Maybe it's delayed. Maybe it may never come to "Western" markets.
Figures. "They" just don't want us to have FM, LOL.
Yeah what is the deal with that exactly.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
Spirit1, Spirit2 Real FM Radio General Thread
- Thread starter mikereidis
- Start date
Yeah what is the deal with that exactly.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
For tablets, or Android in general ?
- For tablets, my silly hypothesis had to do with higher import duties for a "radio" than a smartphone, and it became a "radio" at 6 inches.
- The most obvious explanation, on WiFi only devices (no cell voice or data), is that adding over the air radio would cost more than the OEMs would gain in sales.
I've heard some "university" holds radio tuning patents that require payments for the technology inside an FM chip.
- Carriers, particularly in the US, appreciate the added income from data plans due to streaming "radio". Ignore their excuses about how bandwidth demands hurt them; it's a ruse to raise profits.
- But also, carriers want to be the gate-keepers to content, not "dumb pipes" that must fight over price. Over the air radio, and TV too (some Asian devices have TV) are outside of the carriers control. They want you using their services, or at a minimum, their pipes to access your content.
Never thought of it much, or read anything, but here in Canada, Bell has mobile device TV for sale: http://mobiletv.bell.ca/
- Devices with SIM slots in them don't sell well in the US unless a carrier is pushing them. I don't think they like dual SIM devices especially, giving you fast carrier switching capability.
September 24: http://d-h.st/UCi
Also updated on Play.
Since last Play version August 11, there have been many small fixes and adjustments.
The biggest change is CM9/10/AOSP support for AT&T/HTC OneXL, OneS, Evo 4G LTE.
Also updated on Play.
Since last Play version August 11, there have been many small fixes and adjustments.
The biggest change is CM9/10/AOSP support for AT&T/HTC OneXL, OneS, Evo 4G LTE.
i have galaxy s3 canada aws version. i know my phone is not supported. thanks for confirming.
Our Canadian carriers seem to be emulating US carriers, and leaving FM out, especially on high-end devices.
One reason may be the use of LTE models designed for the US market.
And even the very newest International Galaxy S3 LTE GT-i9305 doesn't appear to have FM.
My phone didn't allow me to record FM radio output.I change audio.so driver but no luck.Is some drivers corresponding for that ,the kernel, or something else;If someone now something please inform as.
Sent from my U8800PRO using xda app-developers app
Sent from my U8800PRO using xda app-developers app
Most phones don't have the hardware needed to record FM, including your U8800 Pro I think. The FM audio is on a special path, and can't be processed/equalized in any way either.
Some recent phones can record FM stock, such as the Galaxy Note and GS3. For these, on stock ROMs, Menu-> Test-> Record may work.
Some other phones are hardware capable, such as AT&T OneX(L) and I've been able to test that. Some might theoretically be capable, such as Galaxy S and S2, but the audio libraries such as libaudio.so don't support it.
Spirit FAQ:
March 24, 2013: Updates underway.
Scroll down or click.
March 24, 2013: Updates underway.
Scroll down or click.
- Start Here: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=13380058
- Warning: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=31983105&postcount=4462
- Devices: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=31983117&postcount=4463
- Download: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=31983131&postcount=4464
- Problems: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=31983151&postcount=4465
- Config: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=31983185&postcount=4467
- BT/EQ/Record: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=31983199&postcount=4468
- Requests: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=31983163&postcount=4466
- Transmit: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=31983221&postcount=4469
- Alternatives: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=31983238&postcount=4470
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Warning:
Less than 1% of Galaxy S GT-I9000 users on ICS & JB ROMs have had speaker damage. There are no other cases where Spirit is associated with physical damage. But the popularity of Spirit, Galaxy S and custom ROMs produced at least 50 known cases.
There is now a very hopeful digital audio solution for the GT-I9000 problem. Time will tell. I now get 1 report a month from over 100 sales each month, plus many Free users.
Lots more info here: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=13380066&postcount=3
Less than 1% of Galaxy S GT-I9000 users on ICS & JB ROMs have had speaker damage. There are no other cases where Spirit is associated with physical damage. But the popularity of Spirit, Galaxy S and custom ROMs produced at least 50 known cases.
There is now a very hopeful digital audio solution for the GT-I9000 problem. Time will tell. I now get 1 report a month from over 100 sales each month, plus many Free users.
Lots more info here: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=13380066&postcount=3
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Phones:
Official compatibility list: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=13380058&postcount=2
Try the Free variant. If Free works then Unlocked will work.
For best quality, I now focus on popular Samsung, HTC & Sony devices with custom ROMs.
For hardware and software alternatives, see: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=31983238&postcount=4470
Tablets:
Most tablets are not capable of FM and I can't support those that are. The 5" Galaxy Note & Note2 are the largest supported.
I've heard Lenovo Thinkpad works on the stock ROM, but not on CM10, and Acer Iconia A500 works on CM10.
The 7" Lenovo IdeaTab A2107 has stock FM but no Spirit reports.
Asus TF101 10" works, but no audio: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=33054176&postcount=4598
There is little demand for FM on tablets, as they are usually used where physical radios are available.
Car computers are among the few applications, but it's a small niche.
There's a dongle solution here, but it eats a LOT of battery, which may not be a problem in a car computer: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2108053
Official compatibility list: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=13380058&postcount=2
Try the Free variant. If Free works then Unlocked will work.
For best quality, I now focus on popular Samsung, HTC & Sony devices with custom ROMs.
For hardware and software alternatives, see: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=31983238&postcount=4470
Tablets:
Most tablets are not capable of FM and I can't support those that are. The 5" Galaxy Note & Note2 are the largest supported.
I've heard Lenovo Thinkpad works on the stock ROM, but not on CM10, and Acer Iconia A500 works on CM10.
The 7" Lenovo IdeaTab A2107 has stock FM but no Spirit reports.
Asus TF101 10" works, but no audio: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=33054176&postcount=4598
There is little demand for FM on tablets, as they are usually used where physical radios are available.
Car computers are among the few applications, but it's a small niche.
There's a dongle solution here, but it eats a LOT of battery, which may not be a problem in a car computer: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2108053
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Download:
See Download section of post #1: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=13379669
I prefer Google Play Store purchases, despite Google's 30% cut or 43% markup.
If Play is not an option, you can email and send Paypal funds to mikereidis@gmail.com . I'll send you what you need to get automatic updates.
I cancel any order at any time on request, so don't worry about the Play 15 minute limit.
See Download section of post #1: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=13379669
I prefer Google Play Store purchases, despite Google's 30% cut or 43% markup.
If Play is not an option, you can email and send Paypal funds to mikereidis@gmail.com . I'll send you what you need to get automatic updates.
I cancel any order at any time on request, so don't worry about the Play 15 minute limit.
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Problems:
Any problem:
- Your device may be unsupported. See 3 - Will Spirit work on my device: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=31983117&postcount=4463
Error message at startup:
- No FM driver is loaded. Semaphore or other kernel app may allow a driver to be loaded. Should be automatic, but helps in some cases.
- Spirit does not have SU permission on custom ROMs. Check the SuperUser or SuperSU app to ensure Spirit has SU. Update the SU binary, even if it says "up to date". See SuperUser section below.
