CyanogenMod Drops ROM Manager In Favor of OTA Updates

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CyanogenMod Drops ROM Manager In Favor of OTA Updates

Posted by timothy on Sunday September 30, 2012 @10:49AM from the sure-beats-at&t-for-my-phone-then dept.

sfcrazy writes "There's some great news for CyanogenMod fans. The CM team has decided to drop ROM manager, which was the de facto standard of getting CyanogenMod updates." Instead, the CM team is building its own updating method, explained (with screenshots) at Android Police.

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great for trying but not for using by Anonymous Coward · 2012-09-30 10:54 · Score: 1

Glad they've moved towards a cleaner ota approach. I love RM as much as the next guy but if I find a ROM I want to use for a long time I don't want to use RM just to update it.
1. Re:great for trying but not for using by Anonymous Coward · 2012-09-30 16:00 · Score: 0
  
  ROM Manager is nice because it offers a repository of different ROMs, something OTA updates cannot do. I just hope CM9/10 will still use CWM to do the actual flashing. Hate to end up soft bricking my phone because it was only fake flashed.
jargon decoding by Trepidity · 2012-09-30 11:02 · Score: 5, Informative

For those who were as confused as I was:
CyanogenMod is a community-maintained, enhanced version of Android, which you can replace the regular Android operating system on tablet and smartphones with, by flashing the ROM.
ROM Manager is an app for, well, managing Android ROMs. Until now, CyanogenMod has relied on it for installation and updates. However, it is 3rd party and not open-source.
OTA, contrary to the implication, is not a CyanogenMod-specific technology, but a general way of manufacturers pushing updates to their smartphone/tablet ROMs. See here.
CyanogenMod will now be using OTA updates to update its ROMs, so it should look to users more like a "regular" phone, which updates itself through the normal mechanism, instead of relying on this third-party ROM manager. (At least, that's my attempted decoding of this story; corrections welcome.)

--
10 PRINT CHR$(205.5+RND(1)); : GOTO 10
1. Re:jargon decoding by vux984 · 2012-09-30 12:29 · Score: 1, Informative
  
  CyanogenMod is a community-maintained, enhanced version of Android, which you can replace the regular Android operating system on tablet and smartphones with, by flashing the ROM.
  Given how things like cameras and stuff frequently don't work, im not sure i'd choose the adjective "enhanced"; i'd go with "alternate". I know lots of people who run the stock android because the so-called "enhanced one" is more trouble than they feel its worth; including me.
2. Re:jargon decoding by Calos · 2012-09-30 13:02 · Score: 4, Informative
  
  The trouble with CM or any AOSP (Android Open-Source Project - the code that is released publically) based ROM is that they don't have access to the binary blobs they need to make all of the hardware work, unless the companies upstream play along. This is why cameras frequently struggle. I don't know how much of this comes down to the phone manufacturer or the manufacturer of the specific part.
  If it's something you care about, you know that going in and choose accordingly. As far as I know HTC tries to play ball; Samsung doesn't do bad; Motorola tries to make everyone's life hell. That isn't only driver support (or lack thereof), but locking down the bootloader and that kind of thing to specifically try to stop third party installs. HTC last I knew even had a "developer" program - all you had to do was sign up, give them some serial numbers and they emailed you a key to unlock everything.
  If you need to be sure - buy one of the Google-branded models, the Nexus series. Made to be easily modded, necessary code and everything released. As such, they usually have the best and longest-lasting support from developers.
  
  --
  I vote based on politicians' actions, unless contrary to my preconceptions. Often wrong, never uncertain. #iamthe99%
3. Re:jargon decoding by jgoshorn · 2012-09-30 13:10 · Score: 2
  
  If the camera isn't working in Cyanogenmod then it likely does not work in "stock." The camera issue is nearly always the result of proprietary drivers which are not available and have to be ported from somewhere else or otherwise created by the devs. From my personal experience Cyanogenmod does an excellent job. I am typing this on a G-Tablet running Cyanogenmod 7.2 and everything works, including the camera. Same with my Droid X. And yes, CM 7 is very much enhanced compared to the "stock " ROM that comes on the devices. If you are referring to the actual stock Android directly from Google then I will have to defer to you on that.
4. Re:jargon decoding by mrmeval · 2012-09-30 13:15 · Score: 0
  
  They've abandoned Samscum Vibrant since Samscum won't release or can't release the radio source or even the specifications and due to that 911 won't work with Gingerbread or later. Samscum also uses their own proprietary processor they won't release open hardware specifications on, to get the good stuff requires an NDA.
  So the poor compatibility cannot be laid at Cyanogen's feet alone, look at the phone vendor for some blame.
  
  --
  I'd go on a Vegan diet but the delivery time from Vega is too long. --brownkitty
5. Re:jargon decoding by aaron552 · 2012-09-30 13:57 · Score: 3, Insightful
  
  Samsung doesn't do bad
  You've obviously never tried to write wrappers for exynos blobs. The exynos chipsets and/or binary blobs are a nightmare to work with, and the main reason why the GS2 (and probably S3) have so many problems with CM. When it's not a Samsung-designed SoC (eg. OMAP or Snapdragon), it's a lot nicer. Sure, it's fairly easy to get a custom OS running on an exynos chipset, but getting it running well is... well...
  
  --
  I had a sig once. It was lost in the great storm of '09.
6. Re:jargon decoding by Calos · 2012-09-30 14:21 · Score: 1
  
  You're correct, I never have. That doesn't change my point, though. At least you have the blob to work with, that's better than some, but obviously not ideal.
  Maybe that was a consideration in the OMAP being placed in the Samsung Nexus.
  
