Shield Android TV rooted - Shield Android TV General

I just managed to get TWRP running on the new Shield console, and installed SuperSU successfully. Two caveats: the display is upside down, and the USB host ports don't work. I had to plugin a mouse via an OTG cable in order to interact with it. ETA: That's only an issue when booted to TWRP. Everything's working fine in the stock ROM after rooting.
Procedure:
- enable developer tools / USB debugging
- adb push supersu.zip /sdcard
- adb reboot bootloader
- fastboot oem unlock
- fastboot boot twrp-2.8.6.0-shieldtv-unofficial.img
- unplug USB cable, connect mouse via USB, install SuperSU
TWRP boot image is attached. Off to explore...
EDIT: by request, some more detailed instructions:
On the Shield device, head to Settings -> About, and click "Build number" 7 times. This will enable Android's Developer options.
Go to Settings -> Developer options, and enable USB debugging.
Install the ADB/fastboot drivers and utilities if you don't already have them. When "adb devices" shows your Shield, you're good to go.
Download and extract recovery.zip from this thread.
Head to the SuperSU forum and download the latest version.
Open a command prompt and navigate to the directory where you downloaded everything. (Google this for your OS if you don't know how).
With the Shield still booted, run "adb push supersu.zip /sdcard" (change supersu.zip to appropriate file name). This will upload the SuperSU update zip to your device, which you'll install from TWRP.
If that worked fine, run "adb reboot bootloader". Your device should shut down, and display the Fastboot screen after a few seconds.
FOLLOW THE NEXT THREE INSTRUCTIONS AT YOUR OWN RISK. This WILL wipe all your user data, back it up with ADB first if you want to preserve it. DISCLAIMER #2: I have no idea if there are any DRM keys or anything that get wiped when this is done (this was the case on my Xperia Z3 Compact). I will say that Grid streaming still works fine after doing this.
This step will unlock your bootloader to enable booting unsigned images.
Run "fastboot devices" and make sure your Shield is visible.
Run "fastboot oem unlock" and follow the prompts on the screen. Your bootloader is now unlocked.
Now, boot the TWRP image with: "fastboot boot twrp-2.8.6.0-shieldtv-unofficial.img" - Note: I used this instead of "fastboot flash" so I could keep the stock recovery around, to grab an image of it after rooting.
You should now see a TWRP recovery menu (upside down for now).
Connect a keyboard or mouse via OTG cable, and select "Install", navigate to your SuperSU zip, select it, and follow the prompts.
Click "reboot" and you should now be rooted.

Great job. Will try later.

It offers fastboot OEM unlock?!? Sweet

I'm starting dev work on this as well. Can you try the flipped screen flag and see if it that fixes the display? That's required to make the tablet work correctly. I preordered the pro edition, so I can't test anything for almost another two weeks. Hopefully someone will be able to get the normal usb ports working, since it'll be much easier to use those for a mouse/keyboard.

Sweet can't wait to try this out

Thanks for posting this. I've got my NVIDIA Shield Android TV coming on Wednesday, so I'll give this a try. I had a USB OTG cable, but lost it several months ago so I ordered another one of those as well. Just to clarify... the 2 USB 3.0 ports will work after rooting when you boot back to stock, right?
Also, this works on the latest 1.1 OTA update too, correct?
Sorry to ask this as it is super n00bish, but could someone explain to me step-by-step directions for rooting this or perhaps link to a guide that uses this same procedure? I know the main steps are listed in the OP, but I'm not really sure how to use adb to push supersu.zip, reboot into bootloader, fastboot, etc.
Lastly, what will be the process of upgrading via OTA updates in the future after I root it? Will I need to unroot one way or another (instructions or a link to a guide would be great), or will OTA updates work just fine?
Once again, sorry for all the n00b questions. I just want to make sure I don't do something stupid to mess the device up...

FreeEmulator said:
Thanks for posting this. I've got my NVIDIA Shield Android TV coming on Wednesday, so I'll give this a try. I had a USB OTG cable, but lost it several months ago so I ordered another one of those as well. Just to clarify... the 2 USB 3.0 ports will work after rooting when you boot back to stock, right? Also, this works on the latest 1.1 OTA update too, correct?
Also, sorry to ask this as it is super n00bish, but could someone explain to me step-by-step directions for rooting this or perhaps link to a guide that uses this same procedure? I know the main steps are listed in the OP, but I'm not really sure how to use adb to push supersu.zip, reboot into bootloader, fastboot, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, everything works normally after rooting. These issues only exist in TWRP because I did an extremely quick and dirty build (extracted a Shield Tablet TWRP and replaced the kernel). I'll work on fixing them soon, unless someone beats me to it. Thanks for the tip on the screen flipping, Steel01.
I've updated the OP with some more detailed instructions.
ETA: I can't see OTAs being a problem. In theory, they could check if an su binary is installed and deny the update until you remove it, but if they're allowing oem unlock, I can't see why they'd do that. And you could just remove it anyway. You will have to re-root after each OTA update.

teletype said:
Yup, everything works normally after rooting. These issues only exist in TWRP because I did an extremely quick and dirty build (extracted a Shield Tablet TWRP and replaced the kernel). I'll work on fixing them soon, unless someone beats me to it. Thanks for the tip on the screen flipping, Steel01.
I've updated the OP with some more detailed instructions.
ETA: I can't see OTAs being a problem. In theory, they could check if an su binary is installed and deny the update until you remove it, but if they're allowing oem unlock, I can't see why they'd do that. And you could just remove it anyway. You will have to re-root after each OTA update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, thank you so much for the info and instructions. :good: I should be good to go now once everything arrives on Wednesday.

Twrp for forge?
Is there any skilled folks out the with a forge tv? I'm in need of some kind of recovery for this. I'm a bit of a noob so compiling it on my own is kinda greek to me

Quick warning for Pro owners: OEM Unlock takes about 92 minutes. Just be warned and ready for it...

Yeah so go to links with viruses in them and then waste time removing them. You know there are website without a million links to viruses all over them that can be used. It's always nice not to have to play guess which download link isn't a virus. -_-

i read somewhere that full hd/4k playback in netflix and other vod services needs a locked bootloader. is that right?

A.N.Droid said:
i read somewhere that full hd/4k playback in netflix and other vod services needs a locked bootloader. is that right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hypothetically if you can oem unlock bootloader can you just oem lock bootloader to fix the issue?

teletype said:
ETA: I can't see OTAs being a problem. In theory, they could check if an su binary is installed and deny the update until you remove it, but if they're allowing oem unlock, I can't see why they'd do that. And you could just remove it anyway. You will have to re-root after each OTA update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually rooting will likely break OTA updates. Since lollipop, Google has moved to block level OTA updates. That means it doesn't just patch individual files, it patches at the block level. So if there is a change to /system the OTA won't update.
The same seems to apply to the Shield TV. Here's the updater-script from the current OTA:
Code:
(!less_than_int(1432624016, getprop("ro.build.date.utc"))) || abort("Can't install this package (Tue May 26 00:06:56 PDT 2015) over newer build (" + getprop("ro.build.date") + ").");
getprop("ro.product.device") == "foster" || abort("This package is for \"foster\" devices; this is a \"" + getprop("ro.product.device") + "\".");
show_progress(0.750000, 0);
ui_print("Patching system image unconditionally...");
block_image_update("/dev/block/platform/sdhci-tegra.3/by-name/APP", package_extract_file("system.transfer.list"), "system.new.dat", "system.patch.dat");
show_progress(0.050000, 5);
package_extract_file("boot.img", "/dev/block/platform/sdhci-tegra.3/by-name/LNX");
show_progress(0.200000, 10);
nv_copy_blob_file("blob", "/staging");
nv_copy_blob_file("bmp.blob", "/bmps");
But borked OTA shouldn't be much of an issue, since Nvidia is releasing the fastboot factory images: https://developer.nvidia.com/shield-open-source The text is there now for them, but they aren't up yet. So you can always revert to stock, then OTA update.

