I've been having issues with my phone, and over the past few weeks I figured out how to make my phone a LOT faster. I am running GeeWiz 2.3 GB with KGB Kernel running Voodoo. Obviously you will need to install a Terminal to run the following command, you will also need to be rooted for it to work.
If your launcher constantly reloads every time you press home, try the following command. I had this issue really bad, made my phone unusable this fixes it:
su
Press next line key (enter)
echo ro.HOME_APP_ADJ=1 >> /data/local.prop
Press enter.
The next step is to enable Z-Ram, I haven't fully tested it (just did it 10 minutes ago) but from my understanding it is virtual memory, so it can't be bad. Your kernel MUST support it or you will get a error doing it. Again, open terminal and do the following:
su
Press enter.
zram enable
Press enter.
Your phone will reboot. And again, remember to accept the SuperUser request.
Although the kernel is supposed to include the "lowmemorykiller" directly, this app won't hurt. Download "AutoKiller Memory Optimizer". After you download and install (again, you need root). Unless you ABSOLUTELY know what you're doing, don't try to tweak anything. Simply go to Menu, Presets, then select Optimum. I aggressive myself, but you will need to mess with this. Aggressive leaves me with about 90MB of free memory which is great.
Clear your dalvik cache!
This is very important! After you do the following tweaks I highly suggest clearing your Dalvik Cache! The Dalvik cache stores optimized versions (optimized for your phone) of your applications, and stores it in the dalvik cache folder (/data/dalvik-cache). Of course, over time this folder could get large or get full of old apps. When you wipe your Dalvik Cache, your phone will (or at least should) rebuild most of your apps (confirm this?). Anyhow! The easiest way to wipe your Dalvik Cache, you need CWM:
1. Turn off your phone
2. When your phone is fully off (I like to pull battery to be sure), press the VOLUME button while HOLDING power.
3. After a few seconds, the phone will turn on. You should see a red menu. Select Advanced.
4. Select Wipe Dalvik Cache
5. Select Yes - Wipe Dalvik Cache
Note: You use the volume buttons to move up and down and "power" button as the OK. While you're at it, you can wipe the cache partition. This will *not* wipe your data.
Install Latest Swype Beta
There are plenty of sites that explain that you have to do this long procedure to remove Swype to install the Beta. This doesn't seem to be necessary, I found that using Titanium Backup works perfectly fine. First, in Titanium Backup, BACKUP Swype then remove it completely. Reboot your phone. Go to Menu->Settings->Language & Keyboard check for anything that has Swype checked and remove it. Next, head over to Swype's website: Swype | Text Input for Screens you will need to register for Swype Beta. They will send you a e-mail with the installer, once you *install* the installer you will need to login. The latest Swype beta seems to update itself, so you only need to do this once. Download the Swype Package (it's large, use Wifi if you can). The Swype Beta is REALLY good.
Voodoo is a really great add on for the fascinate. Samsung uses a slow, but reliable, filesystem which is based off of FAT adding journalisation and POSIX permissions - and after a few days up time, you'll notice a slower phone. Voodoo converts your filesystem to EXT4, greatly increasing your I/O system! The kernel listed below will allow this.
Slow Gallery
We all have it. Gallery is the worse application any phone could have! The fix? Install QuickPic. I've been using Quickpic for awhile and it is A LOT faster then the stock Gallery. My stock gallery is officially removed.
Car/Home Dock
I don't use or like Verizon's dock software. I removed it using Titatium backup, and installed Galaxy Dock Redirector. Once I dock my phone this app automatically redirects audio through the base.
No Task Killer!
Android 2.2+ you do NOT need a task killer! Android is designed to optimize its memory. By using a task killer you are ending processes that might not even be doing anything. Apps are designed to remain "open". This is how you get a faster execution time when you open the app. Once you close an application, it is put in "Background (or idle)" mode. This allows for it to quickly wake up the next time you use it. Android maintains a list of recent applications, and as you go through your apps (Opening Skype, Facebook, Camera, Market, QuickPic, etc) it will determine that you haven't used "Skype" for a long time and shut it down releasing the memory it was using. Now, what happens on our fascinate is when it hits a certain point the phone gets laggy, in stock form. This is why roms that have a lot of RAM seem to run so fast.
