This ROM is very minimalist. I have not added any wallpapers, ringtones, or extraneous apps. Nothing is themed. What it does do is provide you with a minimum baseline to avoid the inherent design flaws with the stock ROM.
Why use a custom ROM?
The phone has very little internal memory. In the stock configuration, the little space that is available quickly gets eaten up by updates to pre-installed apps (which supplement, not replace, the default version). Even if every app you install installs to the SD card, the Dalvik cache files still go to internal storage.
How is this solved?
First, non-essential apps are removed. This includes most of the bloatware like the Tetris, UNO, and Bejeweled 2 demos, and other large apps like Swype and Facebook. I also removed the Google apps that are available on the Android Market (Maps, Street View, Gmail, Voice Search, and Google Search) and replaced the stock Android Market app with the current version (Google Play). The end result is that none of the apps in this ROM are going to prompt for an update (except maybe the Market/Play, but there's no way around that).
Second, the ROM is pre-rooted so apps like Titanium Backup and Link2SD will work immediately.
Third, I've pre-installed Link2SD. This requires the SD card to be prepared (identically to Arhtard's ROM). Once configured, Link2SD stores both the app and its Dalvik cache files on the SD card, which prevents the bloat-death of the phone.
Installation Instructions
Upgrading from a previous release? See UPGRADING below!
Preparing your SD card
Tools you will need:
Either a microSD reader, or a regular SD reader with the microSD adapter that came with your phone. YOU CANNOT USE THE PHONE AS THE CARD READER.
MiniTool Partition Wizard Home Edition (free download here)
The microSD card from your phone.
Use the steps below to prepare your SD card:
BACK UP THE CURRENT CONTENTS OF YOUR SD CARD. The remaining steps will reformat the card and erase all the data.
Insert the microSD card into the reader (via the adapter if necessary). If the Windows AutoPlay window appears, close it with the X. You cannot partition the SD card while it is in the phone. You must use a dedicated card reader with your PC.
Launch MiniTool Partition Wizard.
Identify which volume corresponds with your SD card (the stock card will show a 1.8GB FAT partition).
Right-click the volume and choose "Delete All Partitions" and confirm when prompted.
Right-click in the unallocated space and choose "Create".
Use the settings shown in the screenshow below:
Right-click the volume again and choose "Create partition" again.
You will get a warning that Windows will only recognize the first partition. Ignore the warning.
Right-click the FAT32 partition and choose "Format".
Use these format settings (be careful because it will default to NTFS):
Right-click the ext2 partition and choose "Format", and make sure to choose ext2 for the file system. Be careful because it will default to NTFS.
Click the Apply button (left-most icon in the toolbar) and wait for it to finish.
BACK UP YOUR DATA BECAUSE THIS WILL ERASE EVERYTHING.
Copy update.zip to the root level of the SD card (this means don't put it in a subfolder).
Use the Windows "Safely remove hardware" to eject your SD card.
Put the SD card into your phone and shut down the phone.
Open the keyboard, press and hold the 'T' key, and keep it held down while you power the phone back on. This brings you to the recovery image. If you are upgrading from the previous release, stop here and see "Upgrading?" below.
Use the volume keys to go down to "Erase user data/factory reset" and confirm with the Power button. You'll have to go down past the "cancel"s to get down to the confirmation.
Similarly, clear the cache partition.
Finally, choose "install update.zip" and wait as the phone is flashed.
Wait for the phone to reboot. It will sit on the flashing "SAMSUNG" logo for about a minute. This is completely normal.
When prompted, either enable or disable location services (at your discretion). This should put you at the home screen. Wait for all the other startup stuff to finish.
Configuring Link2SD
Before you start installing applications, set up Link2SD:
Tap Menu > Settings > Applications > Development and enable "USB Debugging"
Tap the Applications icon (blue window in bottom-right) and open Link2SD
Choose "ext2" when prompted for the partition type.
Allow SuperUser to grant root access to Link2SD
Link2SD will tell you the startup script was added. At this point, restart your phone.
Open Link2SD again. Tap Menu > Settings
Enable "Auto Link"
Tap on "Install location" and choose Internal.
Tap the Back button until you're back at the home screen.
You're done!
Next steps:
Launch Play Store (formerly Android Market) and sign into your Google account
Download whichever stock Google apps you want, Facebook, etc.
If you download GMail, you will need to tap Menu > Settings > Accounts and Sync > [your Google account] and enable "Sync Gmail" afterwards.
Upgrading?
If you're upgrading from the previous release, the upgrade process is a lot simpler:
Follow steps 1-5 of the flashing instructions.