Wait... What? You got one of of the tablet twrps to boot on the console? I'm shocked that worked. Didn't think it what that easy to get 32-bit mode. Anyways, that's why it's upside down, because that flag is set for the tablet. As soon as a console section opens up here and on androidfilehost, I'll post my builds. I have cm, twrp, and multirom compiling, but I can't test them until next week, when Amazon ships the pro, so they might not even boot.
@agrabren: Oh my goodness, the wipe takes that long? What's it doing? US Government certified nuking? And people complain about multi minute cache wipes on the tablet now. What am I going to be hearing in a couple weeks for this?
Actually, since you're around again... Do you still have the CM files you made for the portable? I'm still interested in what you did to make the cwm recovery work as well as it did.

One more quick question for now... once rooted, does anyone know how I would go about locking the GPU clock speed / frequency at its highest setting (which if I've read correctly is 1 GHz)? I'd like to be able to flip the lock on only while testing out some pretty hardware intensive emulator games (the Dolphin GameCube/Wii emulator, which I was told by a developer of the emulator to try to lock the maximum GPU clock speed to ensure best performance). Thanks again for all the help, you guys are great.

Tested out the pro console on my side (Got it early due to reasons).
It refuses to mount any partitions, so it is impossible to root.

sonicadvance1 said:
Tested out the pro console on my side (Got it early due to reasons).
It refuses to mount any partitions, so it is impossible to root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's probably because the partition layout/names are different for the internal 500GB drive. If you poke around you can probably find the info, or just dump your boot.img, decompile it and look for the fstab file. It will look similar to the below (that is for the ADT-1).
Code:
# Android fstab file.
#<src> <mnt_point> <type> <mnt_flags and options> <fs_mgr_flags>
# The filesystem that contains the filesystem checker binary (typically /system) cannot
# specify MF_CHECK, and must come before any filesystems that do specify MF_CHECK
/dev/block/platform/sdhci-tegra.3/by-name/system /system ext4 ro wait
/dev/block/platform/sdhci-tegra.3/by-name/cache /cache ext4 noatime,nosuid,nodev,nomblk_io_submit,errors=panic wait,check
/dev/block/platform/sdhci-tegra.3/by-name/userdata /data ext4 noatime,nosuid,nodev,nomblk_io_submit,errors=panic wait,check,encryptable=/dev/block/platform/sdhci-tegra.3/by-name/crypto
/dev/block/platform/sdhci-tegra.3/by-name/misc /misc emmc defaults defaults
/dev/block/platform/sdhci-tegra.3/by-name/boot /boot emmc defaults defaults
/dev/block/platform/sdhci-tegra.3/by-name/recovery /recovery emmc defaults defaults
/dev/block/platform/sdhci-tegra.3/by-name/DTB /dtb emmc defaults defaults
/dev/block/platform/sdhci-tegra.3/by-name/staging /staging emmc defaults defaults
/dev/block/platform/sdhci-tegra.3/by-name/sysdata /sysdata emmc defaults defaults

Someone skilled do this also for Forge anyways hopefully XDA adds Android TV forums.
Keep up the good work even though I don't own the Shield.

patt2k said:
Someone skilled do this also for Forge anyways hopefully XDA adds Android TV forums.
Keep up the good work even though I don't own the Shield.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The forge has a locked bootloader. Sure, you can root it (supposedly), then replace the recovery, but you'll never be able to use fastboot until it's unlocked.
BTW, the Nvidia Shield TV factory images are up now :victory:

Related

[UPDATE][WIFI ONLY][3.1] - Flashable, No Wipe Necessary, External Storage Enabled

