MygingerB Development Blog

2012-05-08T07:38:00.003-07:00

I would like for all users to answer some of my question in the form below. This will help me ensure the path of this project before making big changes to this ROM, as for the future Gaia 2.0.x release, it will be one of a kind.

For this project to sustain and continue giving satisfaction to users, these question will allow me to determine the path of this project. Thank you for your cooperation.

Link here

Gaia 2.0.x RC Preview

2012-05-06T18:04:00.003-07:00

With the next release is on the way, I will be renaming the ROM Gaia with a new version of 2.0.x, and the next release will be 2.0.1.

There will be an overall changes to the ROM, with some of it are exciting and fresh for several users as said on the Lowyat forum thread.

Changes are (for the RC preview) :

Translucent status bar as default
New Splash image
Nexus ICS bootanimation
Based from Cyanogenmod 7.2 Source code
ICS animation backport
T9 dialer (thanks to cyanogenmod)
New performance script
Improved memory management out of the box
2.6.35.x kernel
WiFi tethering working
USB tethering working
Improve "ondemand" CPU scheduler

Gaia 2 will promise the most refreshing feel to default Gingerbread look and feel, with minimal changes but still can give the most impact to user UI experience, so look forward for these changes in stable release of Gaia 2 this week with the following changes :

Transparent Gingerbread launcher hotseat
Better browser performance
Improved UI rendering
Better translucent statusbar support

The full release note will be publish here at the same time as the stable version is release. For now click on the link below for the RC preview of Gaia 2 :D

Gaia 2.0.x RC build download

UPDATE : Beta release (soon), development live docs view

2012-03-30T22:10:00.001-07:00

For those who already know, I've already shared a link to the Lowyat.net community for the active document log, on Google Documents platform, for users / developers know what I already done and working on. Due to several factors, the release will put on hold to allow beta release so users can catch a preview of whats to come on the final release, this include performance and everyday usage of the Firmware / ROM.

Google docs link : Click here

That said, there are several changes to be done to further enhance the ROM, although I am not sure whether beta release will cause fragmentation to the release cycle or not.

Also, a full review of the phone + Gaia 1.2.0 will be posted soon, as you all know, I haven't review the phone since I first use it. So I would like to try myself to at least review the phone with Gaia 1.2.0 pre-installed so users can see the features for both Gaia 1.1.0 users and first time flashers.

Also here's the link to the public mediafire folder of the MYGingerB / Gaia project : Click here

For now, that's all. Follow me up on twitter and Google+

Gaia 1.2.0 development Update #1

2012-02-12T10:35:00.000-08:00

In respond to a fellow user/contributor to Android Gaia ROM, terry@android (which write the official guide for installing Gaia ROM in previous post), here's my respond to some of the planned updates on the development. So I shared the response here so users can read what might be the upcoming changes for the next big thing :)

taken from lowyat.net Gaia Dev official thread

I've read it and I can say that it is a great idea, although stability and the chance with users who don't understand the inside of android may broke something is in question.

Nevertheless several idea will be included with in the next update. Gaia development mainly developed with stability in mind. Also finding the perfect setting balance for both new users, and pro users is still an objective. Again I want Gaia to work out of the box as not many users know perfectly about flashing and script installation.

VM heap size will be at 50mb as it is the perfect balance I tested so far, some app can use more that it should and depends on the VM heap size available as reported by Android system itself. So more than 50mb will result crash to home on certain app and games, as expected on low memory environment. I will however include RAM manager (free version) in sys apk. Several tweaks are remove as RAM manager does the same for the ROM.

Swapper 2 will also be included (if I can find the apk) for users convenient.

Internal system will also be a complete overhaul to maintain stability, the updated adreno driver will be modified a bit to maintain high performance with stability. Same as WiFi capability to be stable enough with the included proposed kernel, the 2.6.35.14 EA. Tight integration with several third party app such as swapper and RAM manager.

About the readahead, 4096 is a good value as SD card nowadays can handle that much cache. I will include that value on this next update. SD swap script will also overhaul to be faster without much strain to SD card.

I will look into the charging limit of the ROM, this is a delicate section where battery could be damage if overcharge. Still Android itself have a good battery management system given the right kernel installed. So that's an easy part (hopefully).

S2E, again this is one that I am still considering, as most users don't know how to maintain it and so far I could not find any stable script that I can use as different SD card brand reacts differently. However I can provide Link2SD as a sys app. It is still recommended by me as the apk are stored in ext3/4 fs, which still is better than CM/Android default app2SD.

ExDialer will also be included replacing the default phone.apk (miui look plus more features such as predictive dialing and less memory usage).