- Spirit may require Bluetooth be turned on, or off. Should be automatic, but helps in some cases. Set Debug-> HCI Access to "BT Socket" to force BT on when Spirit is started.
RSSI signal strength at top left is below 10, even when tuned to known strong stations:
- The wired headset is not plugged in for an antenna. Plug it in.
- No FM driver is loaded. Same as above.
No audio, but RSSI is 20 or more when tuned to known strong stations:
- Audio Method needs to be manually set. Set Menu->Settings-> Audio-> Method to one of the many available methods. You can stay in that config screen and try several methods in a row, listening for audio. Some tips are available in the compatibility list: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=13380058&postcount=2
Problems with phone call, notifications or other audio:
- Go to your phones' System Settings and ensure there are no Sounds selected for button presses and screen lock at least. These can interfere with FM on some devices/ROMs.
- Audio problems are my main headache and task at present, particularly on devices such as Desire HD and Z or others using the "qsdp5v2" Audio-> Methods, automatically or explicitly.
These problems are occurring mostly on custom ICS and JB ROMs that do not have FM support in the audio libraries. This includes many, but not all, CM9/10 and other AOSP based ROMs.
The lack of ROM support means Spirit has to resort to low level methods, such as ALSA and many other mostly undocumented device driver IOCtl based APIs. But these methods are fragile when the audio library does not "know" about the FM routing.
The proper solution is in the audio libraries and I'm exploring the best methods to achieve this solution. Perhaps I'll post source code patches, information and/or produce a "shim" workaround. It will take me at least several months to "get moving" on this, but the previous method of adding hacks upon hacks is a bad use of time.
The hacks will be documented. They are mostly in the Debug section of the settings. They include Silent Loop, Mute kill mediaserver, Audio Focus.
Problem on GT-i9100 (and other Galaxy's) on CM 9.1 and perhaps other ROMs:
Speaker mode can stick when using speaker mode in Spirit. IE, mute or FM off from speaker mode makes music come from speaker instead of wired headset.
One solution to remove and re-insert the wired headset jack. Another is to enable Debug-> Power Restart Media. This will help after turning FM off, but won't help during mute.
Some other GS2/Note audio problems, particularly regarding speaker modes, can be solved by changing Debug-> Galaxy S2. The "June 15" selection seems to work best on stock & stock derived ROMs. The current default of "July 27" seems to work best on custom ROMs. Try them all if problems persist. A restart of Spirit is not required, but might be useful.
Audio problem on stock HTC devices:
Set Debug-> HTC to each of the settings besides "Auto (all)" and follow each with a Mute/Unmute or Speaker/Headset button press to see if one results in success.
If one works, please let me know which and I'll try to make it more automatic.
SU/root SuperUser app problems: (Similar for SuperSU)
Spirit needs SU/root access on custom ROMs. (Those that don't support the stock OEM Proprietary FM APIs that stock FM apps use.)
Open your SuperUser app. Under the "apps" tab there should be an entry for Spirit, probably under "Deny". Select Spirit and tap the broken face icon at bottom left until the page says "Status Allowed"
Also, from SuperUser, tap the wrench for settings. Select Security, then Automatic response and make sure "Prompt" is selected, although "Allow" is a bit easier, at the price of some security concerns.
Also, under the SuperUser info tab, there will be a "su binary" section and you can "tap to check for updates". Even if it says "up to date" it may be useful to select "Update anyway".
Why SU requested:
Most Spirit users are using custom "ROMs", and in most cases SU is required, generally just to open permissions on low level device drivers. On stock and stock derived ROMs, and a few custom ROMs on some devices, you can deny SU and Spirit will still work. There are Debug-> SU Type settings that can modify this behaviour. But to test properly requires a reboot after a change, since permissions will already be opened.
Reboot at startup:
Sometimes Spirit may need to be configured to prevent a crash/reboot at startup. For example, Menu-> Settings-> Audio-> Method.
To do this, you'll need to prevent automatic startup. Do this by removing and re-installing Spirit, or just clear it's app data.
When Spirit starts you'll see the Introduction screen. Press Back to get to the main screen with FM still powered off. Now you can configure. When done you can press the Spirit power button to start.
Debug info in the power up error dialog, or visible in the RDS RadioText area below the frequency numbers:
Fm:BC Sh:1 Su:1 Bt:0 Ht:0 H2:1 Mo:BCH UA Hv:4 Ma:15 BC
See: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=14391233&postcount=381
Jumping RSSI problem:
Some devices contain Broadcom chips, but appear to be unable to receive FM.
They show unusual RSSI values, that jump rapidly between such values as: -128, 0, 16, and 55.
None of these devices have a stock FM app, nor will any other FM app function.
I believe these devices lack the hardware connections to operate, and may be deliberately disabled.
RF Sensitivity / Problems with Signal Strength & Noise:
Spirit has no control over the FM sensitivity, but any Android device with a decent wired headset for antenna, should be about as good as your average dedicated FM radio at least. Generally though, FM signals aren't very useful after 50-100 Km or so, depending on transmitter strength.
If problems, try a different wired headset, preferably longer, such as 75 to 150 cm (30 - 60 inches). Stretch the cable out and try changing the orientation for best audio quality. Note that tuning for RSSI sometimes impacts audio quality negatively.
Signals tend to be better outdoors or near windows. Ideally one has "line of sight" meaning you (or the headset antenna) can see the transmitter antenna, or could if your eyes were high powered, or using a telescope.
If your phone is older, you may consider a newer device, as newer chips tend to be more sensitive.
If all else fails, you can switch the audio to mono, which can drastically reduce noise with low signals.
================================================================================
If all else fails:
If these fixes for common problems don't help, paid customers should send me a debug log.
Use Menu->Test-> Email-> Logs and after 20 seconds or so, press Send. If email is not available, send /sdcard/sprt_debug.txt .
Any problem:
- Your device may be unsupported. See 3 - Will Spirit work on my device: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=31983117&postcount=4463
Error message at startup:
- No FM driver is loaded. Semaphore or other kernel app may allow a driver to be loaded. Should be automatic, but helps in some cases.
- Spirit does not have SU permission on custom ROMs. Check the SuperUser or SuperSU app to ensure Spirit has SU. Update the SU binary, even if it says "up to date". See SuperUser section below.
- Spirit may require Bluetooth be turned on, or off. Should be automatic, but helps in some cases. Set Debug-> HCI Access to "BT Socket" to force BT on when Spirit is started.
RSSI signal strength at top left is below 10, even when tuned to known strong stations:
- The wired headset is not plugged in for an antenna. Plug it in.
- No FM driver is loaded. Same as above.
No audio, but RSSI is 20 or more when tuned to known strong stations:
- Audio Method needs to be manually set. Set Menu->Settings-> Audio-> Method to one of the many available methods. You can stay in that config screen and try several methods in a row, listening for audio. Some tips are available in the compatibility list: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=13380058&postcount=2
Problems with phone call, notifications or other audio:
- Go to your phones' System Settings and ensure there are no Sounds selected for button presses and screen lock at least. These can interfere with FM on some devices/ROMs.
- Audio problems are my main headache and task at present, particularly on devices such as Desire HD and Z or others using the "qsdp5v2" Audio-> Methods, automatically or explicitly.
These problems are occurring mostly on custom ICS and JB ROMs that do not have FM support in the audio libraries. This includes many, but not all, CM9/10 and other AOSP based ROMs.
