Develop Bugs

Convince me to root!

So far I have zero complaints about this phone, there are some ui things I would like fixed, and I know can be fixed via rooting, but they just don't seem to be enough to push me over the edge. I have files downloaded and ready to go, but just can't seem to take the plunge. I thought I had my first los today, but the phone recovered as soon as I was back in signal(if it hadn't that would have done it).
So why should I root?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk

You can always revert back to the stock kernel if you have an issue (or have them that frequently that you can't stand it). Anybody who thinks that once you root there is no way to go back is an idiot. "lol, I got no LOS then I rooted and even though I put stock kernel back its all [email protected] lol" not true.
I got 2 LOS in the first week stock...rooted...got a bit more than usual, but nothing crazy. Flashed stock kernel back, still rooted, didn't have another for a few weeks until I flashed a new kernel...flashed back, have had none...etc etc etc, YMMV, but, umm, I don't think you have anything to be afraid of. Just know what you are doing...don't just flash stuff and figure it out later. Know why you want something and how to 'put it back'...also having/making a USB jig would be a good idea, but not necessary.
You can get them for like $3 on amazon or build one with a microUSB cable and $1 worth of stuff from radioshack.
I don't know about you but I certainly didn't get this phone to NOT mod it.

I didn't get the phone to keep it stock, not really worried about los, it recovers after flying for 2 hours with no signal, rooting shouldn't make much difference., planning on using viperom and lostkernel.
Maybe tomorrow I will root
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk

flyboy1100 said:
I didn't get the phone to keep it stock, not really worried about los, it recovers after flying for 2 hours with no signal, rooting shouldn't make much difference., planning on using viperom and lostkernel.
Maybe tomorrow I will root
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only thing I can tell you is that read the directions and understand ODIN for all of the ODIN stuff you do. That is one of the ways you can brick the fnck out of this phone...not paying attention in ODIN. Don't write a partition if you are not told to...and try to only use it to flash a kernel+CWM and flash everything else from CWM if and when possible.
If you aren't worried about LOS (and it is real and under the right circumstances it'll effect every phone...reboot...no big deal...if it is flash a pulled stock kernel) then go for it.
I haven't tried ViperROM on this phone yet, but, I can tell you from my time with the E3D that kid knows what he's doin'....I'm sure this ROM is no different and I've heard nothing but great things about the LoST kernel.

If you don't want to root, don't. Why would anyone want to pressure you?
Sent from my extra sensory space modulator while performing the slippery cricket

Tell us how it goes. You won't be disappointed.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda premium

If U need convincing, you probably don't need it.
Sent from my Galaxy S2

Someone convince me to strangle my puppy. I love him and all and he is very well mannered but if you guys can talk me into strangling him, I will.

ravizzle said:
If U need convincing, you probably don't need it.
Sent from my Galaxy S2
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I agree. You root cause u want to. If u want someone to convince u then maybe u shouldn't.
Sent From My Evo Killer!!!

I don't understand why some people view this almost like losing their virginity, trying a drug or robbing a liquor store. It's a very well understood technical process with very specific pros and cons that are also very well understood.

Yep. First android phone for me, and I bought it with the full intention of making it MY phone. After all, they are basically an additional limb for most people, no? (I'd say if you're registered with xda that is most likely the case! ) So you might as well go balls to the walls, right? If you're not into that kind of thing, then keep it stock! This phone is AMAZING just sitting at the home screen...it looks awesome! It is a great piece of technology, with plenty of great features and capability, and will serve you very well whether its rooted or not. Good luck with whatever you do!

buggerritt said:
If you don't want to root, don't. Why would anyone want to pressure you?
Sent from my extra sensory space modulator while performing the slippery cricket
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Click to collapse
Not looking for pressure. I will probably root it tomorrow or next week
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk

Because all the cool kids are doing it!
I broke down and did it yesterday when someone said viper ROM solved his app freezing due to using a ton of CPU usage bug. So far, so good.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App

OP if you are on EG30 baseband could you extract the modem.bin file for us so we could test it?