I've also planned to make a premium ROM exclusive for donating users. Again optional and and still in planning. Premium ROM will have all the tweaks that free version have, but more tightly integration with 3rd party app and revamp UI as a whole. Providing users with different experience that normal Android looks and feel.

I will continue on ICS development, but not as active as Gaia ROM both free and premium. I can however I am collecting donation for a second phone for development solely on ICS as I can't reflash my phone every day as I need a stable phone for work and stuffs. Nevertheless, that is if the donations are enough to buy a second phone, I am guessing it is easy enough as the phone price drops alot right now. I also accepting donations for other phone owner wanting to port Gaia ROM for their phone, so far the list of supported phones are the same as Cyanogenmod list of supported phones.

That said, I will try my best to make this little project stand out as best as I could in order to gain trust among users.

Upcoming Gaia 1.2.0 pre-release notes

2012-02-08T05:14:00.000-08:00

Several users at the official MYGingerbread Gaia development forum, lowyat.net, have already known that the upcoming release of latest Gaia ROM for commtiva z71 series is coming near to release date. There are several notes before the initial release, and no, there are no confirmed release date as for now. There are several tests and tweaks to ensure that the firmware will run as fluid and stable as possible.

Development Environment Changes

As of this year, I am migrating my workspace again to a new box, since I had bought a new laptop for developing where ever I can hence decreasing development time as I can develop anywhere I can. The laptop is an older model of Asus A43SJ/K43SJ mobo based system with the following specs :

A modest Core i3 2330M @ 2.2GHz
4GB DDR3 RAM
CUDA enabled Nvidia GT520M
64bit Windows 7 / 32bit Ubuntu 11.10

This should make my work a little faster compared to my old trusty T2300 1.6GHz laptop :)

Upcoming Changes to Gaia ROM/Firmware

There are several changes that may or may not be implemented to the upcoming release. Most unique and "stand out" update are several UI changes such as overall changes to several parts of the firmware, this will include translucent status bar and notification tab revamp. This does not just make the overall experience more pleasing, it can make the interface more less cluttered and easy to manage. Several contrast issue are also fixed to provide more readability. Roboto font from the latest Android ICS are also implemented as default, the font are proven to provide the best readability for both large and small screen phones.

As to simply put, the upcoming release will include the following (do note that some might change depend on release) :

Tethering are support for both USB and WiFi (2.6.35.14 EA kernel version)
Much more stable then the last version
Much more detail power usage and compatibility (2.6.35.14 EA kernel version)
Apks are zipalign to provide more memory efficient system environment
Translucent status bar as default
SD read ahead increase to more than 2048 (still testing to find that perfect balance)
VM heap size will be larger, although not more then 64mb
Tweaked Auto brightness
Custom Launcher may or may not be use
Overall UI changes (not in beta release if any) [may or may not be release for 1.2.0 update, maybe release in Gaia 2]
Updated Adreno 200/205 driver and module
New Splash (thanks terry@adroid for suggestions)
Custom DPI tweak may or may not be implemented
Roboto font as default
Better hardware acceleration tweak in conjunction with new Adreno 200/205 module
Updated su bin (update Superuser app are recommended after flash)
Updated codec are included, fully support mx player (mx player will be a sys apk as a seperate ROM package download)
and much more, note that features are note to change depending on final release

This release should fix and provide users that longed for stable release of Gaia Android firmware such as Wireless tethering and also keep awake wifi for streaming over wifi when display sleeps. All and all, the upcoming release will be the best that changes everything about your phone, yet :)

Thanks to all at lowyat.net community forum for feedback and suggestion, come and see the latest discussion there. Follow me on twitter @_angelictears , or click the links on the sidebar. Also be sure to donate to this project to show your appreciation.

Updated Installation Guide

2012-01-17T00:36:00.000-08:00

Thanks to one of my friends and tester of the MYGingerbread ROM since the beginning, mr. Terry@android. He have given a complete guide on installing MYGingerbread ROM, specially Gaia 1.1.0. This is one of many method on installing the ROM, other method do work as well so follow this guide carefully if you are new to flashing ROM on you z71 variant devices. All steps are credited to terry@android as he took time and patience to make this ROM work flawlessly on his phone. Say thanks to him in the comment section below :D

Original post can be found at lowyat.net forum, the official discussion forum for Mygingerbread, and Gaia development, or click here .

* Do note that this method involve installing a script that mounts the ext partition of your SDcard as part of the internal storage so all apps installation are installed automatically to both internal and SDcard partition, giving more boost in performance and hassle free management. For those who like to manage their apps manually using other S2E script/app or Link2SD method, skip the script installation mentioned below.

