Update HTC One M8 to Android 5.0 Lollipop with SkyDragon GPE ROM for Optimum Performance and Battery Life
Android 5.0 SkyDragon Google Play Edition ROM for HTC One M8XDA
With Sony Xperia L, one of the non-Nexus devices to get the Android 5.0 Lollipop port via the unofficial CyanogenMod 12 build, a few more devices join the group. One among them is HTC's 2014 flagship smartphone, One M8.
Recognised XDA contributor, HolyAngel has shared an Android Lollipop custom build for HTC One M8 dubbed as 'SkyDragon Google Play Edition' (version 4.0.3). The Lollipop ROM for One M8, in contrast to Xperia L port, is adapted from a Google Play Edition. This means the custom firmwarewas made by Google, reports XDA.
Rebased on Android Lollipop build LRX21M, the SkyDragon ROM is claimed to offer optimum performance and better battery life.
SkyDragon ROM info
- Android Version: L - 5.0.0
- Firmware base: 3.09.1700.2
- Rom Version: SD GPE v4.0.3
- Built from 100% stock and clean base
- Init.d Built-in
- Busybox Built-in
- Rooted with SuperSU
- Zip-aligned on boot
- SQLite optimization on boot
- Build.prop tweaks
- System R/W - Not yet, waiting on kernel source
- Stock Kernel Rooted
- Aroma Installer
- Optional GPS Location Selection
- Optional Apps
- GAPP Removal
- Font Selection
SkyDragon ROM Version 4.0.3 changelog
- Rebased on Android L 5.0 LRX21M
- Rooted with SuperSU 2.19
- Unsecured and rooted stock kernel
- Added init.d and busybox
- Tweaked up build.prop for added speed and battery life
- Remade and Cleaned up Aroma for L
- Remade install process
- Removed xposed and modules
- Removed Themes
- Removed a couple apps
- Fixed up Gapp removal
- Removed kernel selection
If you wish to enjoy Google's latest and greatest Android update on your One M8 via SkyDragon Google Play Edition ROM, check out the following installation method.
Points to remember
- The bootloader of HTC One M8 (GSM) should be unlocked.
- The phone should be rooted and have latest custom recovery installed. (Philz recovery 6.25.x is recommended.)
- The Android devices should have above 80% of battery charge.
- Create a nandroid backup in recovery, which will help restoring the current set up if the Lollipop ROM does not work.
- SkyDragon Google Play Edition ROM works only with HTC One M8. Installing this on any other variant might brick the device.
How to install Android 5.0 on HTC One M8
Step-1: Download Android 5.0 SkyDragon Google Play Edition ROM
Download links:
or, Drive Mirror
Step-2: Copy it to the external SD card of the phone
Step-3: Boot the phone into bootloader mode. For this hold Power and Volume Down button if the phone is powered off, or, press Power and Volume Up button buttons of it is on, then as soon as the screen goes black switch from Volume Up to Volume Down
Step-4: Enter Recovery mode and perform Clean to Install a New ROM (which includes wipe system/data/cache/dalvik)
Step-5: Once the process is completed, return to recovery mode and select Choose zip from SD card, and head over to the location where you have saved the Lollipop ROM
Step-6: Go through the steps that Aroma installer gives
Step-7: Once the installation process is completed, reboot the phone
Step-8: Select No to install recovery prompt if given
Step-9: Follow setup wizard
Now you should be able to enjoy the features of SkyDragon Google Play Edition ROM based on Android 5.0 on your HTC One M8.
[Source: XDA]
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How to Fix 'Error: Update Package Missing System.img' with Android 5.0 Factory Images for Nexus Devices
How to Fix ‘Error: Update Package Missing System.img’ with Android 5.0 Factory Images for Nexus Devices
Several Nexus device users are reportedly flooding forums and social networking sites with complaints about an error in Google's batch script file that is failing the installation of Android 5.0 Lollipop factory images on Nexus devices.
The error message reads: "error: update package missing system.img", when users try flashing the Lollipop factory image via flash-all.bat file, as the command window reportedly fails to install or recognise the factory image.
Nevertheless, Nexus device owners can resolve this issue by flashing files manually or without using the batch script file in the factory image.
Earlier, Google's Conley Owens acknowledged this issue and suggested the use of latest Fastboot files from SDK. But, this workaround did not seem to fix the issue.
Here is what Conley had to say about the issue and proposed workaround:
We're hearing from users who are getting a "missing system.img" error when trying to flash a device. If you are seeing this issue, please use the latest fastboot.You can get it from the SDK at https://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html or you can build it in the AOSP source tree by running 'make fastboot'.
IBTimes UK reminds readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to devices while following the instructions provided in this guide. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.
Steps to Install Android 5.0 Lollipop Factory Image Manually on Compatible Nexus Devices
- Provided you have already extracted the factory image, locate the image-xxx-xxx.zip file inside the factory image.
- Unzip or extract the image-xxx-xxx.zip file to a desired folder on your computer to get the following files:
- boot.img
- cache.img
- recovery.img
- system.img
- userdata.img
- system.img
3. Copy/paste the bootloader and radio image files from the factory image to the folder where you extracted files in Step 2 above.
4. [Skip this step if you already have a working adb/fastboot setup] Copy/paste the contents fromadb_and_fastboot_files.zip file to the same folder again from Step 2.