This is where the "AutoKiller" memory optimizer comes into play. It changes the memory settings for when Android decides to kill the background apps. Right now my phone is averaging 90-100MB of free memory. Basically, that means my phone runs like a fresh boot almost all the time! This is why AutoKiller seems to work. My settings run on Aggressive, you can change it to anything but there might be negative effects on this.
Don't pull your battery!
Pulling your battery causes damage to your SD Card! You can reboot your phone by pressing Volume UP and POWER button for about 5-10 seconds. This will restart your phone even if it's frozen.
Recommended Apps
AutoKiller Memory Optimizer:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.rs.autokiller
market.android.com/details?id=com.rs.autokiller
Terminal:
https://market.android.com/details?id=jackpal.androidterm
market.android.com/details?id=jackpal.androidterm
Best App around!
Lookout Mobile Security:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.lookout
market.android.com/details?id=com.lookout
Does not impede performance, and allows tracking if your device is lost or stolen!
Voodoo Control:
https://market.android.com/details?id=org.projectvoodoo.controlapp
market.android.com/details?id=org.projectvoodoo.controlapp
Allows you to control + enable/disable voodoo EXT
QuickPic:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.alensw.PicFolder
market.android.com/details?id=com.alensw.PicFolder
Replaces Gallery, LOT faster.
Galaxy Dock Sound Redirector:
https://market.android.com/details?id=net.muteheadlight.dockredir
Dropbox:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.dropbox.android
market.android.com/details?id=com.dropbox.android
Store files in a "cloud"!
GoSMS:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.jb.gosms
My favorite SMS app.
Go Launcher:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.gau.go.launcherex
market.android.com/details?id=com.gau.go.launcherex
My favorite launcher.
Go Locker:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.jiubang.goscreenlock
market.android.com/details?id=com.jiubang.goscreenlock
Change your default locker. Still trying to figure out how to uninstall the stock locks
Copilot USA:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.alk.copilot.market.usa
market.android.com/details?id=com.alk.copilot.market.usa
There's a LOT of debate about this. I've not had any issue with this application at all. It's in fact one my favorite navigation software. It's gotten me around to a lot of places with no problem, I highly recommend it despite its high price.
Root Explorer:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.speedsoftware.rootexplorer
market.android.com/details?id=com.speedsoftware.rootexplorer
I've done so much with this application, no explanation needed!
WhatsApp
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.whatsapp
market.android.com/details?id=com.whatsapp
Allows FREE international text messaging to almost any phone!
Chainfire3D
https://market.android.com/details?id=eu.chainfire.cf3d
market.android.com/details?id=eu.chainfire.cf3d
A pretty neat app that acts as a OpenGL driver for your phone. Allows you to control OpenGL settings per applications (lower graphic settings on games, etc)
Swype alternative - Flex T9
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.nuance.flext9.input
market.android.com/details?id=com.nuance.flext9.input
After realizing the Swype beta doesn't work on the Galaxy Nexus, I searched for a new keyboard. After using it for a day, I found a link to a working Swype beta. After installing swype, I switched back to Flex T9. It works better. It has some issues I wish it would handle better, but I can type faster than I could on Swype. Highly recommended, worth the $.
Resources
GeeWiz Rom:
[ROM][KERNEL][RECOVERY][11.30.2011] GeeWiz 2.3 EH03 TouchWiz Debloated - xda-developers
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1278838
KGB Kernel:
[KERNEL][TWGB][updated 12/02] KGB Kernel: A Kernel for Gingerbread (EH09/EI20/EH03) - xda-developers
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1364912
EH03 Modem (latest Verizon Release):
Multiupload.com - upload your files to multiple file hosting sites!
www.multiupload.com/UO5VDDSCT0
Fascinate Information:
Samsung Fascinate - Rooted Wiki
wiki.rootedwiki.com/wiki/Samsung_Fascinate
Really good site:
[GUIDE][HOW-TO] Clockwork Mod Recovery
droidforums.net/forum/samsung-fascinate-development/137071-guide-how-clockwork-mod-recovery.html
Managing Contacts
Most people don't know you can manage all your contacts with Google from your PC. You can add, edit, delete contacts. They are instantly updated on your phone. You can do this by signing into your google account and going here: http://google.com/contacts
google.com/contacts
I created a group called "Android Contacts" and assigned everyone I wanted in my phone there. Then I set my phone to only display "Android Contacts" group.