Download this script and put it into ur sd. http://www.mediafire.com/?8cic17fatjrcj4e

1. Dont be stingy, go buy class 6 or class 10 sd, high end sd with 32gb is perfect, no kingston, that brand sucks!
2. flash ur fone with cm7.0.2_z71_battery_memory_fix.nb0 using sutlr
3. reboot recovery, do not enter rom by rebooting. use 3 combo key
*4. straight flashing into cm7.1.zip (can be obtain on boston mania)
5. Again, reboot recovery to change da color of the cwm.
6. flash ur fone with mygingerb GAIA. no need to wipe dalvik or cache as u never enter da rom.
7. reboot recovery after flashing and partition ur sdcard, choose wisely how much u wanted, as for gamers, 1gb is recommended, but for usual use, 512 will be enough with 0 swap. juz choose urself. This will format ur sd so after ur partition, choose mount on recovery and mount ur sd, plug ur cable into pc and paste da script and rom zip back inside, dont create folder or copy data first, leave ur sd with that script and rom or kernel zip only. Then install any kernel u wanted, as for me edgar#37
8. power off ur device, use 3 combo to master reset ur fone. wait till it end.

*as for me, after it reboot, i will install root explorer, giv da permission and copy bundles of apk such as (1)ram manager by juwe, (2)quadrant, (3)root explorer, (4)titanium backup (taken from phantom rom), (5)playerpro, (6)contact remover, (7)sdtools into system/app folder by allowing Mount as R/W, change all that apks permissions into rw-r-r, exit root explorer and uninstall it back, and reboot device into recovery. As for someone who already satisfy with mr angelictears system apks juz....

9. reboot recovery after step 8 without any change.
10. this step a lil bit tricky so read carefully.
i) choose on mount and storage and check if any list checked as 'unmount' if there is, change it back to 'mount'
ii) wipe dalvik cache and data partition.
iii) choose install from zip and install that damn script
iv) no changes will be made after this.
11. reboot ur device without any changes. Juz wait, screen maybe flicker or dead for a while, ignore that. juz be patient

*if after 20 minute without any changes, need to start back to step 4

12. after its reach rom, check ur internal storage in setting, it will convert into ur ext partition depending on how much u partition ur sd, if it doesnt change, thats mean u FAIL.

#do not tick 'Allow application moving' on cyanogenmod setting.
#if application u install move itself into sd. Go to setting/application/manage and move it back to phone. Whats da point partitioning ur sd into ext if u put ur application on fat32.
#from this point, DO NOT FACTORY RESET UR FONE. it will reset da script and ur fone will visit to heaven for a moment. juz clear cache and dalvik from titanium backup or other cache cleaner apks.
#if u got a 3 beep sound from ur fone, do all those step again.
#try quadrant and u will get 2200 score without any overclock. da IO will increase drastically.

Update 19 November 2011

2011-11-18T10:32:00.001-08:00

Hi there, thank you for the given support, it is my honor to see that this project began with outstanding progression rate till now, with 1600 activation and still counting, I am eager to make better user experience on the upcoming release.

There's a few updates that I would like to note down.

Android Ice Cream Sandwich and Cyanogenmod 9

Just recently, Cyanogenmod team have received their copy of Android latest OS Source code and currently developing on Cyanogenmod 9 as soon as they can (they probably already started) and aiming January 2012 the date that they will release the source code.

Naturally, I will also try to develop, if given the source code are compatible, for our z71 (Foxconn F911) variant. That's pretty much about it, all and all, we'll wait for the date that the source code for Android 4.0 is release later on.

Migrating to New Workstation

I am glad to say that all my project will be migrating to my desktop workstation from my old trusted laptop (I haven't told you guys that I compiled both MYGingerbread 1.0.3 and MYGingerbread Gaia 1.1.0 on my Core duo laptop :P ).

My workstation spec are as follow :

AMD Athlon II x4 630 Overclocked at 3.2GHz
4GB of RAM (will upgrade soon to 8GB for ICS development)
750GB Sata II HDD (will upgrade soon to make room for all the project)

Indeed it's not a beast, but at least it is still better then my laptop.

As the new workstation is a desktop, I can't code as often as I can as I am currently busy with stuffs until I rarely home early (usually I am home at 2am my local time). Although the new workstation will provide more room for source code, and faster compiling.

New Project and Adding Device Compatibility

As said above, with most of my project are migrating slowly to my desktop PC, I am also proudly integrating several new project in to the family. First of all is MIUI port to Commtiva z71 variant phones, I will also will try to include several devices to the MYGingerbread ROM family although the list isn't confirm yet.

