topic Re: forum rules regarding discussion of rooting. in Discussions & Feedback

forum rules regarding discussion of rooting.

viridis — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 21:12:46 GMT

With O2 having uk exclusive stock of the BQ Aquaris X5, @MI5 has pointed out quite correctly, that we cannot discuss the os or features of the phone as it is a rooted device.
In light of this, and our inability to assist members due to our limitations regarding root discussions, isn't it time that the "no root talk" rule is dropped.
As android root talk is like for like. Discussion of one device is as good as discussion for the other, especially when similar SOC are used.

So, are we to not assist in the discussion of this device, or are we at a stage now where discussing root features is now allowed?

Re: forum rules regarding discussion of rooting.

MI5 — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 21:21:30 GMT

We should at least be allowed to discuss the potential dangers of messing with system files........?

Re: forum rules regarding discussion of rooting.

viridis — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 21:24:53 GMT

Better than trying to explain why they now own a silicone brick, surely...
I can see it now, even the most simple root messing like swapping boot animation, could easily result in a system boot file being swapped with a boot ani zip.
Game over.

Re: forum rules regarding discussion of rooting.

MI5 — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 21:27:43 GMT

I wonder which recovery they are using.....?
and at least a basic understanding of ADB is a must, surely?

Re: forum rules regarding discussion of rooting.

Cleoriff — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 22:10:43 GMT

You have both lost me now with all this technospeak...so could I ask a bog standard dumbo question?

What on earth is cyanogenmod? (Sorry to appear a bit dense....):smileysad:

Re: forum rules regarding discussion of rooting.

viridis — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 22:18:33 GMT

An open source operating system based on the pure android open source project.
Many, many, MANY custom roms are based around cyanogen and it is highly regarded as the "goto" solution for a rooted, fully modifiable firmware.
Many a time will you see on XDA a member say "I'll wait for CM" meaning they'll root and rom ONLY when the device has a stable cyanogen build for it.

Re: forum rules regarding discussion of rooting.

MI5 — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 22:19:58 GMT

In simple terms it's an open source project run by a community of developers which takes the latest version of Android and roots the firmware to allow changes to be made to each and every part of the OS.
Not only can you just change wallpaper anymore you can actually change many of the pre sets that manufacturers write into their firmware.
Change colours, startup screens, sounds, reorder menus, delete any app, make proper backups, use different framework etc, etc, etc.......

Re: forum rules regarding discussion of rooting.

Cleoriff — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 22:37:17 GMT

So.....when you say to someone on here 'No you cant delete the apps built in to any device unless you root it...

cyanogenmod allows this?

Re: forum rules regarding discussion of rooting.

viridis — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 22:39:41 GMT

Yup

Re: forum rules regarding discussion of rooting.

Cleoriff — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 22:42:20 GMT

And.....I can see it being a problem with any assistance given for that new BQ X5 device just announced....(I think I am correct saying that?)

Re: forum rules regarding discussion of rooting.

Anonymous — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 23:05:34 GMT

Does this mean guideline 10 is now irrelevant

http://community.o2.co.uk/t5/Welcome-News/Community-Guidelines/td-p/487846

Re: forum rules regarding discussion of rooting.

jonsie — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 07:11:13 GMT

Hopefully they will be discussing this as a priority today.

Re: forum rules regarding discussion of rooting.

Toby — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 08:48:19 GMT

Hi guys,

I'll have a chat with the rest of the team about this. As rooting can affect a device's warranty in most occasions, we cannot officially support it, or host any advice/instructions on how to do it. However, I fully understand that this device has a different setup, so we'll have a chat.

I'll come back later on

Re: forum rules regarding discussion of rooting.

Toby — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 14:52:42 GMT

Hi guys. Here is some info on how the phone is set up, as well as some info on how rooting discussion will not really change:

The X5 will have a locked bootloader like any other handset
Installing non-X5 software/updates (eg, a different ROM) will void the warranty like any other handset
CyanogenOS which comes pre-installed (instead of normal Android) has much more customisation, personalisation and control optionsbuilt-in. Some of these could be available to other Android users after rooting and modifying a device (which we still don’t allow discussion of), but they are available out-of-the-box with the X5

I hope this clears things up!

Re: forum rules regarding discussion of rooting.

MI5 — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 15:21:12 GMT

Quick question - does anyone at O2 actually understand anything about Android, rooting, ROM porting and bootloaders?

Re: forum rules regarding discussion of rooting.

jonsie — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 04:42:27 GMT

Possibly like me, very limited knowledge.

Re: forum rules regarding discussion of rooting.

Toby — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 11:14:45 GMT

Hi @MI5,

What issues do you have with the info? I'll talk to the rest of the team about your concerns.

By the way, I'm not sure what is happening with this thread, but some older comments are at the end :S

Re: forum rules regarding discussion of rooting.

MI5 — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 11:24:14 GMT

Toby, for example, this statement
"Installing non-X5 software/updates (eg, a different ROM) will void the warranty like any other handset"
CM is OS so anyone can download it onto their device - I can put it on my Note 4 for example, if I wish to, so how can it void my warranty on Note 4 but the same ROM be OK on the X-5?
Also "The X5 will have a locked bootloader like any other handset" what is the point of offering a full freedom, full customisation phone if you are going to lock the bootloader, and what exactly do O2 think this will protect them from?

Re: forum rules regarding discussion of rooting.

viridis — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 11:31:32 GMT

Plus, locking the bootloader will only prevent the flashing of another OS.....9 times out of ten based on CM anyway so irrelevant. Is it rooted out the box? Because that's where the issues arise, giving advice on this product.. Is as good as giving advice for any other rooted android.

And FYI, the European courts ruled that rooting does NOT invalidate warranties under failure of faulty hardware components.

Re: forum rules regarding discussion of rooting.

jonsie — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 11:52:27 GMT

@viridis wrote:
Plus, locking the bootloader will only prevent the flashing of another OS.....9 times out of ten based on CM anyway so irrelevant. Is it rooted out the box? Because that's where the issues arise, giving advice on this product.. Is as good as giving advice for any other rooted android.

And FYI, the European courts ruled that rooting does NOT invalidate warranties under failure of faulty hardware components.

This just doesn't add up.

I agree with @MI5@ does anyone actually know anything about rooting @Anonymous?