I would just stay stock. Honestly, no offense to the developers, but there is just nothing substantial out there. If you want a couple of different themes, you could consider rooting, but other than that every ROM I have flashed provided close to nothing really.
I mean, what? Battery percentage mod? Removed CIQ? "Speed" tweaks? A reboot option?
Nothing made this phone faster or more efficient than stock touchWiz. There is no real difference except that people like to flash, so they would flash anything.
Sorry. That's just my take on it.
Wait for MIUI or CM.

I gotta say i miss root, I was finicky on rooting my epic 4g ad once I did, oooh lord I never looked back , of course I've stumbled into troubles but following directions, I got back on track and learned a few this gs along the way, now what's stopping me on rooting the ET4G is not having the actual way to go back to full true stock,like we were able to do on the epic 4g with using Odin, giving you a factory full stock phone , or any older device, since we don't have true stock roms and kernels, unless I'm wrong g of course and I've been missing out! If so direct me!

Kikoshi said:
I gotta say i miss root, I was finicky on rooting my epic 4g ad once I did, oooh lord I never looked back , of course I've stumbled into troubles but following directions, I got back on track and learned a few this gs along the way, now what's stopping me on rooting the ET4G is not having the actual way to go back to full true stock,like we were able to do on the epic 4g with using Odin, giving you a factory full stock phone , or any older device, since we don't have true stock roms and kernels, unless I'm wrong g of course and I've been missing out! If so direct me!
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Click to collapse
We have stock roms to ODIN, but it's not factory stock. We have the factory stock kernel that was pulled from a stock phone. What we lack is an OEM RUU to make it 100%-in-every-way-stock.
That said, I have trashed my 4G and wifi somehow on multiple occasions due to rampant recklessness on my part. I just factory-wiped (apparently...I don't remember that part but I must have) and flashed the ODIN rooted stock (with stock kernel) and it fixes everything every time.

daneurysm said:
We have stock roms to ODIN, but it's not factory stock. We have the factory stock kernel that was pulled from a stock phone. What we lack is an OEM RUU to make it 100%-in-every-way-stock.
That said, I have trashed my 4G and wifi somehow on multiple occasions due to rampant recklessness on my part. I just factory-wiped (apparently...I don't remember that part but I must have) and flashed the ODIN rooted stock (with stock kernel) and it fixes everything every time.
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So then you recommend rooting this early?

i rooted so i could have wifi tethering and control over CPU speeds (via setcpu) in addition, there's some neat functionality that starburst ROM allows:
- better lock screens
- motion controlled silencing of phone
- battery % viewing
some people care about the speed tweaks (i haven't noticed any speed increase) and ciq (i don't really care for this), but there are several reasons to root. that being said, if you don't need the additional functionality of the phone, then preserve your phone's warranty!

Yea I'd say stay stock in terms of the ROM and kernel, but hell yea why not root? Right now I'm running stock kernel with CWM (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1305099) and the stock ROM with root and busybox (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1282415) and I love it. I was running Midnight ROM but I went back to stock to see if that helped the LoS issues at all. If you're like me and really just want control over the hotspot feature and CPU underclocking (things of that nature) then def go stock rooted fo shoski.

To Root or Not To Root?

Coming from an Evo 4G that I had rooted right after I got it... ran a ton of different ROMs and that phone seemed like it needed to be rooted to really make it run right... I'm finding that I really don't see any benefit to rooting this phone (other than free tether)...
So, am I missing something? What are these improvements in these custom ROMs that are making it worth it to root... this thing is so freakin awesome already I just can't think of anything else I need...

There are tons of perks in the custom ROMs: themes, TSM-mod, cm7, MIUI, faster lighter ROMs, debloated, Rouge recovery to name a few. If you flashed roms on the EVO im sure its just a matter of time until you dive into the ET4g dev section.

ignore this

phatmanxxl said:
There are tons of perks in the custom ROMs: themes, TSM-mod, cm7, MIUI, faster lighter ROMs, debloated, Rouge recovery to name a few. If you flashed roms on the EVO im sure its just a matter of time until you dive into the ET4g dev section.
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What's "TSM-mod" and "Rogue recovery".. Or more precisely, what are the advantages of them?
I've looked around at the Dev section but the phone's been out long enough that it's hard to find threads that actually explain what all this is.. it's just assumed that I already know...
I know, I know.. use the search fxn... you dont have to flame me... I'll find out on my own

blakjak220 said:
Yeah, I'm not saying I can deny the "flash bug" for long... but I'm so impressed with the phone as is that I'm content for now I guess...
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Click to collapse
If your impressed now, just wait till you start flashin'.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA Premium App

Reason to flash=MIUI.
Calkulin's rom is great for a boost of performance on a stock rom as well...