And let's not forget Ice Cream Sandwich that will arrived any time soon.

I will also will began developing several codes on the kernel, mainly 2.6.35.x kernel family as most of the kernel out there (2.6.35.x variant) are still very buggy, although no promises there except I will try my best.

MYGingerbread Showcase at Sabah ICT Fiesta 2011

It is an honor to announce that MYGingerbread project will be showcase at Sabah ICT Fiesta 2011 on 25th November to 27th November 2011 with permission and associated with Sabah Open Source Group (SOSG in short).

I am currently looking for any volunteer to help me showcase the project and Android in general at that time. So if you are in Kota Kinabalu at the time and willing to help, don't hesitant to contact me via Google+, email or even comment below.

That is all for the updates, wish you all the best and keep up the support :D

MYGingerBread Gaia is here

2011-10-31T21:29:00.000-07:00

MYGingerBread 1.1.0 "Gaia" are up online. Promising super fast performance, and better stability. Without further ado, let's look at the feature packed into this very amazing ROM for Commtiva z71 variant.

Interface

MYGingerBread is one of the ROM available to the Commtiva z71 variant that offers default Gingerbread UI. MYGingerbread takes the default Gingerbread UI, and tweaked it a little further to be more responsive and smoother, reduced lag, less redraw and even maintained the performance without ever need to restart/reboot.

The new homemade splash image during boot will make you want to reboot your phone often, of course that will not happened as MYGingerbread are stable and will not reboot when you need your phone on everyday basis.

As you can see, the splash image is simple, yet manage to make your friends wish that they have your phone, brag to them on how well made your phone are.

Performance

Performance is one of MYGingerBread ROM are well know for, with performance surpass most newer phones out there, it will breeze your phone a new life, brag to your friends on how fast your phone perform, they'll sure wish they could have your phone.

Performance comes with a price, stability. But with MYGingerBread, you can assure that your phones will perform at best the whole day, with better memory management, the ROM intelligently organize your app needs throughout the day, and prioritize the apps that you used and put the apps in RAM to provide fast access whenever you need it The ROM also optimized to be used with Swapper 2 for better performance.

The same default kernel that are used in MYGingerB 1.0.3 stable is also used in MYGingerBread 1.1.0 Gaia, so you can be sure that the kernel will be as stable as it can, because for the first time, MYGingerBread are optimized for SuperAOSP kernel, still users can flash any AOSP kernel they like via ROM Manager.

Cell Patch Update

MYGingerBread "Gaia" is the first ROM created by me to featured "Cell Patch" capability, means that if user are from other MYGingerBread version, you can flash this ROM without ever need to wipe your data. So users can update with ease without any problem, data and settings are kept intact and users still have the latest updates and fixes.

Do note that Cell Patch only will be effective if users flash the ROM correctly, for first time users, follow this simple steps :

Flash Firetrap 10 Final (Android 2.1, pre-rooted) nb0 file, download site (here)
Install ROM Manager from market, update clockworkmod twice to ensure, and move ROM manager to SD if can.
Put MYGingerBread ROM on SD card and boot into recovery mode.
Wipe data, cache and dalvik, then flash MYGingerBread zip from recovery, then reboot to new installed ROM.

Existing MYGingerBread users (MYGingerB 1.0.3 for example) can flash the ROM directly without data wipe, however if the previous ROM have problems such as orientation or wifi, please follow the steps above before flashing MYGingerBread "Gaia" to ensure Cell Patch is working for future release.

Notes on CellPatch

CellPatch is created by myself (Angelictears)
Currently tested and proven to work with only MYGingerBread ROMs
Although data are not wipe, it is best to backup with Titanium Backup

Overall

MYGingerBread Gaia will provide the best Android experience for your phone, and support for this version as promised until May 2012. Meaning that user support, mini patch (using CellPatch) and bug fixes will be provided until May 2012.

Until then head on to the download page above or click here to download.

Thanks and happy flashing :D

Changelogs

- Super fast performance, 25% increase from 1.0.3
- Tweaked memory management, optimized for Mi-300 (Commtiva z71 variant)
- Stable for everyday usage, never worry your phone to let you down.
- 20% increase in battery life (tested on default SuperAOSP 8.6 kernel)
- Better Overclock ratio performance
- New very own splash image, you'll love it
- The Default Gingerbread launcher tweaked to be fast and smooth
- MYGingerBread init.d tweaks included as default
- Internet speed optimized, better speed and streaming capabilities
- 3G signal speed optimization and fixes
- Frequently used apps are now intelligently put to RAM for faster access
- Works and optimized very well to be used with Swapper 2
- Featuring Cell Patch (created by me) so users can update their ROM without data wipe

Gaia, Coming 1st November 2011

2011-10-30T01:24:00.000-07:00

Preview on what's in store for MYGingerBread "Gaia", 1st November 2011.

