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Hello All..
I was an apple fan since 2007 The iOS, i wasnt really convinced with android till the day of release of HTC ONE X , This Phone Really Changes my mind with it Incredible Features and the quality of the device.
I,m new to android , i,ve learned how to unlock the bootlader , do the root and recovery , also installing a custom rooms and some MODs on it .
I need some information about:-
1- What does kernel and boot.img do?
2- What is the S-On and S-Off means ?
3- Is it possible to return my device as it is in the first original rom [bootloader locked, No root] as a new device? and HOW ?
4-Does MODs works on any room or for specific ones ?
5- What is H-boot ?
Any one use any instant messaging app like whatsapp Etc.. to contact him directly ? fast and easier
thank you in advance
1- What does kernel and boot.img do?
GOOGLE SOLVES EVERYTHING.
2- What is the S-On and S-Off means ?
HTC SENSE ON or HTC SENSE ON.
It enables or disables the htc sense interface.
3- Is it possible to return my device as it is in the first original rom [bootloader locked, No root] as a new device? and HOW ?
You can RELOCK your bootloader.... but anyways you lost your warranty (IF YOU UNLOCK YOUR BOOTLOADER).
ANd you can return to the original rom and config with this thread
4-Does MODs works on any room or for specific ones ?
See specifications about it.
5- What is H-boot ?
i DONT KNOW CLEARLY, BUT GOOGLE KNOWS TOO MUCH.
Well I can answer some of the questions:
1. boot.img contains the kernel inside (not sure what else)
2. S-ON or S-OFF I think means security-on/off
3 it is possible as long as the bootloader is locked/re-locked. You have to flash the RUU of your region/country where the phone came from. Without S-OFF we can't get super CID
I don't get your 4th question
5. HBOOT is loaded immediately when your phone is switched on, and it’s mainly responsible for checking and initializing the hardware and starting the phone’s software. It can also be used for flashing official software releases, as well as a few other things. HBoot can be compared to the BIOS on a computer.
1- What does kernel and boot.img do?
The kernel is like the middle-man between the hardware and the OS. it holds drivers for the hardware and tells the OS how to interact with the hardware.
2- What is the S-On and S-Off means ?
Security on/ Security off. It is another way to enable the phone to flash different Roms, The only way to flash roms at the moment is to unlock the bootloader but then HTC has a record of all unlocked phones.
3- Is it possible to return my device as it is in the first original rom [bootloader locked, No root] as a new device? and HOW ?
Yes it is, there are tutorials in this section on how to do this.
4-Does MODs works on any room or for specific ones ?
It depends what the mods are and how they are implemented, again it's best to read the threads on the specific mods.
5- What is H-boot ?
H-boot sort of holds the partition layout for the rom, from my experience with my desire different roms fitted different H-boot's. Not sure about anything else.
Added To my knowledge
Thanks All , i appreciate your fast responses
S-ON Locked = Security on + Bootloader locked = This is what your phone is out of the box.
S-ON Unlocked = Security on + Bootloader unlocked via htcdev = You can write new system and recovery images e.g. custom firmware. You can't alter the baseband or CID however. HTC run htcdev and know you unlocked it which will affect your warranty.
S-ON Relocked = Security on + Bootloader locked = You unlocked via htcdev and then relocked it. You can't go back to S-ON Locked normally. HTC know that you previously unlocked it.
S-OFF = Security off - You can alter anything you want in the phone including the baseband and CID value which determines what branding you get. You need a third party exploit to get S-OFF as HTC won't let you do it on retail handsets.
HBOOT is the bootloader. If you're concerned about getting S-OFF then you shouldn't update this at all since it may fix a vulnerability that is required later on for S-OFF.
Just for info:
Unlocking your bootloader does NOT void your warranty, your warranty is still valid for hardware issues but not software unless you have a branded phone, and if the software change made by you has affected the hardware somehow maybe by overclocking the CPU and frying it then the warranty will not cover it.