Honestly, if you're happy with the phone as is, then maybe you should just leave it as it is until something comes along that makes you change your mind. Having a stock/unrooted phone is not a sin

blakjak220 said:
What's "TSM-mod" and "Rogue recovery".. Or more precisely, what are the advantages of them?
I've looked around at the Dev section but the phone's been out long enough that it's hard to find threads that actually explain what all this is.. it's just assumed that I already know...
I know, I know.. use the search fxn... you dont have to flame me... I'll find out on my own
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tsm is like Cyanogen settings from the cm7 roms, but compatible with Samsung ROMs, Rogue recovery is clockwork recovery but redone, the options are grouped better, better theme, a lot less pain in the ass to use.
Oh yea check out qbking77's videos, he does a lot of how to's and reviews of ET4g ROMs, great stuff.

cds0699 said:
Honestly, if you're happy with the phone as is, then maybe you should just leave it as it is until something comes along that makes you change your mind. Having a stock/unrooted phone is not a sin
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I completely agree. That's what I do with my phones. It also gives you time to get really comfortable with the new device as I know quite a few things change going from an htc phone to a samsung device. I generally will use the phone as is out of the box until I find something I can't bear, don't like or if there is actually a defect of some sort in the software. At which point, I check xda and see if there are fixes for said problems. If there are fixes and you're comfortable, root it and give it a shot. I'd suggest Calkulin's as it kinda seems like the go to rom for just about everyone on here, then maybe venture into the abyss. I'd suggest staying away from modems and other mods until you understand them and are comfortable.

I agree as well, nothing wrong rocking a completely stock phone. There are times I run a stock (debloated) rom just for a change.

I'm running a rooted with no fancy rom phone here. The only reason I haven't flashed a rom yet is because my first phone had GPS problems and this one doesn't. And plus, my evo with 3.0 rom has its own issues too. So I just don't want to jinx it. My wife's phone has the GPS problem. Thinking about bringing it in to the store for a replacement.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App

Root? Root... ROOT!!!!!!

phatmanxxl said:
Tsm is like Cyanogen settings from the cm7 roms, but compatible with Samsung ROMs, Rogue recovery is clockwork recovery but redone, the options are grouped better, better theme, a lot less pain in the ass to use.
Oh yea check out qbking77's videos, he does a lot of how to's and reviews of ET4g ROMs, great stuff.
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Click to collapse
Thanks man, for the info and the referral. I'm comfortable enough with rooting and tech that it's just a matter of learning the different names for things, as it all goes by something different over here.
And thanks to everyone else for their input... I think I'm just gonna run it stock until I find something I can't live with.. Because right now, I love this thing.

Ok, scratch that.. I rooted yesterday.. just couldn't help myself, I need to be able to tweak the notifications toggles...

Like a drug, its good stuff you probably don't like nascar anyways either or kies or the allinone messenger battery sucker or the.... well ya dig..?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App

Mynaga said:
Like a drug, its good stuff you probably don't like nascar anyways either or kies or the allinone messenger battery sucker or the.... well ya dig..?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App
Click to expand...
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Dig.........

blakjak220 said:
Coming from an Evo 4G that I had rooted right after I got it... ran a ton of different ROMs and that phone seemed like it needed to be rooted to really make it run right... I'm finding that I really don't see any benefit to rooting this phone (other than free tether)...
So, am I missing something? What are these improvements in these custom ROMs that are making it worth it to root... this thing is so freakin awesome already I just can't think of anything else I need...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be perfectly honest with you the way to go is stock rooted. None of the TW roms are really offering anything so much more exciting than stock TW. But definitely root it. On the practical side you can use the Wireless Tether app (if needed) block ads (a big thing for me) and access all files through Root Explorer. IMO those are reasons enough to root. In a nutshell, if you root your stock ROM you aren't really altering it and it is super easy to revert to non-rooted so there really is no downside as far as i can tell.

I debated the same thing... to root or not to root? I rooted and i am glad i did!

