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Dear Google, dear Android OEM`s,
This is an open letter addressed directly to your development teams, which I hope will sooner or later arrive at the right places. I`m an avid Android user and fan since quite a while and was also an active part of the XDA development community (mainly Milestone, Desire HD). I really appreciate what you have done with the Android OS, especially now with the latest and greatest – ICS. Nevertheless with all the beauty and customization of Android, there is still a lot of room to improve, especially when it comes to user configurable customization. Following I want to illustrate, where I strongly believe, based on my experience in many threads here at XDA or my home forum, where there is a lot of room to improve.
@ GOOGLE - Users like new features, but not all users are equal.
Whether it`s widgets, shortcuts to settings or toggles, everyone has different preferences. So please add user selectable features to next ROM generations, that can be activated by users (say customers). If you follow XDA carefully, you will recognize some sort of consensus, which kind of customizations people would like to have in future stock ROM`s. The following features should all be user configurable to reflect the different tastes and user patterns. I will only post the Top features, but these would already add a lot and allow users to customize their experience.
1. Battery icon option with 1% steps in statusbar
2. Quick toggles to settings in statusbar
3. Custom shortcuts for Lock Screen
4. Reboot option in Power Menu
5. Position of clock in status bar
6. Customize Auto Brightness
7. T9 dialer
8. “Unread only” email tabs
9. Home Screen animation
10. Widget color and transparency
11. Color Themes (see Windows Phone)
@ OEM`s - Some users like custom skins, other`s don’t
We all know that OEM´s need to differentiate their products by hardware and user experience, BUT…. There are many consumers who fall in love with a certain phone, but don`t buy it, since it is covered by a custom UI (say Sense or TouchWiz), which some not only don`t like, it also adds huge delays to updates and in some cases completely prevents these. Please understand that users love choices and also having the latest version of Android on their phones. Also note that with the arrival of ICS, for most users suddenly stock Android delivers a better visual experience, then current custom UI`s.
1. Present your custom UI as add-ons, which allow the user to choose in settings, whether he really wants to use it.
2. You can break down your custom UI in Theme and features. That way the user can both select the visual aspects and the features he needs.
3. If you allow this freedom, you will sell more products and the result is win-win
Bottom line: If both Google and OEM`s understand and respect, we all have different preferences and like to have a choice, you will have even more loyal followers.
@ Community – it will be interesting to hear your opinion. Please don`t discuss details like more features you would like to see, it`s way more interesting whether you agree with the general approach or whether you are happy as it is.
..goodluck
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Instead of wasting time trying to convince google or samsung just install a custom rom which has many of these features. Give your support and donations to the awesome developers who do this on their own time and are always open to your suggestions.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
The problem with such 'requests' is that Google is probably looking at a much bigger picture than us. Some people actually get turned off by too many customization options.
..and not everyone likes them. For example, I think percent in the battery is stupid and annoying.
Your effort in writing appears to be good but sadly I think your post is going to be unnoticed by the people you addressed it to. Good luck.
Sent from my Gummy Nexus
+ 1 on all aspects and +11 on T9 dialer. Coming from HTC Desire I really miss this smart dialing feat.
adrynalyne said:
For example, I think percent in the battery is stupid and annoying.
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Why? I keep thinking about this too.
On the one hand, it's useful if you want to test battery against usage patterns etc. You also get better estimates of when you'll run out of charge.
On the other hand, it's extra information you have to remember and could easily do without, it also gives you a habit of wasting time by looking at it repeatedly and remembering that information. I never have to worry about running out of charge before I get home so it's kind of pointless.
I see the battery percentage every time I unlock my device. Percentages on a battery image are cluttered, and doesn't increase my battery life. Instead, I watch myself staring at them. I can't judge my battery life off of them, because drain is not linear most of the time. I just have a personal distaste for them.
he_stheone64 said:
1. Battery icon option with 1% steps in statusbar
2. Quick toggles to settings in statusbar
3. Custom shortcuts for Lock Screen
4. Reboot option in Power Menu
5. Position of clock in status bar
7. T9 dialer
8. “Unread only” email tabs
9. Home Screen animation
11. Color Themes (see Windows Phone)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This would defeat the purpose of Android would it not? Google does not want to do all of this, because that's what the developers are for. They make stock android with some enhancements they think will push android to the next level and let all the devs make stuff for us to use to customize our phone.
If i want these features i download apps.
I've always agreed with this, from day one. However, OEMS pump out Android phones more than they do Windows phones for one simple reason, because they can modify Android and they are not bound to upgrade it. Yes, there is that whole 18-month window thing, but it takes phones sometimes 18-months just to get one update. Windows on the other hand requires phones to be built to handle long-term updates, as does Apple. Personally, Google needs to really force manufactures to come closers to upstream AOSP. There's really no need for locked bootloaders, or closed-source skins such as Sense.
Either way, good luck.
How is that working out for windows phones?
Think their model is working for them? So far, wp7 has been an afterthought in most stores. Most of them are EOL'ed before they see much of updates. A long update cycle is worthless without...updates.
Droid Razr. Three months later Droid Razr Maxx.
Atrix. Half a year Later Atrix 2.
Droid 2. About 11 months later Droid 3.
Android phones really are not a shining example of longevity either. The general philosophy of the OEM's has been to release new phones, not upgrade existing ones.
Notice a pattern there?
Motorola.
They are idiots.
Besides, you missed some.
droid 2 > droid 2 global > droid 3 > droid 4
razr > razr maxx > razr dev edition
atrix, atrix 2
bionic
photon
Did I miss any big ones?
he_stheone64 said:
1. Battery icon option with 1% steps in statusbar
2. Quick toggles to settings in statusbar
3. Custom shortcuts for Lock Screen
4. Reboot option in Power Menu
5. Position of clock in status bar
6. Customize Auto Brightness
7. T9 dialer
8. “Unread only” email tabs
9. Home Screen animation
10. Widget color and transparency
11. Color Themes (see Windows Phone)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. i don't wanna see 1% battery icon, because it is annoying. if you want it, install ROM.