It should be noted that S-OFF DOES void all warranty.
wolfraim said:
2- What is the S-On and S-Off means ?
HTC SENSE ON or HTC SENSE ON.
It enables or disables the htc sense interface.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it definitely does not mean that.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
joshnichols189 said:
No, it definitely does not mean that.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so.... any explanation? xD
wolfraim said:
so.... any explanation? xD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S-ON = Security ON
S-OFF = Security OFF
Boot.img
Thanks all again..
other question :
[You NEED to flash boot.img via fastboot] HOW To i Do that? [Exact steps please]
DawoodWN said:
Thanks all again..
other question :
[You NEED to flash boot.img via fastboot] HOW To i Do that? [Exact steps please]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fastboot flash boot boot.img
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is the command you type
Assuming you have the fastboot files in your PC and have the "boot.img" file together in the fastboot files.
1. Power Phone Off by Holding power button for 10 secs
2. select Fastboot with volume + or - then press power
3. plug your phone into your PC and open a Command Prompt.
(windows XP - Click Start > Run > type CMD in box then press OK
(Windows 7 - Click Start > type CMD in search box then press Enter)
4. cd to your fastboot files folder cd c:\fastboot
5. type in your command prompt "fastboot flash boot boot.img"
I got some of the tut from bagofcrap24
I have downloaded the full update of about 650 MB. But now I'm unable to install the update. When I go to Install now option, it ends up on the Bootloader menu. It shows Tampered Locked Security warning (see pictures). I neither tried to root the device nor tried to unlock the bootloader . I don't know what to do now. Any kind of help will be appreciated.
Was the phone purchased new from a reputable seller? Meaning, is it possible a previous owner unlocked the bootloader (root, s-off, etc.), than changed the LOCKED and S-ON flags?
If not, its very odd indeed to have TAMPERED if it was purchased new from your carrier or similar reliable source.
What happens if you select HBOOT from the menu and go into recovery?
The top line says tempered... Might be unlocked or the recovery is not stock... Try doing whats written in the Post above mine...
iWinDroid said:
I have downloaded the full update of about 650 MB. But now I'm unable to install the update. When I go to Install now option, it ends up on the Bootloader menu. It shows Tampered Locked Security warning (see pictures). I neither tried to root the device nor tried to unlock the bootloader . I don't know what to do now. Any kind of help will be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IDK how I got the tampered banner off mine. I do not have S-off so I couldn't do any of the tricks, I think Locking the bootloader, flashing stock recovery, and flashing the stock ruu must of done the trick.
Hey guys, I'm running ViperOne 2.4.0. with TWRP recovery installed. For some reason when it boots up, the only thing it shows is an unusual HTC splash screen with red writing at the bottom, similar to if it were booting into recovery, but without the pink "entering recovery" message at the top. What is causing this, can it be changed by adding a new splash screen and/or boot animation? It just stays on this screen for a painfully long time, and then goes black. I tap the screen and it's on, and everything is fine. Thanks in advance.
chattguy said:
Hey guys, I'm running ViperOne 2.4.0. with TWRP recovery installed. For some reason when it boots up, the only thing it shows is an unusual HTC splash screen with red writing at the bottom, similar to if it were booting into recovery, but without the pink "entering recovery" message at the top. What is causing this, can it be changed by adding a new splash screen and/or boot animation? It just stays on this screen for a painfully long time, and then goes black. I tap the screen and it's on, and everything is fine. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got the same issue..... plz help.
Because you guys on the lower version firmware which is meant for 4.4.2
And the ROM requires a newer firmware for 4.4.3
ckpv5 said:
Because you guys on the lower version firmware which is meant for 4.4.2
And the ROM requires a newer firmware for 4.4.3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay.....so can I update the firmware? Do I have to be truly S-off to do that?
chattguy said:
Okay.....so can I update the firmware? Do I have to be truly S-off to do that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need S-Off to upgrade firmware with official untouched firmware.
With S-On you can't downgrade.