I think that's all - eventually if I ever get a second Fascinate I will make a custom rom with all the things mentioned included
If your launcher constantly reloads every time you press home, try the following command. I had this issue really bad, made my phone unusable this fixes it:
su
Press next line key (enter)
echo ro.HOME_APP_ADJ=1 >> /data/local.prop
Press enter.
The next step is to enable Z-Ram, I haven't fully tested it (just did it 10 minutes ago) but from my understanding it is virtual memory, so it can't be bad. Your kernel MUST support it or you will get a error doing it. Again, open terminal and do the following:
su
Press enter.
zram enable
Press enter.
Your phone will reboot. And again, remember to accept the SuperUser request.
Although the kernel is supposed to include the "lowmemorykiller" directly, this app won't hurt. Download "AutoKiller Memory Optimizer". After you download and install (again, you need root). Unless you ABSOLUTELY know what you're doing, don't try to tweak anything. Simply go to Menu, Presets, then select Optimum. I aggressive myself, but you will need to mess with this. Aggressive leaves me with about 90MB of free memory which is great.
Clear your dalvik cache!
This is very important! After you do the following tweaks I highly suggest clearing your Dalvik Cache! The Dalvik cache stores optimized versions (optimized for your phone) of your applications, and stores it in the dalvik cache folder (/data/dalvik-cache). Of course, over time this folder could get large or get full of old apps. When you wipe your Dalvik Cache, your phone will (or at least should) rebuild most of your apps (confirm this?). Anyhow! The easiest way to wipe your Dalvik Cache, you need CWM:
1. Turn off your phone
2. When your phone is fully off (I like to pull battery to be sure), press the VOLUME button while HOLDING power.
3. After a few seconds, the phone will turn on. You should see a red menu. Select Advanced.
4. Select Wipe Dalvik Cache
5. Select Yes - Wipe Dalvik Cache
Note: You use the volume buttons to move up and down and "power" button as the OK. While you're at it, you can wipe the cache partition. This will *not* wipe your data.
Install Latest Swype Beta
There are plenty of sites that explain that you have to do this long procedure to remove Swype to install the Beta. This doesn't seem to be necessary, I found that using Titanium Backup works perfectly fine. First, in Titanium Backup, BACKUP Swype then remove it completely. Reboot your phone. Go to Menu->Settings->Language & Keyboard check for anything that has Swype checked and remove it. Next, head over to Swype's website: Swype | Text Input for Screens you will need to register for Swype Beta. They will send you a e-mail with the installer, once you *install* the installer you will need to login. The latest Swype beta seems to update itself, so you only need to do this once. Download the Swype Package (it's large, use Wifi if you can). The Swype Beta is REALLY good.
Voodoo is a really great add on for the fascinate. Samsung uses a slow, but reliable, filesystem which is based off of FAT adding journalisation and POSIX permissions - and after a few days up time, you'll notice a slower phone. Voodoo converts your filesystem to EXT4, greatly increasing your I/O system! The kernel listed below will allow this.
Slow Gallery
We all have it. Gallery is the worse application any phone could have! The fix? Install QuickPic. I've been using Quickpic for awhile and it is A LOT faster then the stock Gallery. My stock gallery is officially removed.
Car/Home Dock
I don't use or like Verizon's dock software. I removed it using Titatium backup, and installed Galaxy Dock Redirector. Once I dock my phone this app automatically redirects audio through the base.
No Task Killer!
Android 2.2+ you do NOT need a task killer! Android is designed to optimize its memory. By using a task killer you are ending processes that might not even be doing anything. Apps are designed to remain "open". This is how you get a faster execution time when you open the app. Once you close an application, it is put in "Background (or idle)" mode. This allows for it to quickly wake up the next time you use it. Android maintains a list of recent applications, and as you go through your apps (Opening Skype, Facebook, Camera, Market, QuickPic, etc) it will determine that you haven't used "Skype" for a long time and shut it down releasing the memory it was using. Now, what happens on our fascinate is when it hits a certain point the phone gets laggy, in stock form. This is why roms that have a lot of RAM seem to run so fast.
This is where the "AutoKiller" memory optimizer comes into play. It changes the memory settings for when Android decides to kill the background apps. Right now my phone is averaging 90-100MB of free memory. Basically, that means my phone runs like a fresh boot almost all the time! This is why AutoKiller seems to work. My settings run on Aggressive, you can change it to anything but there might be negative effects on this.
