M96 + T68. Updates and more ...

[kuskro]

Originally Posted by cicabum

Hi. The configuration of your device is very interesting
Just a couple of questions:
- What theme do you use with "Button Savior"?
- What "recent task manager" do you use?

Hi man, I use this payable theme: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d....themehd&hl=en

This theme includes "the recent task manager" you mentioned.

Btw, I'm working on some implementations that'll rock our T68.

Best.

[kuskro]

To whom it may help:

1. I've modified the root process for our T68 (also works on M96) to install SuperSU instead of Superuser. Follow the instructions on this file: root.7z

2. The booxtor's update (20141014) for T68 (20141013 for M96) can work pretty awesome if you swap the original build.prop (remember change permissions to rw-r--r-- (0644) and owner to root) by the one attached on this post but previosly you must have installed: Lightning Launcher eXtreme (the attached "LightningLauncher" file is not the app, it is a really good preset´s backup for our device, so unpack the attached "LightningLauncher" folder on /sdcard/ path and restore it through the launcher settings).

3. With a CPU manager (I use Antutu CPU Master Pro) set:
-Within "Main" tag: Min. 996 / Max. 996 / Scaling: Ondemand / Set on boot (checked).
-For "Screen Off" profile: Max. freq. 396 / Min. freq. 396 / Scaling model: powersave.
-For "Low Battery" profile: Battery lower than 99% / Min. freq. 996 / Max. freq. 996 / Scaling model: ondemand.
-Within "Advanced" settings, change the I/O Scheduler to "CFQ" and "Set on boot" checked. (NOTE: the best I/O Scheduler for M96 is "Deadline").

4. To free space on system you can debloat your device easily deleting the next app list (with "SystemApp Remover" for instance, to avoid leaving residual stuff on your device):

AgingTest-release.apk (needed on M96)
AlReader.apk
Browser.apk (Other Browsers like Lightning Browser are recommended instead this default one)
Browser.odex (Other Browsers like Lightning Browser are recommended instead of this default one)
Calendar.apk (Other Calendars like aCalendar are recommended instead of this default one)
Calendar.obex (Other Calendars like aCalendar are recommended instead of this default one)
Email.apk
Email.obex
Exchange.apk
Exchange.obex
FBReaderJ-release.apk
LatinIME.apk (needed if you didn't get another keyboard installed apart from the default one)
LatinIME.obex (needed if you didn't get another keyboard installed apart from the default one)
LauncherTests-release.apk (needed if you didn't get another launcher installed apart from the default one)
Mms.apk
Mms.odex
NeoReaderTests-release.apk
OnyxBootPicSetup-release.apk
OnyxData-release.apk
OnyxDict-release.apk
OnyxOtaService.apk
OnyxOtaService.odex
OnyxReaderDJVU-release.apk
OnyxReader-release.apk
OnyxScribbler-release.apk
OTAUpdateTest-release.apk
PinyinIME.apk (Chinese people need it)
PinyinIME.odex (Chinese people need it)
Reader-release.apk
StartupTutorial-release.apk

NOTE 01: OnyxLauncher-release.apk cannot be uninstalled because it controls the backlight brighteness (/sys/class/backlight/pwm-backlight.0/brightness) and navigation indicator light. OnyxLauncher-release.apk can be uninstalled on M96 if you previously install Lightning Launcher.

NOTE 02: whether you erase this apps (specially the OTA ones) you still can update your device easily through the recovery bootloader (with the reader off, if you press back and power at the same time you enter in recovery mode, then apply a "wipe data/factory reset" and afterwards "apply update from external storage, be patient because it takes time).

5. After deleting this apps you will need others, like Root Explorer or Ultimate Rotation Control or ezPDF (best pdf reader that combined with ColorDict can be very useful) or Lightning Web Browser or Puffin Web Browser or Kindle or Moon+ Reader (for ePub files) or aCalendar or Button Savoir or Assistive Zoom Pro or MyScript Stylus or Bass Booster Pro, etc..

.

[cicabum]

Originally Posted by kuskro

Hi man, I use this payable theme: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d....themehd&hl=en

This theme includes "the recent task manager" you mentioned.

Btw, I'm working on some implementations that'll rock our T68.

Best.

Thanks a lot! :-)

[helour]

Hello

I have successfully decompiled framework-res.apk and SystemUI.apk from my Onyx M96.

