[ROM][OFFICIAL][9.0] Evervolv for HP Touchpad

[AHChan1]

I have done the install as directed above. My Touchpad boots to Evervolv with a clock on an otherwise blank screen. When I swipe up I get 11 resident apps. How do I access and download additional apps like Kindle Reader or SimplyE for library books? And, I am unable to add my gmail account via the settings app on the app page. The browser works, as does the calculator, calendar, gallery, and even the camera (upside down). Any guidance would be welcome. Thanks, Alan [email protected]

 

[HP_TOUCHPAD]

To add apps using the google store the Open Gapps must be flash in TWRP:
Select Arm platform and the version of android:
https://opengapps.org/

There are other ways to install apps:
using the aurora app store, does not need google services:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...ource-play-store-client-april-8-2021.3739733/

Or directly from a web browser, apps could be downloaded to PC then copy to Tablet and install.
https://m.apkpure.com/
https://androidapksfree.com/

 

[marcustaz]

Just playing with my old touchpad and installed this. Is it me or is this super laggy and essentially not useable?

 

[Gborg3]

Just playing with my old touchpad and installed this. Is it me or is this super laggy and essentially not useable?

It shows its age when using some apps. With the maxtreme kernel, minimal apps and light real world use it can be usable. But that usable is with an understanding of what the hardware can handle.

 

[HP_TOUCHPAD]

Just playing with my old touchpad and installed this. Is it me or is this super laggy and essentially not useable?

it all depends how it was flashed, or installed.
9 is set up to use a swap partition, just as webOS and every Computer Operating system ever created.
Also how many or types of Apps are install on a fresh 9 ROM installation ( bloatware )
Google Open Apps ( Play store ) slows down the tablet, for the many background services it uses to collect user data.
For a 10 year old device, with great sound speakers, wireless charging , perfect screen size and the many different ROMs available, still have a lot of uses.
The Tablet can be set up as a dedicated " specific" use device, once the App is running will perform just the same.
Here is a video of a super installation of Google Open Apps, is a killer and not to be use this way. But it shows that it can handle it and perform.
HP Touchpad Evervolv Pie Super Open Gapps

 

[marcustaz]

it all depends how it was flashed, or installed.
9 is set up to use a swap partition, just as webOS and every Computer Operating system ever created.
Also how many or types of Apps are install on a fresh 9 ROM installation ( bloatware )
Google Open Apps ( Play store ) slows down the tablet, for the many background services it uses to collect user data.
For a 10 year old device, with great sound speakers, wireless charging , perfect screen size and the many different ROMs available, still have a lot of uses.
The Tablet can be set up as a dedicated " specific" use device, once the App is running will perform just the same.
Here is a video of a super installation of Google Open Apps, is a killer and not to be use this way. But it shows that it can handle it and perform.
HP Touchpad Evervolv Pie Super Open Gapps

 

[marcustaz]

delete

 

[sq5]

Does someone know how to re-activate some zram swap on either the stock or MAX kernel for this rom?

 

[HP_TOUCHPAD]

Does someone know how to re-activate some zram swap on either the stock or MAX kernel for this rom?

What is zRAM? wikipedia
Only one swap space can be active: zRAM uses a portion of RAM to swap. The Tablet only has 1 GB and about 900 MB usable.
The swap partition use storage from the internal SD card, as WebOS does, providing more RAM.
To make changes to any Android ROM the RamDIsk must be unpack, fstab file must be edit and RamDisk repack then copy to /boot.
Here is a guide on how to unpack and repack the RamDisk:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...e-to-all-android-roms-for-tenderloin.3846567/
Here is a YouTube video:

The RamDisk is packed together with the Kerne , and it can be edited individually.
My suggestion:
To get the most RAM from the Tablet, it is best to flash the Android ROM only. ( Do not flash Google Open Apps )
Use Google alternatives example:
There is no need for the Play Store, which uses a lot of RAM.
https://www.bromite.org/
https://newpipe.net/

 

[sq5]

Good info HP_TOUCHPAD! I wasn't aware that android only allowed one active swap space, so running zrap swap along with the regular swap at different priorities is off the table. However, I would be interested to try zram swap alone still because I've had good results in with it in many applications on previous roms, and would prefer to avoid extra flash wear by writing to swap.

