Hi everybody,
I just get my Xperia Play but I don't really know where to start.
It's been 4 days that I'm reading threads to know how to get the best from my phone. Unfortunately, most interesting tips are dispersed here and there.
So, I will try to ask the good questions so that everything can be available in a single thread. It will be a newbies FAQ!
Let's go then!
1. I just bought my Android phone. What should I know first?
- Knowing the phone code names will help you searching for the good information. Every phone has his commercial name (Xperia Play), his model name (R800) and his "nickname" (Zeus).
- Check the Android and ROM version as it will be often asked when you look for something about your Android. To do this, on your Phone, go to Settings -> About the Phone
- Do you plan to subscribe to a DATA plan with your phone provider: if not, it's better to disable some features to avoid bad surprises.
- Some say that rebooting the device helps in many cases
- there are NO VIRUS with Android, antivirus tools are all useless
- Wireless, Bluetooth, GPS : if you don't use them it's better to disable them. You will spare battery and you won't see advertises in the free progs
2. What should I do first?
- If you still don't have it, you will have to create a Google account so that you can backup and manage your contacts, for example
- RTFM !
- If you don't plan to use a custom ROM (alternative software not develloped by the manufacturer), you'll have to see if a newer version of the official ROM is available. This can be done through the official tool PC Companion, available on the manufacture website. ( http://www.sonyericsson.com/cws/sup...s/subject/pccompanion/xperia-play?cc=ph&lc=en )
- Learn the lexicon : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1253127
3. Should I hack my phone immediately? (Root, boot unlock, flash, unbrand, ...)
- You will have to if you want to : remove unwanted software installed by the provider, change the internal software with a custom one, ...
- Some applications will require to have more access to work: ex: MyMobiler needs Superuser access, available by rooting the phone
- Learn more about root and bootloader here : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1076720 (thanks Logseman)
4. Are these hack methods reversible?
- Yes (thanks Jordanooo)
5. Do they void warranty?
- As they are reversible, they shouldn't void the warranty
- For Sony-Ericsson, it's important to notice that they support custom development and helped the FreeXperia team. (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1281349)
6. I found many ways to root my phone: which one is the best?
- DooMLoRD method is a popular one : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1321582 (don't forget to thank him if you use it)
- you can check this link too : http://lifehacker.com/5789397/the-always-up+to+date-guide-to-rooting-any-android-phone
- for Xperia, there is the Xperia Easy Rooting Toolkit by DooMLorD : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1320350
7. Once rooted, can I remove applications I don't want anymore?
- Yes, this is possible. These applications are called "Bloaters". You can use Titanium Backup as Jordanooo suggested. This seems to be the best one around. There is also Android Mate o SystemApk Manager too. They're all available on the market
8. Where can I find generic/stock ROMs?
- Some are available on this forum: http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1093
- for Xperia Play you can have a look at Logseman list of downloads http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=18226603&postcount=2 (thank to him)
- there is also the Wotan website ( http://www.wotanserver.com/ ) for SE and Samsung but you have to register.
9. Where can I find good custom ROMs?
- Here : http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1093
- see 2nd point of previous question
10. OK but what is a custom ROM?
- Custom ROM are not official customized version of the Android software made by common developers (not by manufacturer). In general, they offer more functionality and sometimes pre-installed software. Or they get rid off default applications nobody needs, to save memory.
11. What is the best method to flash my phone?
- As Jordanoo said, it's better to use the method suggested by the author of the ROM. The procedure is usually explained in the related post.
12. Can I use Sony PC Companion to upgrade my phone after I hacked it?
- You will have to unhack your phone to do this. (Jordanoo)
13. What are the must-have applications?
- File browser: Astro File Manager
- Alternate market: AppBrain App Market
- Remote display&input : MyMobiler
- Web browser: Dolphin Browser HD
- Video player: QQPlayer or MX Video Player
- Mp3 player: PowerAmp
- Wifi tool: Wifi Analyzer
- Remote control: MyPhoneExplorer Client or AirDroid or File Expert
- Contacts management : Go Contacts
14. What is the best tool to manage Android contacts from the computer?
- There is an add-on for Thunderbird but I didn't tried it yet ( https://addons.mozilla.org/fr/thunderbird/addon/google-contacts/ )
- It is very easy using MyPhoneExplorer as mentionned in the previous question
15. Are they offline navigation application available?
- Sygic seems to be the best now (available on the market). Maps are downloadable from home Wireless.