I believe your device is T-Mobile so grab the OTA.zip from T-Mobile section and extract out the firmware and use it.
Or.. do a proper OTA update.... or use the RUU ... all your answers are in T-Mobile section
---------- Post added at 12:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:20 AM ----------
oogierule said:
I've got the same issue..... plz help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And yours ... the same as above but the AT&T ones in AT&T section
ckpv5 said:
You don't need S-Off to upgrade firmware with official untouched firmware.
With S-On you can't downgrade.
I believe your device is T-Mobile so grab the OTA.zip from T-Mobile section and extract out the firmware and use it.
Or.. do a proper OTA update.... or use the RUU ... all your answers are in T-Mobile section
---------- Post added at 12:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:20 AM ----------
And yours ... the same as above but the AT&T ones in AT&T section
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, and to find out the current firmware I'm running, that's listed as "Build Number" in settings, yes? It says I'm currently running 2.22.531.5 CL365360 release-keys. Is there a newer firmware than that? If so I'm not finding it.
chattguy said:
Okay, and to find out the current firmware I'm running, that's listed as "Build Number" in settings, yes? It says I'm currently running 2.22.531.5 CL365360 release-keys. Is there a newer firmware than that? If so I'm not finding it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never know a Viper ROM is based on 2.22.531.5 CL365360 release-keys Your OP is mentioning about Viper.
Firmware is what written on bootloader - OS : ?????????
In Build Number in settings is the ROM version.
Well I guess I need to stop responding to Q&A for devices which have their own specific forum ....
I know nothing when it comes to T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint and Verizon ... sorry
users with specific device can understand better and offer a better help and advice.
always wondering why people with specific device with specific forum post in Int'l GSM forum
ckpv5 said:
I never know a Viper ROM is based on 2.22.531.5 CL365360 release-keys Your OP is mentioning about Viper.
Firmware is what written on bootloader - OS : ?????????
In Build Number in settings is the ROM version.
Well I guess I need to stop responding to Q&A for devices which have their own specific forum ....
I know nothing when it comes to T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint and Verizon ... sorry
users with specific device can understand better and offer a better help and advice.
always wondering why people with specific device with specific forum post in Int'l GSM forum
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, this isn't an "international GSM" forum. It's an HTC One M8 forum. That to me, means that it's for all users of this particular phone. Second, there is nothing that explains in explicit detail how I can fix this particular problem, in the T-Mo specific forum. Anyway, thanks.
chattguy said:
First of all, this isn't an "international GSM" forum. It's an HTC One M8 forum. That to me, means that it's for all users of this particular phone. Second, there is nothing that explains in explicit detail how I can fix this particular problem, in the T-Mo specific forum. Anyway, thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem about that ... it just me need to learn not to respond to specific device Q&A
Anyway ...about the firmware ... what is it ? Not the one written in build numbers ... what's the one written on bootloader ?
ckpv5 said:
No problem about that ... it just me need to learn not to respond to specific device Q&A
Anyway ...about the firmware ... what is it ? Not the one written in build numbers ... what's the one written on bootloader ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's what it says:
HBOOT 3.16.0.0000
Radio-1.16.21331931.LA24G
OpenDSP-v38.2.2-00542-M8974.0311
OS-
eMMC-boot 2048MB
chattguy said:
Here's what it says:
HBOOT 3.16.0.0000
Radio-1.16.21331931.LA24G
OpenDSP-v38.2.2-00542-M8974.0311
OS-
eMMC-boot 2048MB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I'm trying to tell.
You do have a lower version firmware meant for 4.4.2 (the reason why it takes long time to boot and the black screen)
Firmware 4.4.3 has hboot 3.18.0.000 or greater than 3.16.0.0000
ckpv5 said:
That's what I'm trying to tell.
