iSwitched to Android...

[Guest]

So tomorrow I'm heading out to Best Buy to pick up a Boost Mobile Moto G. This will be my first Android phone, and if any of you have read my stuff on the forum before, you probably know I'm a huge Apple fanboy. I WILL be doing an iSwitched on my blog after a week (link in my profile), but for now, I have a couple questions.

Since it's not vanilla Android, is it worth rooting to get to that? I'm worried about compatibility with apps/OTA updates and such if I do that. Also, would something like Cyanogenmod make any sense to use, and what are some other projects out there like that? It can't be the only complete fork.

Any tips are appreciated!

[connorpiper]

Try Nova launcher. It's a great (Easy) addition to android. 

And Motorola barely touches android, it's almost base android with a couple of font changes.

[PassionFruit]

It is almost vanilla so I wouldn't root it yet.

[bchampion96]

So tomorrow I'm heading out to Best Buy to pick up a Boost Mobile Moto G. This will be my first Android phone, and if any of you have read my stuff on the forum before, you probably know I'm a huge Apple fanboy. I WILL be doing an iSwitched on my blog after a week (link in my profile), but for now, I have a couple questions.

Since it's not vanilla Android, is it worth rooting to get to that? I'm worried about compatibility with apps/OTA updates and such if I do that. Also, would something like Cyanogenmod make any sense to use, and what are some other projects out there like that? It can't be the only complete fork.

Any tips are appreciated!

 

Rooting wouldn't really be worth it seeing as it's basically vanilla anyway. Just leave it as is. Maybe try a new launcher if you want. I hope you enjoy it and come to the light side of the phone world

[Guest]

Ok, thanks so far guys.

I'll check out nova, some of the icon packs look nice- I'm huge on flat-modern design.

I thought similarly about rooting- it's close to stock, so I guess it's fine.

Since it's Boost Mobile, would the carrier itself need to push the L update for me to get it, or would Google/Motorola push it? I know many carriers take FORVER to push updates to their phones, but this is prepaid, so I'm not sure.

[flibberdipper]

Ok, thanks so far guys.

I'll check out nova, some of the icon packs look nice- I'm huge on flat-modern design.

I thought similarly about rooting- it's close to stock, so I guess it's fine.

Since it's Boost Mobile, would the carrier itself need to push the L update for me to get it, or would Google/Motorola push it? I know many carriers take FORVER to push updates to their phones, but this is prepaid, so I'm not sure.

I think Motorola would push the update.

 

But you can download that new app store and install the .apk. Piece of cake. Works great on my BlueStacks Emulator (I want to say it's running Jelly Bean).

[Guest]

I think Motorola would push the update.

 

But you can download that new app store and install the .apk. Piece of cake. Works great on my BlueStacks Emulator (I want to say it's running Jelly Bean).

I'm sorry, download the App Store? I don't get what you mean. You mean get the update though the store? (Yes, I'm an Android noob) :lol:

[connorpiper]

Ok, thanks so far guys.

I'll check out nova, some of the icon packs look nice- I'm huge on flat-modern design.

I thought similarly about rooting- it's close to stock, so I guess it's fine.

Since it's Boost Mobile, would the carrier itself need to push the L update for me to get it, or would Google/Motorola push it? I know many carriers take FORVER to push updates to their phones, but this is prepaid, so I'm not sure.

 

I have the Minimal UI Icon pack, I think it was like $4.00 or something, but it was well worth it. (The black bars will be invisible on Motorola, Sony has that locked down for me)

 

[dizmo]

Ok, thanks so far guys.

I'll check out nova, some of the icon packs look nice- I'm huge on flat-modern design.

I thought similarly about rooting- it's close to stock, so I guess it's fine.

Since it's Boost Mobile, would the carrier itself need to push the L update for me to get it, or would Google/Motorola push it? I know many carriers take FORVER to push updates to their phones, but this is prepaid, so I'm not sure.