16. What are the must-have games?
- Angry Birds (of course)
- Bubble Blast 2
- Live Hold em Poker Pro
- Mame4Droid emulator (ALL working roms can be found here : http://sentinelgames.com/documents/mame.html or here : http://lostsite.altervista.org/wiz/?page_id=2368 )
- GenPlusDroid: a Genesis/Megadrive emulator
- SNESDroid: a Super Nintendo/Famicom emulator
- Xperia Play optimized ones :
-- ***** : Drag Racing, BLOOD & GLORY
-- **** : Diversion, GUN BROS MULTIPLAYER
-- *** : Guns'n'Glory WW2, Pocket Legends (3D MMO)
-- ** : Super Dynamite Fishing FREE, Greedy Spiders Free, ETERNITY WARRIORS, Guns'n'Glory FREE
-- * : Aporkalypse FREE, Crazy Snowboard, Princess Punt, Townsmen 6 FREE , Earth And Legend
17. I tried to install an application but my Xperia said that there's no more place on internal memore. And now?
Yes, unfortunately, Sony didn't provide Xperia phones with a large internal memory (+/- 380Mb). This is indeed not enough to enjoy all what you Xperia can offer. The tool App2SD can help you free some space but many apps will remain unmovable.
There are 2 methods to emulate a part of your SD card as the internal memory: the ADB method (ADB for dummies) and the Link2SD method (Link2SD Guide). The first one don't need your phone to be rooted, the second well.
I hope there's no mistake in what I wrote, as it's only my personal experience. I apologize to the gods of XDA for this. (and for the rest too)
Of course, if someone has something interesting to ask, you can do this here! ;-)
Thread will be fed every time I got a question without a good answer.
Hope you will help! And I thank you in advance.
Popodom
popodom said:
Hi everybody,
I just get my Xperia Play but I don't really know where to start.
It's been 4 days that I'm reading threads to know how to get the best from my phone. Unfortunately, most interesting tips are dispersed here and there.
So, I will try to ask the good questions so that everything can be available in a single thread. It will be a newbies FAQ!
Let's go then!
1. I just bought my Android phone. What should I know first?
2. What should I do first?
3. Should I hack my phone immediately? (Root, boot unlock, flash,
unbrand, ...)
4. Are these hack methods reversible?
5. Do they void warranty?
6. I found many ways to root my phone: which one is the best?
7. Once routed, how can I remove applications I don't want anymore?
8. Where can I find generic/stock ROMs?
9. Where can I find good custom ROMs?
10. What is the best method to flash my phone?
11. Can I use Sony PC Companion to upgrade my phone after I hacked it?
12. What are the must-have applications?
13. What is the best tool to manage Android contacts from the computer?
14. Are they offline navigation application available?
15. What are the must-have games?
Of course, if someone has something interesting to ask, you can do this here! ;-)
Thread will be fed every time I got a question without a good answer.
Hope you will help me! And I thank you in advance.
Popodom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Its an android.
2. Turn it on.
3. Its up to you. You decide if you want to so soon or not.
4. Yes, read other topics
5. ...reversable
6. The one where everyone comments 'works great'
7. With an app, titanium backup is good
8. Development section.
9. Development section
10. Erm, read the post of the rom you are flashing.
11. After you un-do things, yes
12. See themes and apps section
13. Seems pointless, but use google.
14. Google it
15. See themes and apps section, or the full games list in general
Sent from my GT-I5500 using Tapatalk
There really should be an autoban feature when a 5th identical subject is posted.
Its almost like someone is making new accounts and asking the same questions over and over again to annoy us
Deleted original post as not being nearly as funny as I first though it was.