But do not erase your data. Just erase the cache partition.
Flash update.zip and wait for the phone to restart.
Link2SD will give you a notification about a "mount error", and apps may be missing from your home screen. don't panic!
Open Link2SD, and tap "Recreate Mount" when prompted.
A note about Link2SD
In the above configuration, apps that install to internal storage will get automatically moved to the SD card and linked by Link2SD. However, if the app installs itself to the SD card, you will need to manually move it to the phone and link it in order to keep it out of your phone's internal memory. The steps for that are below:
Tap Menu > Settings > Applications > Manage applications and tap on the affected app.
Tap "Move to phone"
Launch Link2SD and locate the app in the list, and tap on it.
At the bottom of the screen, tap on "Create link"
Credits
While I dumped the packages in the ROM using my own phone, I couldn't have gotten that far without 3 people:
Arhtard, whose ROM gave me a very good template for how a working ROM should be packaged; and
keith1764, who provided enough information to get me back to the stock firmware after I'd already messed around a bit with Arhtard's ROM.
Lorenz, a blogger that gave me critical details for how to actually sign the update.zip file.
Performance tweaks to /system/build.prop (thanks Arhtard)
Version 1.25:
This version has been re-odexed to improve performance and drastically reduce internal memory footprint. It is otherwise identical to 1.2.
Version 1.2:
Fixed broken Settings app in 1.1 release.
Re-added Google Search (GoogleQuickSearchBox.apk) to fix search button on home screen.
[DOC] Improved instructions for partitioning the SD card, now featuring screenshots!
Version 1.1:
Links to DriveSmart, the Social Networking Key, and the Messenger Key have been removed from the Settings app.
The Web/Search/Mail/Social Network keys on the physical keyboard have been remapped to arrow keys (up/down/left/right respectively).
The ROM has been completely deodexed in anticipation of being able to make other changes (finding other hard links, etc).
Re-added notiSlider.apk and Gallery3d.apk because these are stock apps and removing notiSlider causes a FC when trying to change notification settings.
Known Issues
As of the 1.2 release, I've resolved the main issues. I think. If anyone finds a hardcoded reference to a stock app that causes a FC when you tap it, please report it here or by PM.
Last edited by gblues; May 24th, 2012 at 01:26 AM.
After a few false starts, I noticed that Samsung has the sourcecode posted at http://opensource.samsung.com/ and I am downloading now. I'm hoping for something useful...
After inspecting the Samsung download, it looks like it's basically a collection of the files that Samsung modified from the stock Froyo source. I have set up a build environment and unpacked the Samsung files, as well as the stock Froyo source. The next step is to do a recursive diff between the two and see if I can successfully rebuild the stock image from source code. Then, I can start looking for the hard links.
So, I've run a comparison. It looks like the posted source doesn't include the customizations made by Samsung to any of the stock FroYo apps. I have a request in to Samsung for the code, but I'm not holding my breath.
Wish I could help. That is just a little over my head.
Did you ask Arhtard for any help or pointers? He seems like a decent person.
I haven't spoken with Arhtard at all, although I imagine he's done a lot of the same work I'm doing. I'm doing it mainly for the learning experience, so I don't mind figuring it out on my own.
I've got an updated version uploading now. Gonna be editing the OP here fairly soon. Stay posted!
What's new:
- Settings app has been updated to remove DriveSmart and the social networking/messenger button settings.
- email/social network/web/search buttons remapped to arrow keys.
- ROM is now completely deodexed, mainly to save me time if/when I need to make further changes to the apps.
- re-added a couple items (notiSlider.apk and Gallery3D) because they are stock apps (wouldn't have called Gallery3d if I hadn't seen it in the FroYo source).
I could use some help. I followed the instructions, and while the ROM loaded, I can't access the settings. If I hit the settings button, nothing happens. If an application (such as link2sd) tries to access settings, I get a "could not launch" message. Thoughts?
I could use some help. I followed the instructions, and while the ROM loaded, I can't access the settings. If I hit the settings button, nothing happens. If an application (such as link2sd) tries to access settings, I get a "could not launch" message. Thoughts?
Can you see if the same thing happens with the 1.0 release? Thanks!
I could use some help. I followed the instructions, and while the ROM loaded, I can't access the settings. If I hit the settings button, nothing happens. If an application (such as link2sd) tries to access settings, I get a "could not launch" message. Thoughts?
You mean I have to do this whole thing again? From the beginning? Repartition and everything? And would this be "updating" from my 1.1 version? Can you "up" date to an older thing? Hmm.
Last edited by kris10yager; April 14th, 2012 at 12:42 AM.
