[STICKY] [FAQ] Official Atrix "Ask A Dev" & FAQ Thread (Last Update: 05/31/2011)
Official Atrix "Ask A Dev" & FAQ Thread
So, there's a ton of misinformation and confusion going around about the Atrix. I'm gonna go through this section best I can and pick out questions that I think should be in here. If you have one you'd like added or have a question to ask, post here and I'll answer and update the first post with the results. I will do my best to provide links, explain as best I can, and keep things UP TO DATE (which is the most important thing). I hope that users will see this thread and use it to their advantage. There's a lot of info out there, and I know it can be confusing, so I want to give everyone a place they can come ask questions or read information they know will be up to date. Feel free to ask anything you wish to know and I'll do my best to answer 
PLEASE try to keep the thread clean. Post questions, keep discussion at a minimum (if there's a relevant discussion thread, I will link it here), and be polite.
Without further ado, let's get started with the basics.
PLEASE try to keep the thread clean. Post questions, keep discussion at a minimum (if there's a relevant discussion thread, I will link it here), and be polite.
Without further ado, let's get started with the basics.
Frequently Asked Question - Updated 05/31/2011
- Q: "What is"/"How do I" root?
A: If you don't know what root is, chances are you don't need it. This is the basic of the basics of Android modification. Go ahead and do a little research first if you don't know what it is. You can root almost all Atrix devices using the method in this thread, just identify what device you have an follow the appropriate tutorial: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1016060
If your device isn't supported by GladRoot, you can follow this guide by jug6ernaut: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1046626
- Q: What is a ROM/P-ROM?
A: This is one of the more tricky questions when it comes to the Atrix. Designgears set the standard by calling Adeo a ROM. This is loosely based in truth. When we refer to an Atrix ROM, what we are doing is basic Android customization. It could be themes, a few added features (reboot/recovery in power menu, sideloading, adding a tethering APN for certain carriers, etc), or just an automated install for a deodexed system. They are not true ROMs, but we'll take what we can get.
As of GladiAtrix3 beta, I changed the name of these mods to Pseudo-ROM, or P-ROM for short (yes, pronounced 'prom').
- Q: What is an SBF? How do I flash it?
A: An SBF file is the Motorola base firmware. There are only a few SBF files available, and instructions (Thanks to seven2099) to use them can be found here: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=13604217&postcount=2. The guide was written with the Bell Atrix in mind, but this process will work with any version provided you have the correct SBF for your device. This guide by kennethpenn contains links to a few of the SBFs for AT&T devices: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=991072
It should also be noted that these files are NOT community provided. They are leaked from Motorola, are are technically for internal Motorola use only. Do NOT ask where we get them, how we get them, or if we can make you a custom one. We cannot.
- Q: What does "deodex" mean?
A: This guide has a pretty good explanation of what the difference between odexed and deodexed is: http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/what-is-odex-and-deodex-in-android-complete-guide/
- Q: What is sideloading?
A: Sideloading lets you install any applications, regardless of carrier or market restrictions. This is also sometimes called "Unknown sources." It can be enabled several different ways. Both the GladiAtrix (for 4.1.26, 4.1.52,, 4.1.57, and 4.1.83) and GingerBlur ROMs contain it. You can also enable it using the GladiAtrix Enabler.
- Q: <app> in the market doesn't work! Help!
A: There are several applications still that have not been updated to support the Atrix. It uses a lot of new hardware, and does things a little differently. Before jumping on and making a thread saying Motorola sucks for your app not working, contact the developer first and ask them to update.
