Root [T-Mobile] ROMs that preserve all the fancy screen gimmicks?

[nyssa]

So I just got my S4 today, and I really like it! I'm especially impressed with some of the screen gimmicks - the eye tracking, the screenshot swipe, covering the screen to mute sound, etc.

I definitely want a ROM, to get rid of the bloatware and whatnot...but the first one I tried (paranoidandroid), while very shiny and pretty, doesn't appear to preserve all the fancy screen gimmicks.

I've researched all of the ROMs but it's frequently unclear whether these features are preserved. The only one I found that explicitly stated it supported the features...was removed from XDA because the dev ripped off a bunch of the code. :/

So, androidforum users - which ROMs should I be considering to preserve as many of these features as possible, while removing as much bloatware as possible?

Alternatively, if I decide to stay stock, what bloatware can I remove?

 

[twistedriku]

well firstly, paranoid android wont preserve the features because it is AOSP (the Google Edition rom is not AOSP, but it still doesnt have the fancy gimmicks of touchwiz) . The features are touchwiz specific. so ROMs that are based off CM10 (AOKP, Paranoid android, PAC rom, Revolt, Avatar, Baked Bean, MIUI, etc) will not have the smart screen features. there are roms on xda that have some if not most of the bloatware already removed. if you want the S-features, you must stay on a stock rom. Deviant Development has pretty much taken over ROM developmemt for the T-mobile S4, and most of their ROMs are tweaked and debloated(this is the term you should be looking for). if there is other apps you want removed, get a file manager that uses root privileges and browse to system/app. but be wary of what the apps are and do. and have a backup of the rom in working condition before you start deleting shit.

 

[Atma]

Take a look at Darthstalker or Wicked. I think they may have what you're looking for.

 

[nyssa]

Thanks for the clarification and suggestions! I'm used to phones that have absolutely terrible stock software, so going "pure" Android was always the way to go. I don't know enough about the various customized versions to know what to look for, so that was very helpful.

Wicked and Darthstalker were on my list of ROMs to try, so I guess I'll switch over to one of those next and see how it goes. Any benefits to one over the other? I've already got the Wicked zip downloaded, but if Darthstalker is somehow better I'm not averse to trying it first...

 

[Atma]

Wicked and Darthstalker were on my list of ROMs to try, so I guess I'll switch over to one of those next and see how it goes. Any benefits to one over the other? I've already got the Wicked zip downloaded, but if Darthstalker is somehow better I'm not averse to trying it first...

They are both similar. Wicked has a few more customizing options. I've been using Darthstalker most of the time. If you want a lean rom without the bells and whistles you could try CyanogenMod 10.1.

 

[nyssa]

They are both similar. Wicked has a few more customizing options. I've been using Darthstalker most of the time. If you want a lean rom without the bells and whistles you could try CyanogenMod 10.1.

I definitely want the various screen features though, and it sounds like CM will have those removed. If it were some other phone, CM would have been my first choice, as that's what I usually use.

 

[jj14x]

I definitely want a ROM, to get rid of the bloatware and whatnot...
...........

Alternatively, if I decide to stay stock, what bloatware can I remove?

You do have the option of rooting, and staying on the stock ROM. That will give you the ability to get rid of bloatware, and still have all the "fancy screen gimmicks"

 

[Cory18]

I too would like a Rom with these features. The stock rooted has what I want but I would like to theme it as well. Like change the icons in the status bar to holo blue. Would the Apollyon/Virgin Theme Rom work? Features and wifi calling/mms?

 

[twistedriku]

I too would like a Rom with these features. The stock rooted has what I want but I would like to theme it as well. Like change the icons in the status bar to holo blue. Would the Apollyon/Virgin Theme Rom work? Features and wifi calling/mms?

Either try the xtheme engine for xposed framework on any stock rom you want, omega rom for i9505, for foxhound rom fpr i9505.