Modifying Android's built-in apps - Hero, G2 Touch Android Development

Hi guys!
I'm wondering what I'd have to do if I wanted to modify the built in apps inside Android..
I've got a HTC Hero running FroydVillain 1.5.0. Let's say... I want to modify the messaging app that's included, MMS.apk. I wouldn't know how to go about this, and I have a few questions...
Firstly, what sources exactly are used for building the built in apps for a given ROM? The source code link in the FroydVillain post, for example, is just for the kernel. The rest of the OS isn't there.
Secondly, I hear that in order to modify a built in app, you need to build the entire OS. If I just download all the code from Google official repo, and compile that, will it just... work on my phone, provided I use a kernel that is specific to my phone?
Lastly, are there any tips anyone has for someone who just wants to modify a couple of the built in apps? Is it possible to build them as standalone apps? Or import them into Eclipse?
I've had a search around the forum and the internets in general, and people have asked similear questions, but I've yet to find a good answer. This thread comes to mind: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=635197
If anyone could help me, or point me in the direction of any help, that'd be awesome! Thanks!!

FunkTrooper said:
Hi guys!
I'm wondering what I'd have to do if I wanted to modify the built in apps inside Android..
I've got a HTC Hero running FroydVillain 1.5.0. Let's say... I want to modify the messaging app that's included, MMS.apk. I wouldn't know how to go about this, and I have a few questions...
Firstly, what sources exactly are used for building the built in apps for a given ROM? The source code link in the FroydVillain post, for example, is just for the kernel. The rest of the OS isn't there.
Secondly, I hear that in order to modify a built in app, you need to build the entire OS. If I just download all the code from Google official repo, and compile that, will it just... work on my phone, provided I use a kernel that is specific to my phone?
Lastly, are there any tips anyone has for someone who just wants to modify a couple of the built in apps? Is it possible to build them as standalone apps? Or import them into Eclipse?
I've had a search around the forum and the internets in general, and people have asked similear questions, but I've yet to find a good answer. This thread comes to mind: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=635197
If anyone could help me, or point me in the direction of any help, that'd be awesome! Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) The whole sources for everything are there
http://github.com/ninpo
2) You can import the sources to eclipse, but I think you will need to build the entire tree, as opposed to just what you change
3) Apktool lets you do smali and resource edits on an APK. Without knowing what you aim to do, it's hard to guide you specifically.

Most apps are based on the sources provided by google. I assume you are talking about Froyo Hero ROMs (i.e. FroydVillain), which apps are generally built from the source of CyanogenMod. Specifically for FroydVillain, if you look around ninpo github you will see some packages with some changes to their code, although it does seem that many of the changes in recent releases are not there. I have actually PMed ninpo about this and hopefully this is only a technicality.... I assume that the other packages and apps (most of them) he just compiled off the CM sources without changes.
In any case, if you compile an app either from the CM source or from google's original sources, it should work just to copy the apk file - just make sure you use an appropriate ROM (i.e. Froyo ROM if you built it from Froyo sources). The reason to want the CM sources, is that if they have incorporated further fixes (over the google sources) you may want them.
Finally, some more practical advice: I would start with the google sources: http://source.android.com/source/index.html since I have found these instructions and explanations easier to begin with - it should be quite straight forward to build these sources on a linux machine (or VM).
Then you can also try to tackle the cyanogen source: http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=Building_from_source currently missing instructions on how to build for hero. But if you only want to copy apks out of it, you can just build a generic build (like in the google souce).
If you have specific problems, ask and I'll try to help you.
Good luck.

pulser_g2 said:
1) The whole sources for everything are there
http://github.com/ninpo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For example where are all the changes to the dalvik code? I do not follow closely enough the changes in Froyd to point out other things which might be missing (if at all), but there are relatively few committed changes to the CM code. Specifically the dalvik code, ninpo mentioned hundreds of changes which caught my interest and are definitively not there.
The kernel sources do seem to be up to date always - been following that one closely .