The lack of ROM support means Spirit has to resort to low level methods, such as ALSA and many other mostly undocumented device driver IOCtl based APIs. But these methods are fragile when the audio library does not "know" about the FM routing.
The proper solution is in the audio libraries and I'm exploring the best methods to achieve this solution. Perhaps I'll post source code patches, information and/or produce a "shim" workaround. It will take me at least several months to "get moving" on this, but the previous method of adding hacks upon hacks is a bad use of time.
The hacks will be documented. They are mostly in the Debug section of the settings. They include Silent Loop, Mute kill mediaserver, Audio Focus.
Problem on GT-i9100 (and other Galaxy's) on CM 9.1 and perhaps other ROMs:
Speaker mode can stick when using speaker mode in Spirit. IE, mute or FM off from speaker mode makes music come from speaker instead of wired headset.
One solution to remove and re-insert the wired headset jack. Another is to enable Debug-> Power Restart Media. This will help after turning FM off, but won't help during mute.
Some other GS2/Note audio problems, particularly regarding speaker modes, can be solved by changing Debug-> Galaxy S2. The "June 15" selection seems to work best on stock & stock derived ROMs. The current default of "July 27" seems to work best on custom ROMs. Try them all if problems persist. A restart of Spirit is not required, but might be useful.
Audio problem on stock HTC devices:
Set Debug-> HTC to each of the settings besides "Auto (all)" and follow each with a Mute/Unmute or Speaker/Headset button press to see if one results in success.
If one works, please let me know which and I'll try to make it more automatic.
SU/root SuperUser app problems: (Similar for SuperSU)
Spirit needs SU/root access on custom ROMs. (Those that don't support the stock OEM Proprietary FM APIs that stock FM apps use.)
Open your SuperUser app. Under the "apps" tab there should be an entry for Spirit, probably under "Deny". Select Spirit and tap the broken face icon at bottom left until the page says "Status Allowed"
Also, from SuperUser, tap the wrench for settings. Select Security, then Automatic response and make sure "Prompt" is selected, although "Allow" is a bit easier, at the price of some security concerns.
Also, under the SuperUser info tab, there will be a "su binary" section and you can "tap to check for updates". Even if it says "up to date" it may be useful to select "Update anyway".
Why SU requested:
Most Spirit users are using custom "ROMs", and in most cases SU is required, generally just to open permissions on low level device drivers. On stock and stock derived ROMs, and a few custom ROMs on some devices, you can deny SU and Spirit will still work. There are Debug-> SU Type settings that can modify this behaviour. But to test properly requires a reboot after a change, since permissions will already be opened.
Reboot at startup:
Sometimes Spirit may need to be configured to prevent a crash/reboot at startup. For example, Menu-> Settings-> Audio-> Method.
To do this, you'll need to prevent automatic startup. Do this by removing and re-installing Spirit, or just clear it's app data.
When Spirit starts you'll see the Introduction screen. Press Back to get to the main screen with FM still powered off. Now you can configure. When done you can press the Spirit power button to start.
Debug info in the power up error dialog, or visible in the RDS RadioText area below the frequency numbers:
Fm:BC Sh:1 Su:1 Bt:0 Ht:0 H2:1 Mo:BCH UA Hv:4 Ma:15 BC
See: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=14391233&postcount=381
Jumping RSSI problem:
Some devices contain Broadcom chips, but appear to be unable to receive FM.
They show unusual RSSI values, that jump rapidly between such values as: -128, 0, 16, and 55.
None of these devices have a stock FM app, nor will any other FM app function.
I believe these devices lack the hardware connections to operate, and may be deliberately disabled.
RF Sensitivity / Problems with Signal Strength & Noise:
Spirit has no control over the FM sensitivity, but any Android device with a decent wired headset for antenna, should be about as good as your average dedicated FM radio at least. Generally though, FM signals aren't very useful after 50-100 Km or so, depending on transmitter strength.
If problems, try a different wired headset, preferably longer, such as 75 to 150 cm (30 - 60 inches). Stretch the cable out and try changing the orientation for best audio quality. Note that tuning for RSSI sometimes impacts audio quality negatively.
Signals tend to be better outdoors or near windows. Ideally one has "line of sight" meaning you (or the headset antenna) can see the transmitter antenna, or could if your eyes were high powered, or using a telescope.
If your phone is older, you may consider a newer device, as newer chips tend to be more sensitive.
If all else fails, you can switch the audio to mono, which can drastically reduce noise with low signals.
================================================================================
If all else fails:
If these fixes for common problems don't help, paid customers should send me a debug log.
Use Menu->Test-> Email-> Logs and after 20 seconds or so, press Send. If email is not available, send /sdcard/sprt_debug.txt .
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Requests:
I appreciate all paid customer requests, but my time is very limited.
Most common requests:
I appreciate all paid customer requests, but my time is very limited.
Most common requests:
- Support my phone: I now focus on the most popular devices.
- User Interface: I'll build a nicer JB+ UI in Spirit2. Maybe backport.
- Bluetooth: Supported on some phones. See BT/EQ/Record.
- Record: Supported on some phones. See BT/EQ/Record.
- Transmit: Very rare. See Transmit.
- Translations: Maybe in Spirit2. Will try to use more symbols.
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Configuration:
If Spirit crashes at start, and reconfig will fix it, remove and reinstall Spirit or clear app data. Start Spirit. At Intro press Back or Stop. Re-configure and press the Spirit power button to start.
Outside North America, set Menu-> Settings-> Band to Japan or one of the "World ..." options, using local channel spacing.
Spirit tries to automatically configure for hardware and software differences.
If FM seems to work, wired headset is plugged, RSSI at top left is over 20 when tuned, but there is no audio, setting Audio-> Method may help. For more info, post on XDA or paid customers email for support.
It's best not to change Debug settings, unless instructed or understood. But in some cases, Debug-> FM Chip and Debug-> FM API may help.
For more config info, and much more, see this November 23, 2012 Spirit document: http://d-h.st/TxN
If Spirit crashes at start, and reconfig will fix it, remove and reinstall Spirit or clear app data. Start Spirit. At Intro press Back or Stop. Re-configure and press the Spirit power button to start.
Outside North America, set Menu-> Settings-> Band to Japan or one of the "World ..." options, using local channel spacing.
Spirit tries to automatically configure for hardware and software differences.
If FM seems to work, wired headset is plugged, RSSI at top left is over 20 when tuned, but there is no audio, setting Audio-> Method may help. For more info, post on XDA or paid customers email for support.
It's best not to change Debug settings, unless instructed or understood. But in some cases, Debug-> FM Chip and Debug-> FM API may help.
For more config info, and much more, see this November 23, 2012 Spirit document: http://d-h.st/TxN
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BT / EQ / Record:
Spirit is now the ONLY FM app, stock or otherwise, that supports all of these digital audio features, on supported devices:
Spirit supports digital audio on:
Further info to come.
Spirit is now the ONLY FM app, stock or otherwise, that supports all of these digital audio features, on supported devices:
- Bluetooth A2DP headsets in CD quality stereo.
- Recording in CD quality stereo.
- External visualizers, equalizers and effects.
- Internal Wave and FFT visual: 5x8 dB & log2 43 - 22,050 Hz.
