Root New Dev, need help getting startd.

[InuYashaAD1]

Hi everyone, this is my official first post here. I have a prevail and it's currently running CT Mod 3.75-2 and I wanted to dirive a rom from it using apps I prefer and I want to upgrade it to the latest kouma kernel. I wouldn't be claiming that I invented it (because blooddawn and koumajutsu did the biggest part). I just wanted to personalize it for myself. For instance, I want to change the boot animation to show my personal logo and have a sound play. I'd also like to update the koum kernel to the latest version (if possible) I'm very new to this but have successfully imported the rom into android kitchen. Being very bored lately I decided, why not tackle something completely brand new and off the whim? I kinda' understand that I'll need to copy my preferred apks into the system/app folder and how to change the build prop and even how to make a custom boot animation by snooping at existing ones. I'd just like to know what else I might need to do to modify this on a more advanced level. Perhaps even how to make it use SD-Ext by default and how to modify the notification bar. The boot animation is the most advanced thing I've been able to do so far, I really want to get better at this and learn the coding aspect.

 

[Lordvincent 90]

Hi

1. Devs don't use kitchens
2. Ctmod is ALREADY using the latest version of koumakernel
3. What you're talking about is a theme. Not a rom.
4. Why would you change the rom to use the sdext as /data by default? There are 3 modes this rom runs.
*default-all data on internal
*/data mode-all data on sdext
*ssm-/data/app on one partition, /data/dalvik on a second partition and the rest on internal

Different modes for different types of sdcards. IMHO, people enjoy the option to choose how their phone runs.

If you want to change it to default to data mode, you would need to do so by modifying the kernel. (Hroark13 made some tuts on building kernels for the prevail. Just use the search function.)
5. When you say 'modify the notification bar' how do you mean?

The appearance is a combination of XML files, .PNGs and .9.PNGs

You would need to use apktool to decompile the framework-res.apk and systemui.apk and change one or more of those files with the appropriate application/program (on your computer) and then recompile it. (Using apktool again)


Edit- keep in mind, /system doesn't have unlimited space, and ram is fairly limited, so when you add things to /system keep the size and weather or not it is always running in the background in mind.

 

[DaisFlaque]

So if you want to theme your phone I would start looking here.. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDMQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fuot.dakra.lt%2F&ei=wqM_UYD_JImNrAGWqYCQDg&usg=AFQjCNEzLGYry7cT8JBL9ZXktkPY50-dHQ&bvm=bv.43287494,d.aWM .. This site seriously simplifys the theme making proccess, which WILL be hard to understand even for the advanced. Simply upload your SystemUI.apk and framework-res.apk from your /system/app and framework-res.apk comes from your system/framework directory.

If you truly want a custom rom I would start by seeing if there might be one someone else made first, there's a lot of work been done on this lil phone. Some themes from yours truly. I think a good place to start making a new rom is .. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDAQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fforum.xda-developers.com%2Fshowthread.php%3Ft%3D1801690&ei=6qc_Uf3VE8nFqQGkw4CgCw&usg=AFQjCNEgThxcMuxfS3x8cKpV__XyREar8w ... and heres a guide to basic android rom changes.

Good luck and thanks for stopping by!

 

[cwhatever]

So if you want to theme your phone I would start looking here.. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDMQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fuot.dakra.lt%2F&ei=wqM_UYD_JImNrAGWqYCQDg&usg=AFQjCNEzLGYry7cT8JBL9ZXktkPY50-dHQ&bvm=bv.43287494,d.aWM .. This site seriously simplifys the theme making proccess, which WILL be hard to understand even for the advanced. Simply upload your SystemUI.apk and framework-res.apk from your /system/app and framework-res.apk comes from your system/framework directory.

If you truly want a custom rom I would start by seeing if there might be one someone else made first, there's a lot of work been done on this lil phone. Some themes from yours truly. I think a good place to start making a new rom is .. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDAQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fforum.xda-developers.com%2Fshowthread.php%3Ft%3D1801690&ei=6qc_Uf3VE8nFqQGkw4CgCw&usg=AFQjCNEgThxcMuxfS3x8cKpV__XyREar8w ... and heres a guide to basic android rom changes.

Good luck and thanks for stopping by!

The only thing is if you use UOT and then try to post it in mediafire it gets blocked by them, you can post it via dropbox though. So the best way is do them manually with apktool, plus you really learn alot of what does what. If just doing some changes for yourself UOT is great and easy.

 

[out of ideas]

Good dev tools to have

1.7-zip
2.apktool
3.Gimp editor
4.patience

The only thing is if you use UOT and then try to post it in mediafire it gets blocked by them, you can post it via dropbox though. So the best way is do them manually with apktool, plus you really learn alot of what does what. If just doing some changes for yourself UOT is great and easy.

thats weird they block it. You could just unzip the UOT zip, then rezip the SystemUI and framework. right?

 

[cwhatever]

Good dev tools to have

1.7-zip
2.apktool
3.Gimp editor
4.patience



thats weird they block it. You could just unzip the UOT zip, then rezip the SystemUI and framework. right?

I think you would have to unzip it take out the file or files that have been changed and put them in another Syst and Frame and then zip back up, just guessing on that!

 

[out of ideas]

nah it probably checks the signature on it, or the UOTsettings files that comes in uot zips.

I don't think mediafire could go that deep into it for android. dunno though.

 

[InuYashaAD1]

Thanks for all the help guys. Yeah, I really just want to custom theme my phone, definately would want to replace the koumamod splash with that nice text version on the ctmod thread here. Not sure if that requires modifying anything special. I have apk tool now. I also have gimp. Gonna look into uot. I so want to replace a lot of the apps used, for instance, use holo launcher instead of xperia home. Then tweak the UI to look glassy in menus. I oopsed on the updating koumamod thing. I really just want to use the more attractive text image instead. Ill have to read the kernel thread by hroark. To be honest, I wish the cm7 and cm9 rooms would continue. Especially the cm7 one as it was shaping nicely. Nice to know kitchens aren't how devs do things. Looks like I gotta learn all the coding android uses. Learning curve time! Wish me luck!

 

[DaisFlaque]

I finally got set in at my house and decided to get internet, I believe I have enough time to help more on your project. Shoot me a PM and we can talk.