FIRST THINGS FIRST:
This represents very little work that I've done on my own. It is mostly appropriating the work of others. The important thing to note is that the file works and it works well.
All I did to create this file was incorporate a modified version of stachre's updater-script into the official WiFi 3.1 update from Google (this is not the file you should flash).
I then added the kernel & all of the files from bigrushdog's HC3.1 .zip EXCEPT the system.img file (which is the vast majority of the update). BRD's HC3.1 installs the 3G version of 3.1 with Hotspot/Tethering options in the settings menu under Wireless & Networks, and I personally want to have the WiFi-only software on my WiFi XOOM. His version seems to work just fine and the only difference I noticed was in the Settings menu, but that was enough of a difference for me to prefer the WiFi only software. I'm sure more of you may feel the same. If there are any other differences between the WiFi & 3G software I'd be curious to know what, if any, there are.
I then added the code from BRD's updater-script (minus the parts relevant to flashing the system.img) on to the end of the updater-script from stachre's updater-script.
One of the benefits of this approach is that it does not require you to perform a factory data reset, as BRD's method currently does. And yes, you will have access to your external SD Card in the /sdcard/external folder.
It is super late and I am exhausted, but I wanted to share this with you before I fall asleep. If you seem to notice that these instructions are more or less copy and pasted verbatim from stachre's thread, that is because they are. This is a simplified version of his method with the addition of BRD's modified version of the stock 3.1 kernel for SD Card storage. There are fewer steps (now only 2) because more files are included in the zip.
[size=+1]DOWNLOAD HERE - FLASH IN CLOCKWORK RECOVERY:[/size]
MZ604_3.1_ROOT_update.zip
WARNING: Following this procedure may damage or permamently destroy your device. This procedure is provided with NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Perform this procedure at your own risk.
COMPATIBILITY NOTE: I have personally tested this procedure ONLY ON THE US XOOM WIFI MZ604. If other devices (i.e., Euro Xoom WiFi) implement the same Android 3.1 update file, then this procedure *should* work; some users have reported success with UK and Canadian models (see this post for more info). Know, however, that you proceed at your own risk. If you're stuck in a boot cycle, try a factory data reset in recovery.
[size=+1]SUMMARY[/size]
Here's a run-down on the current procedure:
Updates the Xoom WiFi to Android 3.1 using ClockworkMod Recovery (MZ604_3.1_ROOT_update.zip)
Resolves issue in updater-script: get_prop ro.product.device wingray
Pushes Superuser and su, sets correct permissions to enable functioning root
Flashes the system partitions to stock (required at this time)
Flashes bigrushdog modified stock boot.img (kernel) to enable external storage
Updates bootloader to include Recovery in the boot menu
Leaves user data intact
Leaves recovery intact
Outstanding Issues:
The new
Videos.apk does not appear in app drawer after update, according to Motorola this was done intentionally. Videos still play in Gallery. For some reason Motorola doesn't want us to use this app yet on the WiFi Xoom, but it's available on the 3G Xoom.
Now, without further ado...
[size=+1]ASSUMPTIONS[/size]
You've downloaded the update here: MZ604_3.1_ROOT_update.zip
You've downloaded and unzipped the stock Xoom WiFi MZ604 HWI69 images from Motorola also available via torrent
You've flashed a recent version of ClockworkMod Recovery (thanks, bigrushdog, koush, et al)
You've installed a physical SDCard in your Xoom (required for ClockworkMod Recovery updates) and have it functioning properly
You've configured the Android SDK on your PC, with adb functioning properly
You've downloaded fastboot and have it functioning properly (usually alongside adb in platform-tools)
[size=+1]PROCEDURE[/size]
Flash stock system.img & boot.img
Prior to performing the actual update, the update script checks a number of files (including bcm4329.ko, which is usually built with the kernel) in /system. If any file doesn't match what's expected, the update halts. Flashing the stock system.img ensures a smooth update.
The pre-update checks also include the boot partition. The actual update flashes this partition with a new kernel that implements the new 3.1 features.
If you are unlocked and running unrooted stock Android 3.0.1, you can skip step 1. If you are already on 3.1 and just need root and/or external SD card storage, see this thread.
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot reboot
Perform update
Code:
adb reboot recovery
You may need to re-enable USB debugging in the Application settings menu before you can send the above adb command. Alternately after sending 'fastboot reboot' in step 1, wait a few seconds after you see the Motorola logo and tap the Volume Down button. If you see "Android Recovery" at the top of the screen, tap the Volume Up button to boot into recovery and install from there.
Note that in recovery, you use the hardware volume buttons to navigate up and down, and the power button to select.
In ClockworkMod Recovery, select "mounts and storage"
Ensure your Xoom is connected to your PC via USB, then select "mount USB storage"
On your PC, copy MZ604_3.1_ROOT_update.zip to the root of the Xoom's SDCard ("Removable Disk" in Windows)
In ClockworkModRecovery (still on the "USB Mass Storage device" screen) select "Unmount"
In the "Mounts and Storage Menu" screen, if the option "unmount /sdcard" is present, continue to the next step; if "mount /sdcard" is present, select it then continue
Select "+++++Go Back+++++"
Select "install zip from sdcard"
Select "choose zip from sdcard"
Select "MZ604_3.1_ROOT_update.zip"
Select "Yes - Install MZ604_3.1_ROOT_update.zip"
"Install from sdcard complete." will indicate that the update is completed.
.
Select "reboot system now"
New bootloader will install. The message, "Congratulations! Your bootloader was successfully upgraded" will be immediately followed by an automatic reboot.
Enjoy your rooted Xoom WiFi, running on Android 3.1!
CUSTOM KERNELS:
I told you guys it wouldn't be long. TDR has already released an overclock kernel for WiFi Xooms on 3.1.
Tips & Tricks for quick-booting into Fastboot & Recovery:
Booting into Fastboot:
Hold down both the power button and the Volume Down button. Fastboot support will boot and you can flash system/recovery/userdata images.
Booting into Recovery:
I haven't seen anyone else mention this. If you power up, wait a few seconds after the Motorola logo appears, then hit the Volume Down button you will see "Recovery" appear at the top of the screen. Hit the Volume Up key to boot into recovery!
Great instructions, the simplest I could see so far! The above process worked for my WIFI only XOOM which I had rooted and installed the Tiamat Xoom Kernel. I am in Australia so was impatient to wait for OTA which probably wouldn't have worked anyways from what I have read.
How does this differ from bigrushdogs procedure? I have a wifi only xoom and am not sure which method to follow. Is this for stockusers?
it is different because no wipe is needed, if you are stock (unrooted) you will have to wipe when you unlock the bootloader
This is exactly the method I used, though I did thinks manually and it took a while, but works great
I don't know about the videos.APk thing, there are some 3g users with the same problem, one current theory is that it has something to do with root
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
Dubar said:
I don't know about the videos.APk thing, there are some 3g users with the same problem, one current theory is that it has something to do with root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think this problem is a bit two-faced, as a few of us on the 3G/VZW XOOM have updated fine and have a working video player, but rentals purchased do not play instead throw an Error 49 license error, while local content plays fine.
The Wifi users are reporting that the videos app doesn't even show up, let alone open. General suckage, not even being able to play local content.
I've been tinkering around with logs and trying to narrow down my error 49 issue but thus far have been unsuccessful.
xoppaw said:
How does this differ from bigrushdogs procedure? I have a wifi only xoom and am not sure which method to follow. Is this for stockusers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, the two main differences between this and BRD's procedure is that you don't have to perform a factory reset to get this one to work, and this method requires adb/fastboot. I don't think you should have to erase all your data just to install an official update. It's also only one file to flash.
The other difference is that this version doesn't have artifacts from the 3G version in the Wireless & Networks Settings menu (if that bothers you).
I don't know if this update would apply on an unlocked and unrooted Xoom, but if your Xoom is unlocked this version of the update should give you root. Both would be worth testing
Dubar said:
I don't know about the videos.APk thing, there are some 3g users with the same problem, one current theory is that it has something to do with root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tekuru said:
I think this problem is a bit two-faced, as a few of us on the 3G/VZW XOOM have updated fine and have a working video player, but rentals purchased do not play instead throw an Error 49 license error, while local content plays fine.
The Wifi users are reporting that the videos app doesn't even show up, let alone open. General suckage, not even being able to play local content.
I've been tinkering around with logs and trying to narrow down my error 49 issue but thus far have been unsuccessful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can still play videos/local content fine through the gallery app, so we are safe in that respect. I can still watch all my movies or videos filmed on the Xoom just fine.
Here are some observations that I made. The WiFi update only included the Videos.apk file while the 3G update also included a Videos.odex file as well. I chose to add the Videos.odex to the update file in the OP, but it didn't make a difference (Videos apk still doesn't show in the app drawer).
Thanks.. Worked great.
Note: I had to re-enable USB debugging on the Xoom after flashing the Stock System and Boot Images.
Land Master said:
Thanks.. Worked great.
Note: I had to re-enable USB debugging on the Xoom after flashing the Stock System and Boot Images.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I updated the OP to take account of that. Ever since I figured out how to boot into recovery from the Motorola logo I haven't really needed to send the 'adb reboot recovery' command.
I used BRD update method for my wifi zoom (don't care about the extra settings) and I have a working videos.apk that plays local content. I have not yet tried to rent a video.
kev0153 said:
I used BRD update method for my wifi zoom (don't care about the extra settings) and I have a working videos.apk that plays local content. I have not yet tried to rent a video.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I'm pretty sure for whatever reason the Videos.apk is enabled for the 3G version of 3.1 but not for the WiFi version of 3.1. I agree that the extra settings isn't a big deal, I made this file mostly because I wanted a way around wiping all of my user data.
Rumor has it that Google has said that the Videos.apk will be working on the WiFi Xoom in a few days.
I used the method posted by stachre from yesterday, and I don't have access to my sdcard in sdcard/external. Any way I can change that? The two methods seem to be very similar...and I want my SD!
IXIKelsonIXI said:
I used the method posted by stachre from yesterday, and I don't have access to my sdcard in sdcard/external. Any way I can change that? The two methods seem to be very similar...and I want my SD!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download and flash this file:
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?2bj5taicy3buc5c
Basically do what I said to do in the OP but skip step 1.
You are beautiful, and I love you.
I installed brd's 3.1 update yesterday, and i tried to install this zip over his method because i have a wifi xoom and wanted to get rid of the hotspot settings, but when i try to flash this in cwm i get an error:
Assert failed: file_getprop("system/build.prop", "ro.build.fingerprint") == "motorola/tervigon/wingray:3.0.1/hwi69/110420:user/release-keys" || file_getprop("system/build.prop", "ro.build.fingerprint") == "motorola/tervigon/wingray:3.1/hmj37/124251:user/release-keys"
E: error in /sdcard/mz604_3.1_ROOT_update.zip
(status 7)
installation aborted
What is the problem? Is it not possible to flash this over his method? Do i have to change the build.prop?
Thanks
Edit:
Solved by going back to stock 3.0.1 and installing the cwm to get updated to 3.1.
WARNING Boot Loop!
Warning. This method set me in to a boot loop. The tip at the bottom of the instructions eventually saved me as I booted in to recovery (adb stopped working after awhile) and upgraded via bigrushdog's clockwork thread. Not sure if it was my custom boot theme or something else. I reflashed twice while adb was still working. All looked good each time but then when I rebooted to do the final cwm step, this is where I looped each time. I was careful. Not sure why it messed up.
Thanks a lot for putting this together, worked like a charm.
So what about overclocking. I don't have option above 1ghz. Is this because we are back on a stock kernal. Will we have to wait for Tia to make a new one?
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
kntdookoo said:
So what about overclocking. I don't have option above 1ghz. Is this because we are back on a stock kernal. Will we have to wait for Tia to make a new one?
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bigrushdog has said that they are working on an overclock tiamat kernel for Android 3.1. So yes it is expected that you can not overclock your xoom in 3.1 currently.
A few questions since I have not updated my xoom to 3.1 yet:
1) Is everyone experiencing the Videos.apk error where they can't install the videos app?
2) How are the 3.1 updated features? Can anyone share if the overall user experience is better in 3.1 (better scrolling, smoother, etc).
I am kinda holding off updating 3.1 until I hear more of the drawbacks of 3.1.
ericdabbs said:
Bigrushdog has said that they are working on an overclock tiamat kernel for Android 3.1. So yes it is expected that you can not overclock your xoom in 3.1 currently.
A few questions since I have not updated my xoom to 3.1 yet:
1) Is everyone experiencing the Videos.apk error where they can't install the videos app?
2) How are the 3.1 updated features? Can anyone share if the overall user experience is better in 3.1 (better scrolling, smoother, etc).
I am kinda holding off updating 3.1 until I hear more of the drawbacks of 3.1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. It's weird. My understanding is that even, unrooted stock WiFi Xoom owners can't access the new Videos apk on 3.1. The Videos.apk is there it just doesn't show up in the app drawer so there isn't any way to access it. If you look for it in a file manager like Root Explorer you can see it. There are other "ghost" apps like that in Android like the SoundRecorder.apk, so that's not completely unheard of. What's puzzling is why the 3G Xoomers got one that works and we didn't. If/when this is solved I will update the OP. It does work if you use bigrushdog's update method (but you gotta wipe all your data).
The Videos apk is mostly a showcase for their Video rental service that they announced Tuesday, you can still play videos in Gallery, so you're not really missing out on any major functionality at the moment.
2. The new features are cool! It's hard to compare performance since I was overclocked before and now I'm not. I love the resizable widgets. Overall it does feel like a more polished OS, they fixed a whole bunch of little itty bitty issues here and there. I can't really think of any downsides to the upgrade, it just feels like a step in the right direction. I'm definitely looking forward to see where Honeycomb development goes in the future.
I have installed this update over my rooted wifi only 3.0. It worked great, i did get a boot loop and was forced to wipe in recovery (luckily i did a titanium backup first), apart from that it went through no problem.
I haven't used the browser extensively yet, but it does seem more stable, hasn't crashed yet and the overall browser seems much better, especially the thumb menu from labs.
Good work!!
(I have the wifi only UK version BTW)