  --
  I vote based on politicians' actions, unless contrary to my preconceptions. Often wrong, never uncertain. #iamthe99%
7. Re:jargon decoding by jazzmans · 2012-09-30 18:32 · Score: 1
  
  All I know is my galaxy s II (I777) runs excellent on Cyanogenmod 9 stable. I have no force crashes, and AFAIK, there is nothing I'm missing from stock.
  If they ever release a RC for 10, I'll upgrade, because there are a number of (mostly little) things JB does better then ICS, but as it stands, my phone is faster, better battery, and does everything the stock rom did, without all that bloatcrap.
  (Aside) Come on, Samsung, give us a pure android experience, not cluttered with a buch of shit. You build GREAT phones, build a GREAT OS.
  jaz
  
  --
  Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans. No-one sees motorcycles
8. Re:jargon decoding by arkhan_jg · 2012-09-30 18:47 · Score: 3, Informative
  
  Pretty close at the jargon. Few extra points though.
  Cyanongen mod is based upon the android open source project (AOSP) that google keeps up to date with the current android source code. They take that, add a few extra features - like themes, and notification widgets - and compile it for a number of different devices. They're obviously constrained for closed source binary blob drivers though, especially if they're based upon a newer version of android (with a newer kernel version) than officially released for the device. Cameras and nvidia chips tend to be especially bad.
  ROM manager is based around recovery mode; i.e. your android phones built in underlying method for flashing official ROMs. As part of rooting the phone (gaining root is gaining full control), this is usually replaced with a custom recovery tool like clockwork mod, with more options - and also lets you flash unofficial, unsigned roms.
  So previously with cyanogenmod to update, you'd go to the website, download the latest copy of the rom (on your pc, probably), copy it to the phone internal storage, run rom manager which would then reboot into recovery mode and flash the new rom; or you'd go into recovery mode manually and install the updated rom you'd downloaded. For nightlies, you'd be doing this daily! Which kinda sucks.
  One of my devices (nexus 7) I've been running paranoid android, a hybrid tablet rom - it's based upon cyanogenmod, but does extra stuff such as putting in the full tablet interface if you want, and allowing direct res control of individual apps. Anyway, it includes OTA (over the air) updates via goo.im. Basically, it pops up a notifier that there's a new version. You select that, download the new rom as prompted direct to the device (or later, via the goo.im manager if you don't want to update now), then you select to update it via the recovery mode automatically; it goes in, flashes the rom, and off you go, you're updated.
  The new cyanogenmod OTA updater looks like it will work much the same; you tell it what updates you want (nightlies, stable), how often to check. You then forgetz about it. When a new version comes up you'll get a notification, you pull the update down directly, do an optional backup and install the rom without having to manually copy it to your phone,
  It doesn't sound like much, but it significantly streamlines installing updates to your ROM and saves a fair bit of time poking around in clockwork mod recovery mode. Cyanogenmod by its very nature does a lot of updates for fixes, especially in the early life part of a new rom, i.e. all the jelly bean roms at the moment while bugs, drivers, features etc are sorted out.
  
  --
  Remember kids, it's all fun and games until someone commits wholesale galactic genocide.
9. Re:jargon decoding by Anonymous Coward · 2012-09-30 23:43 · Score: 0
  
  MHL does not work on CM.
10. Re:jargon decoding by aaron552 · 2012-10-01 00:32 · Score: 1
  
  This, also the RIL randomly dies (no signal, or mobile data disconnects), the compass is broken on some phones (although not the I777, I think) and a handful of other small things.
  
  --
  I had a sig once. It was lost in the great storm of '09.
11. Re:jargon decoding by dave420 · 2012-10-01 01:02 · Score: 1
  
  If you have a popular phone, you will not have problems with the camera on stable releases. If you run a nightly, alpha, or beta, then you're on your own.
12. Re:jargon decoding by cpicon92 · 2012-10-01 02:18 · Score: 1
  
  I thought I might mention, Sony does particularly nicely with bootloader unlocking. They have a website with instructions and everything.
  The only downside (for people who get their phones from carriers) is that they allow the carriers to prevent their instructions from working.
13. Re:jargon decoding by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-01 05:07 · Score: 0
  
  I have a Nexus S. I've yet to find a stable third-party Android 4.0+ ROM. CM9 crashes frequently and just ends up being a massive exercise in frustration. If it's not the whole OS rebooting itself, it's apps crashing all over the place.
Better Android by busyqth · 2012-09-30 11:11 · Score: 1

Why not just have the CM team be the official Android release team? That way Android users would always get the best new software without having to worry about carrier interference.
1. Re:Better Android by Anonymous Coward · 2012-09-30 11:25 · Score: 1
  
  I love CM and couldn't live without it, but the rigor the roms are subjected to for any given device isn't anywhere near what they are for the carrier-manufacturer supplied roms.
  Yes, I absolutely hate that AT&T does things like put a paid, read-only entry for Yellow Pages at the top of my contacts for my Galaxy S2, but the battery on the device doesn't run down after three hours like it does with CM. There are trade-offs.
2. Re:Better Android by s_p_oneil · 2012-09-30 11:26 · Score: 4, Insightful
  
  I don't know. I never had a working camera app with CM. It would take anywhere from 0 to 3 pictures before forcing me to reboot the phone, and when I tried to take video, the visual quality was so bad that you couldn't recognize the people in the videos. That kind of killed one of the major benefits of having a smartphone for me.
  Maybe they've improved it since then, but the last thread I read on the subject (maybe 6-12 months back) was "Well, the camera still doesn't work, but..." Needless to say, when I upgraded my phone, I chose NOT to install CM.
3. Re:Better Android by JackieBrown · 2012-09-30 11:37 · Score: 2
  
  My camera works great with my Evo 4g. In fact, everything but 720p video record works great with CM 7.2.
  I have never enjoyed a phone as much as I have enjoyed this one and CM is one of the main reasons. I wish the prices of these phones would drop (consdering their age) so I could get my wife one.
  The fact that so many of roms use it as a base is great as well. I only wish that less people would use icecream sandwhich as a base since that one lacks 4g and video playback for netflix (but I get the appeal of using it if these things don't matter - I am sure there are people who can't live without 720p video record.)
  I am currently using MokeeOS SharkBoy Edition.
  http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1779534
4. Re:Better Android by Anonymous Coward · 2012-09-30 11:38 · Score: 0, Informative
  
  AT&T does things like put a paid, read-only entry for Yellow Pages at the top of my contacts for my Galaxy S2
  
  Aha! I see what all the extra screen space is for... spamming the end user and using up their data allowances with ads.
5. Re:Better Android by busyqth · 2012-09-30 11:50 · Score: 2
  
  I don't know. I never had a working camera app with CM. It would take anywhere from 0 to 3 pictures before forcing me to reboot the phone, and when I tried to take video, the visual quality was so bad that you couldn't recognize the people in the videos. That kind of killed one of the major benefits of having a smartphone for me.
  Maybe they've improved it since then, but the last thread I read on the subject (maybe 6-12 months back) was "Well, the camera still doesn't work, but..." Needless to say, when I upgraded my phone, I chose NOT to install CM.
  I choose to disregard your post, because every time some journalist or blogger writes about how great the latest iPhone is, the quick responses of legions of android fans claiming that the Android phone du jour kicks the iPhone's ass (if running CyanogenMod), is the only thing that allows me to maintain my world view, in which my personal self-esteem depends mostly on the perceived superiority of Android to iOS.
  