I want to change (tweak) some system's colors:
1. for text in the "options screen" (see Pic1.png)
2. for text in the "info screen" (see Pic2.png)
3. for icons (see Pic3.png)

Developer of the Alreader app wrote me that these colors are specific for actual version of android and especially for E-ink isn't posible to change/override them from ereader application.

Unfornatelly, the system "res" files are too big for me to search right items and also I'm new in android.

Does exist any GUI editor for tweaking SystemUI where I can easily change any text/icon colors?

Thanks for help

[eb00ker]

Originally Posted by kuskro

2. The last booxtor update (20141014) can work pretty awesome if you swap the original build.prop (remember change permissions to rw-r--r-- and owner to root) by the one attached on this post but previosly you must have installed:Lightning Launcher eXtreme (unpack the attached "LightningLauncher" folder on /sdcard/ path and restore it through this launcher settings) and Seeder (see attached pic).
.

What exactly does the new edited 'build.prop' do? And why should it be swaped with the original one ? The 'build.prop' from my M96 looks slightly different than your uploaded one (because yours is the one from a T68...).

So i guess, exchanging T68<=>M96 would cause some major problems !?

P.s: Would you mind describing step 2. a bit more detailed?

thx

[Redfoox]

Originally Posted by kuskro

To whom it can help:

1. I've modified the root process for our T68 & M96 to install SuperSU instead of Superuser. Follow the instructions on this file: [Shortened URL deleted - MODERATOR]

2. The last booxtor update (20141014) can work pretty awesome if you swap the original build.prop (remember change permissions to rw-r--r-- and owner to root) by the one attached on this post but previosly you must have installed:Lightning Launcher eXtreme (unpack the attached "LightningLauncher" folder on /sdcard/ path and restore it through this launcher settings) and Seeder (see attached pic).

3. To free space on system you can debloat your device easily deleting the next app list (with "SystemApp Remover" for instance, to avoid leaving residual stuff on your device):

AgingTest-release.apk (needed on M96)
AlReader.apk
Browser.apk (Other Browsers like Lightning Browser are recommended instead this default one)
Browser.odex (Other Browsers like Lightning Browser are recommended instead of this default one)
Calendar.apk (Other Calendars like aCalendar are recommended instead of this default one)
Calendar.obex (Other Calendars like aCalendar are recommended instead of this default one)
Email.apk
Email.obex
Exchange.apk
Exchange.obex
FBReaderJ-release.apk
LatinIME.apk (needed if you didn't get another keyboard installed apart from the default one)
LatinIME.obex (needed if you didn't get another keyboard installed apart from the default one)
LauncherTests-release.apk (needed if you didn't get another launcher installed apart from the default one)
Mms.apk
Mms.odex
NeoReaderTests-release.apk
OnyxBootPicSetup-release.apk
OnyxData-release.apk
OnyxDict-release.apk
OnyxOtaService.apk
OnyxOtaService.odex
OnyxReaderDJVU-release.apk
OnyxReader-release.apk
OnyxScribbler-release.apk
OTAUpdateTest-release.apk
PinyinIME.apk (Chinese people need it)
PinyinIME.odex (Chinese people need it)
Reader-release.apk
StartupTutorial-release.apk

NOTE 01: whether you erase this apps (specially the OTA ones) you still can update your device easily through the recovery bootloader (with the reader off, if you press back and power at the same time you enter in recovery mode, then apply a "wipe data/factory reset" and afterwards "apply update from external storage, be patient because it takes time).

4. After deleting this apps you will need others, like Root Explorer or Rotation Locker or ezPDF (best pdf reader that combine with ColorDict can be very useful) or Lightning Browser or Kindle or Moon+ Reader (for ePub files) or aCalendar or Bass Booster Pro, etc..

NOTE 02: I built a new root debloated rom with apps deodexed and zipaligned but the result was worse than making the suggested changes lines above. The last Booxtor update is awesome so it is not worthy go further a part from making minors changes. So, all credits go to Booxtor and www.ereader-store.de support team, well done my friends.
.

I was also wondering this myself, what the build.prop change does.

Could please explain?

[kuskro]

Originally Posted by eb00ker

What exactly does the new edited 'build.prop' do? And why should it be swaped with the original one ? The 'build.prop' from my M96 looks slightly different than your uploaded one (because yours is the one from a T68...).

So i guess, exchanging T68<=>M96 would cause some major problems !?