Spirit supports digital audio on:
- Rooted International Galaxy S, S2, S3, Note, Note2.
- Rooted HTC One XL, One S, Evo 4G LTE, Sony Xperia T.
- Most stock Sony 2012-2013 devices.
Further info to come.
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Transmit:
With a few rare exceptions, Transmit is not possible.
FM Transmit requires a useful antenna (generally, a wired headset) connection to the transmit pins of the FM chip. This is extremely rare, for whatever reasons.
Until recently, the only Android devices confirmed to have FM transmit capability were a few Japanese market Sharp devices.
As of Sept. 2012, I finally have found a phone with unofficial FM capability: HTC T-Mobile MyTouch 4G running Froyo 2.2.1 and a never publicly released transmit app. T-Mobile was going to release with this feature, and changed their minds, but the hardware connections are still there from headset jack to FM transmit pin on the Broadcom FM/combo chip.
It's almost a fluke that this has been uncovered, so don't expect similar on other phones. That said, recently the original Motorola Milestone (I think) has been finally proven to have usable FM after years... Antenna always worked but the audio needed to be "cracked".
See FM transmit on T-Mobile myTouch 4G: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=31328070&postcount=4391
December 20, 2012: Some European Sony Xperia P/U/Sola/Go ST-Ericsson CG2900 FM chip based devices have working transmit, but without audio. It's not clear yet if audio can be enabled. Test with Debug-> FM Chip = "STE AFM TX" and restart Spirit. Signal is weak. Wrap length of headset cable along length of FM receiver antenna to test. Change frequency to verify. Use seek up and down to change RDS info.
March 24, 2013: Sony Xperia T may support transmit. The FM chip uses the internal antenna pin, which is shared with the transmit function. No confirmation to date but I haven't asked anyone with a T to test yet.
Why No FM Transmit:
You'd think enough people have asked for FM transmit that at least one company would sell such products outside Japan. But perhaps they've all crunched the numbers and decide it wasn't worth it, due to:
- Added costs, and/or...
- Added delays (in a very quickly moving market) for FCC and other regulatory body certifications.
- Low RF coupling and low audio quality versus the superior quality of direct wired or Bluetooth connections to car stereos (likely the main marketable use case).
- Interference possibilities with one or more of the many RF systems on a modern smart device: Cell Voice/Data, WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS,... Yes the frequency bands are very different, but problems can still occur.
With a few rare exceptions, Transmit is not possible.
FM Transmit requires a useful antenna (generally, a wired headset) connection to the transmit pins of the FM chip. This is extremely rare, for whatever reasons.
Until recently, the only Android devices confirmed to have FM transmit capability were a few Japanese market Sharp devices.
As of Sept. 2012, I finally have found a phone with unofficial FM capability: HTC T-Mobile MyTouch 4G running Froyo 2.2.1 and a never publicly released transmit app. T-Mobile was going to release with this feature, and changed their minds, but the hardware connections are still there from headset jack to FM transmit pin on the Broadcom FM/combo chip.
It's almost a fluke that this has been uncovered, so don't expect similar on other phones. That said, recently the original Motorola Milestone (I think) has been finally proven to have usable FM after years... Antenna always worked but the audio needed to be "cracked".
See FM transmit on T-Mobile myTouch 4G: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=31328070&postcount=4391
December 20, 2012: Some European Sony Xperia P/U/Sola/Go ST-Ericsson CG2900 FM chip based devices have working transmit, but without audio. It's not clear yet if audio can be enabled. Test with Debug-> FM Chip = "STE AFM TX" and restart Spirit. Signal is weak. Wrap length of headset cable along length of FM receiver antenna to test. Change frequency to verify. Use seek up and down to change RDS info.
March 24, 2013: Sony Xperia T may support transmit. The FM chip uses the internal antenna pin, which is shared with the transmit function. No confirmation to date but I haven't asked anyone with a T to test yet.
Why No FM Transmit:
You'd think enough people have asked for FM transmit that at least one company would sell such products outside Japan. But perhaps they've all crunched the numbers and decide it wasn't worth it, due to:
- Added costs, and/or...
- Added delays (in a very quickly moving market) for FCC and other regulatory body certifications.
- Low RF coupling and low audio quality versus the superior quality of direct wired or Bluetooth connections to car stereos (likely the main marketable use case).
- Interference possibilities with one or more of the many RF systems on a modern smart device: Cell Voice/Data, WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS,... Yes the frequency bands are very different, but problems can still occur.
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Hardware Alternatives:
Sony Bluetooth A2DP Stereo headets with FM are decent.
MW-1 or new MW-1 Lite $80-$100+ on EBay: http://store.sony.com/p/Sony-Androi...Headset-Earphones-Earpieces-Wireless/en/p/MW1
Older MW-600 $40 on EBay: http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/st...10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666492655
Smart-watches are worth a look.
Dongle based SDR drains battery: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2108053
Software Alternatives:
On stock devices with no FM app, the stock app from another phone may work.
There are almost no alternatives on most custom ROMs. IMO, Spirit is the only 3rd party non-stock FM app of any significance.
This is because the dominant APIs, firmware and hardware details are secret and undocumented.
ST-Ericsson had attempted to create a standard Android FM API, but 2+ years later it's gone nowhere fast. As of March 2013 it's sitting with a broken build in an experimental branch of AOSP, despite some activity near end of 2012. It's unclear what the latest ST-Ericsson organizational restructurings mean to this effort.
I hope an industry wide blessing of this API is right around the corner. But so far Google doesn't seem to care, nor do carriers. Their best interests are in data plan revenues or Internet ad revenues, and they all want to be the gatekeepers of the 21st century "TV etc. market".
Emmis Communications coming NextRadio app might use this API; I have no idea yet. Further info on the related ransom for FM in the US market is here: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=37641690
Open Source Spirit:
My Oct 31, 2012 statement on open sourcing: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=33453938&postcount=4715System
I may release some open source for Spirit2. The intention would be to encourage others to write FM apps, widgets etc. using the ST-Ericsson proposed Android FM API natie to Spirit2.
Sony Bluetooth A2DP Stereo headets with FM are decent.
MW-1 or new MW-1 Lite $80-$100+ on EBay: http://store.sony.com/p/Sony-Androi...Headset-Earphones-Earpieces-Wireless/en/p/MW1
Older MW-600 $40 on EBay: http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/st...10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666492655
Smart-watches are worth a look.
Dongle based SDR drains battery: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2108053
Software Alternatives:
On stock devices with no FM app, the stock app from another phone may work.
There are almost no alternatives on most custom ROMs. IMO, Spirit is the only 3rd party non-stock FM app of any significance.
This is because the dominant APIs, firmware and hardware details are secret and undocumented.
ST-Ericsson had attempted to create a standard Android FM API, but 2+ years later it's gone nowhere fast. As of March 2013 it's sitting with a broken build in an experimental branch of AOSP, despite some activity near end of 2012. It's unclear what the latest ST-Ericsson organizational restructurings mean to this effort.
I hope an industry wide blessing of this API is right around the corner. But so far Google doesn't seem to care, nor do carriers. Their best interests are in data plan revenues or Internet ad revenues, and they all want to be the gatekeepers of the 21st century "TV etc. market".
