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I have never owned a smart phone before the HTC Evo looks very sexy and is calling me. However, if I am going to jump on board to a smart phone then I have a few questions regarding the hacking of the device. Rooting looks very promising but I would simply like more details before I go all the way. If you could please go into the detail with your answers I would greatly appreciate it. A simply "yes" or "no" does really help me much.
1) What is 'root'ing a device. I have read a few how-to articles and seen a few videos but how would you describe it? I know what Jailbreaking is on the iPhone so I would assume it is very similar to that.
2) What are the benefits to rooting the HTC Evo?
I know there is WiFi /USB tethering but I was wondering what else is possible?
3) If I root the Evo will I (can I) still be able to receive over the air updates?
4) Will Sprint be able to tell I have a rooted device? (Aside from increased data usage)
5) Is the entire process of rooting the Evo reversible?
Ex. After rooting and installing a custom ROM can I go back to the original everything?
6) Obvious that as more time elapses better and more simpler means to root will be available, but at this very moment what do you recommend as the best tutorial to rooting an HTC Evo?
7) Probably my biggest concern with the device is OS fragmentation, more specifically I am afraid Sprint and HTC wont support the Evo once they push out Android 2.2. Obviously Google is hard pressed on out-featuring Apple and their new iOS4 so most likely we will see a 2.3 or other by years end or early next year. Is rooting the Evo and manually installing a custom ROM with newer versions of Android possible? Are their any drawbacks, such as incompatibility?
8) I personally really like HTC's Sense UI and if I rooted the device and then installed a custom ROM with FroYo (or other later Android version) will I lose the Sense UI? If I do lose the Sense UI by installing a custom ROM is it possible to get it back?
9) If I root will I be able to display more with the HDMI out? Currently the Evo can only output Gallery in 720p but I was hoping to do more such as the browser, apps such as games, and possibly everything/anything on the screen at any second (such as the home screens).
10) I know this is probably a stupid question, but how active are the developers for these custom ROMs? Can I expect more down the road?
Quicksilver4648 said:
1) What is 'root'ing a device. I have read a few how-to articles and seen a few videos but how would you describe it? I know what Jailbreaking is on the iPhone so I would assume it is very similar to that.
2) What are the benefits to rooting the HTC Evo?
I know there is WiFi /USB tethering but I was wondering what else is possible?
3) If I root the Evo will I (can I) still be able to receive over the air updates?
4) Will Sprint be able to tell I have a rooted device? (Aside from increased data usage)
5) Is the entire process of rooting the Evo reversible?
Ex. After rooting and installing a custom ROM can I go back to the original everything?
6) Obvious that as more time elapses better and more simpler means to root will be available, but at this very moment what do you recommend as the best tutorial to rooting an HTC Evo?
7) Probably my biggest concern with the device is OS fragmentation, more specifically I am afraid Sprint and HTC wont support the Evo once they push out Android 2.2. Obviously Google is hard pressed on out-featuring Apple and their new iOS4 so most likely we will see a 2.3 or other by years end or early next year. Is rooting the Evo and manually installing a custom ROM with newer versions of Android possible? Are their any drawbacks, such as incompatibility?
8) I personally really like HTC's Sense UI and if I rooted the device and then installed a custom ROM with FroYo (or other later Android version) will I lose the Sense UI? If I do lose the Sense UI by installing a custom ROM is it possible to get it back?
9) If I root will I be able to display more with the HDMI out? Currently the Evo can only output Gallery in 720p but I was hoping to do more such as the browser, apps such as games, and possibly everything/anything on the screen at any second (such as the home screens).
10) I know this is probably a stupid question, but how active are the developers for these custom ROMs? Can I expect more down the road?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Gaining access to root means that you have read/write access to all of the essential program folders. You can mess with preaty much anything and everything on the software side of your phone.
2. Backup all apps and data with titanium, overclocking, custom roms, apps2sd, JIT, themes. That is just scratching the surface.
3. Yes, but they will likely take away your root access. Devs may not gain root to those official updates for a long time or ever
4. idk. sorry can't answer them all. Anyone?