Don't pull your battery!
Pulling your battery causes damage to your SD Card! You can reboot your phone by pressing Volume UP and POWER button for about 5-10 seconds. This will restart your phone even if it's frozen.
Recommended Apps
AutoKiller Memory Optimizer:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.rs.autokiller
market.android.com/details?id=com.rs.autokiller
Terminal:
https://market.android.com/details?id=jackpal.androidterm
market.android.com/details?id=jackpal.androidterm
Best App around!
Lookout Mobile Security:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.lookout
market.android.com/details?id=com.lookout
Does not impede performance, and allows tracking if your device is lost or stolen!
Voodoo Control:
https://market.android.com/details?id=org.projectvoodoo.controlapp
market.android.com/details?id=org.projectvoodoo.controlapp
Allows you to control + enable/disable voodoo EXT
QuickPic:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.alensw.PicFolder
market.android.com/details?id=com.alensw.PicFolder
Replaces Gallery, LOT faster.
Galaxy Dock Sound Redirector:
https://market.android.com/details?id=net.muteheadlight.dockredir
Dropbox:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.dropbox.android
market.android.com/details?id=com.dropbox.android
Store files in a "cloud"!
GoSMS:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.jb.gosms
My favorite SMS app.
Go Launcher:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.gau.go.launcherex
market.android.com/details?id=com.gau.go.launcherex
My favorite launcher.
Go Locker:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.jiubang.goscreenlock
market.android.com/details?id=com.jiubang.goscreenlock
Change your default locker. Still trying to figure out how to uninstall the stock locks
Copilot USA:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.alk.copilot.market.usa
market.android.com/details?id=com.alk.copilot.market.usa
There's a LOT of debate about this. I've not had any issue with this application at all. It's in fact one my favorite navigation software. It's gotten me around to a lot of places with no problem, I highly recommend it despite its high price.
Root Explorer:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.speedsoftware.rootexplorer
market.android.com/details?id=com.speedsoftware.rootexplorer
I've done so much with this application, no explanation needed!
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.whatsapp
market.android.com/details?id=com.whatsapp
Allows FREE international text messaging to almost any phone!
Chainfire3D
https://market.android.com/details?id=eu.chainfire.cf3d
market.android.com/details?id=eu.chainfire.cf3d
A pretty neat app that acts as a OpenGL driver for your phone. Allows you to control OpenGL settings per applications (lower graphic settings on games, etc)
Swype alternative - Flex T9
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.nuance.flext9.input
market.android.com/details?id=com.nuance.flext9.input
After realizing the Swype beta doesn't work on the Galaxy Nexus, I searched for a new keyboard. After using it for a day, I found a link to a working Swype beta. After installing swype, I switched back to Flex T9. It works better. It has some issues I wish it would handle better, but I can type faster than I could on Swype. Highly recommended, worth the $.
Resources
GeeWiz Rom:
[ROM][KERNEL][RECOVERY][11.30.2011] GeeWiz 2.3 EH03 TouchWiz Debloated - xda-developers
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1278838
KGB Kernel:
[KERNEL][TWGB][updated 12/02] KGB Kernel: A Kernel for Gingerbread (EH09/EI20/EH03) - xda-developers
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1364912
EH03 Modem (latest Verizon Release):
Multiupload.com - upload your files to multiple file hosting sites!
www.multiupload.com/UO5VDDSCT0
Fascinate Information:
Samsung Fascinate - Rooted Wiki
wiki.rootedwiki.com/wiki/Samsung_Fascinate
Really good site:
[GUIDE][HOW-TO] Clockwork Mod Recovery
droidforums.net/forum/samsung-fascinate-development/137071-guide-how-clockwork-mod-recovery.html
Managing Contacts
Most people don't know you can manage all your contacts with Google from your PC. You can add, edit, delete contacts. They are instantly updated on your phone. You can do this by signing into your google account and going here: http://google.com/contacts
google.com/contacts
I created a group called "Android Contacts" and assigned everyone I wanted in my phone there. Then I set my phone to only display "Android Contacts" group.
I think that's all - eventually if I ever get a second Fascinate I will make a custom rom with all the things mentioned included
Last edited:
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