Root Telstra T-Hub 2 (Technicolor)

Wanting to root my new Telstra T-Hub 2, made by Technicolor.
There appears to be no USB drivers available (nothing via Google)
There also appears to be no way to get into the Download Mode for connection to Odin. (again nothing on Google)
So these two points have left me a bit lost.
It is running Android (GB) 2.3.7
Any one have any ideas????
Rabs_1976 said:
Wanting to root my new Telstra T-Hub 2, made by Technicolor.
There appears to be no USB drivers available (nothing via Google)
There also appears to be no way to get into the Download Mode for connection to Odin. (again nothing on Google)
So these two points have left me a bit lost.
It is running Android (GB) 2.3.7
Any one have any ideas????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got ADB working on my T-Hub 2 by using the generic Google drivers, and edited the adb_usb.ini to just say 0x069B
So far I have problems rooting it.
wocko1 said:
I got ADB working on my T-Hub 2 by using the generic Google drivers, and edited the adb_usb.ini to just say 0x069B
So far I have problems rooting it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BUMP
I have this Tablet as-well and having the same problem.
any ideas on the best way to root this thing?
wocko1 do you have any more details on how to got that far?
Thanks guys.
Rabs_1976 said:
Wanting to root my new Telstra T-Hub 2, made by Technicolor.
There appears to be no USB drivers available (nothing via Google)
There also appears to be no way to get into the Download Mode for connection to Odin. (again nothing on Google)
So these two points have left me a bit lost.
It is running Android (GB) 2.3.7
Any one have any ideas????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
was it released in any other countries as another device?
even if we got root on it what can we do for a custom ROM if noone can dev for it
Madaz2 said:
was it released in any other countries as another device?
even if we got root on it what can we do for a custom ROM if noone can dev for it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We as owners/users of T-Hub 2 devices require sensible answers to important questions.
We need usb drivers for the T-Hub 2, either from Telstra or from Technicolor the manufacturer of the device so that we can attain " ROOT ACCESS" via a usb cable connection to a computer.
Unless we can get "ROOT ACCESS" we cannot move applications to an external SD card (32 GB in my case) or use Titanium Backup or certain Antivirus programs that require "ROOT ACCESS".
Please accept the undeniable fact that 1 Gigabyte of storage on the internal SD card is totally insufficient and pathetic, almost as pathetic as the fact that we are still stuck with "Gingerbread" which puts us three versions behind on Android which is now up to "JellyBean" v2.
The fact is, I believe the Android operating system running on the T-Hub 2 is, like all other versions of Android, based on the Linux kernel which is software using the GNU General Public License, which allows people to see, copy, use, and modify for their own needs.
If indeed I am correct in my assumption then Telstra/Technicolor could be in breach of a world standard which would mean that the proprietary blocks and gates that they have built to prevent access to the kernel on the T-Hub 2 are illegal.
Download Mode discovered...and more...
I thought this:
Hold "Volume-" and "Volume+" and "Power Button" boots into download mode. This is incorrect.
This gets you to recovery mode (which shows the Android robot fallen over).
Help!
wocko1 said:
I got ADB working on my T-Hub 2 by using the generic Google drivers, and edited the adb_usb.ini to just say 0x069B
So far I have problems rooting it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have been looking for the drivers everywhere, and so far none of them have worked. Even tried wireless adb to no avail. Also tried gingerbreak but still nothing. Sick of looking at the bloatware. Someone please help!
anyone had more success now that it has ICS 4.0.4
Yes, it can be rooted, but...
Hi,
Yes, much more progress. I've gained ADB root access using the restore method (i.e., restoring a backup which has been modified to install a file to a strange path, e.g,: ../../../system/bin/su), I recommend creating your own restore file rather than using one of the many out there and using it to install the necessary SU software to the appropriate locations.
If your device isn't detected by ADB, check that the device ID has been added to the ADB config file. The Thub2 ID is not recognised automatically. Also, when using fastboot remember to specify this ID or it won't find your THub.
The biggest issue with the THub2 is that Telstra have (in an oddly intelligent move) adopted SquashFS for the root file system; this is the FS used on things like linux liveCD's, and it's 100% RO (well, 99% RO . I have gotten around this in a number of ways. 1: I copied the SquashFS partition using DD to an Ext4 partition, then forced a dirty unmount of the SquashFS partiition chained to a mount of the new Ext4 partition to /system. RW access no problems, SU installs OK, but no persistence without forcing the dirty unmount each boot. 2: I copied the SquashFS partition to my ~ using DD, mounted and edited the partition, then re-flashed to the thub. worked much better, persistence across reboots, but dangerous and dodgy method that could risk many NANDs. 3: I cross-compiled a busybox containing UnionFS to Android.
Option 3 is by far the best option. UnionFS provides a transperent RW layer for SquashFS filesystems, writing the updates that couldn't be written to a RO system like squash to another partition (e.g., Ext4 on SD card). Mount a UnionFS system over /system to enable write access to the system. Maybe a better idea to mount it at /, but that raises other problems I couldn't be bothered dealing with.
I mentioned above that SquashFS is on 99% RO (in all my other experiences, it has been well and truly 100% RO, so this indicates something else a-going on that we should be able to use; I haven't looked into it yet.). For some reason, files installed to the Thub2 using the Restore method are persistent. Very useful, and should lead to a cleaner method.
So rooting so far:
Root with Restore method to install (1 & 2., SU bins, or 3., UnionFS Busybox)
Remount / as RW
-->Path 1 & 2
Dirty unmount /system && dirty unmount /system2 && mount /dev/block/etc.. NOTE: Once you dirty unmount /system, you will need to reference the location of the Ext4 partiition using the absolute (real) name of the device. You will also need to invoke busybox from a fully qualified path, eg. /data/local/tmp/busybox, as the internal /bin applications are no longer available (eg., mount).​
-->Path 3
No need to umount /system, just mount the UnionFS system over the top.​
Finally, for Paths 1 & 3...
Install Superuser application and be free!​
So to sum up; I have easily rooted the Thub2 to root over ADB using a number of methods, however the Restore method works 100% of the time. I have mounted an Ext4 system to /system in order to have RW, but this isn't persistent. I have re-flashed the SquashFS with modified content, and this works a treat, but is RO and dangerous to NAND. I have mounted a UnionFS system over the SquashFS system, and this seems to provide the best all round performance.
I also wrote a short and nasty .apk to mount the UFS system without terminal, so that's a go as well.
Have fun pulling it all apart; I don't read these message boards, so I probably won't se any questions. More than enough to get rooted though.
THub Drivers and ADB Access
THUB 2 DRIVER INSTALLATION AND ADB ACCESS
This method sets out how to install drivers for the THub 2 and access ADB (Android Debug Bridge).
Access to ADB is the usual way that you use to Root an Android device.
Please note that not all ADB versions work. If you download and try a root method, you may have to copy the ADB.exe and support files across so that the root method can at least have a chance of working.
INSTALLING GOOGLE UNIVERSAL ANDROID DRIVERS
1. Ensure that Debugging has been enabled – Settings  Developer options  USB debugging and make sure the box is checked
2. The following is for Windows 7, other versions will be similar
3. Unzip the file and copy contents to a folder on the C: drive. I copied it to a folder I named THub
4. Plug the THub into your PC and it will try to find suitable drivers – some drivers may load and install but at least one will come up with “No driver found”
5. Open “Computer”
6. Click on “System properties”
7. Click on “Device Manager”
8. Under “Other devices” you will see T-Hub2 with an icon with a yellow exclamation mark.
9. Right-click the device and select "Update Driver"
10. Select "Browse my computer for driver software"
11. Select "Let me pick from a list of device drivers"
12. Click “Show All Devices”
13. Click “Have disk …”
14. Browse to where you put the extracted files
15. Select and open “Android_winusb.inf”
16. Select “Android Composite ADB Interface”
17. Click “Next” and then Click “Yes” (Ignore warning)
18. Wait until the software installs
19. You should now have Android Composite Interface” under the “Android Phone” listing
If you have problems, ensure Debugging is selected and try unplugging the THub and reconnecting it