Thanks for the advice I love this forum!
What I'm trying to do, in case you're wondering, ultimately, is to modify the built-in messaging application to give the user the option of sending a message by the normal method, or by using their provider's free webtext service, something that all the carriers seem to offer here in Ireland.
So, for example, you'd press the Send button, and you'd be able to select one of those methods. (of course, you'd have to have a data connection for the webtext). There's also be an interface for entering your login credentials for your carrier's website.
I'm doing this party because it would be very useful. I also feel that it would give me a good introduction to how you'd go about modifying Android. I mean, from a programming point of view, it shouldn't be *too* hard to do. I already have a simple standalone app that I made which can send a text message via an Irish carrier's webtext service. But it's all good experience to try to modify other people big codebases.
I have a good bit of experience with web application development, but my experience with other programming is a little more limited. I usually use PHP, where there's none of this compiling nonsense. You just write scripts and off they go!
So I'm gonna go off and see if I can set up an environment where I can build.. the OS, I guess.
If I was to take the vanilla official Google sources, would they work on my phone? Or would I have to use an official Google developer phone... or the emulator? Or maybe if I stopped writing here and investigated those links you've provided, I'd know that by know.
Brb, investigating

Yeh investigating and just trying to do it is usually the best way
To clarify what I was trying to say above: All the java code is obvious very portable - one of the big advantages of java. In the case of android it is compiled to an .apk file and this file should be, at the very least, portable to all android "devices" running this android version. So the apk you build (for example from the vanilla 2.2 sources) should work on the emulator (good for initial debugging) and any 2.2 ROMs.

erasmux said:
For example where are all the changes to the dalvik code? I do not follow closely enough the changes in Froyd to point out other things which might be missing (if at all), but there are relatively few committed changes to the CM code. Specifically the dalvik code, ninpo mentioned hundreds of changes which caught my interest and are definitively not there.
The kernel sources do seem to be up to date always - been following that one closely .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm currently on "vacation" from any and all Android development for a week. I'll be back after the weekend, at which time my modifications will be cleaned up and committed to git. The kernel is always current with my latest kernel release due to GPL obligations. The extra time away has also highlighted some changes I need to make both to the kernel and to my Android modifications when I get back.

Hacre said:
I'm currently on "vacation" from any and all Android development for a week. I'll be back after the weekend, at which time my modifications will be cleaned up and committed to git. The kernel is always current with my latest kernel release due to GPL obligations. The extra time away has also highlighted some changes I need to make both to the kernel and to my Android modifications when I get back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Ninpo

Related

Simplistic HTC Hero Kernel Question.