5. Yes. Run the latest RUU exe from sprint or HTC and it will unroot, but remember what I said in #3.
6. Toast's sticky on evo development forum
7. There is already a froyo rom, and as you can see their are drawbacks. The roms will evolve with the release of source, but every rom has its kinks. If history is any indication, HTC will not support evo past froyo, and will likely take a while getting the update. That should have sense.
8. Likely sense will be adapted to froyo roms in this forum, but only time will tell.
9. Good question. Again, stumped. Probably can with the right code. Sounds like you need to get in the app dev game.
10. You ain't seen nothing yet. Just based on the talent that is migrating from the hero forum (toast, flipz, zenulator, damageless and darch to name a few) we are in for a fun ride. I expect to see many devs from the g1 to upgrade. Expect a lot of activity in the months to come.
Wow grego442, thanks for the reply. This really helped me out. I am really looking forward to the HTC Evo ever since I learned the iPhone 4 has a 2Gb datacap (really AT&T?) and from I read on various gadget blogs it seems as if the development community will be supporting this device. I only hope they incorporate some of those questions I had in future developments, such as increased HDMI-out functionality.
Hello, pardon my name, I never knew Xda was in charge of rooting and I made a quick account to download Swype when Evo first came out
that and I was frustrated throughout the day and had to make few accounts and emails for Evo (gmail...)
ANYWAYS - awesome job on finally getting the Evo fully rooted.
now here comes my part - the noob and Rooting...
Okay I have experience and knowledge of rooting PSP and whatnot, but never with a phone. This is my first smartphone but im no tech noob at the same time. Regardless, I do need to be instructed like a child on Rooting my evo and few answers to my concerns.
1 - If I wanted to return the Evo 4g or get it replaced within 2 yrs, does this void my warranty, insurance?
1b - If so, is there a way to Un-root and put it back to default settings?
now what I wanted to do with my root is to have all the crap apps and useles stuff out of my phone, out of the manage app, all gone. Keeping the minimum. I guess software or program - I assume you guys call it "ROM".
Sorry, coming from a gamers, homebrew world - my word associate to Rom is video games lol.
so which rom, or is there a rom that has the basics only? Phone, Contacts, Voicemail, text msg, HTC Sense UI + android 2.1 (unless you guys got Froyo out as well????)
so therefor I can customize or add the apps I want...
Currently I have tried all sorts of things to keep my battery up and it seems I either am running high android system or cell standby.
I have done the cdma plr thing and forced closed, deleted alot of data and still phone last 8-12hrs. Have the stuff I wasnt sure what it was and left it alone.
thank you for helping this noob out.
lastly - whats up with the 4g lack of speed?
I have clear, my modem and usb is approx 4x faster than what the evo picks up!
1 - If I wanted to return the Evo 4g or get it replaced within 2 yrs, does this void my warranty, insurance?
1b - If so, is there a way to Un-root and put it back to default settings?
now what I wanted to do with my root is to have all the crap apps and useles stuff out of my phone, out of the manage app, all gone. Keeping the minimum. I guess software or program - I assume you guys call it "ROM".
Sorry, coming from a gamers, homebrew world - my word associate to Rom is video games lol.
so which rom, or is there a rom that has the basics only? Phone, Contacts, Voicemail, text msg, HTC Sense UI + android 2.1 (unless you guys got Froyo out as well????)
so therefor I can customize or add the apps I want...
Currently I have tried all sorts of things to keep my battery up and it seems I either am running high android system or cell standby.
I have done the cdma plr thing and forced closed, deleted alot of data and still phone last 8-12hrs. Have the stuff I wasnt sure what it was and left it alone.
thank you for helping this noob out.
lastly - whats up with the 4g lack of speed?
I have clear, my modem and usb is approx 4x faster than what the evo picks up! [/QUOTE]
1: If you root and want to return your phone just don't say anything. They can tell but I myself have returned rooted phones with no problem!
1b: yes you can put it back to stock. I know I saw it in the development section somewhere just use search its there and if it isn't it will anyday now!
as for different roms there are couple to choose from. And now with full root roms will be all over the development forum. Just keep looking and READ READ READ!! I am running the bugless beast with all bloatware removed and sense turned off. It is really smooth and good battery. Sorry but I'm in so cal so no 4 g for me.