ACCESSING ADB
1. Ensure that Debugging has been enabled – Settings  Developer options  USB debugging and make sure the box is checked
2. The following is for Windows 7, other versions will be similar, It also assumes that the file has been down loaded, unzipped and installed in a folder called THub on you C: drive
3. Connect the THub to your PC
4. Click in the “Start” icon, lower left icon on your PC Desktop
5. In the entry box type in “CMD” and push “Enter”
6. You will be at the “Command Prompt”
7. You need to navigate to the “THub” folder, the following are my entries, and yours should be similar.
Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601]
Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
C:\Users\Terry>cd .. and “Enter”
C:\Users>cd .. and “Enter”
C:\>
C:\>cd THub and “Enter”
C:\THub>
8. At the THub folder type in “ADB devices” and “Enter”
9. You should get an output similar to this:
* daemon not running. starting it now on port 5037 *
* daemon started successfully *
List of devices attached
01545CAB0B015004 device
C:\THub>
10. You now have ADB access
11. Try “adb shell” and “Enter” to enter ADB and then “ls” and “Enter” to get the THub Root folder listing
What next, I don’t know but at least we have ADB access?
I have been trying to copy system files to my SD card to have a look at them but have no success.
Does anyone know how?
Here is the site I uploaded the files to:
"You can fill in the missing bits"
xxx.mediafire.com/download/voku3wnuff5s2ef/THub.zip
NOTE: There is also a file called “UniversalAdbDriverSetup6.msi”.
I don’t know what it is for, but I installed it anyway. It MAY be necessary for the above method.
Firstly, I understand this is an old thread but quite a lot of us Australians have this THub 2 now because Telstra seem to basically be handing them out like shots at a party.
As far as I know this thing still has no root access. You can get into ADB with it without too much trouble.
But what I really want to know is how I can get root access with SuperSU so I can install something like AdAway to remove the seemingly ridiculous amount of advertisements that apps and etc. come with.
In addition to that, after installing just TWO small apps. It seems the device's internal memory is already full and it cannot install any more apps.. I need root access in order to run Apps2SD so I can move some apps to the SD card that I have purchased for it.
Does anyone, and I mean anyone have any ideas about how to root this thing? There has to be some Australian who has a rooted version with SuperSU running.
I tried 'towelroot' but the device just rebooted (meaning it failed) and then when I ran the .apk again it said that the device was unsupported.
It's one thing to be able to get access to the root partition (which is possible over ADB) but it's another to be able to run apps with root privileges.
For any information.
The specs are:
Manufacturer - Technicolor
Operating System - Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0.4
Processor - 1 GHz dual core
Screen - 7″ (1024 x 600 pixels)
Camera - 1.9 MP rear camera, 1.2 MP HD front camera
RAM - 1GB
Storage - 2 GB Internal with an expandable Micro SD card slot (1GB internal usable)
Battery - 6000 mAh (non-removable)
I know it's nothing amazing, but if I could root the device and change the DPI, remove advertisements and install a few hacks. I'd get so much more out of the device.
I picked it up in almost perfect condition second-hand off eBay for only $15. They're worth $360 AU brand-new.
If anyone has any information at all, please do post something. My apologies again for bumping a super old thread but otherwise I was going to just start my own.
Possible to restore system partition
Hi Guys,
I done goofed.
I killed my T-Hub by flashing a corrupted system partition and now the device wont boot and only displays the Telstra logo at the boot loader. I do have a backup of my system partition however I cant work out how I would perform the restore. The boot loader will not allow an ADB connection so no luck there.
Im thinking JTAG may be my only option. I have experience with this on other devices but i cant find the JTAG terminals on this thing? I must have tapped about 60 different combinations of testpoints now and have only been able to get console out of the radio module which is obviously no good for talking to the kernel.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Swamp
SwampCrack1210 said:
Hi Guys,
I done goofed.
I killed my T-Hub by flashing a corrupted system partition and now the device wont boot and only displays the Telstra logo at the boot loader. I do have a backup of my system partition however I cant work out how I would perform the restore. The boot loader will not allow an ADB connection so no luck there.
Im thinking JTAG may be my only option. I have experience with this on other devices but i cant find the JTAG terminals on this thing? I must have tapped about 60 different combinations of testpoints now and have only been able to get console out of the radio module which is obviously no good for talking to the kernel.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Swamp
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm completely new to this. What ROM would i look for to install on the THUB if any? And if i could install it?
clearburn said:
I'm completely new to this. What ROM would i look for to install on the THUB if any? And if i could install it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry but no one has developed a ROM for this device, there is no demand
Madaz2 said:
sorry but no one has developed a ROM for this device, there is no demand
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I thought there might have been a rom from the basic device that didn't have all of the Telstra stuff on it.
It is currently a brick
if you can root it then you could install Titanium backup and uninstall the bloatware off of it
Some moderate success
I have had some moderate advancements of late.
I can get temporary ADB root using the directory traversal exploit
.
While the above method gets you a root terminal session, as it screws with some settings the device is nearly unusable due to screen flicker and general lag. I guess the exploit breaks some settings. Does anyone know how to leave the exploit in place and restore the settings file to eliminate the flickering and lag?
I have been able to export the system partition, edit it (add su.bin and SuperUser.apk) then swap the system mount so the device uses my edited system partition as described by malleus. When I try to flash my partition the device reboots and is in a semi brick state (reboot loop, stuck on boot loader Telstra logo).
I was able to obtain the OTA update files by getting an old 2.3.7 device, rooting it then grabbing the OTA files using ADB once it had downloaded them. These OTA's can be flashed from an SD card (ext4 format) in 3e recovery. This was a good bit of progress as it means I can restore from a bricked state. If anyone needs them, the files I have are:
Product_4.0.4_3.38-FOTA
Product_4.0.4_3.48-FOTA
This is all new territory for me but i think I am getting close to achieving full, persistent root in 4.0.4.
Any help would be appreciated.
I would be very interested in your progress as I have one of these but in default state it is only usable as a phone on the DECT base.....
Having some useful apps running off an SD card would help no end (like multimedia remote for my home theatre system)
Cheers,
Alex B
SwampCrack1210 said:
I have had some moderate advancements of late.
I can get temporary ADB root using the directory traversal exploit
.
While the above method gets you a root terminal session, as it screws with some settings the device is nearly unusable due to screen flicker and general lag. I guess the exploit breaks some settings. Does anyone know how to leave the exploit in place and restore the settings file to eliminate the flickering and lag?
I have been able to export the system partition, edit it (add su.bin and SuperUser.apk) then swap the system mount so the device uses my edited system partition as described by malleus. When I try to flash my partition the device reboots and is in a semi brick state (reboot loop, stuck on boot loader Telstra logo).
I was able to obtain the OTA update files by getting an old 2.3.7 device, rooting it then grabbing the OTA files using ADB once it had downloaded them. These OTA's can be flashed from an SD card (ext4 format) in 3e recovery. This was a good bit of progress as it means I can restore from a bricked state. If anyone needs them, the files I have are:
Product_4.0.4_3.38-FOTA
Product_4.0.4_3.48-FOTA
This is all new territory for me but i think I am getting close to achieving full, persistent root in 4.0.4.
Any help would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has anyone made any progress on this?
I have two of these tablets that have sat unused since I got them from Telstra. I really just want to update it to at least 4.1, but there's no official release from Telstra for the T-Hub, and I don't think there will be. Are ports entirely unfeasible?
Do you think I could contact Technicolor? What should I say?
P.S. there is a recovery mode, because I've booted into it.
hxxp://imgur.com/O0uq4Uk

