[MomaDave]

I was just wondering if any devs (scott) are working on a new clean tool to deal with the new OTA update? I'm only temp rooted for de-bloat and I'm sure I'm not the only one. I'm not really interested in full root, but it is nice not to have bloatware. Any plans or are devs focus now on custom ROMS and perm rooting? Thanks in advance for any info.

[Dovahkiin]

I think you're gonna be hard pressed to find a new temp root method now that we can have perm root. That would be like trying to feed people chips when we're able to get into the buffet.
Out of curiosity though, why wouldn't you want perm root?

[MrSmith317]

I think you're gonna be hard pressed to find a new temp root method now that we can have perm root. That would be like trying to feed people chips when we're able to get into the buffet.
Out of curiosity though, why wouldn't you want perm root?

Couldn't have put it much better.

[MomaDave]

I guess I'm nervous about possibly hosing my phone... I don't know much about the process or risks. I'm a NOOB! Seems more confusing now with the OTA update. I would consider it with some hand holding. What are custom ROMS? What are the noticable benefits?

[MrSmith317]

The short version of this conversation goes like this. There's no way currently to brick your phone by unlocking etc... There's always someone here or on one of the other forums willing to kick in and help walk you through it. Heck, you've got two in this thread alone.

If you do like me and ignore anything that comes from Verizon or the manufacturer then the rooting/ROM scene becomes a lot easier. Its' all about what you want to do. If debloat is all, then that's really easy. All you need to do is follow the directions or work with someone to make it all understandable.

[MomaDave]

I just might go for it here soon. Known benefits I'm seeking are custom debloat, hotspot w/o VZ charging me. Not sure what else as of now... With perm root, can I actually remove bloat or is it just disabling like the clean tool? With unlock/root can the phone keep sense on? Will the process have to be done all over when ICS finally arrives?

I love how helpful and cool you guys are about assisting noobs! THANK YOU!

[xxfallacyxx]

Some very important things to know about bloat removal:

There are a few different methods available to remove the bloatware once root has been achieved. The first is via a method like the CleanTOOL, which disables the bloat apps but leaves them on the phone still.

The second is via an app such as Titanium Backup, which (premium version) allows you again to freeze/disable the bloat programs, but leaves them on the phone. It also allows you to delete the bloat programs altogether, but that has negative consequences that I'll detail in a bit.

The third is using a explorer type program (that's essentially the Android equivalent of double clicking "My Computer" on a Windows based PC), most would recommend Root Explorer. Using that you can navigate to the actual location where the bloat apps are stored, and then delete them.

So what could possibly be bad about getting rid of the bloat? Well, if you plan on keeping the stock ROM/operating system then an OTA update will no install if the bloat is deleted or disabled. To get the OTA update to install, you'd need to re-enable or re-install the bloat, and then accept the update. This absolutely needs to be taken into consideration if you're staying on the stock ROM/operating system. Make sure that whatever you do can be undone, or else you'll find yourself in deeper in unfamiliar territory using a custom boot loader to flash a stock RUU. Sounds daunting at first, but in all honesty you've got a community to fall back on with knowledgeable members.

Uhm... my train of thought has been derailed... This is awkward lol.

[MomaDave]

As it stands now what can I expect with the OTA based on my details? I haven't been prompted for the OTA yet...

I'm currently temp rooted with clean tool 1.2 and customized the .bat file of what I wanted on and disabled as far as bloat. Other than that, I'm stock. Should I enable all my bloat, grab the OTA and then make my decision to root or not? Will the OTA attempt to install automatically even with temp root?

[xxfallacyxx]

This OTA is not an optional installation, it will sneak up on you sooner or later when you're on the stock ROM, temp rooted or not. The only thing that seems to stop it are a lack of the pre-installed bloat apps, but at that point it becomes an annoyance constantly downloading and trying to install but failing.

The OTA is just reported to be a patch/fix for a few bugs and other minor details.

If you take the OTA, the rooting process becomes different, just be aware of that.

And finally, about making your decision whether or not to root, I have a feeling you're going to end up rooted in the end. I feel your curiosity about it is just a precursor for it in the future.

[Dovahkiin]

The OTA is a motherf**cker out of hell. It forces an installation every damn time, even if it leads to a red triangle because you removed bloat or whatever.
Anyway, don't enable the OTA just yet, MomaDave. The rooting process is needlessly increased in difficulty. You'll root eventually, you just don't know it yet. I was in your shoes once, padawan.