Mygingerb 1.0.3 stable official release

2011-10-20T01:42:00.000-07:00

Angelictears Development releases the first stable version of MyGingerBread (in short MygingerB) for the CSL Mi-300 (Commtiva z71 variant/clones) Android powered phone. This release promises the best and the latest updates for your phone. Let's look at the features.

Download available under the Download page above

Pure Google Experience

MGingerB is based on google's and Cyanogenmod latest source code, compiled under ubuntu 10.10 32bit environment, developed using Eclipse IDE with Java JDK 6.

Taken that into account, MygingerB project aims to let users feel pure google experience to their phones, plus the performance tweaks thanks to Cyanogenmod source code and from myself. That said, most of the UI are based on Gingerbread (Android 2.3.x) interface, including widgets, lockscreen and launcher.

Performance

Being based on cyanogenmod source code and with custom kernel (Current 1.0.3stable uses SuperAOSP 8.6 AW kernel), performance is top notch even on ARMv6 Qualcomm MSM7z27 CPU (clocked at 600mhz stock).

Overall UI effects are smooth as butter and application load faster even under heavy multitasking (based on application memory usage). Browsing is also a smooth experience, with custom browser tweaks and the latest Google's V8 engine, Android stock browser are taken to another level.

RAM mismanagement is also something that MyGingerB stands out from other ROMs, the code are tweaked to provide the best balance between performance and multitasking capabilities ensuring users have the best experience with their most used application.

MyGingerB also learns user's application usage and battery usage, which means the longer user use the system, the better the system understands which application to kept load in RAM and which not. MyGingerB also learns user's charging habit, ensuring better battery life per charge by learning which application uses battery charge in background and limiting the application wake time when users don't use it, for example at night/sleep time.

As show from Quadrant standard Benchmark result above, it is proven that MyGingerB will provide the best smooth experience without sacrificing battery life.

Updates Interval

MyGingerB will be updated frequently but not on a fixed timeline, depends on my available time (as I am still a student) and users feedback. The project will have a minimum of updates every 4 - 6 months ensuring users get the latest software and stability fixes for their phone.

Giving the MyGingerB are based on Google and Cyanogenmod source, it is possible for flawless ROM update experience, MyGingerB does support update via Clockworkmod recovery for easy update. Users can update the ROM without need to wipe data partition, meaning that users application are keep intact after a complete upgrade.

MyGingerB will also support AOSP (Android Open Source Project) kernels update from any kernel developers out there, meaning there are no shortage of customization for MyGingerB, this also provide users with choice without boundaries which Android is famous for.

Note : Although the ROM does support direct update without the need to wipe data, it is recommended to wipe dalvik and cache partition to ensure stable experience, specially if user comes from a different ROM. If users have experience problems after flashing, it is recommended to do a full backup with Titanium Backup and flash with data wipe (factory reset), cache wipe and dalvik cache wipe.

Overall

Overall MyGingerB is a must try ROM for those who want stable Android Gingerbread experience and also for those who fed up trying ROMs after ROMs finding the perfect Android ROM for their phones.

Tech for geeks below :

Featuring SuperAOSP 8.6 AW kernel as default, user still can flash any custom kernel
Featuring MIUI music apk as default
Featuring RAM optimization script by juwe11 (XDA developers)
Featuring Voice Search enabled by default
Google App included
Added ad block with updated hosts file
GPS server set to Asia.pool.ntp.org
Faster GPS lock in, prioritize network location before GPS lock in.
Minor stability fixes
Faster initial boot (first boot) and reboot time
Fluid animation, better CPU control
Clean empty home screen so users can customize from the start.
Better Malaysian network coverage, no less than 3 bars in city area, compared to other roms(tested on DiGi)
Default APN from SIM (if any) will be automatically imported.
Clockworkmod recovery image included by default.
Better wifi, maximize data throughput, optimized for streaming app/video
Stock wallpaper gallery
Unused apps (at least for average user) removed
USB tethering fixed
Better camera performance in low light area (Thanks Cyanogenmod team)
VM heap set at 32mb by default
Better app management (thanks to Google and Cyanogenmod for base codes)
Optimized screen autobrightness for mi300 ambient light sensor
Tweaked SD card readahead setting to 2048
Better battery life, vary from usage style. (battery stat wipe required)
Optimized Nexus Live Wallpaper. Uses less process and memory.
Nexus series feel, near stock Android experience.
Remove ADW Launcher, replace with Gingerbread stock launcher.