2. quick toggles is great thing. i don't understand why galaxy nexus doesn't have it since the manufacturer of gnexus is samsumg?!? all samung devices has quick toggles but gnexus. though, it is not really a big problem. there is GREAT app from market called Notification Toggle and it's even better then stock samsung's quick toggles.
3. i do not care. i guess it is up for developers, not for google.
4. well, this could be really usefull.
7. not bad idea
so in fact i don't really wanna change anything.. well maybe add a reboot or t9 dialer...
I believe his original point that was overlooked by nearly everyone in the thread was "user customizable," i.e. the ability to change or toggle most of the features. Of course many of us might not wanna see battery percentage, but have we not seen just about every feature in our ROMs have the ability to be toggled on/off or easily customized from a settings menu? Remove the need for all fifty Nexus devs to put essentially the same basic features in their ROMs that everyone wants to see, allowing them to focus on further development.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Nah, I didn't miss it. One of my points was that too much customization options scares some people away. You can increase, and hinder sales in such cases.
Personally, more customization options on phones is a must. Everyone bangs on about android being really customizable, but im already bored with the limited options.
Custom roms arent the answer because none of them work properly and have things missing. Even stuff like miui, oxygen and all the roms on Htc Desire dont work 100 percent and ive always had to return to stock.
They need to start offering more STOCK customization options that work if android is going to continue to flourish.
Ive yet to find a phone or rom i can customise to my tastes that works perfectly, still on hunt for perfect phone and i doubt i will ever see it.
Good luck.
my perfect os is;
- stock android, but if coming from e.g HTC, when setting up the phone give me a choice whether to have sense or stock.
-unlocked boot loader
- let me change the colour scheme. Amoled screens last longer on darker colours so let me gave dark scheme. LCD I don't care.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
biffsmash said:
Custom roms arent the answer because none of them work properly and have things missing. Even stuff like miui, oxygen and all the roms on Htc Desire dont work 100 percent and ive always had to return to stock.
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This has more or less been my experience too. Plus, you get the options the dev chose. Some you like and some you don't.
biffsmash said:
They need to start offering more STOCK customization options that work if android is going to continue to flourish.
Ive yet to find a phone or rom i can customise to my tastes that works perfectly, still on hunt for perfect phone and i doubt i will ever see it.
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Click to collapse
You probably won't. The reason being that the majority of people don't even know those options could exist. What most people really want (need even) is simplicity. Put a smartphone in your average person's hands and they are overwhelmed. Again, I am talking about the majority which isn't XDA users. XDA is the 1% of smartphone users!
What Google product managers should consider is a tiered option system. Basic simple options for the masses and then an expert user set of options buried a layer deeper for the people like us who really want it a specific way. However, these additional options cost a lot of effort to develop and regression test. That cost needs to be weighed against the perceived benefit.
Thx for your feedback so far, but it's important to note, that this is about giving users the choice. So if you don't like percentage battery, just don't choose it. I'm also aware I can flash Custom ROMS for this and I probably flashed more then most here, but don't forget that 90% of Android users don't even root their devices. So it would be a great advantage, if they get this flexibility out of the box.
Send from my Galaxy Nexus
Does any one else think that Google should be spending a lot more time here on xda and learning from the devs?
Just little features like being able to hide and unhide the nav bar, and edit the buttons of the nav bar...
Getting the smoothness of the stock launcher sorted once and for all that some custom rooms have managed...
The few extra targets on the lock screen.
You get the idea. Just little tweaks that are missing from stock that I feel should have been added from the start.
A company that large with that much resource should surely b thinking of these things before Joe bloggs comes along and adds it for them.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
zolah said:
Does any one else think that Google should be spending a lot more time here on xda and learning from the devs?
Just little features like being able to hide and unhide the nav bar, and edit the buttons of the nav bar...
Getting the smoothness of the stock launcher sorted once and for all that some custom rooms have managed...
The few extra targets on the lock screen.
You get the idea. Just little tweaks that are missing from stock that I feel should have been added from the start.
A company that large with that much resource should surely b thinking of these things before Joe bloggs comes along and adds it for them.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I recall correctly some of the new features in ICS from the Cynogenmod team (the only one that I can recall is the swipe away notification menu list).
But yea I agree, those little tweaks that you mentioned would be sweet to have in future releases of android...and who knows maybe they are paying attention and in the next (major) update of theirs we might get new features.
Yes/No.
I'm sure some Google employees might check sites like this from time to time, but more often than not they're aware of bugs before most of the XDA population notices them. Legitimate issues will be reported to their bug tracker quickly I'm sure.
People may get impatient waiting for a fix, thinking, the Big G is oblivious, but the majority of the time they're a few steps ahead of most users here and a fix has been in the pipe for a while. I'm sure it's someone's, or someTHING's job, to harvest pertinent info; Google is in the information biz after all. I doubt any Google (or AOSP) presence would ever be officially declared here; I can't picture that going well.
There is a gerrit for code submissions. If they are not submitted, good luck in seeing them considered for implementation.
However, devs like us tend to introduce problems as well. Unless it can fit into the master branch for all supported AOSP devices and appears to not cause issues with other items, it will be immediately thrown out.
Ever read rom threads? At least half the posts stem from problems that were created from tampering with code/adding features.
..and I don't want to hear "insert rom" is bugless, because it is not true for any rom.
adrynalyne said:
There is a gerrit for code submissions. If they are not submitted, good luck in seeing them considered for implementation.