Hi All,
Running rooted Hero with Modaco 2.5.1 rom ( thanks Paul )
Was hoping someone could ( simplistically ) answer a few question for me.
As I understand it - one of the things holding back development of Hero ROMS is that HTC haven't released the kernel for the Hero.
1) What exactly IS the kernel in the greater scheme of things?
2) When are HTC likely to release it?
3) When it is released, what new things will it allow developers to do?
4) Anything else relevant to it worth knowing?
TIA
Look at these:
1. The kernel is the Operating System for the phone, it runs everything.
2. That is the magic question...
3. It'll allow more development in terms of mods. we'll be able to change alot more and get more out of the phones.
I'm sure others will have more detailed explanations.
Regarding question 2:
I've gotten response from HTC support the other day that the release is planned but no sure date could be given.
Date: 5th of October
My question:
Hello there, I realize that this might not be the normal kind of request you guys get, but here goes. This is probably not your average request and might require escalation. I was wondering when the source code for the Hero kernel was gonna be available at developer.htc.com?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Answer:
Hello
This is quite a normal question we get here at HTC. The source code is something that will becoming soon. We have had contact with those far higher than my self or are planning on adding the source code as soon as possible. I have not been given a time scale but bases on the code for the two other handsets i should expect it in the next couple of weeks.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, educated guess would be around the release of the Hero in the US.
Some if I have this right -
The kernel is the basic underlying OS of the phone, and a ROM sits on top of this end gives us the end user experience ( and Sense UI is within the ROM ).
Am I right in thinking the kernel is linux based?
And a big magic question - when the kernel is released, will people be able to modify it and get the bluetooth working properly?
Sorry if it's a bit basic - but interesting to me....
The Kernel is not the OS (As most people understand an OS to be) (OS meaning Operating System)
It's at the core of the OS but is not the OS. You can keep the same build of an OS but update the kernel and vica versa. It is (put simply) what converts the hardware calls from the OS into something the hardware understands.
So (using current issues as explanation) The OS tries to load the GPS and the kernel isn't configured with the right settings the GPS won't load. Similarly if you try and use the trackball and it's not setup in the kernel then it won't do anything.
The OS will still work fine with other things but until the kernel has the right settings put into it it just won't see the parts of the phone it's not set up to.
Here is a technical description of a Kernel.
http://www.linfo.org/kernel.html
I'm sure I've just made it as clear as dishwater but if not I hope it's helped.
J-Zeus said:
Some if I have this right -
The kernel is the basic underlying OS of the phone, and a ROM sits on top of this end gives us the end user experience ( and Sense UI is within the ROM ).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not exactly. To add to what akirainblack has said already...ROM stands for Read Only Memory. In this context it is a bit different as it is the complete package that makes up the Kernel, the OS and anything that is pre-installed to the phone. When you run the RUU (Rom Update Utilitiy) on your PC is completely refreshes the system software in your phone - Kernel, OS and any pre-installed apps - just as if you had bought it from the shop like that.
J-Zeus said:
Am I right in thinking the kernel is linux based?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.
Hmmm...
simple question... when the kernel is available... would we be able to get a white taskbar on the Hero?
//Nik
When the kernel source is available, we should be able to rebuild Android completely from the source code repositories and do practically whatever you want.
Regards,
Dave
foxmeister said:
When the kernel source is available, we should be able to rebuild Android completely from the source code repositories and do practically whatever you want.
Regards,
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Including getting Bluetooth working?
J-Zeus said:
Including getting Bluetooth working?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In theory, yes. In practice, the situation is a little more complicated, but at the very least I'd imagine it would be possible to get BlueX, or something like it, working on rooted Heros fairly quickly.
Regards,
Dave
Given that this is a Linux kernel, aren't HTC required by the GPL to make the source available to all Hero owners?
This is covering the same ground, but is another way to look at things regarding the kernel and the OS. The kernel abstracts the specifics of the hardware from the Android system. For example, when the Android system requests that the bluetooth hardware be enabled, the kernel can translate that request so that it works with the particular hardware of the phone - as the bluetooth hardware of the Magic may be different from the bluetooth hardware of the Hero. So the kernel, is an interface that translates and Android call to the specific hardware level controls necessary. The kernel sits between the hardware and the Android system.
It also means that releasing the kernel will not allow us to make changes to the Hero Android user interfaces. If we want to change colours, icons and so on in the Hero ROM, we would need the source code for their "tweaked" Android and maybe to some degree their TouchFlo software. I doubt they would give that away. It would allows us however, to tweak the kernel, or transplant the driver code for specific hardware pieces in the Hero, to a newer version kernel.