Motorola is usually really good at getting updates out almost as fast as Google does, however since it's a low end device I imagine you'll be waiting a little longer to get it.

It also isn't slated to be out for a while. So. Take that into consideration.

I installed Nova Prime, and it's probably the best $4 I've ever spent on an app. I highly suggest it! It opens up gestures, which save me tons of time. My home screen is bare, I can access everything I need with simple swipes.

There are a few free icon packs, but a lot are pay.

 

If you do decide to root, I hope you don't factor that into the "Android OS experience" because it's really not part of it. It's a tweakers delight.

[flibberdipper]

I'm sorry, download the App Store? I don't get what you mean. You mean get the update though the store? (Yes, I'm an Android noob) :lol:

http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/07/15/google-rolling-out-play-store-v4-8-19-with-paypal-support-simplified-app-permissions-bigger-buttons-and-more-apk-download/

 

I downloaded the .apk, went to my downloads "app," opened the .apk, and installed that new store. Worked like a charm.

 

EDIT: That might not be the latest .apk though.

[Guest]

I have the Minimal UI Icon pack, I think it was like $4.00 or something, but it was well worth it. (The black bars will be invisible on Motorola, Sony has that locked down for me) -snip-

Mother of god, that is beautiful.

I know what I'm doing first thing

[Guest]

Motorola is usually really good at getting updates out almost as fast as Google does, however since it's a low end device I imagine you'll be waiting a little longer to get it.

It also isn't slated to be out for a while. So. Take that into consideration.

I installed Nova Prime, and it's probably the best $4 I've ever spent on an app. I highly suggest it! It opens up gestures, which save me tons of time. My home screen is bare, I can access everything I need with simple swipes.

There are a few free icon packs, but a lot are pay.

 

If you do decide to root, I hope you don't factor that into the "Android OS experience" because it's really not part of it. It's a tweakers delight.

'Low-end'

The Moto G is second only to the X, and is also newer. I assume it's not exactly at the bottom of the bucket for Motorola

Yeah, I'll probably root only if I find a good reason- I can't deal with having to update everything manually because it's not an official install (such as OTA updates). I'm spoiled by iOS.

[Guest]

http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/07/15/google-rolling-out-play-store-v4-8-19-with-paypal-support-simplified-app-permissions-bigger-buttons-and-more-apk-download/

 

I downloaded the .apk, went to my downloads "app," opened the .apk, and installed that new store. Worked like a charm.

 

EDIT: That might not be the latest .apk though.

But what's the point of that? Is that if you rooted and need to update? I assume you don't need to manually download an update if you have the original OS.

[flibberdipper]

But what's the point of that? Is that if you rooted and need to update? I assume you don't need to manually download an update if you have the original OS.

I didn't root mine, but I have almost Vanilla Android (with some tweaks to run on Windows, since it is BlueStacks and all).

 

I was getting impatient waiting for the update, so I got it myself.

[dizmo]

'Low-end'

The Moto G is second only to the X, and is also newer. I assume it's not exactly at the bottom of the bucket for Motorola

Yeah, I'll probably root only if I find a good reason- I can't deal with having to update everything manually because it's not an official install (such as OTA updates). I'm spoiled by iOS.

When everyone has the exact same phone it's easy

Personally I hate having something everyone else also has. One of the reasons, along with personalization, that I went with Android.

 

Motorola only had 2 phones for the longest time. The X and the G (not counting Droid devices). It's low end because of the specs its packing, not its hierarchy within Motorola.

[TopWargamer]

The Moto X, G, E, and other models are very, very close to stock Android. You'll be fine not rooting it. I mean, if you want to, then go ahead and do it, because there's a lot of cool features that require root only access.

Make sure to check out this thread: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/127469-general-guide-to-custom-roms-and-rooting-w-faq/

[chicksoup]

I wouldn't root it to get stock android, because you won't be running into any speed or compatibility issues with your moto g