However, devs like us tend to introduce problems as well. Unless it can fit into the master branch for all supported AOSP devices and appears to not cause issues with other items, it will not be immediately thrown out.
Ever read rom threads? At least half the posts stem from problems that were created from tampering with code/adding features.
..and I don't want to hear "insert rom" is bugless, because it is not true for any rom.
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Click to collapse
Good point for sure. I definitely do not want my phone to ship with the instability custom ROM lol.
And people won't be satisfied either way. They're gonna ROM their phone anyways, not all of these things need to be included in the shipping software.
Um...Google knows man. Come on, they are the largest search engine in the world. They know what CM team has added, they know what people dislike about their products, they know EVERYTHING.
I'm sure they are learning from the devs, also have to realize a lot of the things CM adds and the fact Google doesn't include a lot of the stuff is good for the mass, a lot of my friends have a Android phones.
I always root their phones and add toggles and the extra features and they don't even realize or use them because they don't care, but I'm sure they know what people do want and what people don't based on their search histories.
I thought about this the other day...
If any of these ROMs and Kernels were actually significantly better without compromising stability then the Google devs would be out of a job pretty quickly.
I think the main advantages of custom ROMs and kernels are:
- customization above and beyond standard - but Google wants too keep a uniform ICS theme.. and adding too much detracts from this... not to mention over complicating menus and settings
- performance from overclocking - again something Google doesn't want to do for stability and hardware reasons
- getting new releases and sources before OTA updates - for the phones that are Samsung controlled which have to wait ages for them.. and you can flash a stock image for this anyway.
So custom ROMs don't really add that much that Google would want in its stock builds
I just went from BAMF to Paranoid Android 4.2 and for the life of me I can't figure out why so many people are talking up this ROM, could someone please explain it to me because I need to be missing something.
The only thing that looked interesting was the UI features which do not work correctly. The Opaque Statusbar and Taskbar do not work. Randomly they will go back to solid black then never goes back to Opaque. The Tablet UI seems awesome but the Taskbar buttons are way to small. So I figured I would change the DPI but it makes the Statusbar clock huge and the notifications area pop-up moves half-way off the screen rendering it unusable.
So after those features are taking away there really is no custom / developer settings on the ROM so it's pretty much pointless.
A lot of people like a tablet UI but don't like the smaller DPI or visa/versa et cetera.
Jubakuba said:
A lot of people like a tablet UI but don't like the smaller DPI or visa/versa et cetera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Tablet UI is awesome but very poorly implemented it seems.
Shuino said:
So after those features are taking away there really is no custom / developer settings on the ROM so it's pretty much pointless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I came from AOKP milestone 1 to PA 2.99.5 and while I like the 4.2 I'm thinking it might be time to go back to AOKP. I thought the Phablet UI was interesting but when I tried it... it didn't work correctly. I do like the per-app customization but I'd rather customize other areas of the phone with my time. Add I miss my integrated weather on the lockscreen.
illegalsmile said:
I came from AOKP milestone 1 to PA 2.99.5 and while I like the 4.2 I'm thinking it might be time to go back to AOKP. I thought the Phablet UI was interesting but when I tried it... it didn't work correctly. I do like the per-app customization but I'd rather customize other areas of the phone with my time. Add I miss my integrated weather on the lockscreen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are pretty much in the same boat am I. I was just hoping something happened during my install of Paranoid and that's why it wasn't working or features were missing or something. I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks this ROM is defiantly lacking.
I am staying hopeful though. Once they get this ROM out of beta maybe Tablet UI will be working, and they will include some basic customization.
I do not see any problems with PA 2.99.5 whatsoever.. It works perfectly fine..smooth, good battery life, no lags, everything works as it should.. Once again, it is a matter of preference.. You putting up this thread was a matter of preference.. But once again, it is advisable that you do not complain by making a new thread.. Just post in the PA thread.. Molesarecoming is always open to constructive criticism..Once again, the word is "constructive criticism" the diversity of ROMs in the Galaxy Nexus community is what makes many stick with the nexus. so before bashing other ROMs, please just remember you not liking it, doesnt mean it's the same for others. If you hate it so much twitter it or fb it or something. >.<
Leemur89 said:
I do not see any problems with PA 2.99.5 whatsoever.. It works perfectly fine..smooth, good battery life, no lags, everything works as it should.. Once again, it is a matter of preference.. You putting up this thread was a matter of preference.. But once again, it is advisable that you do not complain by making a new thread.. Just post in the PA thread.. Molesarecoming is always open to constructive criticism..Once again, the word is "constructive criticism" the diversity of ROMs in the Galaxy Nexus community is what makes many stick with the nexus. so before bashing other ROMs, please just remember you not liking it, doesnt mean it's the same for others. If you hate it so much twitter it or fb it or something. >.<
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not bashing anyone work at all, honestly I just wanted to know if I was missing something from the ROM since so many seem to use it. I have used it for 2 days now and none of the UI tweaks are functional, or do not work properly or are just way to small with no functional way to increase size. But the ROM is smooth and quick with insane boot speed.
