Flash-aholics Guide To Nexus 7: You’ve Got The Nexus 7 In Hand…Now What
So you’ve got your Nexus 7 now. To be different than the next guy writing about Android has always been a goal of mine, and what I see on most sites is guides to actually rooting the Nexus 7 and etc. Well there are already a ton of guides to that on the web. I for one used Wug’s tool which you can find right here. What we want to do it instead is take you from the next step where you take a look at some ROM’s kernels and perhaps some themes and Mod’s to get your new tablet looking and performing like you want it to. So if you want to root hit the above link or do a quick search for the many articles and guides you will find out there. If you want to hear about cool stuff you can do next your in the right place. I’ve tried just about all of it. Let’s go.
ROMS:
KRAKD 7
So you want some nice ROMS to try out I can point you in the right direction. Though it should be noted the stock ROM is pretty awesome there are a couple I think actually have better performance overall. The first one I had the pleasure of flashing was KRAKD-7 by SoCal Devs. KRAKD-7 a great ROM that was smooth and fully functional the only drawback to is the lack of an update that includes the two OTA’s the Nexus 7 has received since it’s release at Google io. The features are as follows:
Deodexed
Zip aligned
Superflous apps removed
Rooted
init.d support
Busybox
Ad-blocking host file
Aroma installer
DSP Manager
Original Nexus 7 boot animation
Clean look
Awesome speed
One thing that stands out with this ROM is the fact that it uses the stock boot animation which is very cool. The ROM is very fast as well. Give it a spin by checking the OP which can be found HERE.
MoDaCo JR3
The third jellybean release from MoDaCo, which can be found HERE is the second ROM I tested out on the Nexus 7. Plenty can be said about this one it’s after all from MoDaCo and they have been a mainstay in Android development for ages. This release is solid and there is nothing beta about it as it is fully functional and even has the added benefit of the first theme for a Nexus 7 and also a launcher that works in landscape view as well. It’s also not short on features as evidenced by the following list:
- Rebuilt, compressed and optimised with the MCR build system
- Based on the 4.1.1 / JRO03D release
- Added initial support for contact sync via the Facebook app. Further enhancements to follow, but basically functionality should now be working
- EFS auto-backup script
- ‘TweakDeck’, improved and updated Tweetdeck
- All Google components are running the latest
- SuperSU from ChainfireXDA
- SQLite performance patch
- Not odexed
- Insecure boot image
- Camera Launcher
- Disabled Jelly Bean ‘disable apps on boot’ feature
- LatinIME (stock input method) with forced Phone layout
- Secure boot image
- Secure boot image with patched ADB
- Launcher with rotate support
- Nova Launcher as default launcher (courtesy of teslacoil software)
- Apex Launcher a secondary option (I now use this because of it’s vertical scroll support)
- Alternative appstores (Amazon, GetJar patched for maximum compatability and SlideMe Market)
- Our own ‘OdexMe’ on-demand odex application
- Enhanced Power Menu by djmcnz (updated for JB)
- ClockworkMod ROM Manager
- Disabled menu key unlock
- init.d support on boot
- Titanium Backup
- Disable camera shutter sound
- Much much much more!
TeamEOS Nightly Builds
UPDATE: The Auto Rotation Bug Mentioned below has now been fixed as of 7/18 version available on GooIM or via Goomanager!
Those who are long time AOSP loving flash-aholics already know about Team EOS. For those that don’t these guys put together one of the most respected, stable, fast builds of AOSP Android and now they have this JellyBean build for the N7. I was thrilled to find that they had made a build for the Nexus 7 and almost immediately. The changelog for Team EOS is quite extensive so I will refer you to their site to view the features HERE. Let’s do full disclosure this is the ROM I am running right now despite a bug with the Auto Rotation. I still give this ROM the seal of approval for it’s swiftness. It is a tic faster than the other ROMS on this list in my opinion. Got to love Team EOS though I am disappointed that their EOS Toggle settings being borked to this point even after installing today’s nightly but there is always tomorrow.
Other Useful Stuff
Stock ODEX and DeODEX ROMS (rooted of course)
Want stock here y0u go. Features list below. Google should be credited for the Jelly and Chainsfire for root. Aside from these features its plain old stock 4.1. Keep in mind this is not 4.1.1 so this one is minus the updates as well. Head on over to the OP on XDA here. Recognized Developer CdTDroiD is responsible for these builds link above.
- Android OS, 4.1 Jellybean build JRN84D
- Insecure boot.img
- Rooted with the latest superuser
- Busybox
- Deodexed and Odexed options
- Fully Zipaligned
Kernels:
Atlantis R2
At this time I can only recommend one kernel as it is the one that I’ve been able to get to boot and the one that works not because it bested the others in real world performance. For the record I have tried the kernels out there without fear and if they are not on this list I had problems. To put it another way if there not in this list they put my Andy on his back and I had to get my tablet back on via fastboot. Now others have had success with the other two or three out there but those others were luckier than I. That being said I recommend Atlantis R2 it flashes with no problems and gives the user to option to raise the max clock speed form 1.3 to 1.5 GHz. Again all I’m saying is that you won’t need any special know how to get your device back on to flash this one. The others have worked for some.
Themes And ETC:
Here is the only Theme currently available and it’s from developer lightninbug. It is certified to work with MoDaCo and has some different icons and etc. for those who want to change the stock look. Hit the OP for a closer look at the theme. The same theme is available for the HTC Sensation and their are plenty screen shots at the above link to give you an idea of what you are doing to your tab.
Stay posted I have another feature on the games I would have you play as well with an article I read on it earlier this week being my inspiration (they picked some horrible games lol). I’ll get you on the right track on games when that comes off the press. More to come folks.
