Android Customization

[rarisgod]

Hello again,

So I've been playing a lot with my HTC Desire, and I've customized my home screen (LauncherPro) and my texting app (Handcent) and I'm basically curious if there's any other major customization that I could go about doing. Android users, any other customization you could recommend?

[MJ5150]

Are you willing to root your device?

-Mike

[Relic]

My wife just bought be an Android phone, she rocks!
I'm still learning the thing so I'm following this thread with great interest.

[jady]

Originally Posted by MJ5150

Are you willing to root your device?

-Mike

You really need to root your device to get full control of your phone. You are limited to the customization options on the market now. Root your phone and flash a custom bootloader to be able to flash custom O/S builds to your phone, this will allow a lot of performance and functionality gains.

Rooting - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=696189

General Info - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=809328

Xda's development forum for the Desire - http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=628

Any questions Pm me!!!!

[rarisgod]

In my search today, I was introduced to a few more widgets:
Circlelauncher, SiMi Folders, and Widgetsoid. All pretty cool.

Rooting seems to be the next thing I can do to customize. Can someone explain the benefit(s) of rooting the phone, what I can accomplish with "flashing roms/bootloaders" and why this is all worth voiding the warranty?

I realize it's very easy to do, but I still don't much like the idea of possibly bricking my phone.

[MJ5150]

Rooting will void your warranty. But unrooting is as simple as rooting. You can restore your device back to the way it was the day you bought it with a couple clicks.

Rooting lets you customize every aspect of the devices appearance. I was able to change even the banner on the phone that said Verizon Wireless. Mine now says Steeler Nation. I can also change the animation when the device boots up. I can change fonts, colors of text, icons, and so on.

Much like the jailbreak on Apple devices, there are applications only for rooted phones. The big one I use is wireless tether and one that allows me access to the device operating system files.

I also rooted my device so I could overclock the processor on my Droid1 to run a bit faster, and another app to free up RAM sooner.

But I will also let you know that using ROMs can be tricky. You will have bugs and issues now and then with a custom ROM. So it may take you some time to find one that is bug free and stable. But hey, that is half the fun...trying out ROMs from different devs and seeing what one you like best.

-Mike

[rarisgod]

Originally Posted by MJ5150

Rooting will void your warranty. But unrooting is as simple as rooting. You can restore your device back to the way it was the day you bought it with a couple clicks.

Rooting lets you customize every aspect of the devices appearance. I was able to change even the banner on the phone that said Verizon Wireless. Mine now says Steeler Nation. I can also change the animation when the device boots up. I can change fonts, colors of text, icons, and so on.

Much like the jailbreak on Apple devices, there are applications only for rooted phones. The big one I use is wireless tether and one that allows me access to the device operating system files.

I also rooted my device so I could overclock the processor on my Droid1 to run a bit faster, and another app to free up RAM sooner.

But I will also let you know that using ROMs can be tricky. You will have bugs and issues now and then with a custom ROM. So it may take you some time to find one that is bug free and stable. But hey, that is half the fun...trying out ROMs from different devs and seeing what one you like best.

-Mike

So in unrooting your phone, the warranty would no longer be void?

Do you have to flash a ROM to use any/all of the apps you mentioned above?

Honestly, I like how my phone is now, I just really enjoy customizing technology, and so I think it'd be fun to have a bit more space to do so in.

Thanks for the info! I will look into it.

[MJ5150]

Originally Posted by rarisgod

So in unrooting your phone, the warranty would no longer be void?

Do you have to flash a ROM to use any/all of the apps you mentioned above?

Honestly, I like how my phone is now, I just really enjoy customizing technology, and so I think it'd be fun to have a bit more space to do so in.

Thanks for the info! I will look into it.

Correct.

No, just being rooted is fine. There are also ROMs that look completely stock. I believe Cyanogen would be a good option if you wanted a ROM but the stock look.

I'm good with the Droid1, but not familiar with yours. If you decide to go for it, let me know. I'll do some research on the HTC Desire and help you with the visual customizations and so on.

Also...make sure you make backups of your HTC before you try anything.

-Mike

[Eric Perry]

Originally Posted by MJ5150

...Much like the jailbreak on Apple devices, there are applications only for rooted phones...

I jailbroke my iPhone a few weeks ago. It's amazing how much more control you have over the device! I could never go back to a stock iPhone now!