Here is info on PA 2.99+ in a nutshell. First and foremost, you all downtalking tabletui need to realize that it does not actually exist in android 4.2, the paranoidandroid team found it deactivated by google in the code for 4.2 and they spent their time making it available again, it is in no way a finished product, if you want to see it work good then download a version of PA with an android 4.1x base ( i.e. PA 2.54 or before). Now onto people that cannot see the big deal, well anyone that tried the pre 4.2 PA knows that there is more customization available in PA than any other rom put together. Now PA 2.99+ are all AOSP based instead of CM based so they basically are building this rom from scratch to improve speed, performance and battery life for everyone, this means that a lot is not even integrated back into the rom yet. Simply trying out the newest PA will not give you a feel for why it is hands down the best rom out there. As for transparency, that only works on the homescreen and in order to properly utilize it you must A. be using a compatible launcher which has the homescreen backgrounds drawn correctly ( i.e. Apex, Stock or Holo etc, NOVA does not work) B. Choose a correct transparent hexcode or slide the transparency bar to where you would like it for that said Launcher in the "apps" section of paranoid preferences. I am on 2.99 Beta 5 and have full transparency with no issues that you speak of (Photo included as proof), in fact, Beta 5 has added almost everything I want back into the rom and fully functional, I can hardly wait for v3.0, seriously, I cannot see ever using another rom after using paranoidandroid, it just has the edge on everything else out there. AOKP and CM have nothing on it especially when it's at 100% again, which will be in the next couple weeks at the rate it's awesome devs work at!
tabUI is not existant in 4.2, what you see right now is raw honeycomb. if you want to see how good it was install 2.54, thats still based on 4.1. but right now i got to make my hands dirty with this. i know that on xda most people do not understand the difference between developing and kanging, and they wonder "why's this rom slower than others" but someones gotta do the dirty work and im okay if crackflashers avoid ours. they avoid cm for the same reason.
as for hybrid engine, i dont think you have understood it yet. it works flawless and it gives you more customization than all roms on xda combined, IF you can handle it. yes, you are able to make a button pink in this and that rom, but hybrid can transform thousands of apps and components to the better, with practical implications that are unheard of. the apps that are running on your huge 720p screen were not optimized for it, they're in the same layout that applies to pocketwatches or stone age miniature phones like the htc wildfire.
as for opacity, no app, obviously, draws underneath the bars - why would it. the launcher can do it, but again - not all do. nova has even a bug that offsets the wallpapers which leaves a black gap. our launcher works, apex works, holo works and perhaps a bunch of others. no rom does it differently, simply because its impossible.
the real difference is that we are producing features that push androids boundaries, we are sick of a homogen rom culture that hasnt really moved one inch for a couple of years now. all these roms are the same, do you realize that? kanging has produced one grey mass and nothing stands out. when we are done with our beta we will of course bring in all the essential features aswell, but new features have greater priority. and these blow everthing related to it clean out of the water.
compare build.prop hacks with hybrid engine, its like night and day. this is quite possibly the biggest rom scene improvement android has ever had.
compare rom scene color tweaks with per-app-color, its like night and day. normal roms are static, they give you one color and thats that. our colors shift from app to app.
compare extended desktop (which also came from us) with per-app-fullscreen
compare our recents with clearall implementations,
we had the most versatile toggles on android in 4.1 (right now we're implementing a new panel which will come in beta6)
etc.
but you got to understand that this stuff takes alot of time. i know i could just rename an open source rom, call myself "founder," post in 30 device forums and make craploads of money here on xda, but i chose not to and im happy i found a few guys that think in the same way. im content with the few people that use PA and the support i get from those, i dont see myself competing with any other rom for that matter. i dont feel like i have to stop all my work now just because this and that rom has a minor option that we dont have at the moment.
molesarecoming said:
tabUI is not existant in 4.2, what you see right now is raw honeycomb. if you want to see how good it was install 2.54, thats still based on 4.1. but right now i got to make my hands dirty with this. i know that on xda most people do not understand the difference between developing and kanging, and they wonder "why's this rom slower than others" but someones gotta do the dirty work and im okay if crackflashers avoid ours. they avoid cm for the same reason.
as for hybrid engine, i dont think you have understood it yet. it works flawless and it gives you more customization than all roms on xda combined, IF you can handle it. yes, you are able to make a button pink in this and that rom, but hybrid can transform thousands of apps and components to the better, with practical implications that are unheard of. the apps that are running on your huge 720p screen were not optimized for it, they're in the same layout that applies to pocketwatches or stone age miniature phones like the htc wildfire.
as for opacity, no app, obviously, draws underneath the bars - why would it. the launcher can do it, but again - not all do. nova has even a bug that offsets the wallpapers which leaves a black gap. our launcher works, apex works, holo works and perhaps a bunch of others. no rom does it differently, simply because its impossible.
the real difference is that we are producing features that push androids boundaries, we are sick of a homogen rom culture that hasnt really moved one inch for a couple of years now. all these roms are the same, do you realize that? kanging has produced one grey mass and nothing stands out. when we are done with our beta we will of course bring in all the essential features aswell, but new features have greater priority. and these blow everthing related to it clean out of the water.
compare build.prop hacks with hybrid engine, its like night and day. this is quite possibly the biggest rom scene improvement android has ever had.
compare rom scene color tweaks with per-app-color, its like night and day. normal roms are static, they give you one color and thats that. our colors shift from app to app.
compare extended desktop (which also came from us) with per-app-fullscreen
compare our recents with clearall implementations,
we had the most versatile toggles on android in 4.1 (right now we're implementing a new panel which will come in beta6)
etc.
but you got to understand that this stuff takes alot of time. i know i could just rename an open source rom, call myself "founder," post in 30 device forums and make craploads of money here on xda, but i chose not to and im happy i found a few guys that think in the same way. im content with the few people that use PA and the support i get from those, i dont see myself competing with any other rom for that matter. i dont feel like i have to stop all my work now just because this and that rom has a minor option that we dont have at the moment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wonderfully said.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
PA 2.54 on epic 4g touch
I just flashed to this rom yesterday and really like it so far. I am interested in flashing to the newest 2.99 version. Where I can get the correct download for my phone, and do I need to update my recovery and if so, where do I get the link for that?
