Plan for the V7

“Failing to plan is simply planning to fail!”

 

Now that I am sure I know how to modify the firmware update files, it is time to pick a direction and set some specific goals. I bought this to learn about the Linux Kernel and Android: If it seems that I am doing things the hard way, it is for the learning experience.

 

What do I want out of the Android System:

 

1. I want an Android system that is stable and responsive
2. I want to take advantage of the Google services like Calendar and Gmail
3. I want to be able to use the system for video and internet on my TV

 

 

 

What do I need to achieve this:

 

I want an Android system that is stable and responsive:

• I’ll need to trim up the 1.6 system at least. I expect I may switch this over to a version of Cyanogen Mod (which means a whole new kernel from scratch) or just update it to 2.1. If possible, I would like to make the system more modular, so that an online “kitchen” can be made, or at least a way for keyboards, themes, and Home screens to be added by the user
• I want to take advantage of the Google services like Calendar and Gmail
• Google Sync and Sign in needs to be activated. The Calendar and e-mail programs seem to be messed up, and not having Google Sync messes with the included RSS reader.

I want to be able to use the system for video and internet on my TV

 

This goal means adding support for a lot of things:

 

• HDMI Output – I would like to try to keep the API for this compatible with other places. I think the API used by the Sprint EVO would be the best thing to start with, and then try to keep this in line with the changes that come out.
• Support for USB/Bluetooth Keyboard
• Support for USB/Keyboard Mouse
• Support for Flash at some level is needed, even if we can’t get full flash
• Support for External Drives – hard drives or even DVD support would be good

 

Other Things I would like to see:

 

• Support for USB/Bluetooth GPS
• Support for external internet (cell phones, modems, aircards, etc. . .)
• Android Market (if there is a way to make this legal)

 

 

Some progress points:

 

 

 

PHASE 1

 

1. Compile a generic 1.6 and compare it to the 1.6 file system in version 3 of the firmware (size and location of files). Any files that are different are places where the generic android system would need to be changed, so a list of these locations and files is needed.
2. Custom changes to the android system need to be identified and reverse engineered so that the same features can be added back to the new builds.
3. Rebuild the file system from source with a small change to confirm that the build is stable.
4. Start a Project to port the 2.6.33 Android Kernel to SmartQ V7 – this will be needed to support further generic or Cyanogen Mod Android builds.

 

PHASE 2

 

Once there is a stable build, add Google Sync and other services back into the system. I will likely be just as easy to port this to 2.1 at this stage, so a Generic 1.6 or 2.1 with Google services is considered passing this phase. This Phase will decide which system we build on: Cyanogen Mod or 2.x

 

PHASE 3

 

Setup a Google project with the goal of adding the extra features to the operating system