You mean I have to do this whole thing again? From the beginning? Repartition and everything? And would this be "updating" from my 1.1 version? Can you "up" date to an older thing? Hmm.
Well, I went ahead and did everything again, installing version 1.0 as if it were new, not an update, and I did this twice, in fact, and both times, the phone now fails to recognize the SIM card. Any thoughts?
Big shock there...something not working. I partitioned and formatted the card according to the instructions, and lo and behold, my phone tells me the card is damaged and has to be formatted in the phone, which erases the partition. If you have a Virtual Connection, you want to do this for me? Maybe it'll work for you, because it sure as bloody hell isn't working from my end. By the way, your verbatim for the program included for Partitioning in Windows is inaccurate. There is no "Clear" only "Wipe".
Yeah... and on the Windows side, when using the program mentioned after completing everything, the system screws up and shows only ONE partition. Looks like someone needs to keep there information up to date.
I'll figure it out, and when I do, I'll pick up the ball that you obviously dropped and don't give a rat's butt that you dropped. Way to go.
No need to be hostile. I don't work for this site or for Samsung, and I do this as a volunteer. I didn't take the time to get fancy with screenshots because I was in a rush. I'm sorry they weren't specific enough for you to follow.
Based on the error, I suspect you either failed to format the partitions after creating them, or created them in the wrong order. Also, make sure you are accessing the sd carrd directly and not through the phone, because partitioning the sd card while it is in the phone is impossible.
However, all of these things are covered in the instructions, so I will review them when I get home to make sure I didn't miss something.
OK, so I reviewed my instructions and.. yeah. That's what I get for working from memory. My apologies to anyone else who had trouble and didn't post a reply. I took lots of screen shots so it should be a lot clearer now!
Version 1.2 is out! Fixed Settings app! Fixed Search hotkey! And if you've had trouble partitioning the SD card, I've got a revamped partitioning guide for you, too!
After a little experimentation, it seems that what fixed the Search key was re-including the GoogleQuickSearchBox.apk as a system file. Apparently, it doesn't latch into the right spots if it's not in /system. Weird.
I've also decided to re-odex the ROM. The reason is that the deodexed system frameworks/APKs end up eating nearly twice as much space compared to the odexed version. It's the same issue you run into with installing apps from the Store, except you can't symlink them with Link2SD because they're system apps (technically you can -try- but it doesn't work too well).
After re-odexing, rebooting, and launching every app at least once.. Settings > SD card and phone storage reports 120MB free.
I'm going to post the odexed version as version 1.25 tomorrow.
Still the same issue of a damaged SD. With the screens, I tried it on the Windows Partition of my system, just for the benefit of the doubt. After everything, still get a damaged SD message and prompt to reformat in the phone.
Weird. I went through the steps again on my SD card to make absolutely sure everything worked (and to get all the screenshots ^_^).
A few questions:
- Are you using the stock microSD card or a third party card?
- Are you using a dedicated microSD reader, or are you using an adapter?
- If you are using an adapter, is it the one that came with the SD card?
- After partitioning & formatting the card, eject the card (using Windows "Safely remove Hardware" tool) and then remove/reinsert the card. Does Windows see the FAT32 partition properly?
I finally got it. v1.25 installed. So far so good. I will let you know if anything strange comes up. Was nice having like 120 megs free on the blank phone.
Answers to your questions:
A few questions:
- Are you using the stock microSD card or a third party card? MicroSD Card 8GB
- Are you using a dedicated microSD reader, or are you using an adapter? The phone itself is being used to read the card connected via USB cable.
- If you are using an adapter, is it the one that came with the SD card? No adapter came with the card.
- After partitioning & formatting the card, eject the card (using Windows "Safely remove Hardware" tool) and then remove/reinsert the card. Does Windows see the FAT32 partition properly? Once the card is acknowledged by the Partitioning Program, it no longer appears in the Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media list.
Consistently receive a dev\block error when attempting to install the update. So...still no go. I partitioned trying both methods (Windows and Linux) and in the end, still a damaged SD card error, as well as unable to add the update.
I have found a viable solution for those without a dedicated card reader.
Install the ROM first, following the instructions listed
From the Market renamed Play Store search for and download "Root All To SD" (referenced as Root All hereafter).
Open Root All and wait for it to complete loading of your card.
Press the Options key and select Storage.
Press the Options key again and select Create Storage.
-It defaults as 512 MB, but this can be adjusted to be higher or lower. I would recommend the size listed in the partitioning guide above (525 at least).
After complete, return to the first screen, and press the Options key.
Select Apps.