Thanks
btvolta said:
I just flashed to this rom yesterday and really like it so far. I am interested in flashing to the newest 2.99 version. Where I can get the correct download for my phone, and do I need to update my recovery and if so, where do I get the link for that?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the new 4.2 based PA roms might only be available for the Nexus series phones and tablets currently since the developers have started over building it from the ground up using AOSP source instead of CyanogenMod. I am not certain if the code is out there for other devs to build on their particular devices yet though.
I've been on a Sprint rooted GS3 since launch, but am having the hardest time with Driving Mode tweakage to get it to work with a Car Mode and/or NFC tag.
What I experience on my GS3 is that if I launch Driving Mode via S-Voice, it will work, if I do it through a Google Play widget or something else, it won't work the first time until turned on by S-Voice, but can then be toggle by the widget...frustrating.
I'm assuming this only happens on the Sprint version of ICS or JB, since,
For those that don't know, in the US, the Sprint ROM(s) for the GS3 does not have a Driving Mode toggler in the pulldown/notification menu, but the other carriers do, such as Verizon...
I don't see Driving Mode mentioned much in variouss pros/cons of custom ROM descriptions.
Has anyone come across any that deal with/improve Driving Mode issues?
(I know I could go with trying to wipe and reflash the stock ROM, because I've played/tweaked reflashed updates, etc. so wondering if I have a perfect ROM running right now or not, and that might be the true culprit. But, since I am going to go that minimal route anyways...I though I might look for a custom JB rom this time around)
This is a very subjective question...look into the Development section to see what roms are available, the only way to know for sure whether a rom would be good for you and whether you like it is to flash for yourself rather than taking peoples words for it
Also, theres been at least 5 other threads like this where people have asked "what rom/kernel?", I would suggest looking for those and reading.
CNexus said:
This is a very subjective question...look into the Development section to see what roms are available, the only way to know for sure whether a rom would be good for you and whether you like it is to flash for yourself rather than taking peoples words for it
Also, theres been at least 5 other threads like this where people have asked "what rom/kernel?", I would suggest looking for those and reading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I've been perusing them for the last handful of days or so, but haven't seen any Driving Mode stuff mentioned.
I'm guessing I might have to try a few, just wondering if any Sprint or other peeps have noticed any that fix their any Driving Mode issues.
And I'm not looking for movie reviews on which ROM is the best or etc.
I want specifically know if someone has developed a ROM that deals with any driving mode tweaks, because Sprint/Samsung/Android is goofy in how they collectively work or deal with CarMode and specifically DrivingMode.
I think I'll change my title a tad.
I don't use driving mode, but a good AOSP ROM could be CM10. its stable. Or if you're into customizing ROMs, use AOKP!
The best thing I can tell you is download a number of them from the dev section and play with them. Find out the things you like, the things you don't like. Trust me, as much as I want to come on here and say "What's the best ROM out there?!" That answer is always dependent on the individual's like and dislikes. Not to mention, the awesome devs around here are so active, even if people were willing to give an answer, it would change daily.
This thread is more then likely going to be locked soon.. (Nothing against OP or anyone in it) but these threads tend to follow that path..
As was stated cruise Dev section, Find something that peaks your interest (I love The Peoples Rom, Clean, simple, smooth) But everyone's opinion will vary, as will their experience with the rom. So as someone said before, Try a few. Can flash as many as you like till you find one that fits your needs. Be sure to read the issues others have come across (Bug report) so you know what to watch for. Most of our devs release updates pretty regularly. Enjoy! and Happy flashing.
Note: I tried viewing this thread in the XDA app on my phone - mistake! The formatting goes away on the app. If you actually want to read this thread (I'm blushing, really) I recommend hopping on a computer, or at least your browser on your phone.
Post 2: Stock Roms
Post 3: AOSP Roms
*** If you're going from a stock rom to an AOSP rom, read this ***
When you flash an AOSP rom it creates a folder marked 0 on your sdcard, and once it's created, you will ONLY be able to access files in the 0 folder, whether in the rom itself or in recovery. Here's a workaround.
1) Flash back to a stock based rom (If you haven't flashed an AOSP ROM yet you're already here)
2) Using a file explorer (and making sure "show hidden files" is checked) create a folder called 0 in the root of your sdcard if there isn't one there already. Cut and paste everything else in the root of your sdcard into that folder (the one called 0). You can copy and paste if you want but it'll be slower and you'll double the amount of space you're using.
3) Go ahead and reboot into recovery. Do a backup of your current setup and then install your new ROM
4) Everything should be where you expect it to be. If you choose to go back to a stock rom, you'll just have to flash the rom, cut everything out of the 0 folder and into the root of your sdcard, and then make sure you delete the 0 folder once it's empty so that TWRP can see everything it needs to.
Explanation:
I thought it'd be nice to have a central place to see what's what when it comes to sprint Optimus G roms. At first I did this to sort of keep my thoughts straight on the various available roms, but then I thought hey why not share with the community. Also we're coming up on finals week and I have a very special type of procrastination in which I clean, organize, make threads, or otherwise do anything remotely productive that is NOT related to studying. Also also, my intention is to update this post on a semi regular basis, as the development scene is a constantly changing (improving, I should say) place for this phone. That is, assuming people find this thread useful.
About me:
College student who loves his Optimus G. I typically check XDA way more than is healthy, and bounce back and forth between most of the wonderful roms available for this phone.
Thread Etiquette: (please read)
Apparently you're a classy bunch, so I don't think this section is necessary.
Now for the meat of the post! I will not be reviewing ICS roms. Mainly because you have two choices, imperium and lifeless, and their respective jelly bean forms are reviewed here. Plus you should probably upgrade to jelly bean, it's better in most ways. If you need to root, unlock, etc, look here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2050582
Remember, IRC is your friend. If you run into troubles and need immediate aid, go to http://webchat.freenode.net/ and join the channel #lg-optimus-g . They're very friendly over there. Also, there are guides to help you out all over the place on the forums.