You do have a lower version firmware meant for 4.4.2 (the reason why it takes long time to boot and the black screen)
Firmware 4.4.3 has hboot 3.18.0.000 or greater than 3.16.0.0000
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do I flash this in Hboot? Do I need to be on a stock rom, or S-off? I'd rather not have to deal with that if I can help it.
chattguy said:
Do I flash this in Hboot? Do I need to be on a stock rom, or S-off? I'd rather not have to deal with that if I can help it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no need to go for S-Off if you don't need it. The only thing is once you updated to 4.4.3, S-Off thru SunShine may not work too. (currently)
So it's all depends on what you want/prefer to do :
1. backup your current Viper ROM and revert to stock ROM and do normal OTA (no need to relock bootloader)
Once complete, reinstall TWRP and restore your Viper ROM backup (so no reinstalling hassle)
or
2. revert to stock ROM with RUU (you need to relock bootloader)
Once complete, you need to reunlock bootloader and install TWRP and restore your backup.
or
3. keep/backup your current setup of Viper ROM and flash only the HTC signed firmware either thru fastboot or use a external_sdcard method. Both way you need to relock bootloader and re-unlock again after complete. Always remember unlocking bootloader will wipe your data. So make a backup to PC first. And you need to reflash TWRP too. You can try without relock bootloader first and see as I can't remember whether it will work on an unlocked bootloader or not. If not working, then try again with relocked bootloader.
I guess you can have all the info and files needed in this thread : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2714456
ckpv5 said:
There is no need to go for S-Off if you don't need it. The only thing is once you updated to 4.4.3, S-Off thru SunShine may not work too. (currently)
So it's all depends on what you want/prefer to do :
1. backup your current Viper ROM and revert to stock ROM and do normal OTA (no need to relock bootloader)
Once complete, reinstall TWRP and restore your Viper ROM backup (so no reinstalling hassle)
or
2. revert to stock ROM with RUU (you need to relock bootloader)
Once complete, you need to reunlock bootloader and install TWRP and restore your backup.
or
3. keep/backup your current setup of Viper ROM and flash only the HTC signed firmware either thru fastboot or use a external_sdcard method. Both way you need to relock bootloader and re-unlock again after complete. Always remember unlocking bootloader will wipe your data. So make a backup to PC first. And you need to reflash TWRP too. You can try without relock bootloader first and see as I can't remember whether it will work on an unlocked bootloader or not. If not working, then try again with relocked bootloader.
I guess you can have all the info and files needed in this thread : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2714456
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay thanks man. None of that sounds like something I feel like doing this weekend. I'll see how I feel Monday and attempt it. Many thanks for your patience.
Speaking personally, I would say if you currently have the ability to s-off you may as well do it and save yourself some headaches. Reason being, if you're s-off you can, for example, flash a modified firmware that doesn't erase your rom or bootloader, which to me, is a lot less confusing and troublesome. You can also do things like flash different radios, animations, etc without installing new roms and what not. Anyways, that's just my opinion and I don't claim to be an expert or anything, just another random user.
I am planning to install a custom ROM on my phone, and I was looking up how to unlock the bootloader.
I've not unlocked a bootloader and flashed a ROM in quite some time, the last was my old HTC Sensation.
I stumbled upon a thread about how phones from the carrier I'm on, which is Three here in the UK, do not allow bootloaders to be unlocked.
"Three (and phones direct from networks ie. O2,Voda,Orange,Tmo) = SIM LOCKED, and Bootloader unlockable = No. Which means You can Sim unlock the device but Bootloader remains forever locked. Unless someone manages to find a exploit."
That was in 2013 though so does it apply still now?
Thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=38188394&postcount=27
That thread is for Sony Xperia, its got nothing to do with this phone.
Bootloader unlock should work fine on 3 version (I've seen others with 3 UK version messing with ROMs here). Far as I know, Verizon in US is the only version that doesn't allow bootloader unlock via HTCDev.com (but you can s-off by sunshine for $25 in that case, then use it to unlock the bootloader).
redpoint73 said:
That thread is for Sony Xperia, its got nothing to do with this phone.