Oh and by the way from what I've gathered xda is not in charge of roms for Evo there are just some great developers here that can make great roms and share them with us!! So if you do figure out root and find a good Rom donate the rev for his or her work!!
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I have been a long time Cell phone modder, and I have just gotten my first Android Phone, the HTC Evo 4G.
I have been reading androidforums.com and these forums for about a week now trying to get my head wrapped around things, but I still have some lingering questions.
I feel I have a good grip on how to get my phone rooted/nand unlocked, but its the what to do after that, which bothers me.
What I would like to accomplish:
More customized look and feel
Better battery life (without disabling half the features of the damn phone)
Free Wifi Hotspot
Removal of the pre-packaged crapware
Froyo
What I would not like to lose in the process:
Any of the phones functionality, including GPS/4G/Camera/Video/Bluetooth/etc.
Nice features that Sense has, such as Facebook contact syncing
Reliability or usability of the phone in general
As I have gotten older, my desire to mod has become less and less, and I get more tempted to just leave the phone alone and wait for OTA updates to come out, but when I just tried to do the wifi hotspot and learned I would have to pay an additional $30 on top of the $10 "premium data access" I made the decision to root. That being said, I don't want my phone to be something I am flashing every day. I want it to be as stable as possible so that I can get it all set up how I want without having to worry about re-flashing and losing all my data week after week to keep up with bugfixes and such.
What I don't understand is the differences between all the roms. The opinion at large seems to be that CM6 is the way to go, but it seems a lot of stuff is broken in CM6 atm, like 4G among other things.
Since this is my first android phone, I am already getting used to the Sense UI, but I have seen some other peoples home screens that just look amazing.
I guess what I am looking for is some advice, or a bit of a rundown (since I cant find all of this information in one place) about what is the best course of action to get from point A(stock phone) to point B(customized rooted phone which is "stable") over a path of least resistance.
Thanks in advance!
[also making this same post on androidforums.com]
You can accomplish everything you mentioned except froyo. If you do not want to lose any functionality then flashing a froyo rom is out of the question right now because they all have small issues. CM6 is a froyo rom.
The difference between roms is some are based on 2.2 (froyo) and others are based on 2.1 (stock for evo). Then they also differ in terms of what comes pre-installed, some remove all bloatware even sense and others do not, and then there are some in between. Any rom based on 2.1 will likely have everything working. I can tell you from experience that Damage Control and Backed Snack worked very well on my phone. The best thing to do is just try them out. Once your phone is rooted it is very easy to switch between roms.
Lastly the easiest way to achieve root is using simple root program which can be found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=720565 (that link is assuming you have latest OTA update, if not search for simple root and you will find the one pre update)
try dc 3.2.3 very stable release(has all the features working; 4g, camera, ect) and has good battery life(don't need to disable half of your phones features), it also allows for a lot of customization(DCupdater allows you to download themes and flash them straight from your phone), and you can pick and choose what bloatware to remove using DConfig, a froyo release is suppose to come out sometime this weekend.
Another option for you is to root and then flash the latest rooted "stock" rom. then flash the latest radio and wimax. then you can use a file manager to remove bloatware. I use "root explorer" from the market. be careful what you remove as removing some things can cause problems. I am currently running this on one of my evo's with no problems everything works and battery life will get me through a day. if you need more info as removing the bloatware feel free to pm me and ill help with what i can. I'm sure using the stock rom will be sufficient for you. On the phone i have running i have all features enabled and am pushing my pop3 accounts through gmail, 4g wifitether, all works just fine.
Hello everyone,
While i'm sure this must be a hard decision for most people, I am currently trying to decide which Rom to go with myself. I see there are about 5 different roms based on Froyo (2.2) and while i've tried reading pages and pages from each Rom post i've found out that what work in one may not work in the other.
So with that said how do you pick a rom that offers everything (if there's even one out yet?)