Recoveries
Somebody wanted me to say a few words about recoveries, so here goes. We have two options, TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) and CWM (Clockwork Mod). TWRP is touch enabled, while CWM requires use of volume keys and power button to navigate. Additionally, we're officially supported by TWRP. I'm not so sure about CWM (I don't even know if they do official support,etc).
Honestly, I don't see any reason to not use TWRP. Most users opt for TWRP for its touch friendliness, and ease of use. It also has a nicer UI in my opinion. I used CWM way back on my Optimus S, and it got schtuff done, but I think most of the roms and everything here are tested by flashing through TWRP. So unless you have some special reason for wanting CWM, I'd choose TWRP if I were you.
Thanks to all the devs/testers/users who made these roms possible!
Stock Based
Rom Name: Stock
Developer: Everyone's favorite South Korean electronics manufacturer, LG! (Samsung,pffff)
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2176365 (in case you need to flash back to stock)
Brief Description: Not much needed here. Everybody's pretty familiar with this one!
Pros: It's what LG and Sprint want for you. They think this is just the bees knees, and if you think they have your best interests at heart, keep it! Most of the actual pros I'll discuss in lifeless.
Cons: Bloat, primarily. I've yet to meet the person who actually uses Sprint Zone. The messaging app is kind of buggy, I've heard, though since the JB update I haven't encountered much.
Major Bugs: None as far as I know.
Rom Name: Lifeless
Developer: AdriVelazquez
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2083320
Brief Description: Essentially (stock) - (bloat) + (tweaks) = lifeless. If you seek (stock)-(nearly everything that isn't necessary) check out imperium. If you like stock but don't like all of the Sprint/LG nonsense, this could be the one. And if it's worth anything to you, this is probably the rom that you'll find on my phone most of the time.
Pros:
- Aroma Installer allows you to get a VERY customized rom experience. Choose boot animation, preinstalled apps, which bloat you like, launchers, tweaks, sotkeys
- Liberty Evolved kernel optional. For most up to date version, see note at end of section.
- You can get just about as close to or as far from stock as you'd like while still being stock. If you don't think you can as far from stock as you'd like to be, consider Imperium (also stock based) or an AOSP rom.
- Performance/battery options like eco-mode and power saver.
- Pretty customizable lockscreen, with the cool dewdrop animation.
Cons: (note that these aren't really faults of the rom itself, it dos what it purports to do quite admirably)
- Still looks like stock, which is only a con if you hate the stock look. The notification pull-down menu is still cluttered. The settings app is still goofy looking.
- 4.1.2, not 4.2. So no lockscreen widgets, or any other advantages that 4.2 has to offer.
Major Bugs: None. One of the more bug-free roms, and if that's something you value, you should seriously consider this.
Rom Name: Imperium Initiative
Developer: Lokifish Marz
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2111607
Brief Description: This is basically stock totally stripped down and outfitted to look like AOSP. Conceived and manifested at a time when there wasn't any taste of AOSP available for our Optimus G, this rom did a good job emulating AOSP. However, it is stock based, however little it may look it. The developer behind it, Lokifish Marz, wanted me to mention that it's not really a rom, it just plays one on TV. In his words, it's "more a lightweight tuned base and series of mods for other devs and tinkerers to build and test on for their own ROMs and kernels". (If you want more info, his post is on the second page.)
However I'm going to leave it listed as a ROM, since I think that's what most users (myself included, up until mere hours ago) view it as. ROM or not, I think it's the most "barebones" option available.
Pros:
- Liberty Evolved Kernel included, though not the most up to date version. See note at the end of this section.
- AOSP look and feel, for the most part
- Relative stability of a stock based rom
- Quite nearly zero bloat
- Itsy bitsy (<500 mb) size. For reference, the stock ZVB rom is over a gig.
- Has a fun martian theme, right down to the background and boot image.
- Total feature list (copied from thread)
Almost all bloat and Google apps have been removed
AOSP/CM calculator, calendar and email replaces LG calculator, calendar and email
ES Explorer replaces LG file browser
AOSP lockscreen
AOSP 4.2 Keyboard
Jelly Bean Softkeys (change qemu.hw.mainkeys=0 to qemu.hw.mainkeys=1 in build.prop to disable)
Google Wallet
Android Tuner as system app
ROMstats added (server currently down)
Removed OTA service
Removed Connection Optimizer
Removed Qualcomm location enhancer
GPS tweaks
Liberty-Evolved v1.13 kernel (thanks Evolutionmods)
Camera tweaks (thanks _Epic)
Thermal mod (thanks Adri)
Awesome Beats Audio (Acid Audio was a major source of issues in the previous release)
Tuned to provide better battery life
Wifi scan changed to 300
Network tweaks (included tweaks for all network types the hardware supports)
Over 200,000 AdBlock hosts built in
build.prop edits and cleaning
Has my personal "loki" init.d script
Imperium standard issue default wallpaper
Martian Imperium boot animation with device info, build info and credits
Frees up tons of RAM and space in /system
Tons of other tweaks I can't remember
Cons:
- If there are any stock features you DO like, you might have to jump through hoops to reimplement them on this rom. Lifeless has the edge in that you can selectively remove things upon install.
Major Bugs: Again, fairly bug free as far as I know. While I ran it I had no major issues.
Note/Plug:
Liberty Evolved Kernel: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2181976
Developer: EvolutionMods
I highly recommend this kernel. It's very stable, still in active development, and can only help. It's currently for stock based roms only.
There's now an alternate kernel for those running AOSP.
Houcha kernel: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2246163
I haven't really used it yet but it's always nice to have choices!