P.s: Would you mind describing step 2. a bit more detailed?

thx

You are right, this build.prop is for T68 and it enhances how dalvik uses VM to charge apps and the way it uses the memory. Also it includes some tweaks for screen's refresh, wifi, and other enhancements.

Seeder app (is a free xda app project, it can be download for free on xda) installs some binaries that improve java virtual machine and some system parameters, so it enhance the t68 performance, too. Seeder works good for any Android 4.0.X or prior versions, on Android 4.1 (and after versions) something similar was included by default by Google.

Could you send me the M96 build.prop to have a look? I'm a bit lazy to unpack it from M96's system.img.

[japinder]

Thanks a ton Kusro for the information. I may not agree with all the changes, but overall, its a good start.

Some of the tweaks are not really required. You might want to take a look at:
http://www.jeffmixon.com/series/exam...hensive-guide/
http://android.stackexchange.com/que...uild-prop-mean

Seeder naysayers/non-believers:
http://www.xda-developers.com/androi...cked-up-to-be/
http://www.geek.com/android/lag-defe...eless-1534691/

I commented out these two entries, since I don't have these apps installed:
#sys.keep_app_1=com.desaxedstudios.bassboosterpro
#sys.keep_app_2=com.smartprojects.RAMOptimization

As per Jeff Mixon's article & further Android code comments say the windows managers mx events shoul at most be 90:
windowsmgr.max_events_per_sec=90

Since our M96 only has a density of 150, so M96 users should comment out this line:
#ro.sf.lcd_density=265

Furthermore, the M96 users should edit their build.prop file instead of replacing, since this build.prop is from T68, so would turn the bigger sibling down to T68 size. Just kidding!

The other parameters, even if they don't help much, don't have much downsides, so its not 'dangerous' to apply.

Most of the gain in speed I feel I'm having is from the usage of Lightning Launcher (maybe Nova/ADW could have had almost the same effect with judicious tinkering) & some throttling/disabling of unneeded apps & services. I'm not sure how much further build.prop will take my M96, but I've applied it all the same.

I tried out No-Frills CPU control to see how the kernel is being used. To my surprise, our kernel only has three clock speeds - 396, 792 & 996 MHz. The default CPU governor was Performance! The default I/O scheduler was deadline. I changed it to OnDemand & NOOP respectively. I wonder why we have a slow CPU (Freescale i.MX 6 Cortex A9 1.0GHz) & then have it running at top speed continuously to make up for it.

EDIT: Attaching the original as well as the modified build.prop files. Added extension in order to upload.

Jp

[kuskro]

Hi @japinder,

Let me explain why I chose "seeder (on moderate mode)", it was because it forces the CPU to stick to higher clock frequencies due to the constant I/O using. By default, our iMX6 Cortex is working on CFQ I/O scheduler and PERFORMANCE govenor but it is not enough, so seeder forces the CPU a bit more, despite the fact it uses more battery.

About what you commented upon windowsmgr.max_events_per_sec=90, it is true that with 90 is enough in common phones but not on our case I think.

And, about "debug.sf.hw=1", it is set on 1 when you are not sure if compositing is set on 0 by default, that was the case.

Many thanks for your help.

Best.

[japinder]

Thanks for the feedback.

Originally Posted by kuskro

Let me explain why I chose "seeder (on moderate mode)", it was because it forces the CPU to stick to higher clock frequencies due to the constant I/O using. By default, our iMX6 Cortex is working on CFQ I/O scheduler and PERFORMANCE govenor but it is not enough, so seeder forces the CPU a bit more, despite the fact it uses more battery.
Best.

The seeder is only contributing towards the randomization pool. With lot of processes running on the normal smartphones, a case could have been made out for Seeder (even though people seriously question its efficacy). At most Seeder theoretically, would remove the wait of applications waiting for the randomization pool if it ever falls below requirement. It cannot make the CPU go faster. As of now, I have my M96 with OnDemand schedular, which makes it run ~40% at 396 MHz, ~1% at 792 & ~59% at 996MHz. No lag seen. For normal usage, these is no requirement of Seeder. I'm not so sure about heavy usage either. M96 is not a multitasking machine, so any benefit, if perceived might very well be placebo.

Originally Posted by kuskro

About what you commented upon windowsmgr.max_events_per_sec=90, it is true that with 90 is enough in common phones but not on our case I think.