Bootloader unlock should work fine on 3 version (I've seen others with 3 UK version messing with ROMs here). Far as I know, Verizon in US is the only version that doesn't allow bootloader unlock via HTCDev.com (but you can s-off by sunshine for $25 in that case, then use it to unlock the bootloader).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply
Im on Three Uk, i unlocked my bootloader and rooted and flashed Twrp no problem, s-off i havent got around to, i begrudge paying $25 for an exploit that should be cheaper.
As for sim lock, all phones purchased through 3Uk, contract or payg are already sim unlocked, same applies to CPW, only O2, EE and Vodafone lock their mobiles within the uk.
gazza35 said:
Im on Three Uk, i unlocked my bootloader and rooted and flashed Twrp no problem, s-off i havent got around to, i begrudge paying $25 for an exploit that should be cheaper.
As for sim lock, all phones purchased through 3Uk, contract or payg are already sim unlocked, same applies to CPW, only O2, EE and Vodafone lock their mobiles within the uk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is s-off a needed feature? I just want to install Android Revolution HD via TWRP
Pommy192 said:
Is s-off a needed feature? I just want to install Android Revolution HD via TWRP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it is not needed .. you need unlocked bootloader, twrp and the rom zip to install.
Most important your current firmware is at least 4.xx.771.x or better 6.13.771.4
It says s-off on a lot of these custom roms, but i dont think its working for me anyway, ive flashed ARHD and Leedroid and Dragon, and although they install, a ton of the roms features and apps do not install, example - xposed, so where am i going wrong, BL unlocked, rooted. Twrp, but customs wont install what they say is included, i think its because im still S-On, and i always will be.
You only need S-off if you wanna upgrade to newer modified firmware or firmware that is not supported by your branding. And that's the main reason, sure there are some other things like unlocking your bootloader without HTCDEV, changing CID & MID and transforming your device into a dev edition but you don't need S-Off for ROM flashing and installing apps that need root permissions such as Xposed etc.
gazza35 said:
....so where am i going wrong...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most of the problems are related to the firmware and kernel.
The best is to run these custom ROMs on Marshmallow firmware. For e.g H3G Marshmallow firmware is 6.13.771.4
Some custom ROMs are on stock kernel with write protection enabled, some ROMs include write protection disable module and some ROMs come with custom kernel with write protection disabled.
You should install different kernel like ElementalX, LonelyX to name a few which include the write protection disabled feature when the custom ROM that you installed come with stock kernel only.
Without write protection disabled ... most apps that require root won't properly working.
ckpv5 said:
Most of the problems are related to the firmware and kernel.
The best is to run these custom ROMs on Marshmallow firmware. For e.g H3G Marshmallow firmware is 6.13.771.4
Some custom ROMs are on stock kernel with write protection enabled, some ROMs include write protection disable module and some ROMs come with custom kernel with write protection disabled.
You should install different kernel like ElementalX, LonelyX to name a few which include the write protection disabled feature when the custom ROM that you installed come with stock kernel only.
Without write protection disabled ... most apps that require root won't properly working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To get to 6.13.771.4 firmware on H3G phone do I need to flash an LP nandroid then update using software update?
f_padia said:
To get to 6.13.771.4 firmware on H3G phone do I need to flash an LP nandroid then update using software update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes .. that's a proper way to do it if your device is S-On so you don't need the hassle to relock bootloader and later to unlock it again to install custom ROM or to root it. Relocking and later reunlocking will wipe your data/internal storage. But .. restore LP nandroid and install its matching stock recovery then do OTA, you don't need to relock bootloader
If your device is S-Off, you can simply flash the firmware.zip (as S-Off doesn't need a relocked bootloader)
ckpv5 said:
Yes .. that's a proper way to do it if your device is S-On so you don't need the hassle to relock bootloader and later to unlock it again to install custom ROM or to root it. Relocking and later reunlocking will wipe your data/internal storage. But .. restore LP nandroid and install its matching stock recovery then do OTA, you don't need to relock bootloader
If your device is S-Off, you can simply flash the firmware.zip (as S-Off doesn't need a relocked bootloader)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Do you by any chance have an LP nandroid for H3G? I remember you used to have collection does it go up to LP? Or will I have to go back a few earlier versions and sequentially update?