If i'm not mistaken Fresh has 4G issues and Tether doesnt work (not that tether is an issue but it'll be nice to have)
OMJ has music steaming issues, has working tether but camera is set to 3MP
I also see that most roms remove the Sprint apps (which i'm cool with except for the Navigator).. is there a way to get the Navigator back?
Decisions, Decisions.... Decisions....
The WiFi Tether issue isn't an issue with the rom. It's still a work in progress for full 2.2 support and it's possible to get it running if you flash a different kernel. Unfortunately that kernel has the adverse side effect of making the camera 3MP. Keep checking the wifi tether google code page to see when they release a fully working version for 2.2.
fresh has never had 4g issues.
4g confirmed working on all froyo betas and releases.
I can only comment on fresh bc that's the one I've used. I have no issues with 4g and tethering works great with netarchys 3.7.6c kernel although the back camera drops to 3mp which I'm fine with..also, fresh takes out the Sprint and some HTC apps but leaves them in a folder on your SD card in case you want to install any like navigation.
I'm sure you can adjust any of the roms to your liking, just play with them
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
I like Fresh's rom for HTC Sense. I am currently still running the CM6 nightlies tho. No 4G in my area so not a big deal for me.
WillJV said:
Hello everyone,
While i'm sure this must be a hard decision for most people, I am currently trying to decide which Rom to go with myself. I see there are about 5 different roms based on Froyo (2.2) and while i've tried reading pages and pages from each Rom post i've found out that what work in one may not work in the other.
So with that said how do you pick a rom that offers everything (if there's even one out yet?)
If i'm not mistaken Fresh has 4G issues and Tether doesnt work (not that tether is an issue but it'll be nice to have)
OMJ has music steaming issues, has working tether but camera is set to 3MP
I also see that most roms remove the Sprint apps (which i'm cool with except for the Navigator).. is there a way to get the Navigator back?
Decisions, Decisions.... Decisions....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This thread really belongs in the Q&A, as it has nothing to do with development.
However...
My best advice would be read through the threads for the respective roms, then try them out. Trying them out will give you the best information as far as what that rom has and what it doesn't have. but keep in mind, these roms aren't really made for you, they are just provided so you can use them if you want. They are ultimately made for the developers, and have their personal preferences built in.
If you want the sprint apps, I would suggest flashing fresh at least once. Although I'm not sure if he does it anymore, he use to put all the removed apps into /sdcard/fresh-removed-apks and you could reinstall them from there, on any rom.
It's all about one's personal choice when it comes to custom roms. They are all made possible and available by the wonderful devs. so you can flash as many of the roms you like. Once you see one that works good for you then go with it, that's what it all comes down to.
Nibert, Thanks i'll keep checking the post you mentioned.
Fazzmanic, not that i know for a fact that FRESH has issues with 4G. The only reason i said that is because there are at least 2 post in the ROM's thread from users who reported 4G not working... that's all.
ervman1, Does Fresh have that kernel you mentioned or you have to install that kernel after flashing the rom with Fresh?
bdelbenes, I like the HTC Sense myself. I've tried Open Home and Launcher Pro and they're cool yet I guess i used Sense at the beginning of me getting the phone so i got used to it.
Dougie2187, sorry for posting it on the wrong section but thanks to the Moderator who moved it to the correct forum. I have yet to flash my rom so i'm still on the factory 2.1 rom (rooted)... I guess i will do like most of you do and try one by one (well at least a few) till i find one that i like. I just wanted to make one choice and go with that instead of flashing my phone everyday LOL
WillJV said:
Nibert, Thanks i'll keep checking the post you mentioned.
Fazzmanic, not that i know for a fact that FRESH has issues with 4G. The only reason i said that is because there are at least 2 post in the ROM's thread from users who reported 4G not working... that's all.
ervman1, Does Fresh have that kernel you mentioned or you have to install that kernel after flashing the rom with Fresh?
bdelbenes, I like the HTC Sense myself. I've tried Open Home and Launcher Pro and they're cool yet I guess i used Sense at the beginning of me getting the phone so i got used to it.