Emmis Communications coming NextRadio app might use this API; I have no idea yet. Further info on the related ransom for FM in the US market is here: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=37641690
Open Source Spirit:
My Oct 31, 2012 statement on open sourcing: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=33453938&postcount=4715System
I may release some open source for Spirit2. The intention would be to encourage others to write FM apps, widgets etc. using the ST-Ericsson proposed Android FM API natie to Spirit2.
Last edited:
Thanks. I looking for because I know for sure that u8800(not pro) support that function(custom roms).The difference bettwen pro & no-pro is on wifi. Hardware architecture is similare.That means I must change software stuff like drivers or hardware permissions maybe?
Sent from my U8800PRO using xda app-developers app
Sent from my U8800PRO using xda app-developers app
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497Spirit1 and Spirit2 are real, tuned, over-the-air FM radio apps for Android. They do not require Internet access.
Android 6+ Marshmallow Speaker mode and HTC One M8/Qualcomm startup problems: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=64465957&postcount=9434
Dec 2, 2015: I'm going to close this thread for now at least, because sadly, too many "non customers" are coming here asking for support for paid versions and I've become very tired of it. Customers please email me mikereidis@gmail.com for support. Thanks !
Dec 2, 2015: Spirit apps now available via Paypal through the new Alpha level Official XDA App: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=64109123&postcount=9431
Spirit2 2015_03_25_lollipop & KitKat slow rollout: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=59681989#post59681989
Mar 18/19, 2015: New Spirit2 release for Lollipop+: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1059296&page=904#post59544280
Feb 21, 2015: Spirit's 4th birthday, Spirit2 analog mode & other New features: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=58992351#post58992351
GOOGLE BAN on the Spirit apps (SELinux, lifted). http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=59810554&postcount=9046
DAMMIT Google ! DAMMIT new EU VAT policies ! : http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=58184929&postcount=8824
LG G3 official support ?: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=57367265&postcount=8710
Spirit2 Lollipop HTC One M7 & M8 GPE with root: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1059296&page=872#post57367616
Spirit2 Open/Free now on Play for "buy me a cheap beer" price, and free XDA download: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=57261604&postcount=8694
Spirit1 Light resurrected on Play for "buy me a coffee" price, and free XDA download: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=57261804&postcount=8695
Spirit2 Beta releases on Play for customers, updated sign up info: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=57079402&postcount=795
Spirit2 11_24/11_25 pre-mature Lollipop re-design release bugs on some ROMs prompt re-org of Spirit2 variants: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=57057763&postcount=8664
Spirit2 Free: Open Source Real FM Radio for AOSP & Root: http://xdaforums.com/apps/spirit-fm/app-spirit2-free-source-real-fm-radio-t2951455
Spirit2 RC2 beta for Lollipop: November 24 / 141124: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=57006262
Spirit2 November 21 (141121): Beta Re-architecture for Android Lollipop 5.0: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=56930903&postcount=8631
Spirit2 November 12 (141112): Experimental Re-architecture for Android 5: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1059296&page=861
Spirit2 October 29 (141029): Experimental Re-architecture for Android 5: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=56376931&postcount=8571
Nexus 6, 9, Player & Android 5.0: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1059296&page=854#post56094758
Spirit2 October 1 (141001): Extremely Experimental Re-architecture for Android L: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=55771652&postcount=8499
Android L: Spirit1 and Spirit2: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=55733853#post55733853
Spirit2 0920 HIGHLY EXPERIMENTAL Audio mods, in preparation for Android L: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=55560963&postcount=8455 APK: http://d-h.st/0z9
Spirit Transmit v2 0915: ONLY works on ROOTED Sony Xperia T and Z class; NOT Z2: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1059296&page=845#post55456171
Download Experimental Spirit2 September 10-12: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=55397310&postcount=8427
Official Sony Z series support coming: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=54229607
LG G2 Mahdi & FM friendly kernels: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=54067863&postcount=8037
LG G2 FM friendly kernel patches: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=54068182&postcount=8038
Android ONE = Google FM Radio ?? !! http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=53677209&postcount=781
Spirit2: Hi Mike, I am still enjoying Spirit 1, is there any reason to pay again for Spirit 2? : http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=52304938&postcount=7787
HTC One M8 Verizon ! http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=51904224
Spirit2 is officially released ! New thread for Spirit2: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2537861
The Death of access to stock, unrooted OEM proprietary FM APIs:http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=50954346
New 30 day refund policy: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=50889714
Digital Radio, the "Euro Chip Initiative" and "The Universal Smartphone Radio Project":http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=50416866&postcount=7511
Permissions problems on recent ROMs: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=48749760#post48749760
--------------------
Spirit name: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=45326547&postcount=6771
New phones: Note 3 LTE, HTC One Mini, Xperia Z Ultra & Z1/Honami: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1059296&page=673
Broadcom OEM API for unrooted changes on Android 4.3 HTC One: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=44953912#post44953912
Nexus 7 2013: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=44800402#post44800402
Meh... Emmis NextRadio app is underwhelming: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=44669987#post44669987
BT headsets: RDS PS & station info, pause/play, previous + next with AVRCP 1.3+: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=44463541&postcount=6619
HTC One GPE Android 4.3 solution: Use Spirit August 5 or later version: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=44298000&postcount=6585 apk: http://d-h.st/gWe
Android 4.3 may break FM on devices using Broadcom FM/combo chips: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=44233922&postcount=6571
"Spying" on FM radio usage stats: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=44018032&postcount=6522
Effem FM app in some CM ROMs ? : http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=43795132#post43795132
HTC One GPE + digital audio (Unlocked): http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=43071149&postcount=6332
HTC One first AOSP/Google support: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=42922397#post42922397
HTC One Nexus Experience phone: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=42060507&postcount=6156
Galaxy S4 MINI GT-I9190 FM: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=42061724&postcount=6157
Galaxy S4 = No OTA FM: "In with a bang, and out with a whimper." http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=40952026&postcount=6001
Where has all the FM gone ? Gone to streaming, every one ? http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=40952008&postcount=6000
See Supported Device List in post #2 below.
Variants:
- Spirit Free: Basic & Mono. Digital audio on Galaxy S. See post #3.
- Spirit Two Free Alpha: Digital Audio & other Unlocked features.
- Spirit Light: (supported but no longer sold.)
- Spirit Unlocked: RDS, Media Buttons, Lockscreen & much more.
Spirit is the ONLY fully digital FM app:
- Bluetooth A2DP headsets in CD quality stereo.
- Recording in CD quality stereo.
- External visualizers, equalizers and effects.
- Internal Wave and FFT visual: 5x8 dB & log2 43 - 22,050 Hz.
Digital audio support:
- Rooted HTC One, One XL, One S, Evo 4G LTE, Sony Xperia T.
- Rooted International non-US Galaxy S, S2, S3, Note, Note2.
- Most stock Sony 2012-2013 devices.
Record only support:
- Stock International Galaxy S2 Jelly-Bean, S3, Note, Note2.
Download:
- Spirit Unlocked: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mikersmicros.fm_unlock
- Spirit UL Paypal: Email me.
