When Motorola and Verizon released their latest bug fixer for the DROID X as build 4.5.621, they pissed off owners of the device for the 116th time in under 2 years (actually it’s probably more than that). I’m referring to the fact that all previous root methods are now blocked, leaving those that updated to the new firmware without the ability to root again and fully enjoy their “open” Android device the way it was meant to be enjoyed.

Well, in classic bird-flipping fashion, a root method has been discovered. Ready for it?

The steps involve flashing an SBF file that turns your phone into a Milestone X (the European variant of the DROID X), rooting that, and then taking control of your phone from there with a DROID X custom ROM. So again, you have to flash Milestone X .604 software onto your phone, root it, and then pick out a DROID X ROM that suits you best. It’s not pretty and as far as I can tell is not rooted .621, but it will give those that are stuck on .621 a chance to get off of it.

SMH.

Via:  RootzWiki

Cheers Brian and Joe!

DROID X .621 Build Root Method Released, Talk About Device Trickery is a post from: Droid Life

Owners of the DROID X are reporting success when manually pulling the .621 OTA update from Motorola and Verizon. This update is the major Gingerbread bug fixer that folks have been waiting too long for. Less device crashes, general improved stability, and even a fix for that annoying bug where the phone reboots while playing music. But remember, early reports are showing that after flashing the newest update, SBF abilities have been revoked and you could end up with a bricked device if you try to go back to earlier firmware. Good luck.

To pull update: Settings>About Phone>System Update

Cheers everyone who sent this in!

DROID X Update To .621 Firmware Rolling Out Now, The Mother Of All Bug Fixes is a post from: Droid Life

If you are a DROID X owner and enjoy rooting and flashing ROMs, then you should be immediately made aware of this new development by Motorola. If you have updated to the newest .621 firmware, flashing older versions of firmware via SBF could result in a perma-bricked device. Many folks who have tried the process since the update have been reporting on multiple forums and online sites that after flashing an SBF, the phone becomes a paperweight.

Until we learn more about what is going on, we recommend not trying to SBF your DROID X if it is on firmware version .621. Has anyone here ran into that problem or have you been able to successfully SBF after taking the update? Let us know down below.

Via: RootzWiki, Android Forums

Cheers Jacob!

DROID X Update To .621 Breaks Ability To SBF Back To Earlier Firmware is a post from: Droid Life

Development for the DROIDX is still going strong and Ice Cream Sandwich has unofficially made its way to the handset thanks to the underground Android developer community.  A dev by the name of firstEncounter over at RootzWiki got a little tired of not seeing enough ICS for his device and decided to go ahead and start making one that worked properly.

He must have done pretty well because we have been getting lots of emails regarding his work.  From the looks of the forum post, his ROM almost has all the fully working features one would hope for in a daily driver.  The ROM is based on CyanogenMod 9 and has working radio/data, SMS, WiFi, hardware buttons, and so much more.  But as always, there are a few things that are not working as well such as the camera, MMS, and voice input.  Development is continuous so we are sure to see some of those kinks worked out soon. 

If you want to give ICS on your DX a go, then follow the via link down below and make sure to read the instructions and create a backup.  Good luck and have fun!

Via: RootzWiki

Cheers everyone who sent this in!

Ice Cream Sandwich Makes Its Way To The DROIDX In The Form Of EncounterICS is a post from: Droid Life

Who doesn’t love getting a tidbit of what the future holds in store. We have been given tastes of Ice Cream Sandwich here and there and it was only a matter of time for a developer to bring his interpretation to the table. Recently released is “ICX” coming from Mobile Sensei, and it definitely looks good. There seems to be a bit of ICS, Sense, and Blur all thrown into one.

This ROM comes with plenty of themes, so go have some fun you Android hackers. Please be sure to follow all instructions given and don’t forget – make a backup!

Download and instructions here.