Dougie2187, sorry for posting it on the wrong section but thanks to the Moderator who moved it to the correct forum. I have yet to flash my rom so i'm still on the factory 2.1 rom (rooted)... I guess i will do like most of you do and try one by one (well at least a few) till i find one that i like. I just wanted to make one choice and go with that instead of flashing my phone everyday LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nandroid backups help make this process a lot easier. Fresh was my rom of choice for a while, Bugless Beast is really good as well but isn't up to date. Damage Control is really good too. But I've been using Cyanogen because it's AOSP.
It all ends up being personal preference, but those are some I would try out. Basically, flash one, set it up 100% and back it up. Then use it for a day or so, and try another one. And continue this until you find one you like.
on fresh 0.53 and 1.01 i had a 4g reconnection issue that i couldn't seem to shake even after doing the posted fix. it all seems to be sorted out with 3.whatever. avalaunch is another rom i can confirm that all the relevent bits work on.
froyo roms in general have taken a giant step forward since the OTA. i'd recommend downloading titanium backup and getting yourself the donated version then just try out whatever looks interesting. titanium makes the process a lot less painful since you can restore all your apps with their data in a batch process.
So I'm very new to android, used to have an iPhone enjoyed jail breaking and minor adjustments to the OS but since I have not only been working closely with Android for work but also got a glorious Evo. I love the phone, just amazing how much iPhone users are missing out.
I'm hoping someone can answer a few questions for me on the new unrevoked 3:
- so it states custom roms, assume these are modified versions of android? If so where are good ones, or any suggestions. Would love to get rid of some of the Sprint bloat crap, but also enjoy a few pieces of it.
- is it true that if you use unrevoked 3, you can use the hotspot without paying? Just heard that from someone.
- will 4g still work on phone after unrevoked 3?
- what are some other perks you can do with a rooted phone like the evo? Would love to get then normal gallery app like on the n1, not the one sprint has.
It's great to be part of the new community, thanks for any advice people can provide.
thewhiterabbit9 said:
So I'm very new to android, used to have an iPhone enjoyed jail breaking and minor adjustments to the OS but since I have not only been working closely with Android for work but also got a glorious Evo. I love the phone, just amazing how much iPhone users are missing out.
I'm hoping someone can answer a few questions for me on the new unrevoked 3:
- so it states custom roms, assume these are modified versions of android? If so where are good ones, or any suggestions. Would love to get rid of some of the Sprint bloat crap, but also enjoy a few pieces of it.
- is it true that if you use unrevoked 3, you can use the hotspot without paying? Just heard that from someone.
- will 4g still work on phone after unrevoked 3?
- what are some other perks you can do with a rooted phone like the evo? Would love to get then normal gallery app like on the n1, not the one sprint has.
It's great to be part of the new community, thanks for any advice people can provide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) each rom is different but luckily each developer explains his/her features. i just use a stock 2.2 rom for rooted phones
2)you can remove some bloatware yourself once you root the phone
3)any rooted phone can use the google android wifi tether app...for free
4)4g will work after unrevoked 3 (last i heard it was working.. fyi some roms may not work well w/ 4g)
5) some things rooted phones can do:
free wireless tether
free wired tether
titanium backup app
clockworkmod rom manager app
increase MMS photo size/remove compression limits on MMS
custom kernals, roms, bootscreens
root explorer app
shootme app
overclocking apps such as setcpu or overclockwidget
just read around, especially here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=653
You are going to see a lot of stuff about sense versus non-sense...that is referring too your user interface. Sense is what you have now. Cm6, for example, does not and will not ever be a sense version of the rom. Since you're still getting your feet wet I would stick with a sense themed rom...check out fresh 3.2 rom, EViO is another nice rom as well, as is avalaunch's av7, damage control 3 5...there are several very nice roms out there for the evo.
And to confirm, roms are basically operating systems for the phone, yeah. Definitely spend some time reading the rom threads and the link above you might as well bookmark now
Welcome to the other side. We really don't bite.
Edit ..from what I have read free hotspur is available, yes. And you will still be able to use 4g with unrevoked latest method. However if you run a cm 6 rom you will not as of yet be able to use 4g.
Tiepoz baught two yoo bi swype"3
Awesome, thanks! So last question, is using uncooked unrevoked allow me to go back to stock ota when an update comes out or how does that work?
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