Spirit1, Spirit2 Real FM Radio General Thread

Search This thread
By:
Advanced…
C

cos68

Senior Member
Dec 21, 2010
76
16
Aalborg
Thank you for your efforts. I have tried it on both my Android phones.
My LG GT540 is working quite well. It is possible to tune into stations, but unfortunately no RDS is seen.

For my HTC Desire I can see the UI, but I cannot tune into any radio station, so I guess it is in test mode.

I am really looking forward to your next releases. Thanks!
 
M

mikereidis

Inactive Recognized Developer
Jan 28, 2011
7,823
4,146
Ottawa/Gatineau, Canada
djeaton said:
It launches fine on my Inspire 4G running CM7, but I can't pick up many channels where I am. My location isn't your fault though. :)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Just FYI I have now found out that it's possible that a software bug can mess up reception.

There is some code in the Desire HD CM ROM related to headset plug-in / plug-out that can enable or disable the antenna connection to the headset.

If anyone experiences no audio or bad reception, removing and re-installing the headset may help.

Once I fix this I will likely push out v2.0.4 to the Market.
 
M

mikereidis

Inactive Recognized Developer
Jan 28, 2011
7,823
4,146
Ottawa/Gatineau, Canada
skatt127 said:
Well, actually I've tried it a few times. When I start the tuner it works perfectly, no problems at all. Then I turn it off (press a screen button and it becomes yellow)
Then I turned off the screen ( phone is in stand by mode) for a minute or two.
Then I turn the phone again and a battery monitor shows 47 mA. Usually it shows only 4-5 mA. I restart the phone and do not use a tuner at all - after stand by mode my phone shows 4-5 mA as usually. That's it.
I've checked this many times already.

P.S. I've just checked the situation with MIUI FM and found the same thing after a tuner is off. The only difference is if I kill MIUI tuner as a task, a current goes to 4-5 mA. And if I kill Spirit FM in a such way the current doesn't change - it's 47mA all the way until I restart a phone.
Thank you for an answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Thanks much for your investigation. Can I presume your battery monitor is a hardware DMM/meter ? Or is there some software accessible current meter ? I've never looked into this, but I'm thinking I can cut into a USB cable to insert a DMM and that would give me a better idea of current draw once the battery is full.

Instead of restarting your phone, you might try disabling everything that might use the Broadcom chip. So that's FM off (first perhaps), WiFi off, BT off, and continue turning things off to see if one of those drops the current demand.

Thanks ! :)
 
M

mikereidis

Inactive Recognized Developer
Jan 28, 2011
7,823
4,146
Ottawa/Gatineau, Canada
aled99 said:
Thanks for your reply.
I can't seem to be able to get the recording to start after the first attempt, but I will keep trying as you suggested.
The main thing, which makes this app much better than other FM apps I've tried on my HD2, is the mono audio option works... this makes weaker signals sound sooo much better. Thank you!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Yeah, if recording doesn't start, that means the input device doesn't exist. I'm starting to think that a "loopback plug" for the USB port alone might possibly allow recording. Going inside the phone might even allow an internal connection.

But I'm also thinking that the ROM (CM) would have to specifically support the combination of FM analog audio output simultaneous with analog input to DAC(s) for recording. But if I could create a CM patch, there's a decent chance I could get that into future CM builds.


Yes, I've looked closely at the CM FM app hardware driver code and it seems quickly hacked together and now somewhat forgotten. Unless/until someone steps up to add features and fix some things.... But perhaps my app will effectively supplant it.

That said there's a few very nice features on the CM app I intend to "borrow" for my app, including the dragging/flinging to fine tune.
 
M

mikereidis

Inactive Recognized Developer
Jan 28, 2011
7,823
4,146
Ottawa/Gatineau, Canada
tudorsirb said:
Very nice app, works like charm on my LG P500 (CM7)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I'm very pleasantly surprised. The CM ROM for P500 / Optimus One doesn't have the CM FM app does it ?

I had an LG Optimus Chic briefly before I got fed up with the lack of ROM options.

If the P500 runs CM7 and my app then I may just buy one for testing. It seems a wonderful phone for the price. Here it's $200 outright at Telus, but it appears Koodo has marked them down to $150.
 
M

mikereidis

Inactive Recognized Developer
Jan 28, 2011
7,823
4,146
Ottawa/Gatineau, Canada
cos68 said:
Thank you for your efforts. I have tried it on both my Android phones.
My LG GT540 is working quite well. It is possible to tune into stations, but unfortunately no RDS is seen.

For my HTC Desire I can see the UI, but I cannot tune into any radio station, so I guess it is in test mode.

I am really looking forward to your next releases. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Wow, another LG phone ! Thanks in no small part to the CM and MIUI devs, my success rate on different phones is looking pretty good now. (Sigh of relief)

So if you set the frequency to a strong station you don't see any bars of signal strength in the upper left ? If not, then yes, the app isn't controlling the FM chip properly for some reason. If you saw bars I would say this is an audio routing problem.