EDIT: just visited your collection thread again (hadnt checked for a while) and found both nandroid and recovery there. THANKS !
I'm preparing to unlock/root my 10 and if I'm going to go S-OFF this would be the time to do it. I'm just trying to figure out how necessary it really is. Since my phone's CID is presumably something like HTC_001, that should be included in any OEM firmware updates that are released, right? Assuming the signed firmware updates are posted here when they are released, I can just flash them without issue as far as I understand it. So, why would I need to S-OFF if I'm on an unbranded device?
I believe, and someone correct me if I'm wrong, but one of the biggest advantages of S-Off'ing is being able to flash ROMs that can take more control over the ecosystem. You get more control over your phone basically. As long as you're smart about what you flash/install to your device, there's not really any downside as long as you're okay dropping the $25 for sunshine.
So some ROMs have features that require S-OFF? As far as I know, just being unlocked and rooted will allow you to fully take advantage of LeeDroid, for instance. I thought S-OFF just applied to flashing firmware.
goodtimes50 said:
So some ROMs have features that require S-OFF? As far as I know, just being unlocked and rooted will allow you to fully take advantage of LeeDroid, for instance. I thought S-OFF just applied to flashing firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct rom-wise there is no real advantage. Everything will work flawlessly with s-on.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1868181
http://www.androidbeat.com/2014/07/s-htc-device-mean/
The things you can't do without S-Off are:
*flash unsigned firmware packages
*flash firmware packages that don't match CID/MID
*flash RUUs that don't match CID/MID
*change CID/MID
*restore "locked" status (without you can only get "relocked" status)
*restore "software status: official" flag in bootloader (flag sets to "software status: modified" if you flash anything)
Want a custom splash screen? Need S-Off.
Want to get rid of the red text warning during boot? Need S-Off.
Want to flash a different radio? Need S-Off.
What you can do without S-Off:
*unlock bootloader (via HTCdev)
*flash recovery
*root (via superSU package or your favorite custom ROM)
*flash ROMs
Nosferatu. said:
Want a custom splash screen? Need S-Off.
Want to get rid of the red text warning during boot? Need S-Off.
Want to flash a different radio? Need S-Off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure looks like a quote from a post I made a while ago ) Not sure if this is entirely accurate for HTC 10 either, I'm definitely not hex-editing the aboot before I know it's safe to do so.
Nosferatu. said:
The things you can't do without S-Off are:
*flash unsigned firmware packages
*flash firmware packages that don't match CID/MID
*flash RUUs that don't match CID/MID
*change CID/MID
*restore "locked" status (without you can only get "relocked" status)
*restore "software status: official" flag in bootloader (flag sets to "software status: modified" if you flash anything)
Want a custom splash screen? Need S-Off.
Want to get rid of the red text warning during boot? Need S-Off.
Want to flash a different radio? Need S-Off.
What you can do without S-Off:
*unlock bootloader (via HTCdev)
*flash recovery
*root (via superSU package or your favorite custom ROM)
*flash ROMs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, this mixing of terminology is killing me
Isn't ROM and Firmware the same thing? If not then could you define both? I'm asking because to me those 2:
"flash unsigned firmware packages"
"flash ROMs"
look the same, no? Or by "firmware packages" you mean the images that are inside the zip package, like boot.img, recovery.img etc? But if so, then how can I flash the custom recovery (like TWRP) which I assume is not signed if I don't have S-off?
lukair1983 said:
Hey, this mixing of terminology is killing me
Isn't ROM and Firmware the same thing? If not then could you define both? I'm asking because to me those 2:
"flash unsigned firmware packages"
"flash ROMs"
look the same, no? Or by "firmware packages" you mean the images that are inside the zip package, like boot.img, recovery.img etc? But if so, then how can I flash the custom recovery (like TWRP) which I assume is not signed if I don't have S-off?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, they're not the same. Think of the firmware as the level between the software (recovery/ROM) and the physical hardware. Firmware contains stuff like radios, CPU governors, camera drivers, etc.