I held off for a while too but miui and the xplode roms are awesome. Just something different.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk

Well I rooted and flashed Calk's ROM... within 5 minutes it was having freezes and what not so I said screw it and restored my nandroid of stock... I'll be stayin here for a while.
Edit: not saying anything bad about Calk's work... It prolly would've been resolved with a wipe and clean install and some tweaking but I'm just wanting fast stability right now and stock TW is super fast and my battery life is awesome

Reasons to root?

I have never rooted a phone before(well technically I rooted an HTC Inspire, which I was asked to do, but I did nothing on it involving the Root). What are some reasons I should root, and can anything go wrong during the root process? Just putting this out there, I will not be flashing any ROMs, as I know there is a chance that the device can be bricked While flashing if something goes wrong, and I do not have a spare phone to go back to if something does go wrong.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA

If your not going to use customs ROMs having root access will allow you to delete any app you desire including all the preloaded sprint ones. You will also be able to download and use any apps that require root for enhanced functionality. Beyond that, there's not a whole lot of difference you'll see.
In the early days, people would do root only to adjust memory values on phones like the g1 and hero. There were a lot of settings you could tweak on a stock phone to make it better with the addition of root. Now with today's technology and phones like the E4GT, alot of those tweaks are unnecessary. The ones that are helpful are lower level and best done by a ROM dev or someone who knows what they are changing. Custom ROMs will have these included usually.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA

Removing bloatware that wastes ram and flash storage space, certain apps are smoother (tasker, some launchers, and custom lockscreens for example), ability to block ads, better backup capabilities, ability to underclock the cpu for those times you need to squeeze extra battery life out, and so on.
If none of this sounds important, then don't root. It can be a little bit of a puzzle getting back to stock sometimes, but it is extremely extremely hard to do something to your phone that is not reversible at this point. Note this statement is not true for all phones, especially newly released phones. But it is true for the epic touch.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

Yeah.. I second what the guy above said..lol.
Wasup King..

I third the guy above the guy above me and second the guy above him... My thoughts are if you have to make a thread asking others should I root when the basic community offers all the info on the profit or lost of rooting then I say leave your phone alone.
Do yourself a favor and get an extended battery and download foxfi and you will be just fine. Most of us... ok all of us in here are flash-a-holics and can't help ourselves that's why we do it... Do some reading in here take a look at rom pics and see if you really really really like something...
Good luck

playya said:
I third the guy above the guy above me and second the guy above him... My thoughts are if you have to make a thread asking others should I root when the basic community offers all the info on the profit or lost of rooting then I say leave your phone alone.
Do yourself a favor and get an extended battery and download foxfi and you will be just fine. Most of us... ok all of us in here are flash-a-holics and can't help ourselves that's why we do it... Do some reading in here take a look at rom pics and see if you really really really like something...
Good luck
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The truth can sometimes be cruel..lol. +1 to Playa..

The best thing about rooting for me is adblocking, I cant believe how many apps and things are bundled with intrusive ads.

Indrid Cole said:
The truth can sometimes be cruel..lol. +1 to Playa..
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Just trying to keep it real up in herrrrre! Ya Ya!

someguyatx said:
The best thing about rooting for me is adblocking, I cant believe how many apps and things are bundled with intrusive ads.
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Just another app that root brings to the table:
Roam control lets you force into roam when you are stuck with one bar on Sprint.
Godsend for me!
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

playya said:
I third the guy above the guy above me and second the guy above him... My thoughts are if you have to make a thread asking others should I root when the basic community offers all the info on the profit or lost of rooting then I say leave your phone alone.
Do yourself a favor and get an extended battery and download foxfi and you will be just fine. Most of us... ok all of us in here are flash-a-holics and can't help ourselves that's why we do it... Do some reading in here take a look at rom pics and see if you really really really like something...
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have seen several ROMs I love the look of, including AOKP, CM9, and Caulkin's ROMs. My only issue with ROMs is the fact that things can go wrong with flashing, and they can brick the device. And from what ive heard, there is an increased chance of bricking when flashing an ICS ROM while on GB. I have no backup device to go to if something like that does happen, so thats why Im staying away from flashing for now.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA

