their Verizon R800x's look and feel like the way the Xperia Play was MEANT to look.
In closing, I just want to reiterate, I am very sorry about not accomplishing the task of getting the ROM to work 100% (it was still unusable). But for anybody who wants the R800i look, these should tide you over.
Thank you guys for your understanding, and thanks to everyone for making XDA such a good place.
Travis
I wasn't even aware that verizon held out on these features. Thanks for getting then out there.
These features were indeed stripped from our model(s), and it was very disappointing to learn that they didn't include the Playstation Suite on these. Oh well, for I'm glad I didn't return it now. I love this thing.
Sent from my R800x using xda premium
TSBroich said:
I've tried flashing this R800i ROM with FlashTool, and it keeps failing. Which sort of surprises me, because a couple of others in the thread in the link I posted above claim that it worked for them. (I can't post there. Dev section. Not enough posts yet)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't use flashtool. Use Fastboot (ie Fastboot flash system system.sin)
Also the radio will still work if you flash chevys nandroid backup after flashing the UK firmware.
Sent from my R800x using XDA App
I was able to get rid of the vcast market in the xperia play launcher by removing the vcast app from the /system/app folder and rebooting. If thats all you want to get rid of then just do that. The android market will then be in plce of the vcast. Although I have flashed te UK rom and have the full Timescape rom onmy phone for a few weeks now. Its pretty sweet and fast. But kudos for posting the helpful information
iliketrains said:
Don't use flashtool. Use Fastboot (ie Fastboot flash system system.sin)
Also the radio will still work if you flash chevys nandroid backup after flashing the UK firmware.
Sent from my R800x using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also you need to flash Doomlord's kernel for 3.0.1.A.0.145 found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=15805471&postcount=2
Then apply chevy's FTSv05 CDMA Patch v2. You will have a fully functional phone with the exception of multimedia messaging.
None of this works with 4.0.A.2.368 Roms though. I have been working on trying to get the radio functional on the newer Roms.
Or you could pull the kernel from a tft file like I did. dooms kernel had too many problems for me. No wifi, low volume, etc.
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Hi all,
I recently got an Xperia play and so far I love it but I am running out of internal memory (it only has 380mb available for apps etc). I'm relatively new to android so please stick with me!
I read on a forum that you can partition a section of the SD card then use an app called "Link2SD" to use that partition as additional internal memory. As part of this you have to root the phone. I tried this and the software didn't work.
My main question is regarding rooting, is it worth doing? I'd heard that if you root your phone you risk bricking it and also you can't get future software updates. If that's true then I won't get ice cream sandwich in the next update.
So, can anyone advise me on if rooting is a good thing to do and if so, how do I do it? If not, do you know of any good ways to increase the internal memory that don't need rooting? I am already using the App2SD application which helps a bit but not enough as I've already moved all I can to the SD card in normal settings.
Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks!
It's REALLY worth it and you'd be super unlucky to brick or cause any damage by trying to root.
Use superoneclick. Really quick and simple.
Then Link2SD works fine (it needs root to work). You can move all of your apps across stopping the annoying messages about low memory.
Then when you get a bit more brave get titanium backup, backup everything.
Then google safe removal list xperia play xda and get rid of the sony bloatware you don't use. Will be like a new phone my friend. Enjoy your Play!
Thanks mate, I'm still torn if I want to risk it! Would it be OK with future software updates if I did root? How do I use the rooting program you mentioned, download it to my PC then just execute it with the phone plugged in? Sorry for all the questions, I know nothing of the internal workings of android! Thanks
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Superoneclick is a program you run on your PC. Literally one click with your phone connected and you're rooted. There are practically no risks involved at all.
You'll still be able to update OTA if you don't uninstall any stock apps. ICS will be available for FlashTool when it's released anyway so I wouldn't worry about that
Sounds good, I've already got instructions for a program to partition the SD card and for link2sd. I'll give it a go! I'm assuming the stock apps will be the ones not on the safe list? Can I still move games that came preinstalled? Thanks for all your help, it's much appreciated!
Sent from my R800i using XDA
Basically don't uninstall any app that is installed to /system/app if you want OTA
This is irrelevant anyway since ICS won't come OTA. You'll have to use FlashTool or SEUS
hi !
