Using my rooted / modded Galaxy s2 (Cyanogen) (3)

last updated 7th November 2012

Finishing off setting up my new o/s

Signed in with gmail account and sync'd

Installed Titanium backup from Play store.

To install the other apps, i opted to install clean newest versions from the Play store, then used titanium backup to restore just the data of the application. An example of this would be a clean install of Dolphin Brower from the Play Store, then used Titanium backup to restore my backed up favourites. Top app, and free.

With Titanium you are able to restore the whole app, or the data for the app (data stored on sdcard) very cool - click here

Cool new features over ICS o2 stock

Booting up faster, general operation is much quicker, no application issues, no need to click "ok" after entering secure PIN, Can customize the notification pull down menu (not available on ios or ics), able to choose different transition effects between screens like on the non rooted "go launcher ex" app. Cool news sounds for notifications, Smaller google search bar on front page,

Issues / missing features

No swype keyboard as standard - had to install separately from previously store .APK file
Notepad and Tasks missing (downloaded colornote)
No FM Radio app

Apollo is the replacement music play which is very good.... but i've chosen "Music Player" by PIXI, improved lock screen controls.

To do

Remove triangle on boot

Cool apps to have on a rooted device

Security software, lookout or avast are very good.
in progress........
http://www.littlegreenrobot.co.uk/hackerzone/top-10-apps-for-rooted-android-phones/

Galaxy s2 ROM replacement (2)

Root the device first, guide here

This does need some technical knowledge and i cannot be responsible if you brick your device, I've done it and it works :)

This process will invalidate your phones warranty!

Once your phone is rooted, download the ROM you want, in my case i went for cyanogenmod stable v9.1 because its quite established and a good support forum.

You will also need the google apps package on the external sdcard, this contains the play store etc.

Method via Recovery - original instruction source

1. Download the latest version of CyanogenMod.

2. Optional: Download the Google Apps for the device.

3. Place the CyanogenMod update.zip file on the root of the SD card.

   Optional: Place the Google Apps .zip on the root of the SD card also.

4. Boot into the ClockworkMod Recovery.
5. Once the device boots into the ClockworkMod Recovery, use the side volume buttons to move around, and either the power button or the trackball to select.

   Optional: Select backup and restore to create a backup of current installation on the Samsung Galaxy S II.

6. Select the option to Wipe data/factory reset.
7. Then select the option to Wipe cache partition.
8. Select Install zip from sdcard.
9. Select Choose zip from sdcard.
10. Select the CyanogenMod update.zip.

    Optional: Install the Google Apps by performing steps 7 - 9 again and choosing the Google Apps update.zip.

11. Once the installation has finished, select +++++Go Back+++++ to get back to the main menu, and select the Reboot system now option. The Samsung Galaxy S II should now boot into CyanogenMod!