  If I allow myself to believe that you are anything other than a paid shill for Apple, my self-esteem will plummet and I will likely do something extremely rash and ill-advised, like commit suicide, or even worse, switch to iPhone.
6. Re:Better Android by NemosomeN · 2012-09-30 12:00 · Score: 1, Insightful
  
  You can easily screw up your device trying to get CM on it, and on some devices will lose functionality. CM is not for the a lot of people that Android is very popular among (People who pic their phone based on which one looks nicest and is free with an x-year contract). Your auto-mechanic does not need to be getting CM 9 nightlies pushed to his phone.
  
  --
  I hate grammar Nazi's.
7. Re:Better Android by exomondo · 2012-09-30 12:06 · Score: 1
  
  Why not just have the CM team be the official Android release team? That way Android users would always get the best new software without having to worry about carrier interference.
  I agree, but Google controls access to Android up until at least the first devices start shipping (obviously in the case of Honeycomb it was far later) - at this point their OHA member partners have been building and testing devices on the latest OS through the development process and are privy to the implementation and feature details (for example things like NFC). Having OEMs launch with CM is a great idea in theory but they would only be able to start developing/testing after OHA members have started shipping.
8. Re:Better Android by fast+turtle · 2012-09-30 12:09 · Score: 1
  
  Nah!! Worse would be switching to WP8 and finding that "It Just Works"
  
  --
  Mod me up/Mod me down: I wont frown as I've no crown
9. Re:Better Android by jazzmans · 2012-09-30 12:10 · Score: 2
  
  Awesome!
  Can't wait for this.
  I run Cyanogenmod 9 on my Galaxy S II, everything works great, and battery life is excellent.
  I run 10 on my Transformer TF 300, it works well, a little bit buggy.
  I run 7 on my HTC Inspire, works fine.
  Cyanogenmod is the ONLY way to run android, IMO.
  But then again, I'm a linux user on desktops.
  jaz
  
  --
  Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans. No-one sees motorcycles
10. Re:Better Android by puto · 2012-09-30 12:27 · Score: 4, Interesting
  
  Really, i am an escalation manager for ATT in a call center for ATT. My last few weeks since the Iphone 5 release has been about whiney bitches complaining that their phone does not have good battery life or connection to the network. God forbid Apple lied about a shoddy product. Yet I rarely get a call from a CM user bitching...
  
  --
  The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
11. Re:Better Android by busyqth · 2012-09-30 12:38 · Score: 2
  
  Interestingly enough, it works great on the females in the clubs.
12. Re:Better Android by NemosomeN · 2012-09-30 12:54 · Score: 5, Insightful
  
  That's because stupid people don't put CM on their phones. Stupid people do, however, buy iPhones.
  
  --
  I hate grammar Nazi's.
13. Re:Better Android by Anonymous Coward · 2012-09-30 12:55 · Score: 3, Insightful
  
  Is that a nightly, alpha, beta or final? Did they list camera app not working in the release notes? If any of the answers is yes, than I have no sympathy for you.
  CM does not necessary guarantee that everything will work. Also, depending on the popularity of any device among the developers, some of them do get left behind, while some are not picked up, and some devices are just awesome with CM.
  >I chose NOT to install CM.
  Congratulations: Now you know you have a choice.
14. Re:Better Android by Calos · 2012-09-30 13:18 · Score: 4, Informative
  
  That's not fair. I know plenty of smart people with iPhones, and a quick look at forums will show you many people in far over their head trying to root and install ROMs.
  But it's very apparent that what you do rooting etc. is not officially supported, and more than clear that official lines of support are useless if you have issues. Now, if people were calling AT&T to complain about their jailbreaking gone wrong or something, that would be different.
  
  --
  I vote based on politicians' actions, unless contrary to my preconceptions. Often wrong, never uncertain. #iamthe99%
15. Re:Better Android by Calos · 2012-09-30 13:22 · Score: 2
  
  More than likely it's not a "bug" of CM per se, it's just that they don't have the proprietary bits they need to make it work. The code for the OS is mostly open source, drivers depend on the manufacturers.
  It doesn't make it okay, of course, but not all phones are that way. You need to do a little research before you buy (or get a Nexus).
  
  --
  I vote based on politicians' actions, unless contrary to my preconceptions. Often wrong, never uncertain. #iamthe99%
16. Re:Better Android by jazzmans · 2012-09-30 13:38 · Score: 2, Informative
  
  No, dipshit anonymous coward, It means I'm willing to put up with a bit more configuration/troubles then the usual user if I perceive an improved user experience.
  
  --
  Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans. No-one sees motorcycles
17. Re:Better Android by puto · 2012-09-30 13:42 · Score: 2
  
  i actually get tons of people who try to jail break their phones and end up bricking it. And they are clueless on how to fix it. and they expect ATT or Apple to fix it. Not to mention the large amount of users who went to IOS6 and their phones bricked...
  
  --
  The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
18. Re:Better Android by gmhowell · 2012-09-30 13:51 · Score: 5, Informative
  
  That's because stupid people don't put CM on their phones. Stupid people do, however, buy iPhones.
  They also know to lie to the CSR about what they did when there is a problem.
  
  --
  Jesus was all right but his disciples were thick and ordinary. -John Lennon
19. Re:Better Android by webmistressrachel · 2012-09-30 13:54 · Score: 1
  
  "people in far over their head".
  Those are trolls. The same people who post the thousandth comment on a torrent thread asking if it haz viruz, duh? On a torrent seeded by thousands whose ISO image checksums (Yes, I like windiff...) the same as the retail...
  I've flashed dozens of phones, going as far back as Symbian, even, for example, just enable SIM Menus on a carrier-WinMo or whatever. Guess what? Zero bricks, and I'm hardly an expert, just a user.
  