5. Open the folder where all the files are located, it should look like this:
How to Fix 'Error: Update Package Missing System.img' with Android 5.0 Factory Images for NexusDevicesAndroid Soul
6. If you skipped Step 4, ensure all the files are present in the folder except for the highlighted files in the screenshot above.
7. Launch a command window by holding shift and right-clicking inside the folder where the files are present. Then select "Open command window here" from the context menu.
8. Now type in the following commands one by one and press enter to install/flash Android 5.0 Lollipop factory image manually on your Nexus device:
- fastboot flash bootloader bootloader.img
Note #1: Use the file name of bootloader image instead of bootloader.img. For instance, Nexus 5's bootloader will have the name "bootloader-hammerhead-hhz12d.img".
fastboot flash radio radio.img
Note #2: Use the file name of your radio image. For Nexus 5, it's "radio-hammerhead-m8974a-2.0.50.2.21.img".
- fastboot reboot-bootloader
- fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
- fastboot flash boot boot.img
- fastboot flash system system.img
9. Wait until the system.img file installs completely, as it's the biggest file of all.
10. Once system.img is flashed successfully, reboot your device by entering the following command:
- fastboot reboot
Your device will now reboot with the newest Android update, Android 5.0 Lollipop. As this is your device's first boot on Android 5.0, it may take longer than expected. So, please be patient.
[Source: The Android Soul]
Related
- How to Root Nexus 7 2012 (Wi-Fi) and Nexus 10 on Stock Android 5.0 Lollipop via CF Auto Root
- How to Root Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 2013 on Stock Android 5.0 Lollipop with Chainfire's One-Click Root
- Nexus 7 2013 (Wi-Fi) Gets Official Android 5.0 Lollipop (LRX21P) Update via Factory Image [How to Install]
- How to Update Nexus 5 to Android 5.0 Lollipop Build LRX21O via Official Factory Image
Google Chrome 39 Stable Version for Android Available for Download: Features 'Material Design'
Google Chrome 39 Stable Version for Android Available for Download: If you are an Android user, then the Google Chrome 39 deserves a download, as the web browser complements the Android 5.0 (Lollipop) OS update within your devices.
You need not fret if your device currently does not run Android Lollipop, as Chrome 39 comes with its own set of enhancements even for devices running older Android versions.
What's New?
Upon installing Chrome 39, do check out for the new coloured status bar that syncs effectively with devices running Android Lollipop. You should also be able to multitask comparatively better in Chrome 39, as a result of the latest Android update.
However, the most important feature should undoubtedly be the 'stacked card display' that now lets users split individual tabs as cards for more complete viewing and multitasking.
Chrome 39 stable release for Android, also introduces a new Undo button right at the bottom of your screen, in case any of your recently closed tabs require to be restored.
Apart from the above new functionality, the latest browser update also lets you switch to the Reader mode, by just turning the feature on in chrome://flags.
Not to forget, there are enhancements to Google Voice, and search results are also seemingly better optimised this time around.
Finally, the stable release of Chrome 39 for Android incorporates Google's popular Android Lollipop-like 'Material design' UI which should give you a new look and feel, along with providing for a better overall in-browser experience.
Also, you should notice a nice little in-browser dinosaur game whenever there is no data/Wi-Fi connectivity, according to an Android Police report.
Conventional features provided by Chrome for Android (cross-version functionality):
- Sync Across Devices – Allows users to access and open tabs and bookmarks from across devices such as phone, tablet and computer.
- Data Saver – Chrome for Android is claimed to let users save on their bills, by affecting a near 50% reduction in data consumed.
- Faster Browsing – Search results are customised according to user preferences
- Voice Search – Google's voice search can be used to find answers on-the-go without typing
- Translate – easily read webpages in any language
- Intuitive Gestures – Open and flip through tabs, by swiping from side to side on the toolbar
- Privacy – Users can make use of the customised incognito mode that does not save browsing history and cookies, within the hard disk of devices.
Where to download from?
Google Chrome 39 for Android is available for free download from the official Google Play Store.
Do let us know as to how the improved Chrome for Android feels within your devices.
Windows 10 Build 9870 Carries New Cortana Features: Cortana and Speech Personalisation
Microsoft seeded Windows 10 Build 9879, which is available to Windows Insider Program.Microsoft
The latest build of Windows 10 Technical Preview contains references to Cortana digital personal assistant.
Last week, Microsoft confirmed the release of a new Build 9879 for Windows 10, which is available to the Windows Insider Program. In order to access it, you will have to navigate to Windows Update and check for the new update. Once again the Build 9879 has numerous changes, some noteworthy features, also a few gotchas to be aware of.
As has been spotted in the leak, Build 9879 lets you to hide the 'Search or Task View buttons' on the taskbar. Just right-click on the taskbar and uncheck the check boxes for the buttons you want to hide.
Cortana in the zPC Setting app.Neowin
Neowin has spent some time extracting a few more details about the 9879 Build and reports that new features of Cortana, which seem to be functional, can be found under zPC settings app. (Check out the above photo.) You can turn off Cortana and speech to disable personalisation.
These settings are in the privacy section of the zPC settings app. The settings allow clearing local personalisation data on the machine related to Cortana. It makes sense that Microsoft will now allow users to clear the data if they don't want them to be stored locally, as Cortana learns about user's habits, locations as well as preferences.
Also, you will have to go to Bing.com to clear cloud data. This is not a new change as the Windows Phone version of Cortana has this feature for clearing cloud based information.
This information, however, is an indication that we will get to see Cortana features in the next Windows 10 Build.
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