EggosEvo said:
I have seen several ROMs I love the look of, including AOKP, CM9, and Caulkin's ROMs. My only issue with ROMs is the fact that things can go wrong with flashing, and they can brick the device. And from what ive heard, there is an increased chance of bricking when flashing an ICS ROM while on GB. I have no backup device to go to if something like that does happen, so thats why Im staying away from flashing for now.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
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Click to collapse
The brick usually come from flashing to gb from ics using ics repacked kernels. There is always some risk/chance of brick from a bad flash, but El26 with cwm is fairly safe and the last kernel to have offical cwm. That is the only kernel i will use to flash anythin. I flash new roms every week. I have flashed to and from ics with no issues.
Sent on HyDrA using Tapatalk 2

EggosEvo said:
I have seen several ROMs I love the look of, including AOKP, CM9, and Caulkin's ROMs. My only issue with ROMs is the fact that things can go wrong with flashing, and they can brick the device. And from what ive heard, there is an increased chance of bricking when flashing an ICS ROM while on GB. I have no backup device to go to if something like that does happen, so thats why Im staying away from flashing for now.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
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Click to collapse
My friend you have been misinformed.... There is a risk in everything we do so like I said if worried don't do it. If you take some more time and read you will see that the tar files are pretty brick proof and problems have occurred when flashing roms on ICS and using an ICS recovery. Most developers have stopped using CWM in ICS roms.
Clearly you need to do a lil more reading if you want to root but like suggested just relax and wait for the OTA and you will be OK.... One more thing all instructions say to flashEL26 kernel which is GB to flash anything ICS..... so flashing ICS rom while on GB is wrong

EggosEvo said:
I have never rooted a phone before(well technically I rooted an HTC Inspire, which I was asked to do, but I did nothing on it involving the Root). What are some reasons I should root, and can anything go wrong during the root process? Just putting this out there, I will not be flashing any ROMs, as I know there is a chance that the device can be bricked While flashing if something goes wrong, and I do not have a spare phone to go back to if something does go wrong.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
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1. Titanium Backup: remove those pesky system apps that Sprint really thinks you need.
2. File explorers: Being able to modify system folders to change things like the boot animation, etc.
3. Ad blocking: The ability to block ads (moral issues notwithstanding... but some apps have no paid version to get rid of the ads.)
4. Once you've rooted, it's just the beginning. You may change your mind about flashing and rooting your phone is the first step in learning more about your phone and the AndroidOS in general.

I have not seem anyone mention that it's also about the about the damn principal of the matter... why shouldn't you have root access for a device you bought? Also if you ODIN back to EL26 to flash, carefully read all instructions posted with the rom, and wait a day or two after the release and check the comments to make sure there hasn't been some sort of inexplicable rash of bricks thanks to the rom you won't have any problems to speak of... other than not being able to fathom how much better something like AOKP is than stock touchwiz gingerbread

Thanks to everyone. I've decided that I will root when the official ICS launches for my phone.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA

Personally, I root to follow fledging developers open their ROMs. It is exhilarating to see the new stuff that people come up with and the creativity that ensues because of it.
Also enhancing my phone experience with free hotspot access and customization doesn't help. However if none of these interesting you I wouldn't recommend it.

Reason to root
I root because it can be done. It's that simple. To me, it feels like regardless of the magnitude of what you can or cannot do while rooted, or how easy or difficult it may be to root your phone, a skilled user should have access to everthing your phone is capable of.
Plus, I feel like I'm "sticking it to the man", which is an added bonus!

My main reason for rooting was to remove the bundled software that comes with the phone. But I love that fact that I don't have any ads either! If u decide to root, download AdFree from the market & u'll realize just how many "free" apps use adware

[Q] What makes ICS worth the risk to you?

Hey guys. I'm just coming to the 4g touch after hard bricking my Fascinate. I'm a little hesitant to flash an ICS rom on this thing after the brick. From what I'm reading here it seems ICS roms on this phone are even less stable than they are on the Fascinate and causing a lot of hard bricks.
Really the only differences I noticed in ICS were the ability to pull down the notifications bar from the lock screen(which I absolutely loved) and the panorama camera option which can be had using Camera ICS. Is there something else I'm missing?
With better battery life, better performance and stability in GB, what brings you to ICS prior to source being released?