[MomaDave]

The OTA is a motherf**cker out of hell. It forces an installation every damn time, even if it leads to a red triangle because you removed bloat or whatever.
Anyway, don't enable the OTA just yet, MomaDave. The rooting process is needlessly increased in difficulty. You'll root eventually, you just don't know it yet. I was in your shoes once, padawan.

Have things calmed down as far as the nasty OTA? Is rooting going ok now?

[MrSmith317]

Have things calmed down as far as the nasty OTA? Is rooting going ok now?

Everything is the exact same as before. Temp root for the Rezound is still non-existent after the OTA

[rootbrain]

MY opinion, perm root now and custom ROM. You can get cleanRom GB or ICS version from Scotts ROMs. I use the GB 1.5.5 version, no reason to update yet. I will go with the ICS soon I think.

The update now isn't worth it. My phone and all functions are terrific and believe you will be happy with your choice.

Been on Blackberry for years, new to Android too, but am a techie for a living. Some of the directions are a bit confusing, but once you work them out all will be good in Rezound land.

A lot a people on many Android forums have done a lot of work on this and you won't go wrong. I'm waiting to see if CyangenMod becomes official with ICS for the Rezound, (that's just sort of a "standard" in Android land, from what I understand. Not necessisarily better but has a big development community),if not or if it takes too long, I will be on Scotts ICS ROM which he is working on and constantly improving. Once I make the ICS ROM jump going to stick with it either way.

The only time I'll ever be stock again is the 20 mins or so it will take me to get a new android home (in 2 years after contract renewal)

[buckifvr]

Scott's CleanROM 2.3 ICS works great. Only noticeable bug is the lack of media streaming over bluetooth, but Scott says that won't be fixed until htc releases an official ics update.

Sent from my HTC Rezound using Tapatalk

[Dovahkiin]

Have things calmed down as far as the nasty OTA? Is rooting going ok now?

What I meant by "rooting is needlessly increased in difficulty" is that you need to unlock, install a custom recovery, and then flash. Whereas the previous process just required unlocking & zerg rushing.
"Difficulty" was probably a poor choice of word. I should've gone with tedious or prolonged or something.

[Ravaloft]

I guess I'm nervous about possibly hosing my phone... I don't know much about the process or risks. I'm a NOOB! Seems more confusing now with the OTA update. I would consider it with some hand holding. What are custom ROMS? What are the noticable benefits?

+1. This goes for me too.

Edit: Plenty tech savvy. Just nervous about the phone for some reason. Bootloader is unlocked though. Will attempt a root later on.

[jphillips63]

For some of us unlocking is a chore for those of you it's natural. Yes I've given it a whirl to no effect of wasting two hrs and still stock.
I've even owned the GN with ICS and personally didn't like it. So for now it just be nice if another clean tool with temp root would work after the update so those of us who aren't as tech savy could just get rid of the bloatware.



Sent from my HTC Rezound using Tapatalk

[MrSmith317]

For some of us unlocking is a chore for those of you it's natural. Yes I've given it a whirl to no effect of wasting two hrs and still stock.
I've even owned the GN with ICS and personally didn't like it. So for now it just be nice if another clean tool with temp root would work after the update so those of us who aren't as tech savy could just get rid of the bloatware.



Sent from my HTC Rezound using Tapatalk

I've worked with so many people that aren't "tech savvy" that it's not funny. Honestly there are plenty of us willing to help and all it takes on your side is patience and being able to report back exactly what's going on since we can't see things from the other side of the internet.

[rootbrain]

For some of us unlocking is a chore for those of you it's natural. Yes I've given it a whirl to no effect of wasting two hrs and still stock.
I've even owned the GN with ICS and personally didn't like it. So for now it just be nice if another clean tool with temp root would work after the update so those of us who aren't as tech savy could just get rid of the bloatware.



Sent from my HTC Rezound using Tapatalk

I guess someone may create an "easy" button for those less technically astute or afraid of seeming dumb by asking questions/requesting assistance.

It would be nice if the manufacturers and carriers could work together on this, but in reality most of the users for any given device aren't interested in unlock, root, s-off, bloat etc. etc.