  --
  This tagline was transcoded to result in at least one smirk. If you experience failure to smirk, please consult your Gen
20. Re:Better Android by Anonymous Coward · 2012-09-30 14:02 · Score: 3, Insightful
  
  If you've "flashed dozens of phones" than you're heads and tails above the average smartphone user. Sorry, not everyone is a geek. 99.99% of the people out there who own smartphones would have no clue to even understand where to begin to flash a phone. Hell, they probably don't even know what the term means.
  
  As far as trolls? No, there are people who've heard of flashing from G4tv or some random podcast and think it's the thing to do. The number of geek wanna-bes is astounding. Real geeks are definitely outnumbered in this case. Why is it that anyone who is clueless about anything the majority of Slashdotters consider hip but who is interested is a troll?
  
  Next you'll be telling us that anyone who's had a positive experience with Windows 8 is a shill. That kind of bullshit has played out. Move on.
21. Re:Better Android by stephanruby · 2012-09-30 14:20 · Score: 2
  
  You can easily screw up your device trying to get CM on it...
  Hopefully, you'll have made a backup of your original image before doing that.
  In my case however, I've actually saved my device from sending it back for warranty repairs because I actually had it rooted.
  
  ...and on some devices will lose functionality.
  
  Yes, but that's usually not a problem. Once you've rooted your device and installed one ROM, trying different ROMs is super trivial.
  CM may not be the ROM for you, for instance it wasn't the ROM for me, so I just moved on until I found a ROM that had all the functionality I desired and all the wrinkles ironed out. Of course, the availability of good ROMs for your device will depend on the popularity of your phone model, and its first initial public release date.
  If your device just came out, like the iPhone 5 for instance, you may have to wait a couple of weeks before you'll find the right customized Android ROM for it. So please be patient.
22. Re:Better Android by Anonymous Coward · 2012-09-30 14:22 · Score: 2, Funny
  
  Wrong slogan: "Have you tried it yet?"
23. Re:Better Android by tapspace · 2012-09-30 15:04 · Score: 1
  
  It is nigh impossible to brick your phone in an attempted jailbreak. There was an unlock solution a while back that would brick your phone if it was not compatible, but there were warnings everywhere on the jailbreak sites.
24. Re:Better Android by Anonymous Coward · 2012-09-30 15:07 · Score: 1
  
  i actually get tons of people who try to jail break their phones and end up bricking it. And they are clueless on how to fix it. and they expect ATT or Apple to fix it.
  Not to mention the large amount of users who went to IOS6 and their phones bricked...
  A black screen, failure to boot is not a brick.
  You can still force update firmware, even if the phone doesnt boot.
  Get a clue, read the FAQs.
25. Re:Better Android by Anonymous Coward · 2012-09-30 16:10 · Score: 0
  
  "My last few weeks since the Iphone 5 release has been about whiney bitches complaining that their phone does not have good battery life or connection to the network. God forbid Apple lied about a shoddy product. Yet I rarely get a call from a CM user bitching..."
  Serious? Really? A phone that sold 5 million the first weekend it was released generates more support calls than an utterly minuscule and irrelevant demographic of geeks who go DIY phone? No fucking kidding mate No. Fucking. Kidding...
26. Re:Better Android by MobileTatsu-NJG · 2012-09-30 16:43 · Score: 1
  
  Really, i am an escalation manager for ATT in a call center for ATT. My last few weeks since the Iphone 5 release has been about whiney bitches complaining that their phone does not have good battery life or connection to the network. God forbid Apple lied about a shoddy product. Yet I rarely get a call from a CM user bitching...
  You get a lot more complaints by people using a phone that has sold in the millions than you do from a small group of people who bought phones then hacked a different ROM onto them? Well there's a +5 Interesting post if I ever saw one.
  
  --
  
  "I like to lick butts!" by MobileTatsu-NJG (#32700246) (Score:5, Informative)
27. Re:Better Android by MobileTatsu-NJG · 2012-09-30 16:50 · Score: 2
  
  A black screen, failure to boot is not a brick.
  You can still force update firmware, even if the phone doesnt boot.
  Get a clue, read the FAQs.
  You're asking an awful lot of an AT&T CSR.
  
  --
  
  "I like to lick butts!" by MobileTatsu-NJG (#32700246) (Score:5, Informative)
28. Re:Better Android by FoolishOwl · 2012-09-30 17:07 · Score: 1
  
  Or, "Have you ever seen one?"
29. Re:Better Android by sumdumass · 2012-09-30 17:56 · Score: 1
  
  I wouldn't say I was over my head but when I tried to root my phone on more then one occasion, it didn't work. The biggest problem is that the forum posts are not organized with what is current in most cases and you find out after reading post 205 that the particular how to or way to root had been fubar'd by a provider update.
  My real problems with this happened when the service provider pushed an update that broke the phone and I had to get it unstuck from a slash screen. It took roughly 2 days to find what would actually work by digging into the forums and weeding through all the garbage.
  So I'm just saying, I think the large problem is forum organization- service providers pushing updates- and perhaps frustrated users. All of which can make any particular user appear to be a troll, or in over their head. But from providing tech support in a linux channel through IRC years ago, I do know a lot of people will try all kinds of weird shit to talk someone into fixing their problem for them and there are a lot of people who will do anything to avoid reading and learning about something..
  (*note, I've been to numerous forums and they all suffer the disorganization issues which may be unavoidable when things change so rapidly.).
30. Re:Better Android by Anonymous Coward · 2012-09-30 18:36 · Score: 1
  
  My camera works great with my Evo 4g. In fact, everything but 720p video record works great with CM 7.2.
  Well then it doesn't fucking work "great".
31. Re:Better Android by Anonymous Coward · 2012-09-30 19:04 · Score: 0
  
  Interestingly enough, it works great on the females in the clubs.
  So does the T-Qualizer Shirt or any similar T-shirt, try wearing one of those and you can pick and choose.
32. Re:Better Android by Anonymous Coward · 2012-09-30 19:36 · Score: 0
  
  How the fuck did this comment get Score:5, Insightful. Shame on you admins
33. Re:Better Android by Anonymous Coward · 2012-09-30 19:40 · Score: 0
  