iztel said:
Hey guys. I'm just coming to the 4g touch after hard bricking my Fascinate. I'm a little hesitant to flash an ICS rom on this thing after the brick. From what I'm reading here it seems ICS roms on this phone are even less stable than they are on the Fascinate and causing a lot of hard bricks.
Really the only differences I noticed in ICS were the ability to pull down the notifications bar from the lock screen(which I absolutely loved) and the panorama camera option which can be had using Camera ICS. Is there something else I'm missing?
With better battery life, better performance and stability in GB, what brings you to ICS prior to source being released?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The risk of bricking has been minimized through the hard work of our Devs and programming community. If you thoroughly read and follow posted installation instructions you aren't likely to brick.
People mainly brick when they get in a rush, or try and take short cuts or simply disregard posted instructions.
There are plenty of enhancements in ICS over GB, I'd suggest people flash a ROM and explore them for yourself. Just read, read, read and ask questions before you ever take any step you are unsure of.

I'll agree with Esoteric68 here. She's spot on about the 'brick' issue. Do you research before you do anything!
As to the why of it? This is xda developers the people here tend to be into tweaking (in the non-meth sense) with technology and like to ride the bleeding edge of technology or squeeze out the most from the old stuff.
I've like the ICS builds for some of the items you've mentioned. Plus I get to stay ahead of the curve, as it where with my technology. Myself I've only had one application that won't support ICS and found another one to supplant it. I like the smoothness and tweaks I can do with ICS.
There are some really great developers here and some awesome ROMs to play with. Just, as already mentioned, read 1st and be careful.

I was scared to flash ICS for a couple months because it wasn't official but I've done my research like everyone says to do. I can't tell you how many times I've flashed ICS roms this past week, not one scare. Just read up and do as the devs say and you'll be good. If you're not sure, ask questions.

I've got the same question as the op roughly. I know that it isn't much of a risk flashing ICS nowadays, but am wondering what in ICS was worth it for people to make the change. I've looked around and don't see too many features really that I don't see in GB so i feel like i'm missing something.

I'm also one who appreciates all the work the devs do to put together these roms for all of us with all the tweaks they put in. Like I mentioned I'm just now waiting to get my 4g touch in the mail tomorrow after bricking my Fascinate. I had been running a number of ICS roms on my Fassy prior to the brick and while I loved playing with them it seemed like the tweaks the devs put into the roms were unrelated to the actual update of the OS. I had been flashing roms for that phone since the early Froyo days so I had thought I had a pretty good idea of what I was doing and always read the proper way to flash things but then one fateful day I tried to flash the latest MIUI coming from MIUI 1.2.9 and ended up with a bootloop, I think I forgot to wipe date/cache. No problem I thought, this has happened before, just ODIN stock and start over. But then something went terribly wrong in ODIN and now I'm left with a phone that won't turn on, won't charge and comes up as "unrecognized" on my pc. If I could just get it into download mode I could save it but I haven't been able to. Now it's got me a little more cautious of what I flash and how often I'll be flashing.
Maybe the devs can answer this since they know more about insides of the OS. Are there things you can modify in ICS that were not possible in GB?

There is a very long and technical thread about the ICS 'super bricking' issue here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1644364
Basically Sammy screwed the pooch with the way ICS kernels make(s) calls to wipe partitions, particularly the EMMC controller.
It's actually a 'hard coded' firmware thing. But since it is firmware, it should be fixable via a firmware flash. It's just we don't really have that code access from Sammy and they seem to be dragging their feet on this.
There are even OTA updates in Europe (France primarily) that are superbricking a load of Galaxy Notes!
sfhub, Entropy512, garwynn and others with way more skills than most are on it. Esoteric68, robertm2011 and a few others took the risk and spent the time to test the workarounds and fixes that were put together. And you'll see from all the activity here that if caution is used you can pretty safely flash away. Since I've had time this week I've actually flashed about 8 different ROMs and restored nandroids too.
Just keep in mind to read the OPs of any ROM and follow their flashing instructions, read the 'how not to brick' stickies etc.
sfhub, chris41g and Agat put together some great 'safe' kernels.
If you're truly worried you can always use sfhub's one-click to get you to a stock FF18 build - kernel, ROM and modem at one shot.
ICS builds are really quite different in the structure to GB. So yes, as a developer, there are a few more things you can do. It's just a matter of figuring out where things are.
Good luck and have fun!

my location services and gps were horrendous with the el29 update, on ICS its soooooo much better, that made it worth the risk to me

I read and read and read and read a little more until I no longer saw it as a risk. It became more of a "why not?" Now that I have experienced ICS I will never go back. I really like the streamlined multitasking. I think that is the prominent feature. :cyclops:

The old adage is: Don't fly higher than your willing to fall.
In this situation, practice techniques, development and ROMs on a device you're not afraid of bricking. Consider it a "tool of the trade". The OLED phones are starting to appear in pawn shops for little money.