AOSP-Wide Bugs: These bugs apply to every AOSP rom, aka any rom in this post.
-Camera focus: Some camera daemon keeps running when it shouldn't, or doesn't run when it should, or something. But that's immaterial, the end result is that after closing and reopening any camera app, autofocus will not work. There's a workaround that involves running a script every time you need to use a camera app. This is the biggest bug for me, and is what keeps me on stock in spite of the Play Music problems.
-Audio over headset: Some users have reported audio problems when on the phone and using a headset. On the phone meaning in a call.
-GPS: If GPS isn't working, flashing a stock rom, getting a GPS lock, then flashing back should fix the problem
AOSP Based
- AOSP based. It's the general consensus that since AOSP is maintained by Google, it is the pure android experience and is what Google thinks their operating system should be. Google's motives are for the most part believed to be more for the end user's benefits, as carrier and manufacturer modifications are either (a) well meant but poorly implemented or (b) commercially motivated and irritating. Google wants its OS to be the best in the world, and many think that it is
Rom Name: CyanogenMod 10.1 (Unofficial)
Developer (for our phone): Shellnutt2 (Other people are certainly involved, I'm just listing whoever's name is on the thread, this goes for all roms)
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2189788
Brief Description: A source build (thanks jblazea50) of probably the most famous rom in the android world, though that may be debatable. AOSP goodness, plus some extras. Stable for the most part, and actively being worked on by our fabulous devs.
Pros:
- General advantages of running CyanogenMod can be found here http://www.cyanogenmod.org/about/features
- Reader's digest version? Customizable user interface, lockscreen, very themeable, powerful equalizer, and more...
Major Bugs: None. Only minor bugs, and they're being steadily ironed out.
Rom Name: EOS 4.0
NO LONGER UNDER ACTIVE DEVELOPMENT: This is not to say it's not a serviceable rom, but if you're looking for updates, look elsewhere.
Developer: teamEOS/rlasalle15
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2219393
Brief Description: Another AOSP based rom, that concentrates on stability. Implements some features of CyanogenMod, and some of its own. Maintained by teamEOS. (If it matters, this is my AOSP rom of choice)
Pros:
- Full feature list, copied from original thread
NX Gesture Navigation Bar
Custom Quick Toggles Tiles with Brightness & Volume Seekbars
Softkeys Long-Press Actions
Custom Navigation Bar Ring Quick Launch Targets
EOS Status Bar Toggles
Navigation Bar Color w/ Project Glass (Auto-Transparency, not the Google Project Glass )
Status Bar Color
Battery Indicator Mods
Clock Mods
T-Mobile Theme Engine
Hide System Bars
Performance Settings
Volume keys switch depending on rotation. So the volume up key is always either on the top or to the right of volume down. (Toggle-able)
Default Volume Control Stream (Ring or Media)
Advanced power menu with reboot options.
Eos Control Center
MORE...
- Reader's Digest version? Very themeable, like CM 10, EOS control center includes performance and UI tweaks all in a central place. The volume keys switch according to the orientation of the phone, resulting in a more intuitive volume control. Reboot options include reboot to recovery and bootloader, which is convenient if you spend a lot of time in recovery. Personally I'm paranoid about holding buttons down all the time, I don't want things to break or loosen or whatever, so software tweaks like that make me happy.
- You can turn off the screen off animation, which is something I like to be able to do. I couldn't figure out how to do this on CM10.1, please PM me or something if you know how and I'll amend this. When it's late at night and my room is dark, it's irritating to have the brightness very low but the screen off animation flashing very brightly.
Major Bugs: None aside from universal bugs.
Rom Name: AOKP (CAVEAT - I have not personally tried this rom. Take my opinions with a large grain of salt. Actually I've tried not to put my opinion in this part at all, just reporting what I've read)
Developer: spleef
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2235291
Brief Description: Stands for Android Open Kang Project. Another fork of AOSP, with its own special features and modifications. It's now a source build, boots up fine, runs well. Being very actively developed, so for the latest and greatest check the thread.
Pros:
- General AOKP features can be found here http://aokp.co/
Cons:
- Again, has its own feature set, but if you're looking for particular features then make sure you do your research and check out all of the roms available.
Major Bugs: None in addition to the universal ones.
Rom Name: Liquid Smooth
Developer: spleef
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2373267
Brief Description: LiquidSmooth is an aftermarket firmware based on the Android Open Source Project.
Dedicated to providing users with smooth, stable and fast ROMs. A Lightweight modified AOSP base, and then add the features you crave! (Quoted from thread)
What makes this ROM special?
It seems like the main differentiator with this ROM is how smooth it is, or purports to be. I tested it for a day or so, and found that it was indeed smooth, though I've yet to find a stuttery ROM for this phone. What I did notice was that there seemed to be a different set of animations, which may make things seem even smoother. It's hard to quantify smoothness, and what's smooth for me could be even smoother for you. Or less smooth. Or of comparable smoothivity. Smoov. Anyhow. Try it out.
Detailed Features:
SaberMod GCC 4.7
-O3 Optimizations
ARM Optimized String Handling Routines
Linaro and Code Aurora Optimizations
Customizable lock screen buttons/sliders
Chronus & Dashclock widgets
Customizable hardware and software keys
Transparent navbar and status bar
Customizable navbar ring
Navigation bar widgets
Customizable power menu
Notification power widget
Customizable quick settings panel
Status bar mods
Theme engine
Quiet hours
Volume rocker music controls
Full Rotation
Customizable battery and notification light
Don't enable GPS if the requesting app is blacklisted.
Add permission that allows cancelling notifications from other apps.