I understand that the release of the hero kernel, could help me with my cause (getting 1.5/1.6 'clean' android on my hero without any htc apps/front ends).
Somebody suggested contacting HTC and asking for it to be released.
I have a few questions regarding that:
1) Has this happened before? That HTC released an android kernel?
2) Did this happen after the request?
3) Who should we contact to get it? (which HTC division)
4) Is there a possibility that they don't want to release it, because it would allow people to copy parts of the proprietary interface?
E2K said:
1) Has this happened before? That HTC released an android kernel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take a look at http://developer.htc.com/
The Dream and Magic sources are available.
E2K said:
4) Is there a possibility that they don't want to release it, because it would allow people to copy parts of the proprietary interface?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The HTC Sense UI won't be included in the kernel source.
They dont have to release the source of them.
New question
Is it possible to create a new donut kernel (2.6.29) with the changes they made to the 1.5 kernel (2.6.27)?
Looks like they send you the hole kernel, not just some patches and new drivers...
mopodo said:
Take a look at http://developer.htc.com/
The Dream and Magic sources are available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So this means that we could compile or 'cook' a working vanilla android 1.5 for the HTC hero, with everything working fully?
HTC HAS to release the kernel source as required under the GPL license that the kernel was released under. It is indeed a linux kernel and it contains the necessary parts to work the hardware along with extra drivers and modules (stupid monolithic kernels).
Here's what I don't get (and hopefully somebody will clarify this for me). Why hasn't anybody tried building android with the current kernel available? Android has the ability to be built around a pre-compiled kernel (it does this if you do a straight make right after repo sync with the pre-compiled dream kernel). You'd only need to re-build the wlan.ko module for the new kernel and the gps module would be compiled against the specified kernel, so it should work.
If I had Hero, I'd test it (if you want to trade your Hero for my G1, hit me up ), but there's no reason it shouldn't work.
Up to now, I've only seen ports, and those are hard to make work because of the pre-compiled files, so that leads to loads of file-swapping and finger-crossing, but an AOSP make should still work. Anybody wanna try it (or post me a hero kernel and I'll compile you a stock donut build to test).
jubeh said:
HTC HAS to release the kernel source as required under the GPL license that the kernel was released under. It is indeed a linux kernel and it contains the necessary parts to work the hardware along with extra drivers and modules (stupid monolithic kernels).
Here's what I don't get (and hopefully somebody will clarify this for me). Why hasn't anybody tried building android with the current kernel available? Android has the ability to be built around a pre-compiled kernel (it does this if you do a straight make right after repo sync with the pre-compiled dream kernel). You'd only need to re-build the wlan.ko module for the new kernel and the gps module would be compiled against the specified kernel, so it should work.
If I had Hero, I'd test it (if you want to trade your Hero for my G1, hit me up ), but there's no reason it shouldn't work.
Up to now, I've only seen ports, and those are hard to make work because of the pre-compiled files, so that leads to loads of file-swapping and finger-crossing, but an AOSP make should still work. Anybody wanna try it (or post me a hero kernel and I'll compile you a stock donut build to test).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, thank you for this information. You make it sound like it's possible
I tried searching for the Hero Kernel, but I could only find this:
http://developer.htc.com/
The hero is not listed (maybe it shares a lot with the magic kernel?).
edit: this post dating from september 10 stated that HTC would "release the kernel source soon".
This was more than a month ago though..
edit2: calling HTC Netherlands right now..
edit3: after explainig the need for the kernel, I've been on hold for 10 minutes now..
edit4: more than 18 minutes now
edit5: after 26 minutes I hang up
Well I have a Hero running Modaco 2.2. I could post this kernel (where?) Or it surely could be extracted from one of the ROMs available on this very site
SquiffSquiff said:
Well I have a Hero running Modaco 2.2. I could post this kernel (where?) Or it surely could be extracted from one of the ROMs available on this very site
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could be wrong, but I believe there is a difference between the 'kernel', and the 'kernel source'. The second one is needed when you want to compile the kernel.
Speaking as one who has compiled kernels in the past there are three components required here:
The kernel source- this is typically available from http://kernel.org/ If HTC have made any changes to the source of the kernel itself then these should be apparent in their distribution of the kernel source
The relevant configuration file '.config' which should accompany their distribution of the kernel source and permit you to compile any other kernel as a drop in replacement.
Source code and makefiles for any custom kernel modules ('drivers' in windows terminology) In Linux these have to be compiled together with the kernel.
To use a cookery analogy:
The kernel source is the raw ingredients. It can be set up for anything from a supercomputer to a DVD player depending on how you use it. The kernel config is the method which will allow you to bake the type of cake you intend. The modules sources are any of HTC’s own custom ingredients required for everything to work. THe kernel is the finished cake which you eat.

