Custom firmware: what is it? Custom firmware for android

Devices running the "Android" system are deservedly considered to be one of the most flexible in configuration. Solutions from Microsoft and Apple are seriously inferior in this aspect. Nevertheless, not all existing versions of "Android" can boast an abundance of user-accessible settings, as often developers simply hide them or block them.

This is done in order to increase the reliability of the system, in analogy with the protection of Windows system directories from modification of files. For example, smartphones from Samsung, which operate the shell-add-in TouchWiz in its basic version, do not allow their owners to over-adjust the functionality. However, there is an opportunity to overcome this limitation.

Provided flexibility

The undoubted advantage of systems from "Google" in front of iOS and WinPhone is the possibility of relatively simple replacement of the original operating system for an alternative solution. Custom firmware "Android" are the same packages of control programs, but they added features and implemented some optimizations. Their preparation and assembly is carried out not by software companies, but by teams of users who possess the necessary knowledge. In addition to these improvements, custom Samsung firmware , for example, allows the gadget owner to use a new version of the operating system, even one that was not officially introduced. In fact, everything is simple. Here they are - custom firmware. What does this give the ordinary user?

The replacement of the basic software package with an optimized one often completely transforms the mobile device, improves the performance and convenience of interaction with the interface. Since the basis of the systems from "Google" is "Linux", the installation process is no different from the updates that are performed in the versions running on computers.

What you need to know before installing

In order to install custom firmware, you must always follow a certain procedure. First of all, you need to unlock the boot block. The owner of the "Android" gadget does not need to study the instructions - everything has been automated for a long time. It only takes to download, install and run the program to obtain root-access rights. There are many of them, so the choice of a workable option is completely on the user. Examples include Super Su and King Root. For the second program to work, you need access to the Internet, ideally via Wi-Fi.

After successful completion of the rutting, it becomes possible to install some specialized application designed to store all user data. In particular, you can "save" already installed programs along with settings, a phone book with current calls, etc. A very useful feature that should not be ignored. Here they are - custom firmware. What is this program that saves all the data? One of the best is the Titanium backup. It works if there are root-rights in the system. Note that even if you do not plan to change the firmware, save the data is recommended in any case.

Finally, one of the last stages is the search for a resource from which you can download custom firmware. What are these software packages, we already pointed out. It is very important from the existing abundance to choose the one that is designed for the desired model of the gadget. Possessing at least some knowledge of Linux systems, you can independently fix the firmware from the twin device, but it is better for beginners to refrain from this.

If we talk about the "iron" component, the owner of the gadget must prepare a computer with a free USB-port, a cable for connecting devices, an SD memory card.

Consider some of the most popular custom firmware. "What is it, for example, for CyanogenMod, which everyone is talking about?" - the attentive reader will ask. And will be committed rights.

MIUI

Chinese developers are known for constantly releasing new models of gadgets and firmware for them. Unsurprisingly, they have achieved a lot in software optimization. So, the distribution called MIUI has absorbed the best solutions from the classic "Android" and CyanogenMod. Even more - some ideas implemented in MIUI are completely absent in the original firmware from "Google". Externally, this system is similar to the solution from Apple in its iOS (one working screen). MIUI distinguishes stability of work; Ease of transfer to other gadgets, which explains its spread; Economical use of resources; Convenience of the interface; A lot of settings and, of course, an impressive appearance. In far 2012, custom firmware 4 from MIUI was introduced, which became incredibly popular. Now there is already a version 7.h.h.

There are four teams of collectors of these firmware: Miltirom, Miuipro, Xiaomi and MIUI. Although there are no global changes within the same version, it is impossible to equate them. The decisions from each team have their own, so to speak, inherent flaws and dignities. Select user. For example, Miuipro offers only clasped options; Xiaomi does not allow you to post topics with patches, etc.

LEWA

A direct competitor to the above MIUI is another solution from the Chinese. It's about the firmware, called LEWA. Outwardly, these two systems are very similar.

The same one main screen and the missing application menu. A similar interface. It is worth noting smaller requirements for RAM and more productive work. Worthy replacement of the basic programs from Google. Excellent voice search and Play Market. From all other solutions Lewa favorably distinguishes the balance between the number of settings and the initial operability. That is, there is no need to understand dozens of switches, as in MIUI, and the functionality of those that are present is obvious.

Great CyanogenMod

Custom firmware for Samsung Galaxy and other smartphones, of course, is not limited to MIUI and Lewa. One of the most well-known alternatives to basic software is CyanogenMod (it's also Cyan, CM). The advantages of this solution are obvious: the absence of "extra" programs; Set of options; Performance optimization; Reduced battery power consumption; Default ART mode. In addition, it is possible to activate root-access without using third-party applications. It is worth noting that due to the efforts of developers, the CyanogenMod firmware can be used even on devices with MTK processors. In addition, there are versions based on "Android 5.1.1", capable of working with the kernel "Linux 3.4.67" ("Kit-Cut").

Automatic adjustment of color temperature of a luminescence of the screen, exposed depending on time of day; Adjustment of the gamut of colors; Optimal work with memory and much more. All these functions are initially present in CyanogenMod 12.1, compiled on the basis of Lollipop. For device owners working on Android 4.4.2, whose official support is terminated, this is the only way to update the software, eliminating the need to replace the gadget with a new model.

If we talk about the Samsung Galaxy, especially the latest models, then their owners, we can say, were lucky, because the installed firmware CyanogenMod automatically selects the current version, downloads it and offers an update. You can be sure that the gadget runs under the most modern version.

Vibe

Many smartphone companies are introducing some of their "brand" developments into the classic "Android". This is what happened with Lenovo. Owners of these devices have known for a long time what Vibe UI is. This is an add-in over the standard interface, a kind of shell. Now anyone can appreciate it - for this it is not necessary to buy the corresponding gadget. It is enough just to install custom firmware. One of the advantages of this software solution is that its internal structure involves assembling a single interface from independent components, which makes it easy to change any of them. Among the unique features you can not fail to note the "smart button", when you click on which appears the application selection menu; Smart wi-fi, which implements binding to a single station, which saves battery power when communication is lost; A means of transferring files between devices over the wireless network, etc. It is important to understand that in the custom firmware executed on the basis of Vibe, not all functions can be present, as in the original version.

Basic set

Among all the variety of custom firmware is a special group, which can not be ignored. It's about upgrading the basic software.

The crooks take as a basis the existing "Android" firmware from any gadget, add certain optimization strings to its configuration files, remove all "superfluous" applications, replace some basic programs with analogs, etc. As a result, we get the modified original firmware.

Custom iOS firmware

Apple devices do not always allow you to install changed software. In part, this explains their higher reliability. So, the "lucky" owners iPhone 1-4 revision (except 4S). But in all the following this possibility is blocked. Deciding on the installation of "custom" in the iPhone, you need, first of all, not to hurry, but to visit a lot of Internet resources on this topic. Otherwise, there is a risk of device failure (as, for example, it happens with 3GS, in which the modem part is updated). In general, we repeat, on new Apple gadgets custom firmware is not installed.

Dilemma

Very often owners of mobile devices can not decide which firmware is better. In fact, one should proceed from the fact whether everything suits the existing base? The risk of problems arising from the installation of third-party software is not always justified. Sometimes it's more rational to install a new launcher, remove "extra" programs, learn how to work with Clean Master. And to resort to such a cardinal step as installing custom firmware, it is necessary only in the event of any failures in the work, which are "treated" by the updated software.