  Open Handset Alliance is responsible for OSAP (Vanilla Android, without any third party applications or modifications) what is official Android. Every OHA member has access to Android source code when in development and can vote for features and send patches for vote. Google offers own third party applications for Android (GMail, Google Play, Google Maps, etc) and leads the OHA project (but does not dictate what gets added, only that co-work is done).
  Google is pushing Android to direction where OEM or Carrier isn't allowed to lock Android system parts, but every custom modification is standalone and separated from Android so user could get Android updates separately without Carrier or OEM blocking it.
  Now if you want to get a good handset, you need to choose carrier and OEM what gives you updates. It isn't blame of Android, but blame of freedom and free markets where every market player can make what they want. Google tries now to bring regulations to gamefield (what is huge political mission) where customers would be free from DRM, Binary Blob drivers etc locking technics without releasing them separately from Android so people could install binary blobs and update Android.
  CM team does great work, but far from perfect.
  If you want good handset, then choose carefully your carrier and your phone manufacturer. There are many what brings updates quickly and older devices.
  But example America is country where freedom isn't accepted and locking and censorship is enforced very widely, without even citizens recognizing it because they are too busy to hunt non-existing terrorists or watching stupid TV-shows or other entertainment.
34. Re:Better Android by TheRaven64 · 2012-09-30 19:58 · Score: 1
  
  Given the difficulty of installing CM, I'd imagine that most people who do are well aware of the fact that they do so at their own risk and shouldn't complain to their network service provider if it doesn't work. Oh, and there are several orders of magnitude more iPhone 5 users than CM users, so even if they complained at the same rate it would be very easy for you not to hear from any of the latter.
  
  --
  I am TheRaven on Soylent News
35. Re:Better Android by Luckyo · 2012-09-30 20:26 · Score: 1
  
  The answer to that one is "not really" at the moment. At least at presentations. "Thou shall not touch the phone!"
36. Re:Better Android by thegarbz · 2012-09-30 20:29 · Score: 1
  
  Depends on the model of phone. Samsung Galaxy S had no camera problems in CM7, 9 or even the current beta 10.
37. Re:Better Android by lord_rob+the+only+on · 2012-09-30 21:13 · Score: 2
  
  Well, if you were on chans like #cyanogenmod or #revolutionary on freenode, you'd see a lot of n00bs comments like "I've screwed my phone trying to root it".
  I'd rather say stupid people don't manage to install CM on their phones.
  I suppose it's stupid to say that here on /. but you have to be very careful when rooting your phone ... Make frequent backups in case it goes wrong ... and above all think twice before doing *anything*
38. Re:Better Android by Anonymous Coward · 2012-09-30 22:12 · Score: 0
  
  Feel free to apply the same effort to spelling, as it will dramatically increase our perceived reading experience.
39. Re:Better Android by supercrisp · 2012-09-30 23:49 · Score: 1
  
  Read the parent post more carefully. "Stupid people buy iPhones" does not say "Smart people don't buy iPhones."
40. Re:Better Android by JackieBrown · 2012-09-30 23:53 · Score: 1
  
  The biggest problem is that the forum posts are not organized with what is current in most cases and you find out after reading post 205 that the particular how to or way to root had been fubar'd by a provider update.
  And then when you ask a question, someone will complain that you missed post 343 on the previous thread.
  I usually look for how to guides that are out side a forum (or forum posts that are less than a week old) when it comes to root my devices. After that's done, then I go through all the forums for roms and tools that are useful.
41. Re:Better Android by Man+Eating+Duck · 2012-10-01 00:21 · Score: 1
  
  ... but the battery on the device doesn't run down after three hours like it does with CM. There are trade-offs.
  You might give SetCPU a try, for a couple of bucks it's great value. It gives me about triple the battery capacity. I am on an oldish phone, though (HTC Desire), newer Android versions might have this feature on stock FW. In any case it's a no-brainer to underclock when you don't use the phone.
  
  --
  Are you a grammar Nazi? I'm trying to improve my English; please correct my errors! :)
42. Re:Better Android by Stalks · 2012-10-01 01:07 · Score: 1
  
  FUD.
  Galaxy S2, CyanagonMod 9.1.0, Over 48 hours battery life. I usually plug it in overnight and it'll be >50%
43. Re:Better Android by s_p_oneil · 2012-10-01 01:44 · Score: 1
  
  Oh, I agree 100%. I'm just pointing out that the grass isn't always greener on the CM side. CM definitely improved battery life for me, let me get rid of the crap-ware, and gave me more control, but the lack of a camera still killed it on that specific phone.
  I go for the cheaper no-contract phones because I'm not willing to pay $40+ a month for phone service I rarely use/need. So I go for the $200 no-contract phones (recently picked up the Exhibit 2 for $180) and I pay $10 every 90 days for 30 minutes of cell time, and I only use it for emergencies (including minor ones, like when the wife changes her plans and needs me to pick up the kids). I think the only time I needed to recharge the minutes before the 90-day period was up was when the car broke down and the tow truck driver had a hard time finding me (he called my cell about 10 times while driving around looking for me).
  If that means I need to avoid CM because the devs spend more time perfecting the more expensive phones, for $3.33/month it's something I can live with. ;-)
44. Re:Better Android by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-01 02:18 · Score: 0
  
  Really, i am an escalation manager for ATT in a call center for ATT.
  That's not a favorable statement towards your qualifications to judge phone problems or how to resolve them.
45. Re:Better Android by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-01 02:21 · Score: 0
  
  What does one do when their iPhone isn't even recognized from another computer via iTunes? I have several friends with iPhones in that state. They bring them to me fairly regularly, thinking I can do something about it with my linux with no iTunes.
  This is a serious question, btw. I could make a good chunk really quickly off the 20+ "bricked" iPhones if they are salvageable. My googling has lead me to conclulde they are beyond repair (which is what they're Apple care folk say as well.. but sometimes miracles do occur).
46. Re:Better Android by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-01 02:41 · Score: 0
  
  Yes, and the average smartphone user will not be flashing their phones with anything -- the whole point of this thread.
  Considering http://stats.cyanogenmod.com/ only states there are just over a million...
47. Re:Better Android by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-01 02:43 · Score: 0
  
  And then when you ask a question, someone will complain that you missed post 343 on the previous thread.
  so true!
48. Re:Better Android by cyberchondriac · 2012-10-01 05:03 · Score: 1
  