Popodom, you just need to take your time and learn about Android before you make too many changes. This forum has some good tips, but unless you're already a genius with programming, linux and Android, you're better off not asking anything simple. This is a very unfriendly forum, and it tends to bring the meaness out in people. The know-it-alls have little patience for us n00bs. However, they -are- extremely knowledgeable, so it just takes patience and a LOT of reading. Don't worry, we'll get there, someday.
Gosh.
To skip all the hassle u are getting I suggest:
1. Turn on the phone
2. Play with it.
3. Come to xda and read like the rest of us.
4. Start doing your "hacking" and other things when /you/ feel comfortable and no sooner.
5. Don't ask any more of these questions if u don't want to get flamed and end up with 3rd degree burnage.
Sent from the future using the nexus prime (squared) 4, using XDA ultra premium lambskin App
People on this forum are very rude. If you don't want to answer the question don't post anything or look at the post. You can you can tell by the topic what the questions will be on this one. I came from a iPhone and had no idea about android. Had many questions but never asked because I would be put on blast. The iPhone forums were very helpful and I never saw rude and sarcastic replys to posts. They were always willing to help no matter what the question. Just thought I would throw that out there. And the searching on here sucks maybe the desktop version is better.
Sent from my R800x using XDA App
I'm sorry but I can't delete this thread myself.
Is there some Admin out thre who can do this for me ?
Thanks !
Flag the thread.
By the way, the search function sucks in both the desktop version and Tapatalk. VBulletin search functions tend to suck quite a bit in general.
Oh, and BTW, in any forum, not only this one, no one likes to do people's homework. See it from this point of view: someone who's never contributed anything to this forum (not because s/he's a bad person or whatever, simply because s/he's new) starts up with post which is basically "gimme gimme gimme". Do you think it's rude to tell someone you've never seen and who starts talking to you by saying "gimme gimme gimme" to get lost?
Hello brothers.
Excuse the ignorance. But is there any way to run the gamepad? or control games with this rom? I installed it correctly. I could not make it work in games.I'm new to XDA, I hope I can still contribute a lot to the forum. Whenever I join others in my tongue. And now I want to collaborate on international forum.
Well here we go ...
I installed the rom JB Paranoid in my xperia play. Works great, besides using a clean configuration, the level of battery lasts much. I used the Turbo Kernel, which also surprised me with such ease.
I am available to help those who have difficulties installing this rom on xperia play. But I have a problem. Jellybeam with the gamepad, or control simply does not work. Anyone have any way to make it work?
grateful
Hello,
I just received a Coolpad 7230-B, bought in China.
The phone comes with android-baidu system installed. I would love to replace it with google os, as I can't understand all the chinese and don't like the baidu apps so much..
However I couldn't find any information about this phone, has anyone ever done that? Is is possible?
Let me know if you need any more information..
Thanks in advance.
Hey guys just need some help here.
Because of the release date is still due for germany i decided to buy the ZE551 ML online.
I ordered it at tinydeal.com. As it seems i now have an somewhat chinese Version where i cant even add an google account.
Also i have trouble installing Google-Playstore properly because it crashes all the time (as well as other Google apps, tried to figure out why but all online solutions didnt help)
A freind said this might happen because of no Google Account being registered.
What should i do in your opinion?
Best option is probably to flash it for some EU/NA Version right ?
then i should be able to add an google account and set up all the apps properly ?
Thank you for your help!
MrVetter said:
Hey guys just need some help here.
Because of the release date is still due for germany i decided to buy the ZE551 ML online.
I ordered it at tinydeal.com. As it seems i now have an somewhat chinese Version where i cant even add an google account.
Also i have trouble installing Google-Playstore properly because it crashes all the time (as well as other Google apps, tried to figure out why but all online solutions didnt help)
A freind said this might happen because of no Google Account being registered.
What should i do in your opinion?
Best option is probably to flash it for some EU/NA Version right ?
then i should be able to add an google account and set up all the apps properly ?
Thank you for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I accidentally bought the CN version myself
I read somewhere earlier this method should work to add gapps to the CN version. --> http://goo.gl/ea7bCv
Make sure and remove your previous PlayStore install before.