That youtube video you provided will be helpful, so thanks for that! Do you know how to first check if an android kernel is compiled with zram support before I work on modifying uImage?

 

[HP_TOUCHPAD]

Good info HP_TOUCHPAD! I wasn't aware that android only allowed one active swap space, so running zrap swap along with the regular swap at different priorities is off the table.

That is correct, I did try that setting with no luck.

However, I would be interested to try zram swap alone still because I've had good results in with it in many applications on previous roms, and would prefer to avoid extra flash wear by writing to swap.

All the settings can be change easily and if you are familiar how Linux OS works then it will be a breeze!
Is your HP Toupad and you can modify it in any way you want and will not get brick. That is what make this Tablet so special, is truly YOURS !

That youtube video you provided will be helpful, so thanks for that! Do you know how to first check if an android kernel is compiled with zram support before I work on modifying uImage?

All Android stock kernels have the zram module enable. I did disable the modules in all of my modified kernels.

You can find all the information on these threads:
Novacom Repair ISO, you can unpack and repack the ramdisk. ( it can be run as a virtual mahine )
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/hp-touchpad-novacom-repair-android.3960435/

How to change the CPU speed:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...-any-android-rom-for-the-hp-touchpad.3850492/

If you want to make changes to the kernel:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/how-to-recompile-the-hp-touchpad-android-kernel.3889025/

I did try playing around with zram, that is how I found out that activating a swap partitions provides better performance:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/hp-touchpad-antutu-benchmark-on-zram-size-and-speed.3851183/

The following change needs to be done in the fstab.tenderloin located in the ramdisk to enable zram: ( the size zram can be change to anything you want )

# zRAM
/dev/block/zram0            none        swap    defaults                        zramsize=134217728,max_comp_streams=2,notrim

Evervol 9 fstab with swap partition disabled and zram enable:

#<src>                    <mnt_point>    <type>    <mnt_flags and options>                    <fs_mgr_flags>
/dev/block/mmcblk0p13            /boot        ext3    ro,noatime,barrier=0                    recoveryonly
/dev/store/cm-system            /system        ext4    rw,errors=panic                        wait
/dev/store/cm-data            /data        f2fs    rw,nosuid,nodev,noatime,nodiratime,inline_data,inline_xattr,inline_dentry    wait,check,formattable
/dev/store/cm-data            /data        ext4    nosuid,nodev,noatime,noauto_da_alloc,errors=panic    wait,check,formattable
/dev/store/cm-cache            /cache        f2fs    rw,nosuid,nodev,noatime,nodiratime,inline_data,inline_xattr,inline_dentry    wait,check,formattable
/dev/store/cm-cache            /cache        ext4    nosuid,nodev,barrier=1                    wait,check,formattable
#/dev/store/swap                             none           swap    defaults                                                swapprio=1, 0    0

/devices/virtual/block/dm-6        auto        vfat    defaults                        voldmanaged=sdcard1:auto,nonremovable,encryptable=userdata

/devices/platform/msm_hsusb_host.0    auto        auto    defaults                        voldmanaged=usbdisk:auto,noemulatedsd
# zRAM
/dev/block/zram0            none        swap    defaults                        zramsize=134217728,max_comp_streams=2,notrim

 

[sq5]

That is correct, I did try that setting with no luck.

All the settings can be change easily and if you are familiar how Linux OS works then it will be a breeze!
Is your HP Toupad and you can modify it in any way you want and will not get brick. That is what make this Tablet so special, is truly YOURS !

All Android stock kernels have the zram module enable. I did disable the modules in all of my modified kernels.