Are you running CM7 on both phones ? If yes on the Desire, I presume the included CM FM app is working OK ?

With any other FM app running (although CM or MIUI is likely best), it generally should be possible to bring my app up and do things like tune, mute etc. This could help troubleshoot the issue.

I just tried on my Desire HD and it works. I bring up the CM app and hear audio, then switch to my app and can re-tune etc. I can even switch back and forth between apps. I'm hearing a few strange background noises (quick sequences of tones) but it might just be the song or something else, LOL.
 
S

skatt127

Member
Jan 21, 2009
34
0
mikereidis said:
Thanks much for your investigation. Can I presume your battery monitor is a hardware DMM/meter ? Or is there some software accessible current meter ? I've never looked into this, but I'm thinking I can cut into a USB cable to insert a DMM and that would give me a better idea of current draw once the battery is full.

Instead of restarting your phone, you might try disabling everything that might use the Broadcom chip. So that's FM off (first perhaps), WiFi off, BT off, and continue turning things off to see if one of those drops the current demand.

Thanks ! :)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I've no hardware instrumentation, just a program called battery monitor widget. It shows battery drain quit well. As for turning off IC circuits - I disabled BT but it's not a cure... a current is the same. As for WiFi - I didn't disable it as I use it everytime.

Thanks!
 
M

mikereidis

Inactive Recognized Developer
Jan 28, 2011
7,823
4,146
Ottawa/Gatineau, Canada
skatt127 said:
I've no hardware instrumentation, just a program called battery monitor widget. It shows battery drain quit well. As for turning off IC circuits - I disabled BT but it's not a cure... a current is the same. As for WiFi - I didn't disable it as I use it everytime.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse


OK, I'll check it out, thank you.


V2.0.4 is published to the Market.

It contains:

- The Greek translations courtesy of dancer_69.

- A fix for the CM volume fight issue. I adopted the same volume curves as CM so it's virtually un-noticable now.

- I fixed the re-init on re-orientation issue.

I had the audio inexplicably cut out on my Legend once, but haven't seen that happen again. Toggling the speaker enable or re-plugging the headset should fix that.

For those who haven't noticed, the volume can be controlled with the screen off. On my Legend volume buttons do not auto-repeat with the screen off, but with the Desire HD they DO auto-repeat.

For some reason, fast auto-repeats on the up volume have been seen to sometimes cause the CM Media Player to start. Pause/kill the media player and things are good again.


Google is reporting 42 installs so far, and 1 crash. :)
 
V

vura

Senior Member
Sep 14, 2010
150
18
pretoria
Jsut tried it on my HTC Tattoo works well 100% NO problems, though it could be better if it had a better GUI
 
M

mikereidis

Inactive Recognized Developer
Jan 28, 2011
7,823
4,146
Ottawa/Gatineau, Canada
vura said:
Jsut tried it on my HTC Tattoo works well 100% NO problems, though it could be better if it had a better GUI
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Great ! Thanks for the report.

I'm very interested in any feedback on the GUI. What would you like to see ? Describe or draw pictures or point out what you like on other apps.

I'm mostly avoiding colors at this time as I think color tastes are different from person to person, but they could be made configurable.

There are XML files in the app that anyone with Android GUI XML knowledge could modify to layout elements on the screen differently and create "Skins".
 
C

cos68

Senior Member
Dec 21, 2010
76
16
Aalborg
mikereidis said:
Wow, another LG phone ! Thanks in no small part to the CM and MIUI devs, my success rate on different phones is looking pretty good now. (Sigh of relief)

So if you set the frequency to a strong station you don't see any bars of signal strength in the upper left ? If not, then yes, the app isn't controlling the FM chip properly for some reason. If you saw bars I would say this is an audio routing problem.

Are you running CM7 on both phones ? If yes on the Desire, I presume the included CM FM app is working OK ?

With any other FM app running (although CM or MIUI is likely best), it generally should be possible to bring my app up and do things like tune, mute etc. This could help troubleshoot the issue.

I just tried on my Desire HD and it works. I bring up the CM app and hear audio, then switch to my app and can re-tune etc. I can even switch back and forth between apps. I'm hearing a few strange background noises (quick sequences of tones) but it might just be the song or something else, LOL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Well, I was on the stock ROM for my Desire. I have just tried to change to CM7 and now it is working just as expected, thanks!

My observations until now are, that your application is working fine, if I enter the frequency directly. However automatic searching for a station is not working on either my HTC Desire nor my LG GT540. When I try to search, it ends up on a strange frequency eg. 107.696.
Signal bar in the top of the application seems to be working fine, however the stereo indicator is somewhat unstable. From time to time it is working fine but other times it is either not seen at all or it shows Mono on a station that is definitely Stereo and with a strong signal. It often helps with an update of the screen by turning the phone 90 degress. This is the same for both my phones.