I see. So when people receive OTA's they receive firmware ALONG with other stuff (boot, recovery, system images etc.) ?
lukair1983 said:
I see. So when people receive OTA's they receive firmware ALONG with other stuff (boot, recovery, system images etc.) ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's correct.
I see.
Alright, so to check on that I've downloaded one of the OTA's in the "[STOCK] Guides and Stock Backups/Recovery/OTA/RUU" thread and indeed there is firmware.zip inside. I assume that's what you guys meant. However I don't see there any boot.img, recovery.img etc. What am I missing here in my understanding?
Nosferatu. said:
The things you can't do without S-Off are:
*flash unsigned firmware packages
*flash firmware packages that don't match CID/MID
*flash RUUs that don't match CID/MID
*change CID/MID
*restore "locked" status (without you can only get "relocked" status)
*restore "software status: official" flag in bootloader (flag sets to "software status: modified" if you flash anything)
Want a custom splash screen? Need S-Off.
Want to get rid of the red text warning during boot? Need S-Off.
Want to flash a different radio? Need S-Off.
What you can do without S-Off:
*unlock bootloader (via HTCdev)
*flash recovery
*root (via superSU package or your favorite custom ROM)
*flash ROMs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This...
Except I haven't noticed red text on boot with this device.
Where you're going to really want s-off, is when Android N is released and you've got a carrier branded phone. Usually new Android versions require updated firmware to operate properly. If you're s-off, you can flash the first firmware that's available for the device. If not, you're stuck waiting for your carrier to update you. Real world example... AT&T JUST released marshmallow last week for the M9. With s-off, I've been on 6 since December. Otherwise I would have been stuck on lollipop.
To a slightly lesser degree is when HTC releases a major upgrade within an Android version. For example, there will probably be a 2.xx.xxx.x release that's still marshmallow. You could face issues trying to run a new base rom on older firmware, but sometimes it works fine. Having said that, you can always stay on the custom rom that's built on your base. Rom developers leave older versions available so you can find one that matches your device.
Basically, in a nut shell, s-on, you're tied to your carrier for firmware updates. S-off you're not.
---------- Post added at 09:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:13 AM ----------
lukair1983 said:
I see.
Alright, so to check on that I've downloaded one of the OTA's in the "[STOCK] Guides and Stock Backups/Recovery/OTA/RUU" thread and indeed there is firmware.zip inside. I assume that's what you guys meant. However I don't see there any boot.img, recovery.img etc. What am I missing here in my understanding?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those are inside firmware.zip.
Here is a link to the unsigned firmware.zip for us unlocked.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8OH6sFjVE1ld1ptNTFEaEc3Rms/view?usp=drivesdk
Firmware was 80 something MB, entire ota was over 400, so there was a lot that was updated besides firmware.
Or, have the unbranded, unlocked version from HTC and not have to worry about too much.
Sent from my HTC 10 using XDA-Developers mobile app
jollywhitefoot said:
This...
Except I haven't noticed red text on boot with this device.
Where you're going to really want s-off, is when Android N is released and you've got a carrier branded phone. Usually new Android versions require updated firmware to operate properly. If you're s-off, you can flash the first firmware that's available for the device. If not, you're stuck waiting for your carrier to update you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jollywhitefoot, what if you have unlocked phone bought direcly from htc? I assume at this point there will be no problem with Android N while being at the same time s-on, correct? (taking into account being unlocked and rooted and having custom recovery)
jollywhitefoot said:
Those are inside firmware.zip.
Here is a link to the unsigned firmware.zip for us unlocked.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8OH6sFjVE1ld1ptNTFEaEc3Rms/view?usp=drivesdk
Firmware was 80 something MB, entire ota was over 400, so there was a lot that was updated besides firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for the image!