- Spirit Free September 18: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=45682432#post45682432 apk: http://d-h.st/H4x
- Warning ! Galaxy S speaker risk: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=13380066&postcount=3
- For phones with no FM audio support: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=42510412&postcount=6215
- Galaxy S digital chipmunks: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=39383252&postcount=5696
- FAQ: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1059296&page=447
- Doc 2012: https://googledrive.com/host/0B7UP2cIqyQXGZVZYZHItaC1ZWk0/spirit_doc.html or download from: http://d-h.st/TxN
- Prior post #1: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1059296&page=571
- Dongle FM SDR: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2108053 my notes: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=38887290&postcount=5603
News:
- The Death of access to stock, unrooted OEM proprietary FM APIs:http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=50954346
- New 30 day refund policy: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=50889714
- Broadcom OEM API for unrooted changes on Android 4.3 HTC One: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=44953912#post44953912
- Meh... Emmis NextRadio app is underwhelming: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=44669987#post44669987
- BT headsets: RDS PS & station info, pause/play, previous + next with AVRCP 1.3+: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=44463541&postcount=6619
- Galaxy S4 stock ROM FM strings explained by new GT-I9300 FM voice commands: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=41651659&postcount=6078
- Galaxy S4 = No OTA FM: "In with a bang, and out with a whimper." http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=40952026&postcount=6001
- Where has all the FM gone ? Gone to streaming, every one ? http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=40952008&postcount=6000
- Sprint Ransom for FM: $15 Million + 30%: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=37641690
- US carriers Ransom for FM: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=36567961&postcount=5154
- Spirit2: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=34526627&postcount=4882
- Spirit2 design: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=35571087
Please purchase Spirit Unlocked for full features, excellent support, and help Android FM.
Thanks !
Mike.92Compatibility
Edit August 18, 2015: I haven't updated this list since June 29, 2013 largely because FM has been dying on Android devices. Samsung hasn't supported FM on flagships since the International GS3 GT-I9300 and Note2 GT-N7100 and never supported FM on US flagships except for some rare Sprint devices.
If there is no stock working FM app on your device, chances are close to zero these days, especially on Samsungs.
The only additions I have made in over 2 years are: Sony Xperia Z2/Z3 or compatible, rooted LG G2 International or Sprint, and rooted devices with Qualcomm FM/combo and audio chips, such as the HTC One M8, Xperia Z1 and similar, and some lesser known devices.
November 12, 2012 compatibility list with more info on older devices: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1059296&page=480
No FM:
These devices, and many more, are not physically capable of FM, except as noted:
- Samsung Galaxy S4/S5/S6/Note3/Note4/Note5 & most US/LTE models of Galaxy S, S2, S3, Note, Note2.
- All Google Nexus's except Nexus One w/ custom kernel.
- Motorola Verizon Razr HD & M / Maxx. (Australia variant has FM.)
- Motorola Verizon Razr I XT890 (JB update disables FM. May 8 worked w/ root, but no audio.)
- HTC Verizon Droid Incredible 4G LTE.
- Samsung: 70 %
- HTC: 23 %
- Motorola: 4 %
- Sony: 1.3 %
- Huawei: 1.0 %
- LG: 0.8 %
Devices:
As of April 7, 2013: 69 devices supported, except as noted.
Other devices may work, but I can't support them.
By 2013 popularity: most to least. I own the most popular and can support them much better.
Samsung (14):
- Galaxy S2 GT-I9100 / M / T
- Galaxy S3 GT-I9300
- Galaxy S GT-I9000 / M / B / 9010
- Galaxy Note GT-N7000
- Galaxy S Plus
- Galaxy Note2 3G GT-N7100
- Galaxy W / Wonder / GT-I8150 / B
- Galaxy Cooper GT-S5830 / L / D / B
- Galaxy S2 GT-I9100G
- Galaxy Gio GT-S5660 / M
- Galaxy 5 / Europa / 550 / i5500 / i5503
- Galaxy SL GT-I9003
- Galaxy Mini / Dart SGH-T499 / Tass GT-S5570
- Galaxy Player / S WI-FI
HTC (30):
- One Stock, Google Play Edition & AOSP
- One X LTE (AT&T) / XL / Evo 4G LTE / One S
- One X International S720e
- Sensation 4G / XE Z715e
- Desire HD / Inspire 4G
- Desire
- Nexus One (need root & non-stock kernel)
- One V (Virgin Mobile variant needs root)
- Desire Z / G2 / Evo Shift 4G (G2 needs root)
- Desire S
- Wildfire S A510e / PG762
- One X+ LTE (AT&T) (Not on custom ROMs)
- Droid Incredible 2 / S S710E
- HD2 / Leo / T8585 / T9193
- Explorer a310e / a310b (No RDS unless rooted)
- Velocity 4G
- Evo 4G / Supersonic (2010)
- Evo Design 4G / Kingdom / Acquire / HeroS
- Aria / Liberty / Intruder A6366
- Glacier / T-Mobile myTouch 4G
- myTouch 4G Slide
- One X+ 3G (Not on custom ROMs ; disabled pending confirmation)
- ThunderBolt / Scorpion ADR6400L
- Wildfire
- Droid Incredible ADR6300
- Amaze 4G / Ruby
- Legend
- Sensation XL X315e
- Chacha / Status
- Desire X (1 confirmation stock un-rooted)
- Defy A8210 / MB525
- Droid 4 (need root)
- Droid Bionic (JB update need root: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2256439)
- Photon 4G MB855
- Droid X2
- Droid 3
- Droid X
- Milestone 3 XT860 / ME863
- Pro Plus ME632 / MB632
- Droid2 A955 CDMA (need root & mono)
- Atrix 2 MB865
- Bravo MB520
Sony (11) (Most only work stock for now):
- Xperia S / SL LT22i / ii
- Xperia Acro S LT26w
- Xperia Ion LT28h / at / i
- Xperia P LT22i
- Xperia Sola MT27i
- Xperia Go ST27a / i
- Xperia U ST25i
- Xperia T LT30a / at / p
- Xperia V LT25i
- Xperia TX LT29i
- Xperia Z C6603 / C6602 (no speaker ?). ZL & Tablet Z may work with Audio-> Method = "Qualcomm Intent".
Huawei (1):
- Ascend G300 u8815
LG (2):
- Optimus One P500
- Optimus 2X P990 re-enabled on Play & semi-official for AOSP ROMs as of June 29
35This is an early document, for further details see: "Dec 19 Spirit2 design details": http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=35571087
Next Gen: Spirit2
After almost 2 years, Spirit FM (Spirit1 or version 1) is "mature". Among over 10,000 paid customers, many have been happy to run Spirit on 2-4 generations of phones.
From HTC Legends, Desires and Nexus1's running Android 2.1 Eclair, to OneX, Galaxy S, S2, and now S3 & Note2 running Android 4.2 Jellybean.
Spirit1 was not designed much, it was rapidly built using an open source app as it's base. This enabled a quick implementation on many phones, ROMs, etc.
A lot of quick hacks has accumulated, and now it's difficult to change or cleanup many sections of code without creating bugs on some phone and ROM combinations.
It's time to start fresh and design and build Spirit2 "properly".
I'll create a system to enable new settings/options in a few minutes, instead of an hour or more, editing 5 or 6 different files.
The code will be much cleaner, efficient and bug free when it doesn't have to support 7 different versions of Android, 200 different phones and 10 different FM APIs.
Spirit1 Future
Spirit1 will not disappear. Support will continue, but I can't guarantee I'll be able to make it work on old (3-4 year) phones running Android 4.2 JellyBean, for example.