I have asurion insurance and am trying to find a reason to use it so I didn't waste my money
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

By far my favorite feature is the swipe away notifications. The few times I have been back on GB that was the first thing that bothered me. I can never go back. Especially after tasting AOSP. TouchWiz is trash for me. I suggest you try CM9 or AOKP. Both excellent ROMs with great support right now. There are many more reasons why ICS is superior, depending on preference I suppose, but the bottom line is at this point, with safe recoveries being released, your chance of bricking are I'd say slim provided you follow instructions. I have flashed probably 40 Roms over the last few months. Only time I soft bricked was cause I tried to cowboy up and not follow directions...
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I'm confused. Whats the risk?
ICS is dead simple to install if you know how to read.
(genuinely curious seeing as i've had ICS (in different forms) on my E4GT since it was possible. Currently on CM9.)

Yep I echo everyone's advice. Ask questions!
I got the phone a month ago and remember starting a thread asking a ton of questions and I got all the help I needed.
Flashing roms and the terminology (had never heard of Odin) was completely different from the last phone I had, so I am glad I did my homework before taking the plunge.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA

There's no risk...
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It is safe to flash ICS using ODIN and the newer recoveries. FF18 should be safe, I used it a few times, el26 is the recommend kernel/recovery to flash any cwm zip with as far as anything that includes wiping partitions.
Just remember ODIN ODIN ODIN!
Flash ICS based roms at your own risk, stay away from wipe data/factory reset on any ICS rom until it has been confirmed working on new roms. When using other ICS roms and you are not sure, DO NOT FACTORY RESET OR WIPE DATA. USE ODIN TO GET BACK TO A SAFE KERNEL.
Sent from my piece of crap Zio until i get a replacement E4GT using XDA Premium app

What risk? Read the how to's and no so how to's, and the risk gets eliminated.
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Watch this thread... Soon there should be no risk at all!!!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=28400468
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HELP
Can anyone tell me if it is safe to install a build version of ICS to my already flashed epic 4g touch? Any help its greatly appreciated!
Thanks