As per the explanation provided by Jeff in the first link in my previous post:

// This number equates to the refresh rate * 1.5. The rate should be at least
// equal to the screen refresh rate. We increase the rate by 50% to compensate for
// the discontinuity between the actual rate that events come in at (they do
// not necessarily come in constantly and are not handled synchronously).
// Ideally, we would use Display.getRefreshRate(), but as this does not necessarily
// return a sensible result, we use '60' as our default assumed refresh rate.
result = 90;

Any more would just waste resources. I guess we really are splitting hairs here. A value of 90 per second should be more than enough unless we're talking about a harcode GPU capable of some serious gaming. Each one to his own though.

The M96 is supposed to be running at 85Hz screen refresh rate. So 90 still very much covers it.

Originally Posted by kuskro

And, about "debug.sf.hw=1", it is set on 1 when you are not sure if compositing is set on 0 by default, that was the case.

I've found no difference between enabling it to 1 or commenting it out. So I guess 1 is the default setting. Won't hurt to reapply it though.

I guess performance wise, we're pretty much set. Now we need to channel our energies towards visual aspects, like the point raised by helour above.

Jp

[kuskro]

Many thanks again for pointing these stuff out.

[swOEAE8a4b2]

Originally Posted by bobodude

Hi,
I bought an M96 from a shop in Switzerland (Dubowik.ch),

and would like to install a good pdf reader, is neo reader better for this than Oreader ?

I don't have neo reader on the M96, & would like to know if your updates work on all M96's, or only the ones you sell ....

& otherwise, if there is another option for installing neo reader, or which other pdf reading app you recommend for the M96 ?

thanks !!!

I have the same M96, it seems to be the M96 Universe from onyxboox.com. I read somewhere on this forum (sorry, forgot where) that one can flash it to Booxtor's ROM by combining the update.zip from the first post in this thread with the T68 recovery procedure.

Detailed steps (partially copy-pasted from other thread):

• Download the most recent update.zip for M96 by Booxtor from the first post in this thread.
• Download the T68 recovery package linked to from the first post in the thread linked above.
• Unpack the second zip and, in the unpacked directories, replace update.zip as well as the files in "MX6SL Linux Update\OS Firmware\files\android" with the correct ones from the first update.zip above. Then follow the instructions for T68 recovery, namely:
• Connect the reader to the pc, then switch it off.
• Keep both page buttons (page left and page right, on left of device) pressed, then keep the power button pressed until the blue led on the central button briefly blinks. Release immediately all the buttons. The screen will not change and your device boots in "download" mode. Your PC will signal a new USB device and in mfgtool2 window appears "HID device.
• Run the mfgtool2.exe file in the unpacked T68 recovery directory
• Click start to program the device.
• If you see a windows message like this: (you need to format drive X ...) - just ignore it and wait for the tool finishes flashing.
• Once finished, click stop and exit.
• Long press power button to shutdown device.
• press power button again to boot device

[kuskro]

Good to know. Thanks.

[kuskro]

A minor change over the last build.prop uploaded. Find attached a new update on this post.

(NOTE: it is truly recommended to manage the CPU (I use Antutu CPU Master Pro) with these settings:
-Within "Main" tag: Max 996 / Min 996 / Scaling: Ondemand / Set on boot (checked).
-For "Screen Off" profile: Max. freq. 396 / Min. freq. 396 / Scaling model: powersave.
-For "Low Battery" profile: Battery lower than 99% / Max. freq. 996 / Min. freq. 996 / Scaling model: ondemand.
-Within "Advanced" settings, change the I/O Scheduler to "deadline" and "Set on boot" checked)

.

[pawrot]

Originally Posted by Booxtor

Hi guys,

for those of you, who likes our updates I am going to upload new updates like every 2-3 weeks

The easiest way to install them is using OTA (over the air) option:

Go to Settings (bottom bar in Onyx home screen) and
1. -> Language and select your Language Settings to English (other languages will follow soon)
2. -> Network -> WiFi On (and of course connect to the Internet
3. -> About -> Check from Cloud. When new Update is available you will be informed and just confirm that you want to download and install available update


How to install:
Copy update.zip to your root folder in M96 or T68.
Afterwards go to Settings -> About ->System Update -> Check Update from local Storage

I tried both (installing from the cloud and from update.zip) but I get statement 'No updata package available'. My current build number is: 2014-09-12_00-43_1.6.2_041be89, so newer version should be recogonized, rigth? The most important for me is functionality of exporting scribble.