  I wouldn't say I was over my head but when I tried to root my phone on more then one occasion, it didn't work. The biggest problem is that the forum posts are not organized with what is current in most cases and you find out after reading post 205 that the particular how to or way to root had been fubar'd by a provider update.
  (*note, I've been to numerous forums and they all suffer the disorganization issues which may be unavoidable when things change so rapidly.).
  This, so much. On one hand, I don't want to complain about the forums and the developers because I could never have rooted my phone without the info, and I appreciate having the help and info, but OTOH it sure isn't a very straightforward process to find the right information for your particular model of phone, as even the carriers make changes to the base mfg models, then the specific version of Android on top of that.
  Example: At one point I messed my rooted Fascinate up pretty badly trying to upgrade the kernel.. but then, I still had the stock Touch Whiz ROM on it, lol. Even though I'd spent hours and hours reading posts and how to's, it was only afterward I realized I had to install a custom ROM before trying to mod the kernel.. D'oh I thought it was the other way around. I never bricked it though, that seems like it would be hard to do. I got everything back.
  To date, I haven't attempted any other modifications other than rooting it, as that was enough to rid me of the bloatware, but I'm getting itchier and itchier to try cyanogenmod or maybe even just Gee-whiz, for the heck of it.
  
  --
  
  Look back up at my post, now look back down, you're on the Internet. Now look back up. I'm a signature.
49. Re:Better Android by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-01 08:19 · Score: 0
  
  Sounds like it has been fixed. That's good news, but I happen to know it does that with Kindle Fires, too. Their batteries are for shit with CM. Though I'm glad they've worked things out of the S2's. I'll have to see if the kindle is current now.
50. Re:Better Android by webmistressrachel · 2012-10-01 08:54 · Score: 1
  
  Yes, but you're missing the point a little. My first flashing went just as well as my latest one- I've never had a problem. IF something went wrong I'd be just as unlikely to know what to do NOW as I was then, as I said, I'm no flashing expert, just a user!
  These trolls really do do it on purpose, regarding "viruses" or "bricked ma fone" or whatever, they never seem to follow up with logs or discussion threads or anything; I think they're manufacturer personnel spreading FUD or trolls. Goto xda; have a good read, let's see what you think then.
  
  --
  This tagline was transcoded to result in at least one smirk. If you experience failure to smirk, please consult your Gen
51. Re:Better Android by NemosomeN · 2012-10-01 14:21 · Score: 1
  
  I should have stated this better. Buying an iPhone doesn't make you stupid, but stupid people do buy them. Stupid people don't tend to know about or try to install CM. I know plenty of intelligent people who buy iPhones. iPhones appeal to a large demographic, from the less than average to the above average. CyanogenMod does not.
  
  --
  I hate grammar Nazi's.
52. Re:Better Android by NemosomeN · 2012-10-01 14:28 · Score: 1
  
  Read the parent post more carefully. "Stupid people buy iPhones" does not say "Smart people don't buy iPhones."
  I also should have noticed someone clarified my post for me before doing it myself. This is exactly what I meant. The group of people buying iPhones is far more diverse than the group of people flashing CM.
  
  --
  I hate grammar Nazi's.
53. Re:Better Android by NemosomeN · 2012-10-01 16:05 · Score: 1
  
  It also depends on the device you use. On CM9, I lost a lot of functionality and battery life on my phone, but on CM7 I was perfectly happy. On my tablet, I lost my camera. (Who the hell uses a camera on a tablet though?)
  
  --
  I hate grammar Nazi's.
54. Re:Better Android by jez9999 · 2012-10-02 09:06 · Score: 1
  
  >I chose NOT to install CM.
  Congratulations: Now you know you have a choice.
  Oh, don't be so heartless. He didn't get his money back from Cyanogenmod, did he?
  
  --
  == Jez ==
  Do you miss Firefox? Try Pale Moon.
Summary by Anonymous Coward · 2012-09-30 11:12 · Score: 0

In summary:
* CyanogenMod is open source, but ROM Manager isn't. -> They made their own.
* Moved from push notification (requires Google Apps) to user-defined polling.
You Still Need Thr ROM Manager by AmberBlackCat · 2012-09-30 11:21 · Score: 1, Informative

You'll still need the ROM Manager though, for when you need to put the stock ROM back on the phone for warranty work, or whatever other reason.
1. Re:You Still Need Thr ROM Manager by Anonymous Coward · 2012-09-30 11:25 · Score: 0
  
  You'll still need the ROM Manager though, for when you need to put the stock ROM back on the phone for warranty work, or whatever other reason.
  Rom Manager is still not needed, you can use Odin
2. Re:You Still Need Thr ROM Manager by Anonymous Coward · 2012-09-30 11:34 · Score: 0
  
  Not all android phones are made by Samsung...
3. Re:You Still Need Thr ROM Manager by beano311 · 2012-09-30 12:06 · Score: 5, Informative
  
  That's not true at all. You need a custom recovery, like Clockwork Mod Recovery (same dev as ROM Manager, but not the same thing), Team Win Recovery Project, or 4EXT (etc.), but you don't need to have ROM Manager installed at all to use any of these (they can be flashed from the terminal or ADB). Also, you can revert to stock by placing an update.zip on the root of the SD card and booting into HBOOT on most phones, or by using Odin on Samsung phones as previously mentioned.
4. Re:You Still Need Thr ROM Manager by Erikderzweite · 2012-09-30 12:07 · Score: 1
  
  Did this with fastboot only on my Wildfire. Twice :-)
5. Re:You Still Need Thr ROM Manager by culmor30 · 2012-09-30 12:08 · Score: 1
  
  No, you don't need ROM Manager to do those things. It can automate those tasks for you, but everything it does (aside from downloading new ROMs) can be done manually through your phone's Recovery mode.
A simpler method would be great by SternisheFan · 2012-09-30 12:25 · Score: 1