No major new functions will likely be added to Spirit1. For example, FM record may remain an experimental test option, but will not be supported.
I will continue to make and release some minor bug and compatibility fixes; timing & extent to be determined. My focus will be on Spirit2, the future.
I hope those disappointed will eventually appreciate my decision to focus on the future when they get a new device.
I expect to cease sales of Spirit1 at some time; maybe in months or maybe years. At present, Google doesn't provide a good way to do this, and still allow
existing customers to re-download. AFAICT we can only set the price to high values, such as $99.99 or $249. If you ever see such a price on Spirit1 Light,
or Light & Unlocked, don't be appalled. It just means I wish to stop new sales while keeping existing customers happy.
In the short term, Spirit1 might even become a testing ground for Spirit2. Before a device is officially supported by Spirit2, it may be enabled on Spirit1.
Sometimes I get several reports that a new phone works OK. Then after some time, major problems become evident that make me regret calling the device supported,
especially for rarer devices.
Spirit2 Plans
Plans are always subject to change. Gotta be nimble.
Spirit2 will be available on Google Play around January, 2013. Beta versions will be available earlier, linked on a new XDA thread.
No Light version is planned, but a free version may be. Price should be the same as Spirit1 Unlocked.
Existing Spirit1 Unlocked customers can upgrade at no cost to Spirit2. Spirit2 isn't about making you pay twice.
But if you feel generous and appreciative of my support over the last few years, I'd be happy if you made a 2nd purchase.
Or as some appreciative users have, a 3rd, via Light or an additional tip/donation.
The upgrade path from Light to Spirit1 Unlocked, or to Spirit2, or from Unlocked to Spirit2 is the same. I cancel your original order, even 2 years later, and you get
a full refund. Then you simply buy the new version. You can email me for special needs, such as needing 2 versions for different phones.
I cancel any order at any time on request anyway, so this is nothing new.
Spirit2 will focus on a smaller number of popular phones among custom ROM developers and users. I will only support phones that I own for testing, and those with
very similar architectures. The 80/20 rule applies here, and focusing on 20% of the phones, for 80% coverage just makes sense.
If you want to run Spirit2, I recommend popular high end devices, mostly from Samsung and HTC. I'll be happy to make exceptions for other OEMs with popular higher end
phones, or phones with a similar architecture. For example, LG Optimus G and some Motorola devices have the same S3/S4/+ Qualcomm FM/audio architecture as HTC OneX LTE.
Spirit2 Design
Spirit2 design started November, 2012, after a 12 month delay from original plans.
Spirit2 will support digital audio features, such as FM recording, Bluetooth, VU meters and who knows what, possibly including visualizations and audio analysis.
Phones that are not capable of digital audio features likely won't be supported. Thankfully, the wildly popular GS2 GT-i9100 is now proven to support digital FM audio.
Unchanged from my original 2011 plan, Spirit will use and support the ST-Ericsson proposed Android FM API, hereafter referred to as "Android FM API", despite it's
mere "proposed" status. The Android FM API was first proposed over 2 years ago now, and seems to slowly be making it's way into AOSP. It's slow progress,
and uncertain future, has disappointed me. I hope that Spirit2 will help this FM API gain support from
phone and FM chip OEMs, as well as other 3rd party app developers.
Many Sony 2012 phones support this API already, on devices based on ST-Ericsson, Broadcom and Qualcomm FM chips at least. So stock, unrooted Sony devices should be
well supported, in theory at least. I'm not committing to official Sony support at this time however.
This API is similar to other "OEM Proprietary FM APIa" that don't need SU/root. But it's not proprietary, it's openly documented & uses open source code.
Other "OEM Proprietary" APIs will likely not be supported. Spirit2 will retain a focus on custom AOSP type ROMs that are incapable of running stock FM apps.
Support for different FM chips will be via plugins, exactly as specified for use with the Android FM API.
Unless and until phone or chip OEMs supply suitable FM chip plugins, Spirit2 will provide them. Sony has at least 3 plugins, but it's not clear if Sony can or would
allow their free re-distribution for other devices.
Third party developers will be able to write apps using the open, rich & documented Android FM API.
They will be able to run as standalone apps, widgets, etc. without Spirit2, on devices such as the Sony's that support this API (or a slight derivative).
On devices that do not support this API natively, 3rd party apps will be able to call compatible functions in the bottom-half, service portion of Spirit2.
They won't have to bother with tedious, boring stuff such as configuration, as the top-half, app/GUI portion of Spirit2 can handle that.
Or they could provide their own configuration mechanisms and do anything that Spirit2 does.
I hope that custom ROMs will be built using the Android FM API AOSP code, and support FM natively within their audio libraries and frameworks.
But I can't count on this anytime soon, so Spirit2 will do it's best to emulate functionality that is ideally done in the internals of a ROM.
This is the current situation with Spirit1 on many custom ROMs and it requires LOTS of effort and can never be perfect.
"FM Chip control" is just one part of the Android FM API. The other major component is audio routing and control. Audio has been the major challenge of Spirit1.
The FM chip/API code has changed very little during 2012.
A device that fully supports the Android FM API makes audio issues quite simple. The app can simply start or stop the audio with easy functions. Complexities like
volume control, headset cable media buttons, lockscreen controls, and possibly A2DP Bluetooth support can be taken care of by the framework of the ROM.
Even FM recording should be simple, on devices that support it. Spirit1 supports a simple FM record function, but it only works on devices like GS3 at present.
But Spirit2 will remain a more or less normal SU/root app, as Spirit1 is. I'm one person & don't have the resources to get involved in building kernels, libraries,
frameworks and ROMs. So Spirit2 will have components that replicate, as best it can, a proper system service for handling FM and FM related audio.
It seems to make sense to design & build a plugin mechanism for handling FM audio, similar in concept to the FM chip plugin for the Android FM API.
The Android FM API chip plugin, a library file such as libfmradio.cg2900.so, is oriented to code at the C/C++/JNI layer of Android/Java.
The Spirit2 audio system plugin is more likely to be done at the Java level, as there are many Android Java APIs that are required or useful.
Hypothetically, Spirit2 could run even on officially unsupported phones, if someone has or writes an FM plugin and an audio plugin.
Many FM chips could be supported, with at least basic features, by a single generic V4L FM plugin. A simple generic audio plugin could be created
that would rely on configurable "reflected" Java APIs or shell scripts etc. The "real world" however, is messier than this might imply.
Some portions of Spirit2 will be open sourced. Details to be determined.
EDIT: Which phones/architectures will Spirit2 support ?
Tentative, but:
Galaxy S3/Note2
Galaxy S2/Note
OneX International
OneS/X LTE, Evo 4G LTE & similar S3/S4/+ + WCN3660 + WCD9310. Might include Optimus G, Motorola.
Any Nexus capable of FM. Nexus 4 ? 10 ?
Sony 2012's maybe, since they support this API when stock.
I'm keeping an eye on popularity & compatibility of Motorola Razr I.34Galaxy S GT-I9000 speaker damage risk:
EDIT Feb 12, 2014: I still get occasional reports of speaker damage, about 1 every 3-4 months. Nothing can be done I'm afraid...