Owner/Account on B&N Store "Demo Devices" are very stubborn

I've been rooting a lot of nooks lately... around 60 of them so far. Some of the nooks I've purchased turned out to be the in-store demo devices. These models just run a loop, advertising the features. My procedure has been:
-using NookManager, reset to the factory image, this wipes out the advertising loop app
-register all the devices to the same email address, for uniformity
-upgrade the devices to 1.2.1 via usb
-use NookManager to root the device
-install my software
However, I've recently come across half a dozen nooks where the factory image IS the advertising loop. These devices are still rootable, however, they are preconfigured in their factory image with their "TEST NOOKUSER" owner and "[email protected]" account email address. In addition, the "Erase and Deregister Device" option is grayed out.
Summary of unusualness:
-adb via USB not recognized (ADB works via wifi inside NookManager)
-owner/account not editable
-screen time out greyed out at 2 minutes
-adb install -r pickyourfavorite.apk yields "/system/bin/sh: pm: not found" so this renders installing impossible
For the curious, these units are generally 1.0.0 or 1.1.0 software versions.
What are the ideas on the way forward here? I'm sure a lot of these demo devices will be hitting flea markets.
Anders
Anders
I wonder if it would be possible to flash 1.2.1 using CWM? Perhaps that would get you out of the demo loop. I have never tried anything like this, so it is just speculation.
I'd try the unbricking procedure in this thread.
Essentially, you want to save the rom partition from the problem device. Then restore an image from a properly working device. Then restore the rom partition. The thread doesn't go into fixing the rom partition data backup that is in the factory partition in rombackup.zip. Depending on what you're doing with the NST you might want to restore that as well when you're done. Come to think of it, you might want to look at that zip file before you do anything. Unzip it and see if devconf/OperatingMode has Normal in it. If not, change it and zip it back up then do your factory restore.
David0226 said:
I wonder if it would be possible to flash 1.2.1 using CWM? Perhaps that would get you out of the demo loop. I have never tried anything like this, so it is just speculation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, it's absolutely possible to upgrade them to 1.2.1 using the "copy over via USB" method.
Does not get rid of the demo loop though.
Anders
Isn't demo mode just here?
Code:
sqlite3 /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db
update system set value=0 where name='demo_mode';
.q
If Renate's idea doesn't work, you could try booting into NookManager and connecting using ADB. Once in an adb shell, you can mount the device's internal /system partition using this procedure:
mkdir /int_sys
mount -o rw /dev/block/mmcblk0p5 /int_sys
At this point, try going into /int_sys/app and renaming DemoMode.apk so that when the Nook boots and tries to enter the DemoMode, it can't because the app is gone. This should at least get you access so that you can make other necessary changes.
factory resetting via stock recovery worked for me
i had this problem with one of the nooks i found on ebay. i had to change OperatingMode in rom partition to Normal, and do a factory reset to get out of demo mode. I didn't bother fixing the romrestore.zip

[Q] Advice on updating rooted FTV without going to 51.1.2.0 to

I have a FTV that is rooted and still at 51.1.0.1 I want to upgrade to 51.1.1.0_user_511070220, but don't want to risk going to the latest 51.1.2.0 unrootable version. Can I use adb to copy the upgrade to /cache and upgrade locally with the box disconnected from the internet or does it need to call home when I am doing the local upgrade? I can also block the update sites in the router firewall:
amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net
softwareupdates.amazon.com
once this is done, I can re-run towelroot and disable OTA.
Any advise on the best way to proceed is appreciated.
Thanks in advance for everyone's help!
Yes, do the manual upgrade to the latest rootable firmware. Follow the directions on http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-manually-upgrade-or-downgrade-the-amazon-fire-tv/ That is the best way to upgrade without jumping through each upgrade.
It will need internet connection, I removed mine before upgrade and it would not let me proceed and get stuck on the network selection pickup. Maybe after you have pushed the upgrade.zip to your cache and send it a recovery reboot command, you can disconnect the internet. I did not, so not sure if that works.
Before you do anything, make sure you have blocked those 2 sites. Re-verify it before you proceed.
Once you upgrade, immediately disable the FTV upgrade package. I would suggest to keep the blocks on those 2 sites even after you disable the FTV auto upgrade.
dbdoshi said:
Yes, do the manual upgrade to the latest rootable firmware. Follow the directions on http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-manually-upgrade-or-downgrade-the-amazon-fire-tv/ That is the best way to upgrade without jumping through each upgrade.
It will need internet connection, I removed mine before upgrade and it would not let me proceed and get stuck on the network selection pickup. Maybe after you have pushed the upgrade.zip to your cache and send it a recovery reboot command, you can disconnect the internet. I did not, so not sure if that works.
Before you do anything, make sure you have blocked those 2 sites. Re-verify it before you proceed.
Once you upgrade, immediately disable the FTV upgrade package. I would suggest to keep the blocks on those 2 sites even after you disable the FTV auto upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have dcp blocked before doing the update, it should remain blocked after the update.
rbox said:
If you have dcp blocked before doing the update, it should remain blocked after the update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, that is good to know and comforting.
rbox said:
If you have dcp blocked before doing the update, it should remain blocked after the update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are probably right, I am a novice to this. But, I swear to God, I seem to remember not dcp blocking it on a friend's FTV when I upgraded his to the latest rootable firmware and checking the system on FTV did not generate the error or "Checking now..." message (His was blocked before the OTA upgrade). So, to clarify, the block remains for OTA and manual upgrade both?
dbdoshi said:
You are probably right, I am a novice to this. But, I swear to God, I seem to remember not dcp blocking it on a friend's FTV when I upgraded his to the latest rootable firmware and checking the system on FTV did not generate the error or "Checking now..." message (His was blocked before the OTA upgrade). So, to clarify, the block remains for OTA and manual upgrade both?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The block *should* remain. I can't imagine why it wouldn't. But I haven't really done any extensive testing on it. Doing the OTA and doing the manual upgrade are the same. The manual upgrade is manually doing exactly what the OTA does. The OTA downloads the .bin file, and tells recovery to flash it and reboots to recovery. The problem comes if you get an OTA update to the unrootable firmware. The dcp will remain blocked, but you won't be able to gain root anymore.
rbox said:
If you have dcp blocked before doing the update, it should remain blocked after the update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I updated the box to 51.1.1.0_user_511070220 last night. No problems at all. I used this process to update the box:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2796067
I used ftp to binary transfer the update file to /cache/update.zip and I set r/w permissions on this file.
the /cache/recovery folder did not exist (needed in tutorial above) so I created it and did a chmod 777 /cache/recovery
Once the update completed, I re-rooted the box - towelroot, Let it rain button.
I forgot to check if the dcp package was still disabled. I ssh'ed to the box and disabled it just to make sure.
I also had to run busybox to re-install it.
I was using the install-recovery-2.sh trick to mount my usb stick, so I lost this and had to recreate /system/etc/install-recovery-2.sh (set execute permission on it and add the line:
mount -t ext4 /dev/block/sda1 /data/sdext2
install-recovery-2.sh is a non-existent file that is called in the last line of install-recovery.sh. This is executed during the boot process and can be used to execute commands when booting. To take advantage of this, create the install-recovery-2.sh file and add the lines you want executed. you have to set execute permission on the file.
su
mount -o rw,remount /system
create and add commands to /system/etc/install-recovery-2.sh
( I added: mount -t ext4 /dev/block/sda1 /data/sdext2 (where /data/sdext2 is where I want my flash drive to show up)
chmod 755 /system/etc/install-recovery-2.sh
mount -o ro,remount /system
exit
Can this be used to exploit much more interesting commands?
Such as making a backdoor for rooting the unrootable OTA update and even unlocking the bootloader/Custom ROM?
Edit:What about overclocking by permanently modifying the related files to set GPU to minimum 400Mhz and maximum 500Mhz and overclocking the CPUs to a maximum of 1.9Ghz or 2.0Ghz?
If it can be used to overclock,please elaborate on how you can do it?
I posted the directory of the related files in a topic a while back.
retroben said:
Can this be used to exploit much more interesting commands?
Such as making a backdoor for rooting the unrootable OTA update and even unlocking the bootloader/Custom ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So that is a good idea, but unfortunately the first thing that happens when you install the OTA is it wipes /system. But once you have root, anything you could put in that script, you could manually run as root, so it can't let you do anything extra.
As for custom roms, the good news is that the OS on the Fire TV is pretty much stock CAF android. The kernel can boot AOSP/CM as is. And using a similar but different script earlier in the boot process, I'm able to get Safestrap working. I currently have Clockwork mod working, but Safestrap uses TWRP and as of yet I have been unable to get TWRP to display anything on the TV. I'm going to try to work on it some more this weekend.
rbox said:
So that is a good idea, but unfortunately the first thing that happens when you install the OTA is it wipes /system. But once you have root, anything you could put in that script, you could manually run as root, so it can't let you do anything extra.
As for custom roms, the good news is that the OS on the Fire TV is pretty much stock CAF android. The kernel can boot AOSP/CM as is. And using a similar but different script earlier in the boot process, I'm able to get Safestrap working. I currently have Clockwork mod working, but Safestrap uses TWRP and as of yet I have been unable to get TWRP to display anything on the TV. I'm going to try to work on it some more this weekend.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rbox,
Sounds very interesting. Keep the good work.
rayosx said:
Rbox,
Sounds very interesting. Keep the good work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I was finally able to get TWRP booting and displaying (in the correct colors). As you can see, it doesn't fill the screen. The problem is TWRP needs theme files to match the resolution, and it currently has no support for 1080p, although adding support for 1080p isn't the problem. It's figuring out if I should add in dynamic switching support to let it switch between 1080p and 720p. Which is why I need people to fill out the poll I created here.
The other problem with 720p is my TV is 1080p, so I can't really test it. Does anyone know if there is TWRP support for any of the other android based TV devices like OYUA or whatever?
What?
The 720p mode works on 1080p TVs since I used that mode briefly until switching to 1080p for better quality.
retroben said:
What?
The 720p mode works on 1080p TVs since I used that mode briefly until switching to 1080p for better quality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately in recovery, if the graphics are 720p then it won't fill the screen at 1080p. Although now that I think about it, I wonder if I could set it up to just scale up from 720 to 1080. That would probably be easiest.