As a non-supertechie Android user, I sure would welcome a more simplified way to root and install these files. I attempted it a month ago, following instructions laid out on Androidforums for my LG Virgin Mobile phone. Got it right up until the final step when it refused to accept the code that I know I was inputting exactly. Had to give up in frustration, glad it wasn't bricked, though. I'd love to have full control over permissions on my device, and to securely lock it down from any hack attempts. Thanks to /. for this heads up story.
1. Re:A simpler method would be great by busyqth · 2012-09-30 12:32 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  As a non-supertechie Android user, I sure would welcome a more simplified way to root and install these files. I attempted it a month ago, following instructions laid out on Androidforums for my LG Virgin Mobile phone. Got it right up until the final step when it refused to accept the code that I know I was inputting exactly. Had to give up in frustration, glad it wasn't bricked, though. I'd love to have full control over permissions on my device, and to securely lock it down from any hack attempts. Thanks to /. for this heads up story.
  Just disassemble the bootloader starting at breakpoint 0x10C08000 and look for the argument to CLD R0.
  Once you've found that, you only have to patch the configuration file with the new value and reassemble the kernel userspace.
  Then just flash the ROM with the resulting srecord file and you're good to go.
  Anyone can do it.
2. Re:A simpler method would be great by Anonymous Coward · 2012-09-30 12:43 · Score: 2, Funny
  
  I believe you just described how to brick a POS Windows Phone.
3. Re:A simpler method would be great by SternisheFan · 2012-09-30 12:53 · Score: 1
  
  Just disassemble the bootloader starting at breakpoint 0x10C08000 and look for the argument to CLD R0. Once you've found that, you only have to patch the configuration file with the new value and reassemble the kernel userspace. Then just flash the ROM with the resulting srecord file and you're good to go. Anyone can do it.
  Hey, that really helps, I'll start disassemblying my bootloader as soon as I locate my sonic screwdriver. I can't tell you how helpful your advice was.
  Really, I just can't. :-)
4. Re:A simpler method would be great by Calos · 2012-09-30 13:24 · Score: 2
  
  It all depends on the phone you choose, the developer interest, and your level of patience. Some phones are inherently easier, some phones have more developer support to help, and if you wait long enough usually GUI-based "1-click" programs show up, if feasible.
  
  --
  I vote based on politicians' actions, unless contrary to my preconceptions. Often wrong, never uncertain. #iamthe99%
5. Re:A simpler method would be great by SternisheFan · 2012-09-30 13:57 · Score: 1
  
  It all depends on the phone you choose, the developer interest, and your level of patience. Some phones are inherently easier, some phones have more developer support to help, and if you wait long enough usually GUI-based "1-click" programs show up, if feasible.
  I bought the OptimusV, decent little 'starter' smartphone. It has a large following on the android sites. I ran some programs that indicated it's rooted, which I sure didn't do, so I assume that some 'interested in me' party has hacked it. (It's nice 2B loved.) I live with it, for now. But one day...
6. Re:A simpler method would be great by Calos · 2012-09-30 14:10 · Score: 1
  
  Uh, you should really look into that more. At the very least install SuperUser, if you can.
  
  --
  I vote based on politicians' actions, unless contrary to my preconceptions. Often wrong, never uncertain. #iamthe99%
7. Re:A simpler method would be great by SternisheFan · 2012-09-30 14:52 · Score: 1
  
  Uh, you should really look into that more. At the very least install SuperUser, if you can.
  I just re-ran the "X-RAY" apk, it scanned for 7 Wunderbar, Exploid, Ashmem, Zergrush, Gingerbreak, Mempodroid and Levitator. Came up "vulnerable for Zergrush and Gingerbreak. "Bad news! X-Ray has determined that your device is vulnerable to..."
  Question, would Superuser help somehow? I had it on when I was trying to root last month, and removed it after realizing I was blocked from doing Cyan. Like I said, I've been living with knowing somethings up, I don't possess all the knowledge to re-take control. Thanks for any input in advance. SF
8. Re:A simpler method would be great by SternisheFan · 2012-09-30 15:13 · Score: 1
  
  from Macafee: Description Exploit/ZergRush.C is exploit that takes advantage of the vulnerability to gain root. Indication of Infection Sends shell code to a vulnerability module to root the device Methods of Infection This exploit attacks a vulnerability of system. User should apply a security patch and update the system to the latest version. This exploit will be used to gain root privilege by malware. As always, users should never install unknown or un-trusted software. This is especially true for illegal software, such as cracked applications—they are a favourite vector for malware infection" http://home.mcafee.com/virusinfo/virusprofile.aspx?key=1004122
  ummary Exploit:AndroidOS/GingerBreak is a trojan that affects mobile devices running the Android operating system. It drops and executes another trojan detected as Exploit:AndroidOS/CVE-2011-1823, which, if run successfully, gains administrator privileges on the device. http://www.microsoft.com/security/portal/Threat/Encyclopedia/Entry.aspx?Name=Exploit%3AAndroidOS%2FGingerBreak
9. Re:A simpler method would be great by SternisheFan · 2012-09-30 15:31 · Score: 1
  
  Yeah, I've been ignoring this for too long, just did some googling, looks like to take control I'd have to crack my phone, lost my sonic screwdriver thingy, though. :) I've had an interesting year or two, both my garmin gps and a cheap chinese android tablet have been hacked. I have a good idea who's behind it, they actually care about me, and this is a way to 'keep tabs' on me discreetly. Knowing this takes some of the 'suck' factor away. Yep, I won't take up any more /. time on this. My issue. Thanks for the help guys.
10. Re:A simpler method would be great by Calos · 2012-09-30 16:07 · Score: 1
  
  I'm not familiar with the X-RAY app, but it sounds like you are vulnerable, but not necessarily compromised. As I recall, some of those are vulnerabilities in certain (usually older) Android builds. Could be used nefariously, but as far as I know most require ADB access - commandline access over USB from a computer. At least Zerg is, that's the only one I'm sort of familiar with.
  Basically, on phones that are more locked down, sometimes an exploit of the Android platform itself is used to gain temporary root access. It's usually very very finicky root access, and may end if you do the wrong thing, and probably does not last a reboot unless you have something else to exploit once you have temporary root. And that's really all the goal is. Get access to parts of the phone you otherwise wouldn't - system directories, and perhaps a start at the bootloader and other normally write-protected areas. The escalation from temp root to permanent root, and a step towards the ability to flash.
  It's really a dirty dirty hack, and should only be needed in cases where the phone manufacturer has decided not to play ball with the community, or has specifically tried to sabotage attempts at modding.
  At any rate, what I'm getting at is - from what you say the app reports, you may not be exploited. Yes, Superuser should help if you are rooted - it basically acts as permission control for apps trying to get root access. Not that that is a cure-all, because as far as I know it only works on apps (things in the Android system - there is a Linux environment under that). But I expect it will complain that you don't have root access when you try to install it.
  