Via: Android Forums

Custom ROM Tuesday: ICX For The DROIDX – Taste Of Ice Cream Sandwich is a post from: Droid Life

Actually, this method should root just about any Motorola phone running Gingerbread.  So not only will it work on the DROID3, DROID2, DROIDX2, and DROIDX, but it should also work on the DROID Pro and D2 Global when they receive an update – hopefully the DROID Bionic too.  We were inspired to write this for the simple fact that the D2 received Gingerbread last night finally, and within 5 minutes I was rooted.

Thanks to Framework43 and psouza4 for putting this together.  It couldn’t be any simpler than this method right here.  

Download:  MotorolaOneClickRoot.zip

Instructions:

1.  Make sure you have Motorola drivers installed - [Download Drivers]
2.  Download the MotorolaOneClickRoot.zip file from above and unzip it to your Windows PC.
3.  On your phone go into  Settings>Applications>Development and check the box for USB Debugging.
4.  Plug phone into your computer and select “Charge Only” mode.
5.  Navigate to MotorolaOneClickRoot folder and run MotorolaOneClickRoot.exe.
6.  Follow the instructions in the command window.
7.  Your phone will complete 3 steps, rebooting along the way.  When it finishes, you will be rooted.

Full support can be found at this thread in case you run into issues.

How to: Root the DROID2, DROIDX2, DROIDX, and DROID3 Running Gingerbread is a post from: Droid Life

If you installed a rooted version of the original DROIDX Gingerbread update, I’m guessing that you would like the latest version that fixes numerous bugs while staying rooted?  The folks at MyDroidWorld have you covered as usual.  There is a catch though – you’ll need to SBF back to Blur 2.3.340 (or maybe not? See note) in order to install these files.  That’s the price we pay to have a semi-open phone though, isn’t it?

Downloads:  Part 1 | Part 2

Instructions:

*Note – you may be able to upgrade without SBF-ing back to Froyo if you are 100% completely stock on .596, with root.  You can find instructions here.

1.  Return your phone to Froyo 2.3.340 using this SBF.
2.  Root the device using z4root.
3.  Bootstrap the phone using DROID2 bootstrap (yes, DROID2).
4.  Drop both files from above on your SD Card.
5.  Tell Bootstrap to “reboot recovery.”
6.  From within recovery, “install zip from sd card” and flash the Part 1 file.
7.  Before leaving recovery, flash the Part 2 file.
8.  Once both files have run successfully, you can reboot your phone.
9.  Enjoy!

Full support can be found at this MDW thread.

Cheers Brett and David!

Rooted DROIDX Gingerbread 4.5.602 Available is a post from: Droid Life

You all know MIUI by now, don’t you?  This would be one of the few ROMs that actually gives you a completely new user experience.  We released the port of the new overhaul last week for the original DROID, but today, it’s all about the DROIDX and DROID2.  This has been one of those ROMs that wouldn’t make its way onto either device because of its stingy bootloader.  Well, thanks to our boy @cvpcs who figured out his 2nd-init magic for some CM7 goodness, we now have MIUI.  Huge props to the MIUI team (Frameworks43) for getting this out to us.  

Download:  DROIDX | DROID2

Instructions:

1.  Drop on .zip on SD card.
2.  Boot into recovery and make a backup.
3.  Wipe data/factory reset.
4.  Load up MIUI.
5.  Enjoy!

Full support can be found at these two RootzWiki threads:  DROIDX | DROID2

Cheers BMc!

DROIDX and DROID2 Finally Receive MIUI Ports is a post from: Droid Life

There has been a lot of talk around these parts over the last few weeks that has to do with the wireless tethering situation on Verizon with certain devices like the DROIDX.  We’ve posted work-arounds for whatever block they’ve implemented and complaints have been filed with the FCC, but it looks like all we really needed was a little CyanogenMod 7 to get it going.  According to reader Ryan, he’s had no issues with a tethering block now that he has flashed the new CM7 for DX that we posted yesterday morning.  His proof is above.

To download the latest version (since it has been pulled from the market), head here.

Cheers Ryan!