User Submitted Questions - Updated 04/27/2011
- Q: Is there a way to install an apk without finding it and tapping on it? Maybe through terminal emulator and if so what would the command lines be? (submitted by drock212)
A: Yes! You can install applications through ADB on your PC with the command 'adb install <app>.apk' where <app> is the filename of the app you want to install. You can also use a file manager, or as metk@ mentioned, the Android Market website. Finally, there is a command line that you can use to install: pm install <app>.apk
- Q: I have a Bell Atrix (unlocked to work with Rogers). Are there any precautions I need to keep in mind when flashing ROMs, installing the new 1.5.7 update and rooting it all using the At&t files in the Dev forum? (submitted by TareX)
A: Absolutely. As far as I know, you cannot flash any of the AT&T firmwares on a Bell Atrix. This will cause a brick and you will be unable to recover since there isn't a Bell firmware SBF available right now. If anyone has been brave enough to try and flash a Bell Atrix with AT&T firmware and has SUCCEEDED, please let me know.
- Q: The atrix has 1GB of ram. Is all of that memory used on the phone or is it like what was rumored and some of it is reserved for the webtop? (submitted by RacecarBMW)
A: The webtop shares memory with the phone side. There is about 800mb free for use by both, with roughly 200mb reserved for system processes.
- Q: Are more ROMs in the works? (submitted by danboard)
A: I've been working hard at getting GladiAtrix 2 to a point where I feel comfortable releasing it in CWM format. Unfortunately, I can't speak for other developers. The tools available for the Atrix are relatively limited, and we don't have a very strong base of talented people like other Motorola phones do. I'm pretty proud of what we've managed to accomplish even with such a small userbase.
- Q: Can I use my phone on a carrier other than AT&T or Bell? (submitted via PM by metk@)
A: You can, but you need to make sure that the carrier you want to use the phone on supports the same frequencies as AT&T/Bell. There are a few different ways you can get the phone unlocked. The easiest, and honestly best, way to do it is to call the carrier and ask them for an unlock code. If you're persistent and polite enough, make your case as to why you need the phone unlocked, there's a good chance they'll accommodate. Getting mad and upset rarely works. You can also get an unlock code through several different online sites. This thread talks about sites with unlock codes, and gives you a good idea which to trust. General consensus seems to be that cellunlock.net worked for most users and has a 20$ rebate coupon code: android50
- Q: Can I use the Webtop without a dock? (submitted via PM by metk@)
A: You sure can. It requires modifications to the system files, so if you don't fee comfortable making permanent changes to your phone's OS, you shouldn't be doing this. This thread has a very detailed explanation on how to get it working on your phone, but make sure you match up the proper firmware version or can potentially brick your phone.[/B]
- Q: Is there a way to install a full version of linux on the Webtop? (submitted via PM by metk@)
A: There is a project running to unlock the Webtop OS and allow you full access to install anything you wish. You can read about the progress here: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1000316
- Q: I don't use the webtop. Is there any way to remove it completely to regain the space on the phone? (submitted by Girgizzlemuf)
A: Unfortunately, you cannot. The Webtop is directly integrated into the Android OS, so removing it would render your phone inoperable. I'm unsure if an unlocked bootloader will allow it to be removed either, as the entire build of Android running on the Atrix was built around the Webtop.
- Q: Do I need to unlock before rooting, or are the two completely independent from eachother? (submitted by dropshipinc)
A: Unlocking and rooting are not tied together. You can root without unlock, and you an unlock without root. Unlocking is, in most cases, referring to the ability to use the phone on any carrier. This is called SIM unlocking. Rooting gives you root access to your device. On the Atrix, you cannot unlock your phone by having root. Some devices this is the case, but the Atrix is not one of them.
- Q: Will installing a rom prevent OTA updates? If so, can they be easily removed so that we can install OTA updates? (submitted by ratkid2271)
A: Installing any of the currently available ROMs will prevent the phone from applying an OTA update. You should still be able to download them, but the installation will fail. As for uninstalling, you should be making a nandroid backup of your phone with CWM before installing any of them. A simple restore of that backup will prep you for an OTA update.
Special Thanks
Thanks to: drock212, TareX, RacecarBMW, danboard, metk@, Girgizzlemuf, ratkid2271, and dropshipinc for their submissions.
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