Samsung Galaxy Tab Development Environment

Hello developers,
I'm starting this thread because I'm interested in designing a development environment for the Samsung Galaxy Tab so that developers, like myself, can have an easy environment for modifying the Android OS. I'll be aiming this environment at all Android Devices but I want to start with the Samsung Galaxy Tab.
At the moment I don't have much of a structure for this project, nor much direction, so if anyone has any ideas for what tools etc I should include in this please let me know. If anyone wants to get on board with the project it would also be appreciated. Send me an email.
tool ideas:
- integrating the GCC and Javac compilers into the environment.
- integrating a way to generate make files and to build from these files.
- GUI for editing files from the kernel and application framework.
- easy to use way of setting up branches for projects with the Repo and Git included in the Android Source Code.
Count me in. I am getting a Tab tonight and I plan to develop for it. Currently, I have got the froyo source on my machine and want to integrate the open source code that Samsung released for this device.
Has anyone successfully built a custom ROM using the Samsung source code? Any help on this will be appreciated.
Awesome!
I've got Froyo working on the Tab, which I built from the source code from the android open source project website but it's just a generic build from the straight source, nothing special. not with the samsung code though. do you have any links for it?
I've put a small amount of stuff into the Dev Environment, most just shell files etc to make installing everything easier. One click sort of thing.
My first task though is going to be to try and fix the failure that is the Samsung display driver. Most noticeable are the 4 by 1 widgets that don't stretch across the whole screen.
After that I'm going to start work on a GUI for the environment and the iOS Emulator.
thoughts?
Whats wrong with Android SDK and Eclipse?
It's not the most straight forward thing. I'm looking to make something that includes its own libraries too. It's aimed at beginning developers mostly, so you can literally download one file which includes everything you'll need then start editting and then one click to compile and have it all work. Simplicity
I'm also interested in this... The SGT is my first android device, and my company will want android apps for internal and external uses... and a one click dev environment would be a most welcome option!
DevShroom said:
I've got Froyo working on the Tab, which I built from the source code from the android open source project website but it's just a generic build from the straight source, nothing special. not with the samsung code though. do you have any links for it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Straight up AOSP? Could you have a crack at CM?
Anything you need, including testers, I'm in.
I have programmed some programs in android. If you need my help, i will be glad to help,
Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk
i'm currently setting up a new galaxy Tab ubuntu 10.10 VM but I always fail at installing java5-jdk, but when im ready i'm going to have a look at the CM and AOSP source and i !try! to port CM to the tab!
I am working on a custom rom , if you need any help do not hesitate
yann06 said:
I am working on a custom rom , if you need any help do not hesitate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are u building from source or are you modifing a stock rom?
DevShroom said:
Hello developers,
I'm starting this thread because I'm interested in designing a development environment for the Samsung Galaxy Tab so that developers, like myself, can have an easy environment for modifying the Android OS. I'll be aiming this environment at all Android Devices but I want to start with the Samsung Galaxy Tab.
At the moment I don't have much of a structure for this project, nor much direction, so if anyone has any ideas for what tools etc I should include in this please let me know. If anyone wants to get on board with the project it would also be appreciated. Send me an email.
tool ideas:
- integrating the GCC and Javac compilers into the environment.
- integrating a way to generate make files and to build from these files.
- GUI for editing files from the kernel and application framework.
- easy to use way of setting up branches for projects with the Repo and Git included in the Android Source Code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll be interested in getting involved in a community driven project for the SGT. I'm a unix admin with lots of experience in the OS and system development field. Interested in what ideas you have on this.
Try using openjdk. It works for me.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk
Thanks everyone for the positive feedback on all this! it'll be good to have as many people on board as possible.
if you have troubles downloading the sun-java5-jdk there is a good tutorial on it on this site, it doesnt come as part of the repository by default so until you add it in sudo apt-get install sun-java5-jdk will not work.
atm i am only working with AOSP not CM, i am trying to set this dev environment up for a nice simple build and then i'll start working on more complex builds so we can start developing custom roms.
@paulshields - do you know much about linux/android drivers? i wanna fix the widget sizing problem on SGT but my driver knowledge is limited