I didnt get mines yet, but if ur willing to try it, see if it helps!
If not then the pre-root img should do the trick --> http://goo.gl/7viYVt
hello
i read a lot bout this mobile and its price is awesome for someone like me who's ready to purchase mid-range mobile for close price...but i lost with ROMs and i'm afraid to buy it and experience hell with it.
i'd purchase it from chinese online store which provide some ROM supports google play and semi translated ROM , so for sure i must be sure to have necessary knowledge before purchasing .
1- what's with heating issue? is it from ROM or the mobile ? cause i read a lot of threads worldwide regarding this matter, and i dont know if it's reasonable or unbearable all the time heating?
2- official ROM is indian one here which should be ZUI 2.0.093_ST_16081 , so im assuming it's %100 english language which is perfect, but i'm from arabian country so i need arabic keyboard and encoding.
i believe arabic keyboard is easy to obtain once i download google keyboard and add language, but for encoding i need someone to confirm it, cause i want to browse arabic contents from apps like whatsapp or from chrome browser, i want to know if arabic would displayed correctly or it won't be supported and appears like rubbish?
ps. i dont want arabic UI for the device.
3- GPS, i read some threads saying that official ROM is the best , and some/most custom roms have some issues, is that so far ?
4- i love STOCK ANDROID experience, never interested with extra customization whether it was official OEM rom or 3rd party ROM, especially avoiding bloatware as possible, who's giving me such a STABLE experience, is it... ?
A- official indian rom?
B- official 3rd party ROMs like cosmic-os 7.1.1_20170317_1.4 , CitrusCAF-3.1-TANGERINE or mokee MK60.1-z2-170413-RELEASE ?
i know there's other roms like lineage , but i wont use something unofficial.
5- is this the correct official indian rom that if installed, would support OTA and receive nougat in may? Z2132_Q01017.1_M_ZUI_2.0.093_ST_160811
sorry for long thread , please help me ASAP if possible, shipping is taking 3-4 weeks so i must order soon before offer/stock finish.
regards
First of all, hey there, glad to know you're wondering buying this phone. Actually, it's not a mid-phone, I guess, 'cause many other (like Huawei P9 Lite, Galaxy S6 Edge) phones are weaker than the ZUK comparing their specs.
1. Not sure where you have read about heating, but I'm not having such a problem. Using stock China version Nougat ROM just with unlocked bootloader and rooted. I haven't tried any custom ROM yet, so cannot answer if it heats with custom ROM. So to conclude, the heat depends not only on the phone itself or the ROM that's installed, but it's important where you'e living too, e.g. in hot countries or so increases your phone temperature.
2. Yeah, after everything you can set up your own language using G-board, btw, encoding is fine, I'm Lithuanian and it has many letters that other countries doesn't have, for example, ąčęė and so on, and the phone displays it perfectly, just unsure how recipient sees it, but I assume it's upon recipients' phone settings.
3. It makes sense - Custom ROM aren't officially released and it's created by some developers; and this is the reason why some custom ROM may have certain problems. On the other hand, GPS /w official ROM works flawlessly.
4. About bloatware.. There's lots of it on stock ROM. Some of them you can delete, some of them you cannot. The only way for now is to unlock your bootloader (otherwise you won't be able to root your phone - and I don't know why when many other phones can be rooter without unlocking bootloader, but whatever..), then root your phone and remove manually using some kind of app (System APP Remover, etc) or just download AdAway. It's all upon you.
5. Nougat is already released, you should receive it either with China or Indian version ROM. But yeah, you must be on that kind of stock version that you've written (I upgraded from that version to Nougat)
If you've any other questions quote me, 'll give a try to answer ASAP.
Hi everyone... I really want to know If is possible to change I called IOS... well I don't want to use google for download apps or anything related to google I don't have account or any of that stuff..... So I hope this is the forum to ask this type of question.... I want clean and clear phone I use F-Droid and sometimes stop me to download ... to install no problem I got way to install so.. Hope you understand my question.... All the Best !!!