ICS isn't where you get in trouble. Its going back to gb or doing a factory reset wipe. Use calks wipe all instead of using wipes in an ICS recovery and you will be golden. Read the how not to brick my phone thread if you are really paranoid.
Blu Kuban
Its what all the cool kids are using.
Noob trolled the troll that tried to troll the Noob.
~~~coal686~~~

Thinking about leaving EVO 3D for E4GT.

I'm sorry for the long post. I tend to get carried away when I type. Thoughts just start flowin, can't help it.
I'm thinking about leaving my 3VO for the Epic 4G. I have a few questions that I would like to try to have answered with the least amount of trolling, flaming, etc.
Don't get me wrong, I love HTC. I have the Android dude tatted on my left arm with the HTC letters in his body. Hard to explain, awesome to look at (off-topic I know but if I switch, it's easy to change cause the HTC is skin-colored). I also love Sense, yeah there's pros and cons about it but it's still sweet.
My opinion: Pros: WIDGETS. Love the widgets. I have the VM 3VO with ICS/S3.6 but I'm using Viper3D S4.1 as my daily driver. TBH, I've tried AOKP, AOSP, MIUI, JB, literally every rom. But for some strange reason I've always gone back to Sense. Mostly because of the widgets. I like MIUI roms because the whole text pop-up, I like AOSP because of the lightweightiveness, I love JB because of the amazing implemented features. Sense is the most beautiful, easy-to-use UI that I've seen. Con(s): BLOATED. Whenever I hide an app in the app drawer, Sense sometimes FC's and takes forever to load. MEMORY INTENSIVE. I have 1GB of ram, right now with nothing running but XDA Premium App, I have 144MB free. After using the Task Manager, I have about 170-190MB free on a good day. HBOOT VERSIONS. Drives me nuts. I'm S-Off so it makes downgrading easier. But having to change hboots to flash certain roms can be a pain.
My plan is to get get the phone before I let my 3VO go, that way I can root it and check some roms out. Definitely gonna root before anything. Also gonna get triangle away so I don't run into any problems.
A few more things, 1) what's the difference between "Original Development" and "Android Development"? In the EVO forums, there's just CDMA and GSM. 2) if anyone feels up to giving me a few pointers about flashing/rooting that would be great. 3) Opinions about certain roms that are good for this device. I'm trying to shoot towards a JB rom with TouchWiz UI if that's even possible.
Thank you for taking time to read this and respond. I greatly appreciate it. Have a good day.

1) if I remember correctly,
Android dev- touchwiz ROMs
Original dev- AOSP, AOKP, Etc.
2)As long as you follow flashing instructions on their respective pages you should be good, but look out for any "special" things you might have have to do with the ROM
3)I would say that cm10.1 WILD FOR THE NIGHT is a good one
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---------- Post added at 09:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:47 AM ----------
And yes a touchwiz JB ROM is available
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Yes there are multiple touchwiz based Jellybean roms available. Im currently running the GA10 stock rooted leak and its great. If you are such a HTC fan why not get Evo 4G LTE instead? My wife has that phone, bone stock, and its great.

I also upgraded from the 3vo and haven't looked back.
Just make sure your okay with touchwiz or aosp/aokp/cm.
The display blows the 3vo out of the water.

Stop thinking and start switching. :thumbup:
It's a no-brainer.
Running stock rooted FK23 Jb on ga10 modem and phone feels like a new phone
Pp.
sent from a jellybean filled epic touch.

WOW,... I thought I was the only one. I've also gone (as of today) from EVO 3D to EPIC. Reading these threads now so I can find the easiest way to root my new epic. I've been rooting and flashing for years now so I have a good idea of how this all works. If anyone can direct me to the easiest step by step of rooting the epic it would greatly be appreciated. Looking foward to see what roms are out there for my new baby!

Jaybell4444 said:
WOW,... I thought I was the only one. I've also gone (as of today) from EVO 3D to EPIC. Reading these threads now so I can find the easiest way to root my new epic. I've been rooting and flashing for years now so I have a good idea of how this all works. If anyone can direct me to the easiest step by step of rooting the epic it would greatly be appreciated. Looking foward to see what roms are out there for my new baby!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go herehttp://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=36801656
This will give you a stock rooted build with the ga10 modem which is currently an excellent modem, I recommend you start with a stock build for now, so you can get a feel for the Epic touch (less buggy than custom roms). JB is super stable on this phone right now. Read, read, read before you do anything. Look up Rwilco's repositories for guidance. QbKing77 on you tube is great, has a lot of good videos on the Epic touch.
Pp.
sent from a jellybean filled epic touch.

someguyatx said:
Yes there are multiple touchwiz based Jellybean roms available. Im currently running the GA10 stock rooted leak and its great. If you are such a HTC fan why not get Evo 4G LTE instead? My wife has that phone, bone stock, and its great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have Virgin Mobile right now and I'm not planning on switching carriers anytime soon due to jobs not hiring in my area. Until I get a good paying job that can pay rent and a $70 phone bill, $35 is good for me.
It will be awhile before I get the phone, unless I can snag one off craigslist (although I checked and no one is letting one go for VM) and not willing to pay $250 plus shipping from fleabay.
If anyone would like to tell me their opinions they have on TW, much is appreciated as it would give me a good outlook on what I'm gonna be using. As mentioned before, Jellybean is amazing, so when I get the E4GT, I will be definitely rooting, debloating, and finding a JB rom. The only thing I feel like I would be troubled by is the whole modem thing. If anyone could point me on a post of all the instructions I need, that would be great as I spend most of my time on the EVO 3D forums for now.
Thanks again.

There are only 2 things to really know about modems.
Touchwiz based JB roms only work with JB modems
JB modems will not work on non Touchwiz, non JB roms.
This basically means that with CM10, AOKP, AOSP, and anything ICS or GB any modem except one from JB will work. In most cases I just run the newest modem because it works the best for me.