[DEV][DEV-ONLY] Honeycomb Progress

[This is not the place to say "this is awesome" or "thanks!"]
[DEVS ONLY]
I want to start this thread to keep up the progress on the port.
the bad news is that the SDK is incomplete for now, so (like other devices)
we will have to write our own code for the OS, the nook community
has done a wonderful job writing their own libraries and stuffs, so we will have to do the same.
Instead of pursuing different goals, let's focus on one thing at a time.
since GSM and CDMA versions are already out, it seems we suffer the same bugs, so for now let's unite strength and knowledge to overcome these.
I propose that the first goal to fix is the SurfaceFlinger, so we could at least see the apps, the buttons and the notifications.
it is currently throwing this:
04-06 22:01:35.495: ERROR/Surface(2960): dequeueBuffer failed (Out of memory)
this could lead us that it might coudln't start because of some malloc malfunction or something.
also that pvrsrvinit bugs me a lot.
update:
8/APR/2011
since DiP7 could fix SurfaceFlinger and other things using a different build from the GSM kernel, we have to dig deeper
======================================
CURRENT GOAL
Rebuild Kernel
======================================​
Current approaches:
*none
Post any finding, guessing or anything, and please, please don't be afraid to ask anything you have a doubt, as a Dev you should not know everything, so we can help us each other
------------------------------------------
Google Easter egg:
while searching some info about the android.mk file , I put it on the chrome bar to search for that term, but instead I went to
http://android.mk
an easter egg web page from google lol
******TOOLS*********
How to send text and Keystrokes via ADB
http://bradchow.blogspot.com/2011/02/send-intent-and-key-event-by-adb.html
use DroidExplorer to easily access your device from your computer and makes changes from it
http://de.codeplex.com/
The Android Boot Process
http://www.androidenea.com/2009/06/android-boot-process-from-power-on.html
---Kernel Tools----
CPU Datasheet
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=745877
Samsung GIT
http://android.git.kernel.org/?p=kernel/samsung.git;a=summary
PowerVR SDK
http://www.imgtec.com/powervr/insider/powervr-sdk.asp
Source code of samsung firmwares(keep and eye on this)
http://opensource.samsung.com/
Asus pad honeycomb Kernel Source
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1026528
ellokomen said:
======================================
CURRENT GOAL
Find why SurfaceFlinger is not working
======================================​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mmmk.. Let me tell you a story.
A long time ago in a galaxy far away... No, that will take too long. In a nutshell, one third of the answer is here, another third is here and the rest is here. I'm not trying to be intentionally vague, I just haven't figured out how these three fit together yet.
Of course, there could also be some bit of code that I missed... some telling line in a debug log that I overlooked or some driver or library that I could have decompiled to sift through its juicy secrets. There could easily be a fix that would take seconds to add and make the whole thing fall in line...
Or we might have to work it from the ground up.
Either way it will happen. It's just a matter of whether it will happen next week, or next month.
(Watch it be a misplaced semi-colon, or a bad symlink... that's how these things go.)
updated approaches and new tools have been added
spacemoose1 said:
Mmmk.. Let me tell you a story.
A long time ago in a galaxy far away... No, that will take too long. In a nutshell, one third of the answer is here, another third is here and the rest is here. I'm not trying to be intentionally vague, I just haven't figured out how these three fit together yet.
Of course, there could also be some bit of code that I missed... some telling line in a debug log that I overlooked or some driver or library that I could have decompiled to sift through its juicy secrets. There could easily be a fix that would take seconds to add and make the whole thing fall in line...
Or we might have to work it from the ground up.
Either way it will happen. It's just a matter of whether it will happen next week, or next month.
(Watch it be a misplaced semi-colon, or a bad symlink... that's how these things go.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The kernel source that you have linked to is 2.6.35.7 for the Nexus S gingerbread and is not fully maintained by samsung but rather by google.
However I do not think you are wrong that there is a problem somewhere in the kernel. The kernel that has been released for the galaxy tab is a mess of horrid code, I have had to re-write parts of kernel drivers just to get them to work under linux, I would not be surprised if similar patches are needed for honeycomb
lilstevie said:
The kernel source that you have linked to is 2.6.35.7 for the Nexus S gingerbread and is not fully maintained by samsung but rather by google.
However I do not think you are wrong that there is a problem somewhere in the kernel. The kernel that has been released for the galaxy tab is a mess of horrid code, I have had to re-write parts of kernel drivers just to get them to work under linux, I would not be surprised if similar patches are needed for honeycomb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you mean that you made a port of a Linux Distro into the tab?
ellokomen said:
you mean that you made a port of a Linux Distro into the tab?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes click here for the thread on the port of ubuntu
Current kernel source