You can find all the information on these threads:
Novacom Repair ISO, you can unpack and repack the ramdisk. ( it can be run as a virtual mahine )
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/hp-touchpad-novacom-repair-android.3960435/

How to change the CPU speed:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...-any-android-rom-for-the-hp-touchpad.3850492/

If you want to make changes to the kernel:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/how-to-recompile-the-hp-touchpad-android-kernel.3889025/

I did try playing around with zram, that is how I found out that activating a swap partitions provides better performance:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/hp-touchpad-antutu-benchmark-on-zram-size-and-speed.3851183/

The following change needs to be done in the fstab.tenderloin located in the ramdisk to enable zram: ( the size zram can be change to anything you want )

# zRAM
/dev/block/zram0            none        swap    defaults                        zramsize=134217728,max_comp_streams=2,notrim

Evervol 9 fstab with swap partition disabled and zram enable:

#<src>                    <mnt_point>    <type>    <mnt_flags and options>                    <fs_mgr_flags>
/dev/block/mmcblk0p13            /boot        ext3    ro,noatime,barrier=0                    recoveryonly
/dev/store/cm-system            /system        ext4    rw,errors=panic                        wait
/dev/store/cm-data            /data        f2fs    rw,nosuid,nodev,noatime,nodiratime,inline_data,inline_xattr,inline_dentry    wait,check,formattable
/dev/store/cm-data            /data        ext4    nosuid,nodev,noatime,noauto_da_alloc,errors=panic    wait,check,formattable
/dev/store/cm-cache            /cache        f2fs    rw,nosuid,nodev,noatime,nodiratime,inline_data,inline_xattr,inline_dentry    wait,check,formattable
/dev/store/cm-cache            /cache        ext4    nosuid,nodev,barrier=1                    wait,check,formattable
#/dev/store/swap                             none           swap    defaults                                                swapprio=1, 0    0

/devices/virtual/block/dm-6        auto        vfat    defaults                        voldmanaged=sdcard1:auto,nonremovable,encryptable=userdata

/devices/platform/msm_hsusb_host.0    auto        auto    defaults                        voldmanaged=usbdisk:auto,noemulatedsd
# zRAM
/dev/block/zram0            none        swap    defaults                        zramsize=134217728,max_comp_streams=2,notrim

Thank you for your excellent instructions, and for the bootable novacom repair tool you also created!

I finished rebuilding the ramdisk and it went smoothly. Unfortunately no zram swap appears after reboot. I think that the kernel provided by elginsk8r for this 9.0 build already had the zram module disabled entirely when the regular swap was added.

Is there a more stock kernel available for this rom? Otherwise I would need to find elginsk8r's kernel sources and figure out recompiling them.

 

[HP_TOUCHPAD]

Thank you for your excellent instructions, and for the bootable novacom repair tool you also created!

You are very welcome!

I finished rebuilding the ramdisk and it went smoothly. Unfortunately no zram swap appears after reboot. I think that the kernel provided by elginsk8r for this 9.0 build already had the zram module disabled entirely when the regular swap was added.

I double-check that, and you are correct, the zRAM module was removed from the kernel.

Is there a more stock kernel available for this rom? Otherwise I would need to find elginsk8r's kernel sources and figure out recompiling them.

I rebuilt the kernel with the zRAM module, the following needs to be added to the file ( tenderloin_android_defconfig ) from the kernel source:

CONFIG_BLK_DEV=y
CONFIG_ZRAM=y
CONFIG_ZRAM_LZ4_COMPRESS=y

The attached file uImage_Android9_zRAM.zip needs to be extracted, then the file uImage.Android9_zRAM needs to be copy to the Tablet's /boot.
The file can be renamed only after uImage (dot).
If there is space in /boot two copies of Android 9 can be available.
The screenshot shows zRAM working using 127MB or RAM

 

[gpzarquon]

Hello There,
I've downloaded the latest image and unarchived it and placed it in CMINSTALL on my HP Touchpad - please can you never me know the Novacom CMD to install it ? Thank You

 

[gpzarquon]

btw - I tried novacom boot mem:// but it just sat there and did nothing

 

[HP_TOUCHPAD]

btw - I tried novacom boot mem:// but it just sat there and did nothing

I replied to your first post on:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/help-needed-hp-touch-pad.4515375/

 

[gpzarquon]

I replied to your first post on:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/help-needed-hp-touch-pad.4515375/

Thank you - i saw - really appreciate the feedback - you rock

 

[juengling]

@elginsk8r
@HP_TOUCHPAD

I wanna thank you both for your great work on keeping this old fossil alive.