Wireless Tether Appears to Work on CM7 for the DROIDX is a post from: Droid Life

Well folks, it’s here.  You can finally get a taste of CyanogenMod7 for the DROIDX.  Our boy @cvpcs worked some magic, tested it over the last few days, ironed out the majority of bugs and has released a version (basically a beta) that’s stable enough for everyone to try.  This is a pretty damn exciting day.  And no need to for any extra wordplay, let’s just jump on into it.  

READ FIRST:  There are two sets of instructions here – the first is from CVPCS and is essentially the “official” way to get CM7 on your device.  The only problem here is that you’ll need to SBF back to 2.3.340 in order for that to fly.  This will be the method that he supports going forward though.  However, if you want to go the fast and sneaky way, then you’ll want to check out the instructions that the guys at MyDroidWorld have put together which allows you to jump to CM7 from any build, including the latest Gingerbread (.596).  Both sets are clearly marked below.

Busted Things:  Camera/camcorder and maybe Youtube.

Working Things:  Audio playback, radio, 3g/data, calling, video playback, gps (maybe), accelerometer, notification lights, battery charging, usb connectivity, bluetooth, bluetooth audio, bluetooth calling, wifi, opengl, theme engine, market installs, dsp manager, maybe more?

______________________________________________________

Instructions:  [CVPCS VERSION]

*Note – This method only works if you start from a clean 2.3.340.

*You can donate to CVPCS here.

1.  Flash the 2.3.340 SBF.  [Download]

*If your phone bootloops when it loads back up, pull the battery and boot into recovery by holding Home+Power, then Search when the Android appears.  Select factory reset/wipe data.

2.  Download CM7 for the DX and drop it on your SD card.  [Download] [Mirror]
3.  Install z4root and root your phone.  [Instructions] [Download]
4.  Download and install D2 Bootstrap (NOT DX BOOTSTRAP).  [Download]
5.  Bootstrap your phone and head into recovery.
6.  Scroll down to wipe data/factory reset just for good measure.
7.  Choose “install zip from sdcard.”
8.  Then “choose zip from sdcard.”
9.  Select the CM7 file that you downloaded from above.
10.  Install and reboot.

*If your phone bootloops on first reboot, pull the battery and reboot into stock recovery holding Home+Power, then Search.  Wipe data one more time and it should boot back up.

*GOOGLE APPS Note – This does not include the set of GApps.  Instructions can be found at the bottom.

11.  Enjoy!

Instructions:  [MDW VERSION]

*Note – This method works regardless of the OS build on your phone.  Can be used with Gingerbread or 2.2.

1.  Download the All-in-One Monster file.  [Download] [Mirror]
2.  Drop the file on your SD card and reboot into recovery.
3.  Go to mounts and storage
4.  Format system
5.  Format data
6.  Format cache
7.  Mount system
8.  Go back
9.  Go to install update from zip
10.  Select the update-cm-*-MONSTER.zip
11.  Install
12.  Install gapps (instructions at the bottom)

*YOU WILL GET A RADIO INSTALL ERROR IGNORE THIS AND RESTART PHONE.

*To install the Radio **** Must be done for GPS to work***After intial install of CM7

13.  Hold down power button and select reboot and then recovery.
14.  In recovery select “install zip from sdard.”
15.  Select “choose zip from sdcard.”
16.  Find the Monster.zip and install.
17.  Reboot phone.

Instructions for Google Apps:

1.  Once you have CM7 up and running you can find Google Apps in ROM Manager.
2.  Flash ClockworkMod Recovery.
3.  Head into Download ROM and select one of the Google Apps (cvpcs recommended 20110307).
4.  Install.

*FINAL NOTE (PLEASE READ) - DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES INSTALL/RUN DROIDXBOOTSTRAP OR DROID2BOOTSTRAP WHILE RUNNING CM7. IF YOU IGNORE THIS YOU WILL HAVE TO SBF YOUR DEVICE.

Full support can be found at RootzWiki and MyDroidWorld.

Cheers faber, Michael K, and Nick!

Download: CM7 Released for the DROIDX is a post from: Droid Life

Click here to view the embedded video.