Do you guys have another link to the current spacemoose kernel source? The download link seems to be corrupted and won't untar. I want to get in on the fun
noobporter said:
Do you guys have another link to the current spacemoose kernel source? The download link seems to be corrupted and won't untar. I want to get in on the fun
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
here it is, bear in mind that this is for CDMA devices
Unfortunatey, we have 4 other honeycomb threads.
Not trying to be rude but spacemoose updates us in the cdma forums AND we have russian rom updates in the gsm forums.
I really dislike the idea of this thread, there is enough clutter amongst the other threads. Do we really need one more place to browse..
The first posts in the roms thread are kept updated by devs.. Is this not enough??
daml said:
Unfortunatey, we have 4 other honeycomb threads.
Not trying to be rude but spacemoose updates us in the cdma forums AND we have russian rom updates in the gsm forums.
I really dislike the idea of this thread, there is enough clutter amongst the other threads. Do we really need one more place to browse..
The first posts in the roms thread are kept updated by devs.. Is this not enough??
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yeah but we need a place for the other devs to share their milestones, here is a place for technical discussion amongst us, to share the knowledge etc...
the other threads are flooded from non devs messages, so it´s kind of difficult to read 14 pages of information when the 80% is people complaining not making it boot
lilstevie said:
The kernel source that you have linked to is 2.6.35.7 for the Nexus S gingerbread and is not fully maintained by samsung but rather by google.
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Yes, and it contains some support for our device (s5pc110), and some more that can be added (pvr) and the architecture necessary to fully support HC without patching the build itself. If we work only towards patching the system build to communicate with the hardware, we won't be able to run AOSP hc versions when the source drops without going through the same painstaking process of hacking the system to function (while creating numerous faults causing FCs in the process). If we build a new kernel, we can get the hardware to communicate in the way future android versions want it to and we can then do what we want with ease.
noobporter said:
Do you guys have another link to the current spacemoose kernel source? The download link seems to be corrupted and won't untar. I want to get in on the fun
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D'oh! Nobody told me, LOL... I'll get another copy up.
spacemoose1 said:
D'oh! Nobody told me, LOL... I'll get another copy up.
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http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1026528
hey spacemoose! the first portion of honeycomb source... The kernel source of the Asus EEE Pad Transformer... maybe it helps you with a few kernel issues, even if it's for another device... It's honeycomb!
Flokey said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1026528
hey spacemoose! the first portion of honeycomb source... The kernel source of the Asus EEE Pad Transformer... maybe it helps you with a few kernel issues, even if it's for another device... It's honeycomb!
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Click to collapse
Digging through it now.
spacemoose1 said:
Yes, and it contains some support for our device (s5pc110), and some more that can be added (pvr) and the architecture necessary to fully support HC without patching the build itself. If we work only towards patching the system build to communicate with the hardware, we won't be able to run AOSP hc versions when the source drops without going through the same painstaking process of hacking the system to function (while creating numerous faults causing FCs in the process). If we build a new kernel, we can get the hardware to communicate in the way future android versions want it to and we can then do what we want with ease.
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Click to collapse
Not enough really, PVR kernel module sources have been released from samsung for our device, and is available in update1 zip.
The kernel panics and we have no framebuffer from the nexus s, believe me that is the kernel I want to be running for my project, it is cleaner nicer and things are implemented overall better. unless you know of a solution for kernel debuging over usb
lilstevie said:
Not enough really, PVR kernel module sources have been released from samsung for our device, and is available in update1 zip.
The kernel panics and we have no framebuffer from the nexus s, believe me that is the kernel I want to be running for my project, it is cleaner nicer and things are implemented overall better. unless you know of a solution for kernel debuging over usb
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Kernel debugging over USB = adb shell cat /proc/kmsg
You can make any kernel work for any device as long as you add the **** it needs. Just takes time. Working on it now.
Goal and tools updated*
spacemoose1 said:
Kernel debugging over USB = adb shell cat /proc/kmsg
You can make any kernel work for any device as long as you add the **** it needs. Just takes time. Working on it now.
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You don't know what a kernel panic is do you?
lilstevie said:
You don't know what a kernel panic is do you?
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I thought that linux throws a dump log when it makes a kernel panic specifying the memory address and the cause of crash