EDIT May 20, 2013: One person has reported damage with digital audio mode. Virtually everything is different in this mode, so I can't imagine why it would happen. The only audio commonality is the analog outputs feeding into the inputs of the audio chip.
There is a risk of speaker damage on Galaxy S GT-i9000 when running custom ICS or JB ROMs.
If you've been running Spirit for at least 10-40 hours with no problem, your risk is minimal. I think this is hardware related and about 1-5 % are susceptible. I get about 1 report every 3 weeks now.
Avoiding use of the speaker or keeping volume low does not help. Risk may increase when using USB cables to PCs or chargers or external amplifiers.
If you are worried about Galaxy S speaker damage, then DO NOT use Spirit, unless on CM7 or a stock derived ROM. Use GB ROMs with proven safe FM, get a new phone, or just live without FM.
Unless you are familar with ALSA programming, Ioctls and low level Linux/Android kernel stuff, as well as DC servos in amplifiers, please do not think you have useful technical advice to give about what I should study. I've spent at least 400 hours on this problem, with no analog solution.
Have Damage ?:
If you've had GalaxyS speaker damage, and are a BRAVE do it yourselfer, here are some Ebay links for speakers and instructions on replacing them: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=23014977&postcount=2355 All responsibility for any problems doing this is yours.
Ringer/Buzzer Speakers are available on Ebay new for $6 shipped, or $8 refurbished shipped from the US to the US.
I'm very sorry for any problems. I had no idea this problem would happen or go on this long. It's rare that software causes hardware damage.
If you're angry, or think my dev skills are sub-par, please refer me to the secret documents for FM audio via Galaxy S ALSA controls. There is none. I've read the code for various audio libraries, and the ALSA drivers, many times, and though the March 4th, 2012 attempt seemed a virtual duplicate of the CM7 audio lib, the problem continued.
If you've been affected, please email me at mikereidis@gmail.com to report.
Thanks, and sorry for any troubles.
Hopeful Digital Audio Solution:
Using digital audio mode likely reduces or eliminates the risk. As of March 23, 2013, it's too early to tell.
EDIT May 20: One person has reported damage with digital audio mode. Virtually everything is different in this mode, so I can't imagine why it would happen. The only audio commonality is the analog outputs feeding into the inputs of the audio chip.
On first Spirit startup, or after clearing app data, you are presented with a choice of "Digital" or "Danger". Choose "Digital". If running Unlocked, restart Spirit to enable Visualizations and a record button.
You can also set Menu-> Settings-> Audio-> Method to "Digital Auto" or "Digital GS1", both near the end of the list.
If you hear interrupted high frequency "chipmunk" sounds, rebooting may help, at least until the microphone is used (but phone calls OK ?).
If a reboot doesn't help, you can disable Digital-> Stereo and do Pause / Play. Audio is now mono of course, so you might as well set Audio-> Output Mode (or Channels next release) to "Mono Force".
More chipmunk info: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=39383252&postcount=5696
Battery consumption may be a bit higher using digital. Unlocked uses substantially more CPU & battery when visualization is on screen, and when equalizers, effects and Bluetooth are in use.31I'm taking a MUCH needed break from Spirit and will restart work on Spirit2 in late October.
After 2.7 years and over 9,000 hours spent developing, supporting and otherwise dealing with Spirit FM:
- I need to draw a line in the sand here and take a week off to "detox" from the Internet.
- Then I need a month for doing taxes and pressing family, household and personal tasks.
- Then I need at least a few months to explore where Spirit is going with Spirit2 and/or some other FM app related stuff I'm considering.
So,... given that I endeavour to be as honest and open as I can: I regret that going forward, I'm not going to be able to provide the high level of support
I've been providing and been struggling to maintain.
As always, if anyone has purchased Spirit and feel they haven't had sufficient enjoyment: I cancel any order at any time on request.
For answers to most questions about Spirit, use the search feature on this XDA thread. If you can't find an answer, post, and hopefully some helpful person will answer,
maybe even me occasionally. I previously answered every question on this thread, but I have to let that go now.
I appreciate if anyone helps anyone else here, but ask that you be nice. I think it's probably better to ignore a poster than respond with an angry "Read the FAQ !".
If Spirit doesn't work with default settings, maybe alternative settings will work. But this is the exception now. If it doesn't work by default, it probably won't.
As time goes on, stock and custom ROMs will update/change and something may break in the FM access. I've hypothesized that for custom ROMs, within 3 months as many as 50%
of ROMs will have a role in some problem with Spirit. If Spirit has 0 or just a few small updates in the next 3 months, I'll be interested to see the result.
This breakage rate is largely the nature of the fast pace of change in ROMs, but change happens in stock ROMs too. The bluetooth stack has undergone major revisions in
Android 4.2-4.3. I've dealt with that, and Android 4.3 related issues, so hopefully Spirit will run well on new or recent phones for a while.
Since I'm looking at other "projects" in the Android FM app area, there's a reasonable chance that Spirit will continue to have related updates. But since I may
(or may not) be concentrating on stock FM support, improvements may be restricted to stock support. The beta access for Spirit Unlocked and Light may be a way to deal with that.
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Sidebar:
It's been a constant struggle to reverse engineer FM chip/API details as they change from chip to chip, phone to phone, OEM-OEM, Android version, API version, custom ROM, and more.
Google isn't helping the cause any, nor are many of the phone OEMs, chip OEMs and carriers. Nobody else has been "crazy enough" to try what I'm doing with FM.
Gee, even the top FM apps from Sony and Samsung don't do most of the digital audio features that Spirit can, even on an ancient GT-I9000 Galaxy S.
But despite the work and crazy hours I put in, there are still some nasty & effectively unsolvable problems, like audio on Desire HD, a UI that needs serious improvement,
and annoying things like 87.5 on startup with stock Broadcom API.
The code for Spirit is a horrible mess, and deserves to be replaced with a (properly) designed Spirit2 or whatever.
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I'm not going to be monitoring my usual email address mikereidis@gmail.com as much, and not at all during any Internet "detox" week.
This email will auto-respond that:
- Purchase cancel requests (Only !) be sent to spirit.fm.unlocked.cancel@gmail.com, or perhaps to the normal email with "CANCEL"
spelled out in capitals in the subject. And be patient please, even Google can be glacially slow handling these.
I may or may not respond to any emails or posts. Sorry, I kinda hate to become "that kind of dev", but this is essential for me, and for Spirit, at this time.
I appreciate all the appreciation for Spirit, and feel satisfied with the 4.7 out of 5 rating that Spirit Unlocked has on Play, from thousands of people.
I hate to see that rating drop because I can't provide the same level of support, but I guess that would be fair and should be expected. I'd be more likely to drop a rating if I was the
customer and there was little or no support for some problem.
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So, in the next few months, there is the potential for Spirit to re-continue, as it has for 2.7 years now. Or it may take a new form; remains to be seen.
It's important for me to be honest and say that, instead of pretending I absolutely will return to Spirit if you can just wait. I refuse to be that kind of sales / business man.
Business-wise, for Spirit as it exists now, some might see this as "burning a bridge". I see it more as a bridge in urgent need of repair/replacement to prevent loss of life. Need to replace the old wooden bridge with a modern steel structure...
Thank you everyone for all your support, and see you on "the other side" !
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Rom for Huawei MediaPad 10 link (S10 -201 wa)
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