No, that’s not a misprint in the title.  Our buddy @cvpcs has finally done what many considered to be impossible – he’s successfully ported/installed/awesomed CM7 onto the DROIDX.  A device that has seen developer almost come to a halt due to limitations may have a second life that is only getting started.

Back in January when he announced through Droid Life that he would be joining the CyanogenMod team, one of his goals was to get the DX into the CM family; it appears now as if we are closer than ever.  So how did he do it?  I’ll one quote from his post on the matter:

…this was done using my recently new-found-knowledge of 2nd-init, which I will describe later in a blog post (don’t want to get into it here). This still runs on top of the original motorola kernel though. I repeat, the bootloader is still locked, and you are still forced into using moto’s kernels, but that doesn’t really prevent us from doing all that much.

While “2nd-init” means nothing to me, it sure sounds like the breakthrough that we’ve all needed in order to take DX development to the next level.  We’ll be eagerly awaiting his explanation.

…no, this means we are able to restart init and run a clean system using the currently existing kernel

Oh, he also plans to open up a testing period in the very near future, so stay close as we’ll definitely have more on that.  For now though, please let your feelings be known to the world – how does CM7 on the DX sound?

Update:  CVPCS offered some additional details in the comments to help clear up any confusion on the white M logo and whether or not this is Gingerbread:

Ok there seems to be some confusion.  CM7 is gingerbread.  it always has been gingerbread.  it always WILL be gingerbread.  The reason there’s a white moto logo is because it has to boot off of the 2.6.32 kernel which shipped with froyo.  That does NOT mean that it IS froyo.  That just means that it’s the 2.6.32 kernel instead of the 2.6.35 kernel that shipped with gingerbread.  This is NO way affects gingerbread, as the D1 is currently running gingerbread off of a .32 kernel as well.  Hopefully that will clear up some confusion.

Via:  RootzWiki

Cheers zepfloyd, Daniel, James and everyone else!

CyanogenMod 7 Finally Makes Its Way Onto the DROIDX (Updated) is a post from: Droid Life

It was just last week that we reported on a new blocking method that Verizon had enabled to stop rooted DROIDX users with Gingerbread from using select wireless tether apps.  Today though, thanks to one of our fabulous readers, we have a work-around for the DROIDX (possibly other devices) that appears to get you up and running in just a matter of minutes.  Hopefully this gives you a little bit of time while that FCC complaint over this very same subject is being looked at.    

Instructions:

1.  First, you’ll need to download this new Wireless Tether beta. [more info]
2.  Open up the app after installing, and headed into Settings.
3.  Under Device-Profile, search for “Motorola DroidX (CDMA)” or “Motorola Droid2″ and select it.
4.  Then scroll down to find “Change preferred DNS.”
5.  Change the DNS to 4.2.2.2.
6.  Then change the “alternate DNS” to 4.2.2.1.
7.  Turn on Wireless Tether and connect any device you like.

Update:  I had originally thought that the DNS server made a difference, but it doesn’t.  The key here appears to be step 3 where you specify the DROIDX under Device-Profile.  So, feel free to continue to use DNS 8.8.8.8 which is Google’s public server.

*Note – If this works on any other devices, please feel free to leave that in the comments.

Cheers DroidRooterX!

Tip: DROIDX and 2 Gingerbread Wireless Tether Work-Around (Updated) is a post from: Droid Life

Ahh, the trusty ol’ SBF file.  The file that can bring you back to a stock state should you do something drastic to your phone and actually screw up.  This DROIDX Gingerbread (4.5.596) version would be one that you’ll want to tuck away for safe keeping.  We should warn you though, that using this will drop you to a clean and unrooted official Android 2.3.3.  And that means you won’t be able to get root since 2.3.3 has not been rooted yet.

Download:  VRZ_MB810_4.5.596_1FF_01.sbf [mirror]

*File is super compressed and will need 7zip to unpack it.

Via:  XDA, MDW

DROIDX Gingerbread (4.5.596) SBF File Released is a post from: Droid Life

The official Gingerbread (v4.5.596) update for the DROIDX started last night for soak test members, but a version has already been released for rooted users thanks to @P3droid.  There are essentially two different methods to get you upgraded since there are a variety of leaks running on people’s phones.  You’ll want to read all of the instructions carefully and decide which one is you before proceeding.  