I got a 16GB Touchpad with Android 4.4.4 on it.
I didn't really used it for longer period.
When I looked up the XDA-pages for the Huawei Mediapad M3 I took a peek into the Touchpad area and was really excited to see how far development has come and immediately dived into this thread.
About 2 hrs. of reading later I couldn't resist.

I flashed:
• Automatic_Wipe_All_with_1GB_Swap
• Evervolv v9
• HpTp_MaXtreme_1836
• ROM Reducer
• Open Gapps Pico
• PowerOFF

All worked like a charm and the tablet runs astonishing smooth.
I deactivated all animations in developer settings so that it feels even snappier.
Running an Android 9 Version that smooth on such an old device is really amazing and unexpected.
Smooth always seen in context to the age of the device.

Of course it lags here and there but it's all way better than expected.

WLAN connection seems a bit slow from time to time.
Battery seems a bit drainy but I guess that's due to the high overclocking.

What I installed and tried out so far:
• Google Chrome (works with a bit laggy scrolling)
• Plex (plays 1080p buttersmooth)
• Prime Video (plays videos on optimal Quality)
• Twitch (plays 1080p60 streams with some lags)
• YouTube (plays smooth 1080p after buffering)
• Spotify (HQ audio stream without any problems)

• Firefox (keeps on crashing/freezing when starting)
• Home Assistant (starts but stuck on initializing connection
->but connection works via Chrome)
• Joyn (starts but streams are black screen / no sound)
• SkyGo (starts but app gives an error after login)

All in all still a quite usable device for media streaming
and use as a home automation display.

 

[HP_TOUCHPAD]

You are very welcome! And thanks for posting the feedback.
To get the most speed out of the Tablet, it can be setup without Open Gapps. Google services uses a lot of RAM and slows everything down.
There are a lot of Google Apps alternatives:
Flash any ROM and then just copy the *.apk files from PC to Tablet and install it.
A great open source web browser:
https://www.bromite.org/
Youtube alternative, without adds.
https://newpipe.net/

There is a LOT of info about the Tablet, here are the ones I have post it.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/search/52762189/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKoir6bzzPU-Uq9UjcRR3hw

There is active development to migrate the Tablet's kernel to a newer version:
https://forums.webosnation.com/luneos/332696-new-release-coming-2.html#post3458172

 

[Shadowex3]

@elginsk8r
@HP_TOUCHPAD

I wanna thank you both for your great work on keeping this old fossil alive.

I got a 16GB Touchpad with Android 4.4.4 on it.
I didn't really used it for longer period.
When I looked up the XDA-pages for the Huawei Mediapad M3 I took a peek into the Touchpad area and was really excited to see how far development has come and immediately dived into this thread.
About 2 hrs. of reading later I couldn't resist.

I flashed:
• Automatic_Wipe_All_with_1GB_Swap
• Evervolv v9
• HpTp_MaXtreme_1836
• ROM Reducer
• Open Gapps Pico
• PowerOFF

All worked like a charm and the tablet runs astonishing smooth.
I deactivated all animations in developer settings so that it feels even snappier.
Running an Android 9 Version that smooth on such an old device is really amazing and unexpected.
Smooth always seen in context to the age of the device.

Of course it lags here and there but it's all way better than expected.

WLAN connection seems a bit slow from time to time.
Battery seems a bit drainy but I guess that's due to the high overclocking.

What I installed and tried out so far:
• Google Chrome (works with a bit laggy scrolling)
• Plex (plays 1080p buttersmooth)
• Prime Video (plays videos on optimal Quality)
• Twitch (plays 1080p60 streams with some lags)
• YouTube (plays smooth 1080p after buffering)
• Spotify (HQ audio stream without any problems)

• Firefox (keeps on crashing/freezing when starting)
• Home Assistant (starts but stuck on initializing connection
->but connection works via Chrome)
• Joyn (starts but streams are black screen / no sound)
• SkyGo (starts but app gives an error after login)

All in all still a quite usable device for media streaming
and use as a home automation display.

That sounds like a pretty remarkable improvement from the last time I tried an android rom around 2018. Back then even with the extra swap it was unusably laggy, taking several minutes just to open or close even the most basic app and being completely incapable of running the sectograph widget.

If I can get mine to charge and boot it might just be good enough to serve as a home automation hud/control panel.