Notification cancellation fixes
Ensure install-during-restore is like install-then-restore
libdrm: fix bad strncpy / snprintf calls
Make contacts app aware of blacklist being disabled
Frameworks: a bit taste of android 4.3
Frameworks: add reset option to clock color and cleanup
Frameworks: activate qs and notifications toggle for navring
Correctly release lockscreen lock on tile destroy
Add an option to allow a (subtle) notification vibration during calls.
NotificationManager : Fix security exception
Frameworks: privacy guard fix UI freeze
Prevent notification acces via HALO on protected lockscreens
HALO: keep apps in recents
HALO: halo can save last position now
HALO: Minimal Style
HALO: Master Switch
HALO: Custom Colors
SMS: add middleware layer
Add Statusbar Quick Peek
Frameworks: Privacy Guard
Profiles: Add bluetooth triggers
FIx: Phablet UI NavBar in landscape
Profiles: Add 2g/3g connection option
Profiles: Add a profile picker activity
Speed up statusbar/notification drawer
Use sticky broadcast to convey torch state
Keep notification LED on while daydreaming
Add Settings shortcut to Interface Settings Activity
WebSettings: Move Liquid tag to the end of the user-agent
Show application's package name in the "App info" screen
Settings: fixed HALO options so now they stick and function
Close notification panel when swiping away the last clearable
Frameworks: Reduce Navbar, Navrings, Slimpie observer footprints
Don't bring home to the front if we're opening a floating activity
Profiles: Fix turning bluetooth on/off when its in intermediate state
Settings: Rename 'Power sounds' to 'Charging sounds' and add summary
custom PIE features
smart capture and true shot camera features
And Many More...
Disclaimer: I am merely human. I make mistakes. This guide is by no means comprehensive. If you see an error I've made, inform me! Through PM or thread response, whichever you deem more appropriate (though if you think a post wouldn't be constructive, I recommend a PM). But please do so politely. To borrow a phrase that a fellow XDA'er seems to be fond of (crwolv) and that I have become fond of as a result (fondness by association?), let's all be couth. I really really really dislike personal attacks that I see in the forums, and while I'm by no means immune to getting upset and posting in that state, I think resolving issues with another user is a great use for the PM feature.
This is sort of similar to this...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2173532
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda premium
I can't adequately express in writing the noise of frustration that I just made. But upon further thought, this is at least slightly different in that it goes into more detail? In the time it took me to type this, I've calmed down, decided this thread is not completely redundant. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
_Epic said:
This is sort of similar to this...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2173532
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not so, as this is a review. I'd hate to see this closed cause it's great to know what to expect from a ROM and others troubles.
Great job with the reviews! I'm running CM 10.1 now
CM10.1 isn't a port. It is based on source.
stevek216 said:
I can't adequately express in writing the noise of frustration that I just made. But upon further thought, this is at least slightly different in that it goes into more detail? In the time it took me to type this, I've calmed down, decided this thread is not completely redundant. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't mean any harm or "noise of frustration" that you made. Carry on!
EDIT: Just an FYI, mods will probably see this as a ROM opinion thread, which they don't like. I just don't want you to be surprised if it does get locked.
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda premium
Good stuff. While those of use who flash frequently know already most of what is going on with these ROMs, this will here very helpful to new members as they arrive.
Thanks for your time.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda app-developers app
_Epic said:
I didn't mean any harm or "noise of frustration" that you made. Carry on!
EDIT: Just an FYI, mods will probably see this as a ROM opinion thread, which they don't like. I just don't want you to be surprised if it does get locked.
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oof. I hope not! I tried to keep it pretty factual. But what happens, happens. I didn't know opinion threads were frowned upon. And of course I know you didn't intend frustration
I dont know about everybody else but I actually enjoyed reading the reviews of all roms.
I hope you continue to update the first post everytime a rom updates, so we can stay up-to-date
Thanks for taking the time for a review. This should help new users coming in, as well as explain what's going on with these Roms so you don't have to read through 1000 posts.
Very well done
This was a great overview of the choice of options we have. very well written and through. I don't know about anyone else here, but I really hope we get a team nocturnal release. i loved the sony ui!
Great review
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda premium
I appreciate the effort and time you put into this. When something big goes down such as when cm 10.1 became available, it doesn't take too long to get way behind and then have to sit and read through pages of posts. This will be a good source. Thanks
What about custom recoveries? TWRP and CWM are rather varying in functionlaities, layout, input methods ect.
TWRP vs CMW
Haven't used cwm for awhile, but twrp easy to use plus has touch screen interface. Last time I used cwm it wasn't as easy. But as with anything, it slop depends on your preferences.
Just thought I'd drop in and clarify something about Initiative. It really isn't a ROM, it's just packaged as such for ease of distribution. Like Initiative on other devices, it more a lightweight tuned base and series of mods for other devs and tinkerers to build and test on for their own ROMs and kernels. That's part of the reason it's called "Initiative". Except for a couple things, there is little difference between "Initiative" and "Agent". Also except for the bug fixes it tends to only get updated when the stock base changes.
BTW, thanks for the review/guide. It's something a lot of newcomers really need when playing with their new toy.
Lokifish Marz said:
Just thought I'd drop in and clarify something about Initiative. It really isn't a ROM, it's just packaged as such for ease of distribution. Like Initiative on other devices, it more a lightweight tuned base and series of mods for other devs and tinkerers to build and test on for their own ROMs and kernels. That's part of the reason it's called "Initiative". Except for a couple things, there is little difference between "Initiative" and "Agent". Also except for the bug fixes it tends to only get updated when the stock base changes.
BTW, thanks for the review/guide. It's something a lot of newcomers really need when playing with their new toy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Updated the OP to reflect this. Among other things. And you're welcome.
Vibrate is way better on AOKP now with Trickster MOD
Sent from my Optimus G using xda premium