Once again thanks for your time. I cannot wait for your application to have some RDS support for my devices :p
 
Last edited:
M

mikereidis

Inactive Recognized Developer
Jan 28, 2011
7,823
4,146
Ottawa/Gatineau, Canada
cos68 said:
Well, I was on the stock ROM for my Desire. I have just tried to change to CM7 and now it is working just as expected, thanks!

My observations until now are, that your application is working fine, if I enter the frequency directly. However automatic searching for a station is not working on either my HTC Desire nor my LG GT540. When I try to search, it ends up on a strange frequency eg. 107.696.
Signal bar in the top of the application seems to be working fine, however the stereo indicator is somewhat unstable. From time to time it is working fine but other times it is either not seen at all or it shows Mono on a station that is definitely Stereo and with a strong signal. It often helps with an update of the screen by turning the phone 90 degress. This is the same for both my phones.

Once again thanks for your time. I cannot wait for your application to have some RDS support for my devices :p
Click to expand...
Click to collapse


OK, good...

Yes, the seeking is known broken on Broadcom chips at this time. I'll disable it until I get it fixed. The register controlling the channel offsets for seeking ends up with seemingly random values; I'll try to figure this out and fix this ASAP.

Yes, the stereo indication seems to be suffering from a register issue too. Will also fix asap.


To ALL: The next version should be posted soon; hopefully within 8 hours.

Among many other things, it mutes the radio during ringing or incoming or outgoing calls, and re-enables audio when the call finishes.
 
M

mikereidis

Inactive Recognized Developer
Jan 28, 2011
7,823
4,146
Ottawa/Gatineau, Canada
v2.0.5 is published: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.mikersmicros.fm

With the ringing/on call mute working now, it should be much easier to use your phone as a phone as well as FM receiver somewhat simultaneously...
I'd guess this is a "must work" feature, so if anyone sees ANY issue in this area, please post or PM.

Enjoy ! :)

What's in this version:

1. Audio mutes ringing/call in progress.
2. Reduced permissions.
3. Low power mode screen off.
4. Fewer audio glitches.
5. Speaker/headset selection saved.
6. Record, Sleep, AF disabled.
7. Broadcom: seek broken -> 2 MHz. Stereo ind disabled.
8. Reduced 2 config files to 1 file. Old data can be removed with "Settings->Applications->Spirit...->Clear data" but this will also remove presets.
9. Please feel free to "vote" on the features or phone/ROM support you want prioritised. Thanks !!
 
Last edited:
I

imarkov

Member
Feb 1, 2011
7
0
Belgrade
It doesn't work on my ZTE Racer with custom ROM (2.3.3/CM7) :(

If it helps:

adb shell hcitool cmd 4 1
< HCI Command: ogf 0x04, ocf 0x0001, plen 0
> HCI Event: 0x0e plen 12
01 01 10 00 04 00 00 04 1D 00 C7 0D

adb shell hcitool cmd 3f 15 0 1 1
< HCI Command: ogf 0x3f, ocf 0x0015, plen 3
00 01 01
> HCI Event: 0x0e plen 4
01 FF FF 01

adb shell hcitool cmd 3f 137 1 1
< HCI Command: ogf 0x3f, ocf 0x0137, plen 2
01 01
> HCI Event: 0x0e plen 4
01 FF FF 01

It doesn't look like it should be, right? Is it because of the custom ROM or chip is incompatible?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

M
  • Locked
  • Sticky
  • Poll
[APP][4.1+] Spirit2: Real FM Radio for AOSP & root
Replies
799
Views
385K
M
mikereidis
M
  • Locked
[APP][4.4-5+] 150317 SpiritF (Spirit2 Free) Open Source Real FM Radio for AOSP+Root
Replies
16
Views
440K
M
mikereidis
T
  • Locked
EDIT: Oneplus One can never support FM, see final post. Was: SpiritFM on Oneplus One
Replies
25
Views
40K
M
mikereidis
G
Fm radio
Replies
0
Views
15K
G
GuestK00435
riahc3
Alternatives to Spirit?
Replies
8
Views
27K
T
tamgiang09

Top Liked Posts

24 Hours All time
  • There are no posts matching your filters.
  • 497
    M
    mikereidis
    Spirit1 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:
    Info:


    News:


    Please purchase Spirit Unlocked for full features, excellent support, and help Android FM.

    Thanks ! :)
    Mike.
    View
    92
    M
    mikereidis
    Compatibility

    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.
    Manufacturers:
    • 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)
    Motorola (12):
    • 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
    View
    35
    M
    mikereidis
    This 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.
    View
    34
    M
    mikereidis
    Galaxy 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.

    March 23, 2013: See end of post for a potential digital audio solution. Digital audio is normally an Unlocked exclusive feature, but on Galaxy S it is available for Free users.
    Click to expand...
    Click to collapse
    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.
    View
    31
    M
    mikereidis
    I'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.



    ----------------------------------------------------------------
    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.

    ----------------------------------------------------------------

    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.


    ----------------------------------------------------------------

    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" ! :)
    View

New posts