Bricked Phone After Magisk Install

Today, my phone got bricked after I installed Magisk, am i am looking for a way of sorting it out. The phone was running Android 9 DP3 when rooted, and I was following HighOnAndroids root guide on Youtube for reference,
I unlocked my bootloader and successfully installed TWRP. After this, I installed Magisk, which went throuygh perfectly fine. However, after rebooting the phone, I am stuck on the google splash screen, with a small progress bar that stays for the duration of the time on this screen. After about 2 minutes, the phone reboots into TWRP again.
Does anyone know how I could return to stock Android or at least escape this issue?
Many thanks
James
Jameswebb97 said:
Today, my phone got bricked after I installed Magisk, am i am looking for a way of sorting it out. The phone was running Android 9 DP3 when rooted, and I was following HighOnAndroids root guide on Youtube for reference,
I unlocked my bootloader and successfully installed TWRP. After this, I installed Magisk, which went throuygh perfectly fine. However, after rebooting the phone, I am stuck on the google splash screen, with a small progress bar that stays for the duration of the time on this screen. After about 2 minutes, the phone reboots into TWRP again.
Does anyone know how I could return to stock Android or at least escape this issue?
Many thanks
James
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use duces script to flash June google factory image.
jlokos said:
Use duces script to flash June google factory image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I followed the guide on the DeucesScript XDA page but the command window keeps saying "'fastboot' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file."
Jameswebb97 said:
I followed the guide on the DeucesScript XDA page but the command window keeps saying "'fastboot' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need this information (the stuff I made bold + the hyperlink):
Code:
If you are having issues with this script:
Download the latest fastboot and adb Platform Tools UPDATED Dec. 22, 2017!!! This is the most common problem!!!
Download/Update Google USB Drivers
Video: Force-Installing the Android USB Drivers Fastboot & ADB
[B]Verify you have the [URL="https://wiki.lineageos.org/adb_fastboot_guide.html"]environment variable (path)[/URL] set for adb and fastboot[/B]
Try a different USB port
Try a different cable
Format Userdata in Stock Recovery
Try to boot stock before doing mods like Locking Bootloader / Kernel / TWRP / Magisk
Jameswebb97 said:
I followed the guide on the DeucesScript XDA page but the command window keeps saying "'fastboot' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
umph....hate to tell you, but you have a long way to go...
so before going on this "journey", I would suggest you booting into TWRP again, and try installing (not adb sideloading, just in case you're doing that) Magisk again. Also, be sure you are using the latest (might be considered "beta") 16.4 for taimen... I'm thinking your boot.img or dtbo.img simply may have gotten glitchy and repatching (by installing Magisk again) might fix it...
Also, if you want to go a step further, you might want to consider using the official Magisk uninstaller. Since Magisk makes a copy of your stock boot and dtbo image, it may put that back so you can get it in working order to get into the system (although without root), and then figure things out and/or reinstall Magisk (through TWRP is best) while all things Magisk was removed...
Good luck and hope this helps....
Make sure you are trying to open from the correct location, and put .\fastboot
EvilDobe said:
You need this information (the stuff I made bold + the hyperlink):
Code:
If you are having issues with this script:
Download the latest fastboot and adb Platform Tools UPDATED Dec. 22, 2017!!! This is the most common problem!!!
Download/Update Google USB Drivers
Video: Force-Installing the Android USB Drivers Fastboot & ADB
[B]Verify you have the [URL="https://wiki.lineageos.org/adb_fastboot_guide.html"]environment variable (path)[/URL] set for adb and fastboot[/B]
Try a different USB port
Try a different cable
Format Userdata in Stock Recovery
Try to boot stock before doing mods like Locking Bootloader / Kernel / TWRP / Magisk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive tried all of this now, i got the script working, but now the phne says it is corrupt and i cannot get into recovery. Is this game over do you think?
simplepinoi177 said:
umph....hate to tell you, but you have a long way to go...
so before going on this "journey", I would suggest you booting into TWRP again, and try installing (not adb sideloading, just in case you're doing that) Magisk again. Also, be sure you are using the latest (might be considered "beta") 16.4 for taimen... I'm thinking your boot.img or dtbo.img simply may have gotten glitchy and repatching (by installing Magisk again) might fix it...
Also, if you want to go a step further, you might want to consider using the official Magisk uninstaller. Since Magisk makes a copy of your stock boot and dtbo image, it may put that back so you can get it in working order to get into the system (although without root), and then figure things out and/or reinstall Magisk (through TWRP is best) while all things Magisk was removed...
Good luck and hope this helps....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is good advice, thanks. i have a new problem (ugh), where i got the script working through changing the paths, but now the phone says that it is corrupt and i cannot access TWRP. Game over?
Jameswebb97 said:
Ive tried all of this now, i got the script working, but now the phne says it is corrupt and i cannot get into recovery. Is this game over do you think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the unlocked bootloader it'll always say the device is corrupt. Manually put the device into the bootloader & flash the DeucesScript. You're basically starting over at this point but it is possible to get up & going again.
Jameswebb97 said:
This is good advice, thanks. i have a new problem (ugh), where i got the script working through changing the paths, but now the phone says that it is corrupt and i cannot access TWRP. Game over?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EvilDobe said:
With the unlocked bootloader it'll always say the device is corrupt. Manually put the device into the bootloader & flash the DeucesScript. You're basically starting over at this point but it is possible to get up & going again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EvilDobe might be right...but I have a bit to offer before maybe starting all over...
I doubt you needed to edit the script and "change the paths." Most likely you merely did not have the images (you extracted from the .zip of the Full Factory image you got from the Google Developers site) inside the "platform-tools" folder with the adb & fastboot .exe and all the other files and folders.
In any case, I suggest you get the TWRP image file [.img] (NOT the installer .zip necessarily), put the .img file "... inside the "platform-tools" folder with the adb & fastboot .exe and all the other files and folders." (I've seen some users simply cut and paste those 2 .exe files only to the extracted folder -- this is why I state it this way) Then, power down your device. After it's off, hold down the Volume Down button and press & hold the Power button (this is the manual way to get into the Bootloader Mode). Once there, plug your phone into your computer (USB-A to USB-C would be best) and open a command prompt/powershell ("run as administrator" or with administrative priveleges) and direct it to the platform-tools folder (i.e. if I put it on my desktop, it would be "C:\Users\MyName\Desktop\platform-tools"), you can temporarily boot into TWRP via command
Code:
fastboot boot twrp-3.2.1-2-taimen.img
When in TWRP (hopefully), I suggest trying to do what I advised before -- try either Magisk installer to repatch the boot and dtbo image, or Magisk Uninstaller to attempt to replace your boot and dtbo to stock.
*NOTE: Of course, this is assuming you are running Microsoft Windows (if not, you will need to input .\ as @naiku suggested) and also the whole "device is corrupt" is due to "funky" boot image issues. If not, I/we can guide you to flashing the Full Factory back onto the phone (hopefully without losing data and settings)...
Good luck and hope this helps...
simplepinoi177 said:
EvilDobe might be right...but I have a bit to offer before maybe starting all over...
I doubt you needed to edit the script and "change the paths." Most likely you merely did not have the images (you extracted from the .zip of the Full Factory image you got from the Google Developers site) inside the "platform-tools" folder with the adb & fastboot .exe and all the other files and folders.
In any case, I suggest you get the TWRP image file [.img] (NOT the installer .zip necessarily), put the .img file "... inside the "platform-tools" folder with the adb & fastboot .exe and all the other files and folders." (I've seen some users simply cut and paste those 2 .exe files only to the extracted folder -- this is why I state it this way) Then, power down your device. After it's off, hold down the Volume Down button and press & hold the Power button (this is the manual way to get into the Bootloader Mode). Once there, plug your phone into your computer (USB-A to USB-C would be best) and open a command prompt/powershell ("run as administrator" or with administrative priveleges) and direct it to the platform-tools folder (i.e. if I put it on my desktop, it would be "C:\Users\MyName\Desktop\platform-tools"), you can temporarily boot into TWRP via command
Code:
fastboot boot twrp-3.2.1-2-taimen.img
When in TWRP (hopefully), I suggest trying to do what I advised before -- try either Magisk installer to repatch the boot and dtbo image, or Magisk Uninstaller to attempt to replace your boot and dtbo to stock.
*NOTE: Of course, this is assuming you are running Microsoft Windows (if not, you will need to input .\ as @naiku suggested) and also the whole "device is corrupt" is due to "funky" boot image issues. If not, I/we can guide you to flashing the Full Factory back onto the phone (hopefully without losing data and settings)...
Good luck and hope this helps...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pleased to be editing this comment; managed to get it working following your step by step. Think i'm going to stay away from rooting something this expensive in the future! Thanks so much!
Jameswebb97 said:
Pleased to be editing this comment; managed to get it working following your step by step. Think i'm going to stay away from rooting something this expensive in the future! Thanks so much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't go that far with staying away. When I come across people IRL that want to start doing this stuff I always tell them to read the instructions, step through them, read the instructions again, ask questions (as you did here) BEFORE you get started, read the instructions again, and only when you're confident start messing with your device. This is a fun, and at times stressful, hobby. It's great when everything goes according to plan but it's an omg omg omg omg omg omg moment when you mess something up.
Start with baby steps. The straight upgrade to P is fairly simple provided your device is unlocked. Get that working & you'll be set. I have root on my DP3 & the only thing I've done so far is delete some apps from system that I know I don't want/need. If your main goal is to just enjoy your phone, test out Android P, and maybe go back... root isn't needed. Once everything is squared away & you're running for a day or so you can always fastboot to recovery, make a backup, and then try to add root. I hope you don't shy away & get deeper into the hobby. It truly starts to get fun when you begin to understand more of what is going on.
Jameswebb97 said:
Pleased to be editing this comment; managed to get it working following your step by step. Think i'm going to stay away from rooting something this expensive in the future! Thanks so much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey I'm so glad you got it working! Leave me a "Thanks!" would make it up to me ... I'm always happy to help out and get things figured out...yet I don't get the satisfaction of knowing if it does end up helping a lot of the time because a good number don't come back with their experience...so thanks for that! Glad you got it going...
EvilDobe said:
I wouldn't go that far with staying away. When I come across people IRL that want to start doing this stuff I always tell them to read the instructions, step through them, read the instructions again, ask questions (as you did here) BEFORE you get started, read the instructions again, and only when you're confident start messing with your device. This is a fun, and at times stressful, hobby. It's great when everything goes according to plan but it's an omg omg omg omg omg omg moment when you mess something up.
Start with baby steps. The straight upgrade to P is fairly simple provided your device is unlocked. Get that working & you'll be set. I have root on my DP3 & the only thing I've done so far is delete some apps from system that I know I don't want/need. If your main goal is to just enjoy your phone, test out Android P, and maybe go back... root isn't needed. Once everything is squared away & you're running for a day or so you can always fastboot to recovery, make a backup, and then try to add root. I hope you don't shy away & get deeper into the hobby. It truly starts to get fun when you begin to understand more of what is going on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And it's as @EvilDobe means.....
I remember back in the days of the Motorola Droids (OG Droid1, Droid 3, & Droid 4) where you could really mess things up and come out with a big ol' "brick" "paperweight" as there were many instances where you could not come back from (i.e. updating to a certain point, then attempting to downgrade when Google/Motorola/Verizon put blocks that breaks it). But this isn't the case these days. @Jameswebb97, at least with the Pixel 2's, Oreo and/or P(Android OS 9), it's actually more difficult than easy to get that too far gone. The only reason why I can help so many troubleshooting their issues is because I, myself, have wrecked my current device in some serious ways! So I can relate and have experience in helping in the same situations. I've gotten it to where it says "device is corrupt," (which isn't all that uncommon), BUT with the added desperate troubleshooting where I had to wipe/erase, changing partition types, format several partitions, even go about "resizing" the partition to match the "target extraction size" of the Full Factory flash, and even as far as learning to manually flash the various system partitions and that there are two (system_a & system_b) but, in Google's infinite wisdom(?), one flashes to system_a and the other to system_other!!! And I haven't even started on reading others' issues when going after the Slot A and Slot B complications -- I didn't even attempt to touch this in that troubleshooting story.
My point is: I think I've broken my device farther than most people and got it so close to the brink, and yet I was able to bring it back and am still using that same device today (most people would usually, at that point, go and get a RMA replacement). Honestly, as long as you have access to Bootloader Mode (which Google, in their infinite wisdom, seems to have placed it in the main board memory or separate memory rather than storage as to make it always accessible which makes it hard to "lose"), you have a really good (seemingly perfect) "safety net" in which you can always flash back to a working, stock state -- which is why it's the best policy to just make good backups before experimenting so, if anything, you get back to this state and restore all your data. I'm not trying to convince you to root or to try custom ROMs or anything -- even though there are many great reasons and capabilities of rooting -- I am simply appealingl to your sense of curiosity and reassure you so you aren't held back and you don't restrict and limit yourself if you don't want to, but are to fearful to experiment.
I hope you don't take this post as "lecturing" or anything, just some thoughts I hope you consider...
Glad it worked out in the end for you!

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