*WARNING* – Hate to throw a big warning at you, but you need to understand that all of this stuff is risky.  You need to understand the entire process before you begin.

Method 1 (if you are running a GB leak 588/591/595) [preferred method]:

There is a specific file below for your build that will upgrade you to .596.

*NOTE from P3 - IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE MOST CURRENT RADIO .12P THEN YOU WILL NEED TO SBF BACK TO .340 AND THEN USE METHOD 2.

Method 2 (to upgrade from Froyo):

SBF back to 2.3.340, root the phone, and then apply the PART1 and PART2 files below.

Files:

[For Gingerbread Users] – ODEXED | DEODEXED

[For Froyo Users] – PART1 | PART2

__________________________________________

*Note 1 – When you finish with this process, whether you are coming from Froyo or a leaked GB, you will be on official .596 with root access.

*Note 2 - Files seem to be going up and down.  We’ll do our best to update them, but you can find current ones all the time at the source link below.

Instructions (running Gingerbread 588/591/595):

1.  Download the GB file of choice from above and drop on SD card.
2.  Bootstrap and reboot into recovery.
3.  Install the .zip file just as you would a ROM or other file.

*install .zip from sd card > choose .zip > install.

4.  Enjoy!

Instructions (running Froyo):

*Phone must be in stock 2.3.340 state with root access.

1.  Your phone is running the 2.3.340 official Froyo Firmware.
2.  Your phone has been rooted.
3.  Your phone is using the Droid2 Bootstrap program (Do Not Use DroidX Bootstrap).
4.  Download both PART1 and PART2 files from above – drop them on SD card.
5.  Bootstrap into recovery.
6.  Install PART1, followed by PART2 without rebooting.

*You should not leave recovery until both files have been successfully flashed.

7.  Once both have finished, reboot your phone.
8.  Enjoy!

All credit to MyDroidWorld for the files and instructions.

Download: Official DROIDX Gingerbread 4.5.596 for Rooted Users is a post from: Droid Life

Today’s app of the day isn’t an app at all. It’s a program. Currently it’s for the DROIDX but has plans to be applied to all devices.

SBF. Did you just tremble a little? Feel a cold chill climb up your spine? How about the word brick? Well no more fetal positions for those of you that avoid SBF like the plague! A collaboration, spearheaded by WugFresh, between some big time Android players has spawned SBFportable. This is a stand alone and automated program for all Windows computers that takes the scary out of SBF.

For those new to the term SBF, here is a little background.  Let’s say you jump into the rooting game and at some point find your device useless because a ROM flashing went wrong, you decide to go back to stock for an OTA update, or you are for some reason left without a working backup.  Flashing an SBF file will solve all of your problems by returning your device to its stock state.  After flashing an SBF file, you are left with a device whose software looks like it came straight out of a box.

What is SBFportable and how does it work?

…here is the first release of a fully automated standalone live SBF exe built with 1KDS’s latest iso (1KDStaz0.8.iso), MobaLiveCD.exe (standalone vm environment via QEMU), and some batch and VBScript I wrote to make it work. Just download it, and double click and it should do the rest; besides pressing 1 once its all loaded up. The file will silently extract its contents to a temporary directory on your local machine and then run…

WugFresh also points out a bunch of must-dos before using this program such as:

• Making sure your phone is in bootloader mode.
• Making sure your phone is fully charged.
• Making sure your computer is fully charged
• Understanding that SBF-ing wipes your entire phone clean.
• Making sure your phone is actually plugged into your computer.

So there ya go. I have used it on my DROIDX to test it (although I’m a Linux flashing addict) and can tell you it is almost too easy. No excuses anymore guys. Get a ROM. Get Gingerbread. Get this file and never look back!

Download:  SBFportable_v0.6.exe

Full support can be found here.

*And the AAS app today is The Impossible Game.

App of the Day: SBFportable is a post from: Droid Life