When you are rooted ! uninstall those crap stock app list with Titanium backup (from market),
Warning ! It need root !
link to the list of safe removal app :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1046699
See ya
do you know if there's an app to unroot my phone? I'll probably do the partition thing, remove the apps I don't need then unroot the phone again. Any ideas? Thanks
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wildone277 said:
do you know if there's an app to unroot my phone? I'll probably do the partition thing, remove the apps I don't need then unroot the phone again. Any ideas? Thanks
Sent from my R800i using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps superoneclick does unroot as well (can't remember and not near a pc. But you don't need to unroot. Keeping root does no harm. If you're thinking about warranties then it's pointless as you'll have missing apps etc when you send it away.. Again though, root does no harm and you can quickly flash a stock xperia rom (they're linked in a thread here and all listed on xperiagamer website) should you need to send the phone for repair
Sent from my R800i using XDA
wildone277 said:
do you know if there's an app to unroot my phone? I'll probably do the partition thing, remove the apps I don't need then unroot the phone again. Any ideas? Thanks
Sent from my R800i using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Link2sd needs root access to run. If you remove root you won't be able to use Link2sd anymore
ah ok, you can tell I'm new to all this stuff can't you?!
Thanks!
How come ICS won't be coming as an OTA update? I'd read that it was being released in April for the Play?
I may need to pick your brains about how to get hold of ICS when it's released then!
Is there an equivalent to super one click for macs or will I be forced to use my 2009 eepc?
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I have uninstalled the apps, using titanium backup...but I think the data is still there cause the space has not improved...
Superoneclick will work on the .62 firmware as well right? ..
I let the phone do a software update and I thought I read somewhere that the .62 cannot be rooted.. please tell me I'm wrong..
this low internal memory is so freaking annoying
Hi all,
I think I've finally got all the info I need, just need to make the decision of which way to go now!
I found a hack that you can use to send apps to the SD card without rooting:
http://www.bongizmo.com/blog/moving-all-android-apps-to-sdcard-apps2sd-froyo/
but I'm more nervous of hacking that rooting because at least there is lots of guidance on rooting for novices like myself! What do you reckon? To root or not to root, that is the question!
I was thinking, now that my SD card will be taking the brunt of the apps data etc, is it possible to exchange the 16gb card I got with the phone for a standard 32gb micro sd to expand the capacity? I'm concerned that if I do this, links between the phone and SD card might not work anymore.
Thanks
Can anyone please confirm that superoneclick works with the xperia play, android version 2.3.4? If so, which version? I've downloaded v2[1].3.3 and I'm ready to take the plunge. Thanks
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I'm afraid I'll need step by step instructions for rooting my play, I can't get it to work. I downloaded superoneclick and tried to execute it and it just closed itself. Do I need to install SDK whatever that is? I have no idea what I'm doing! Please help!
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wildone277 said:
I'm afraid I'll need step by step instructions for rooting my play, I can't get it to work. I downloaded superoneclick and tried to execute it and it just closed itself. Do I need to install SDK whatever that is? I have no idea what I'm doing! Please help!
Sent from my R800i using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you running as admin?
If you can't get it to work try DoomLord's Easy Rooting Toolkit - don't have a link as I'm on my phone but it should be easy enough to find
Michealtbh said:
Are you running as admin?
If you can't get it to work try DoomLord's Easy Rooting Toolkit - don't have a link as I'm on my phone but it should be easy enough to find
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just tried it, i just get "cannot find the path specified" on each line, I'm probably doing something fundamentally wrong! Does it need to be in media transfer mode? Here's what I did:
Downloaded the Zip file and extracted all the files into a folder.
Turned on USB debugging and unknown sources
Connected the phone via USB and skipped the prompt to open the phone folders
Executed the "run me.bat" file
Pressed any button as prompted
What am I doing wrong?
Hello I'm new to the rooting community and I am just curious on the current best method of rooting an android device I attempted using unlockroot program but didn't really understand what it actually did I just saw it had installed "superuser" then shortly after when I attempted to install a rom via the boot menu thing (Sorry for the terrible terminology bear with me)
Basically when I spam the lower volume button that screen that looks similar to windows CMD prompt
Anyways moving along I successfully "fixed" what I did and flashed the stock rom for the att xperia play version 2.3.3
TL DR Please give me a link and your personal opinion on the best method to root the xperia play for ATT and the best roms for the r800at xperia also what roms are my phone compatible with? I don't recall of the types of roms but it is really much appreciated any form of comments regarding the subject its all information that will help me towards my goal to root my phone and have the most efficient phone
Thanks!
Superoneclick is probably def the best. Just search the forums or google it. If you want to install a rom just install cwm which you can find on the market by searching xperia cwm auto installer
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