  --
  I vote based on politicians' actions, unless contrary to my preconceptions. Often wrong, never uncertain. #iamthe99%
11. Re:A simpler method would be great by SternisheFan · 2012-09-30 17:19 · Score: 1
  
  The X-ray app I got directly from their site, not from the.google play store (dumb name, imo). It.s the only app I've used that actually detected anything, and I tried many before it. I'll be boning up on what you've described above this week, trying superuser again (I remember it took another, special app to uninstall S.U.). Worse case scenario, I could always just buy a duplicate phone for less than $100 or upgrade to better, though I like the challenge of figuring this out. I really appreciate your taking the time to help, and you definetly did. You got some mod points coming your way in the future. ;-)
12. Re:A simpler method would be great by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-01 04:38 · Score: 0
  
  Turbo Encabulator...
Is it just for CM9+ ? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-09-30 14:43 · Score: 1

It sounds like it would simplify the update process quite a bit. However, the CM9 builds for my model are too unstable for everyday use, while CM7 is nearly rock-solid. (This may be the reason that the number of CM9 nightly builds far exceeds the number of nightlies for CM7, or maybe they're just slowly killing CM7 off.)
I'd love to see OTA updates as a feature in the earlier versions.
camera often tricky by Chirs · 2012-09-30 16:10 · Score: 1

The camera and microphone are often wonky nonstandard things that need special drivers. The CM team often needs to reverse engineer or hack together shims to get the original binary drivers working, but this is prone to glitches.
Tom manager by Anonymous Coward · 2012-09-30 20:05 · Score: 0

Rom manager
Look and feel needs more work by DrXym · 2012-09-30 20:57 · Score: 1

I installed CM7 recently on an HTC Desire and it works flawlessly. What isn't so good is that the stock android really is pretty shit from a look and feel perspective. The CM7 contains ADWLauncher to control the screens but there is no change that I can see to apps like the dialler, contacts, calls & messages. Compared to HTC Sense it just looks ugly and disjointed. Consequently I have to go off and install 3rd party tools (e.g. Go Contacts Ex) and I end up wasting space in a device which doesn't have space to spare.
I think if Cyanogenmod really wants to make an impression it should consider supplying its own core apps and concentrate on a coherent and integrated experience that has the polish of some of the commercial firmware. Perhaps it's too late for CM7, but going forward I think if CM was desirable rather than the place that old phones go, that it could even come to pass that commercially sold phones actually ship out of the box with CM firmware. Wouldn't that be a turn up for the books?
1. Re:Look and feel needs more work by confusedwiseman · 2012-10-01 00:36 · Score: 1
  
  CM7 I believe to be compatible with DTA2SD, which is something you may wish to research for your phone since this will help free up some memory. I've found CM7 with DTA2SD on my Evo 4g has allowed the phone to remain competitive far longer than the OEM ROM. If you like Go Contacts, why not install the entire Go interface (Launcher, Locker, SMS, Contacts, etc.) over top whatever base you choose? They have done very well at making their interface, and it is fully customizable for you. Android is about user CHOICE. What's nice about things like this, is for people who like consistency, can always install the Go suite on "any" android phone. This is great for parents and non-techy friends too, since there's familiarity in the interface, even it they upgrade their phone.
2. Re:Look and feel needs more work by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-01 02:10 · Score: 0
  
  Compared to HTC Sense it just looks ugly and disjointed.
  Then it's not for you. Run a Sense ROM. Why is this hard?
3. Re:Look and feel needs more work by DrXym · 2012-10-01 02:11 · Score: 1
  
  Thanks I did a brief search on apps 2 SD for CM7 and it said the whole moving apps onto a mounted device was deprecated. I'll look again and see if there is a solution. I already move my apps to SD but with only 128MB it still fills up really quickly.
4. Re:Look and feel needs more work by DrXym · 2012-10-01 03:13 · Score: 1
  
  Because I needed more space obviously. Sense is nice but it wastes a lot of space and has a lot of shit baked in like Facebook which I don't need. There is no reason that a custom ROM should look ugly and no reason that I should feel constrained from saying so in a discussion thread concerning CM.
5. Re:Look and feel needs more work by jez9999 · 2012-10-02 08:36 · Score: 1
  
  I've been using it for months and I think it looks and feels fine. So, go figure.
  
  --
  == Jez ==
  Do you miss Firefox? Try Pale Moon.
oh rom manager by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-01 01:47 · Score: 0

Yeah, when a ROM Manager update dropped a .nomedia file in the root directory on my phone it took me more googling than it should have to figure out what just happened. Was a super annoying bug on their part.
But will CM sync my contacts? by rueger · 2012-10-01 03:01 · Score: 1

Something which Jellybean and ICS refuse to do. Unbelievable that a Google branded phone (Nexus S), refuses to sync the phone contacts with Gmail.

For that matter, does the CM team actually read and act upon bug reports, because the Android team don't seem to.

--
Three Squirrels
1. Re:But will CM sync my contacts? by stor · 2012-10-02 00:15 · Score: 1
  
  This isn't an automated sync, but is how to get the contacts on your device/sim into Gmail/Google:
  http://androidactivist.org/protips/android-tip-moving-contacts-from-simsd-card-to-google-account/
  You need to *move* the contacts. It's not super-intuitive, especially as it's more of a "copy" operation rather than a "move" operation.
  Sorry if you already knew this and it doesn't work for you.
  
  --
  "Yeah well there's a lot of stuff that should be, but isn't"
Polling is dumb by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-01 03:13 · Score: 0

Polling for the availibility of an update is generally a bad idea. There is no need to give your IP, your current Software version and the fact that your Phone is online to any third party every few hours. Just check manually for CM updates or register for a respective newsletter or RSS feed. I always get sick if I wireshark a typical Windows box and see dozens of queries to microsoft, adobe, mozilla, nvidia and lots more.
Be careful of domain squatting by Curupira · 2012-10-01 10:08 · Score: 1

Dear Cyanogenmod developers, Please, PLEASE, be very careful in not letting the "get.cm" domain expire. Otherwise, it will be a real security nightmare.