Find and Select the app whose data you want on the memory card.
You can either select pieces individually, but for the sake of keeping things together, we'll move pieces together so press the Options key and choose All.
Choose "Select All Moveable".
Press Options, then All.
Choose "Move Selected".
This will move all files pertaining to that app to your card through the Superuser function.
Now some on the market have mentioned an inability to load their SD Card when wanting to transfer files. Unfortunately, since I did not create this program, it's a POS, but it can the job done with certain EXTRA measures.
Open Root All
Press Options, then select Options.
Uncheck "Mount on boot"
To load files, power off your phone and then back on and connect via USB.
After the files are moved, open Root All, press Options, then Storage. After it reloads, press Options then Mount.
Not to worry, I'm working on my own program currently to rectify this issue so the dropped ball doesn't stay laying on the field.
I followed the instructions to locate the ROM, it works well. However, I still encounter "insufficient space" issue after installing a couple of apps although I assumed this ROM with an link2sd'ed ext2 partition on SD card would solve the "insufficient space" issues. What else should I do to work around the space issue? Thank.
I followed the instructions to locate the ROM, it works well. However, I still encounter "insufficient space" issue after installing a couple of apps although I assumed this ROM with an link2sd'ed ext2 partition on SD card would solve the "insufficient space" issues. What else should I do to work around the space issue? Thank.
The phone has a tiny 20MB cache partition. If you are trying to download apps that are larger than 20MB from the Android Market (AKA "Google Play"), you will still get the "insufficient space" error even though the settings screens show tons of room. I've personally encountered this with "Angry Birds Space" although I'm sure there's plenty others.
Fortunately, the Amazon App store is not affected by this problem so I would try there for your larger app needs.
hi. thanks for the info..anyway my phone now only picks up edge signal..how do i get it to pickup 3G? i have tried disabling "2gonly"but still.just get the edge network. all networks in my country support 3g
hi. thanks for the info..anyway my phone now only picks up edge signal..how do i get it to pickup 3G? i have tried disabling "2gonly"but still.just get the edge network. all networks in my country support 3g
If you are using Arhtard's rom, I would ask you to direct further replies to the thread for his rom. But I would try switching your SIM with a known-good phone and see if the problem follows the SIM or not. Neither my nor Arhtard's ROM makes any changes to the kernel, so your connectivity should be exactly the same as stock.
If you are using Arhtard's rom, I would ask you to direct further replies to the thread for his rom. But I would try switching your SIM with a known-good phone and see if the problem follows the SIM or not. Neither my nor Arhtard's ROM makes any changes to the kernel, so your connectivity should be exactly the same as stock.
am using your rom already. is it possible that you can add the feature of forcing to use 3g only? I have this feature on my xperia x10 mini pro. Or the feature where I can select to use 3G when am using packet data, and switch back to 2g when I disable packet data. this functionality is also available on the custom rom on my xperia. Its however not available on the stock rom. so i thought you might be able to do it with your rom. am suffering from terrible download speed of apps.
and lastly, where can i find the apk of files that i downloaded from play store? on Arthads rom, I was able to find them using file expert i think. i then I could copy them to PC for backup.
I also tested all my sim cards in my n97 mini. i get 3G on all 3 of them.
Last edited by kachman; April 24th, 2012 at 04:47 PM.
That kind of thing is relegated to full-blown custom ROMs (i.e. CyanogenMod), which mine is not. At least, not yet.
The easiest way to back up your apps is with Titanium Backup, free on the Google Play store. I don't include it with my ROM because Android won't erase apps in the /system folder and so when stock apps get updates, they end up taking 2x the space (the stock version + the updated version). The only non-stock app I include is Link2SD because it's so intrinsic to getting the most out of the phone.
hi...i pressed *#*#4636*#*.. i found settings for enabling 3G only (wcdma). How do I make the changes permanent? Would you know how I can Do that? I also have a samsung Galaxy S T959D. its also not getting 3G.
I discovered from the Stickers on the phone, beneath the battery, that both phones are made in korea. Where is your from? and is there a way I can read the figures of the 3G frequency supported by the phone? there a code I caan enter to read this, or a software that can retrieve them from the phone?
gblues, thanks so much for this great ROM! I just have one question. Do you know where I can download Swype keyboard to install it? That's the only thing you removed that I find I really need on here. I know the guy who made the other ROM has a download available for all of the APKs that he removed from the stock ROM, might be worth setting up for yours as well. Anyway, thanks again, you really helped me out with this amazing ROM.
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<ROM> Gravity Smart 4/2/2012
Partitioning doesn't work