For when a Replicant ROM for this mobile phone?

Hi.
Like me, people that own this mobile phone need to wait for huge efforts from people like Arco to develop a ROM with the last android version and the whole bug fixes and improvements of the OS.
After all that, we need to trust what developers could have done inside that same ROM, the same we get in this 'black market' and pray they didn't do any kind of malicious developments, this, if the source code/blobs didn't come with them already. Forgetting about the security side, if we look at the new features and upgrades of the same OS, again, we will need to wait for people like Arco to get time to develop all we want. So, my question is:
What need to be done for people that use this mobile phone to have the Replicant Android version?
Web references:
- replicant.us
- fsf.org/blogs/community/donate-to-replicant-and-support-free-software-on-mobile-devices
- linux.com/news/embedded-mobile/mobile-linux/759834-fully-free-android-rom-advances-to-jelly-bean/?&co=f000000013912s-1248979074
- wired.com/wiredenterprise/2013/10/replicant/
:good:
vcatpt said:
Hi.
After all that, we need to trust what developers could have done inside that same ROM, the same we get in this 'black market' and pray they didn't do any kind of malicious developments, this, if the source code/blobs didn't come with them already. Forgetting about the security side....
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Click to collapse
Seriously, do you expect this to be different with a Repilcant ROM?
There will be still a Dev behind this who will compile the ROM, add bugfixes and so on.
So if you are afraid of malware being added by a Dev, you can simply download the sources and compile your own ROM. No matter this is CM or Repilcant.
CM is open source and you can watch the entire code to what a Dev has done to it. There is no conspirancy and there is no need to become paranoic.
Therefore I do not see a single reason why a Replicant ROM should be better compared to Arcos CM releases.
I can't explain me better than the references I post in the first post. But for sure, if every project follow the philosophy that Replicant uses, development could improve so much about the SECURITY and so much about the TIME for the news features/improvements, is ridiculous what people need to wait to get an upgraded software (no question about any developer here ofc). And I know life is not perfect, but at some point things need to be done in a credible and systematic way, and this android variant with the name Replicant seems fine to me.
honeyx said:
Seriously, do you expect this to be different with a Repilcant ROM?
There will be still a Dev behind this who will compile the ROM, add bugfixes and so on.
So if you are afraid of malware being added by a Dev, you can simply download the sources and compile your own ROM. No matter this is CM or Repilcant.
CM is open source and you can watch the entire code to what a Dev has done to it. There is no conspirancy and there is no need to become paranoic.
Therefore I do not see a single reason why a Replicant ROM should be better compared to Arcos CM releases.
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Click to collapse
hum..
http://redmine.replicant.us/projects/replicant/wiki/SamsungGalaxyBackdoor
https://www.fsf.org/blogs/community/replicant-developers-find-and-close-samsung-galaxy-backdoor

[Q] Building unofficial AOSPA ROM - Need Help

Good morning,
as per thread title I'm trying to build my first custom ROM.
As it is my first time ever trying this, instead of starting from scratch I decided to port an existing ROM to our device.
I decided to go for Paranoid Android (AOSPA) ROM, for two reasons: I previously used and liked very much the KitKat version, and there is currently no port of this ROM.
I read a lot of guides on how to do this, and while I learnt a lot, I'm still not quite sure on how to properly do this. So I thought I might ask for some help.
What I learnt so far is this:
1) Fork Paranoid Android's manifest and add compatible device and kernel repositories (I chose @MWisBest's device repo)
2) Fork Paranoid Android's vendor_pa project and add device support
3) Fork device tree and adapt some makefiles
What I still don't quite get is:
1) Apart for device-specific fixes, is this enough to TRY a build?
2) Regarding device, are there some specific fixes to make a working ROM? (e.g. I knew something about block-based OTAs so I disabled them following ParanoidAndroid's change #68 on Gerrit)
You can see my work on GitHub, search for my username Bruno3589 (I'm not allowed to insert URLs right now, I need to make >10 posts).
I'll try a build ASAP, but it might take a while since I'm limited in terms of internet connection and time.
Any help or suggestion is really appreciated!
Thanks in advance and have a good day
P.S. I know MWisBest's device unifies all variants (tuna) instead of making separate ones (maguro,toro,toroplus), I thought it would be useful to have a single build.

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