So, the thing that goodtimes50 said was not correct? Talking about a phrase: "No, they're not the same. Think of the firmware as the level between the software (recovery/ROM) and the physical hardware. Firmware contains stuff like radios, CPU governors, camera drivers, etc.". If the firmware contains the recovery, and clearly your image shows that, then the "firmware" can't be a bridge or a level between those things that goodtimes50 mentioned.
So would it be accurate if I said that firmware contains everything that doesn't have to do directly with the OS itself? Meaning, that when I say "ROM" I would think of a system image (being OS), maybe the data image as some additional applications etc?
The terminology is just crazy, somebody must do an encyclopedia for the Android terminology!
lukair1983 said:
jollywhitefoot, what if you have unlocked phone bought direcly from htc? I assume at this point there will be no problem with Android N while being at the same time s-on, correct? (taking into account being unlocked and rooted and having custom recovery)
Thanks a lot for the image!
So, the thing that goodtimes50 said was not correct? Talking about a phrase: "No, they're not the same. Think of the firmware as the level between the software (recovery/ROM) and the physical hardware. Firmware contains stuff like radios, CPU governors, camera drivers, etc.". If the firmware contains the recovery, and clearly your image shows that, then the "firmware" can't be a bridge or a level between those things that goodtimes50 mentioned.
So would it be accurate if I said that firmware contains everything that doesn't have to do directly with the OS itself? Meaning, that when I say "ROM" I would think of a system image (being OS), maybe the data image as some additional applications etc?
The terminology is just crazy, somebody must do an encyclopedia for the Android terminology!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What he said is correct and what you said is correct. Recovery and boot are always included in firmware packages but technically they're not firmware files.
As for us unlocked, you get updates directly from HTC, so you're not waiting for a carrier. The US unlocked version isn't always the first to get updated, though. A lot of times Europe and Asia get the update first.
Good thing I'm not in US then
(Just kidding I know it has to do with the phone version not a location)
Thanks a lot jollywhitefoot. I'm getting closer to grasping the whole HTC ecosystem. The last stop would be to understand what I will have to do to update my OS when next OTA's start appearing as I intend to unlock bootloader, flash TWRP and flash SU so that I get root. I do however intend to keep the s-on. From what I read s-off really is mostly used to change the cid, as almost everything else can be done with s-on (aside from messing with radio or splash screens but I don't care about that). Besides that s-on is more secure than s-off as I will not be able to brick my phone that way no matter what I do.
From my understanding I won't be able to update with OTA that easly afterwards. Well, I don't mind a bit of a hassle as long as I keep my OS setup, my apps, their settings and my data on internal storage. Is it possible that there will be a flashable zip's made by the scene that will do basicaly the same as the OTA, but I will not have to restore stock recovery, formware, flash the OTA, then reflash the TWRP as well as reroot or it's simply impossible to do and the "hassle thing" is unavoidable?
lukair1983 said:
jollywhitefoot, what if you have unlocked phone bought direcly from htc? I assume at this point there will be no problem with Android N while being at the same time s-on, correct? (taking into account being unlocked and rooted and having custom recovery)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's basically what I'm trying to figure out. For an unbranded phone, wouldn't the signed firmware files get posted here as soon as they're available and we can just flash away?
lukair1983 said:
Is it possible that there will be a flashable zip's made by the scene that will do basicaly the same as the OTA, but I will not have to restore stock recovery, formware, flash the OTA, then reflash the TWRP as well as reroot or it's simply impossible to do and the "hassle thing" is unavoidable?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're S-OFF, yes. Otherwise, no.
Captain_Throwback said:
If you're S-OFF, yes. Otherwise, no.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that because when unlocked and s-on the only partitions I can modify are system, boot and recovery while the complete rom/ota might also contain other stuff like bootloader, radio, other firmare things etc. and those I will not be able to flash even in fastboot? Is that the reason?