They just take what they get and make use of it. When I had my original Moto Razr (remember?) it was just a phone so I didn't even think about it. Now that smartphones are here, well they are mobile computers and there are many things you can do to make them better at. Even non devs can make improvements just finding out how to do things, either accidently or through twiddling. Then share that information out in a forum like this.

[VidJunky]

OK. I've about had it with the OTA. I lost everything once to get it and now I'm willing to lose everything again to get rid of it, but I'm still nervous. I've read a lot of the posts in this thread and all the reassurances have my confidence up. I applied for the unlock at HTC, but backed out for fear that somehow, someway, something would go awry and I'd be stuck with a device that I couldn't return, exchange, or have serviced, but I feel Verizon is leaving me little choice. I saw where Dovahkiin said that after excepting the OTA things get a bit more [ ] dicey. Will someone point me to a current, after OTA, root method?

Just a few things that I thought might help those offering me guidance point me in the best direction;
I would like to stay with the stock ROM and keep Sense.
I would like the benefits of Titanium to protect my data in my apps.
I would like the ability to freeze unwanted apps.
And if at all possible the ability to revert back to something stockish if I do have an insurance claim.

Correct me if I'm wrong; to be able to WiFi tether you have to run a custom ROM.?

[Dovahkiin]

OK. I've about had it with the OTA. I lost everything once to get it and now I'm willing to lose everything again to get rid of it, but I'm still nervous. I've read a lot of the posts in this thread and all the reassurances have my confidence up. I applied for the unlock at HTC, but backed out for fear that somehow, someway, something would go awry and I'd be stuck with a device that I couldn't return, exchange, or have serviced, but I feel Verizon is leaving me little choice. I saw where Dovahkiin said that after excepting the OTA things get a bit more [ ] dicey. Will someone point me to a current, after OTA, root method?

Check out this thread for a step-by-step on rooting after the OTA. You're gonna need to flash Amon Ra, and then install superuser. It's easier than it seems, don't worry.

Correct me if I'm wrong; to be able to WiFi tether you have to run a custom ROM.?

No. There are APK's floating around and also some apps on the marketplace may or may not require root access in order to get you WiFi.
If you're inclined, use the Market glitch to get around Verizon's censorship/blocks from certain tethering apps. That info can be found here:

[VidJunky]

Thanks Dovahkiin for the info. What I really need right now is a shorthand and Dev dictionary. Everything in that post is Greek to me. So, I know what a RUU is because I used one to get Froyo on my Inc, and I'm assuming I don't need to do the stock recovery, lock bootloader, and flash the RUU, because I'm still stock and I have the OTA already.
So fast forward, I'm poised to unlock the bootloader. I've backed up everything the best that I can with my backup pro, and all of my Tasker profiles. Now I'm looking for the RA Recovery thing. (Sorry I called it a thing, but I'm not really sure what it is.) I searched XDA for RA Recovery Rezound and got too many hits. Did Google and found what seemed to be a direct line on DroidForums. Post sounds like something I'm looking for, but WOW talk about making my head spin. I followed like three links, back to XDA, then to mediafire where I downloaded a file. (v3.13) Not run on forever, as if I haven't, but I'm lost. The RA (image?) I'm guessing I put on the root of my SD? After I unlock? Will that also install SU and SuperUser, which I thought was the same thing until I saw them mentioned in the same sentence as what seems to be two different things? Am I just somehow making this more difficult than it has to be? Or am I just out of my league on this one?

[Ravaloft]

I was a bit uneasy at first too. Unlocking was fairly easy and straight forward.

When you are ready to root just read over the instructions a few times slowly. Something that helped me was to follow along and find the folders they are talking about before you move anything or flash anything over. I read it over a few times and still missed "10) Delete the PH98IMG.zip from your memory card, or else you will not be able to get into recovery.".

This was the link I followed. It went extremely smooth. I have not done any romming yet, but I have done a lot of freezing with Ti backup.


I am an android beginner. I think I was over thinking this myself but, when I finally made the leap to root it was easier than I expected.

[VidJunky]

Thanks Rava. I couldn't do it tonight because of the time, it takes forever to setup after a FR. If all goes well I'll try tomorrow evening.

[Ravaloft]

Oh. Forgot one more thing. Since you need to know your internal storage from your external all you have to do is plug your device in without your SD card installed then just rename

This seems simple but I overlooked it.