New to the Galaxy S3 - Couple of questions

[TooNice]

So I am the owner of a new Samsung S3. As expected, it is a vast improvement over my now retired iPhone 2G. As expected, switching to a new platform comes with a bunch of hassles.

1. I noticed that it's the updates are rolled by carrier (http://forums.hexus.net/hexus-news/2...galaxy-s3.html). Why? I have an unlocked phone imported, which is a different version they sell in Japan. Is the JB even different across different countries/operators (localisation and such)? Apple definitely wins when it comes to ease of update. Heck, it's ironic that I ended up downloading an app for my iPod Touch to avoid accidentally updating (as I do not want iOS6) as the update downloaded seconds after I had a Wi-Fi connection.

Moaning aside, what are my options? Jelly Bean is being rolled with the Japanese updated version of the S3 (http://www.androidauthority.com/gala...support-122463) but when the article says "other versions", I don't know if it refers to international versions too. I want to update the phone before I start customising/install apps for it, and I want this done before I go on a trip in 10 days.

2. It looks like a bunch of applications requires me to have a Google Account. Is it worth having a separate account for the phone? I am partly concerned with privacy, risk if phone get lost etc.

3. What's the best solution for backing up the phone on the Galaxy / Android system?

4. I haven't played with every apps that comes with the phone (in part because some of the requires a Google account or some sort of registration. How much of the stuff is junk, and is it worth doing a factory reset on a new phone (I was thinking of doing one after the update to JB anyway).

5. Any tips to get the most of my Android/Galaxy experience.

Cheers.

[capt_cornflake]

1. There are generally some differences by region, but I think generally it's the radio that is most likely to vary. Otherwise I think JB should be pretty standard across much of Europe. Japan may well be quite different though I have no idea.
I'm currently running a custom ROM (and hence already have JB) but when I was running the stock ROM the update process was pretty smooth (although that was only for minor updates), the only drawback over iOS is the wait...

2. It's definitely worth using a Google account, but whether you use an existing one or a new phone specific one will depend on how much you already use other Google products. If you already have a Gmail account for example you're likely going to want to use that on your phone. If you use Chrome then your bookmarks would be synced with Chrome on the phone etc.

3. If you are signed in with a Google account then settings, applications, contacts etc. are all backed up anyway. There are probably some options in Kies but i don't really use that. Most of the more powerful backup options require your phone to be rooted.

4. I can't see any point in doing a factory reset on a new phone (unless you bought it used?). A reset isn't generally required after an update, but it wouldn't hurt.

[MadduckUK]

http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/wiki/Sam...l_Update_Guide

dooo itttttt

[TooNice]

Thanks.

1. Hmm, so what would happen when one changes countries?

2. What are the pros/cons of custom ROM? Presumably, there are more than one out there. Is there a release that is particularly well regarded?

3. As it is, I already have multiple Gmail account for different use. Is there no way to easily way to manage multiple Gmail account on the phone?

4. I don't mind rooting the phone (first thing I did with my iPhone / iPod Touch was to jailbreak it) if it means having access to more powerful/useful tools. A quick Google offers guide, but is it like the iOS, where there are multiple options out there, and if so, which one is the better regarded? (Name will suffice, I can Google - though links to good guides would be appreciated )

Thanks again.

Edit: *Googles CyanogenMod because I have no idea what it is*

One more question, I think that I might make a new Google account just for the phone for now. Should I change my mind later, would it be an easy process to move/sync the things on my phone to an older account?

[MadduckUK]

Edit: *Googles CyanogenMod because I have no idea what it is*

http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com

I use it on my S2 and love it, the next phone I get will probably boot into the standard ROM once and then im throwing CM on it. I have installed it for Hoonigan on his S3 via FB Messenger, and apart from a couple of quirks with booting into recovery it went ok, so anything you need just yell.

[capt_cornflake]

I think you can have multiple Gmail accounts so you're right this isn't really a reason.

Custom roms General fall into 2 classes. There are those which are basically repackaged Samsung roms (with bits added or removed). Some of these are decent but because it's relatively simple there are a lot of roms put together by people don't really understand what they're doing.
The 2nd class are those which are built from source (AOSP based), of which CyanogenMod is the prime example. A lot of the AOSP based roms tend to use CM as a base and build in their own tweaks.
Cyanogenmod is the rom I happen to use and have for a while. CM10 seems to be pretty stable, the only issue I've found is that tethering doesn't currently work.
Another popular option is AOKP (Android Open Kang Project) - I've not used but seems to have more customisation options than CM.

You're first step if you're going down this route is to get a custom recovery, there should be guides on either the CyanogenMod site or XDA.
XDA is a site many people have a love hate relationship with. There is a ridiculous amount of good information there but you need to sift through an awful lot of crap to get to it. And asking questions is liable to get you flamed...

Once you have a custom recovery as well as flash custom roms, you can make a full backup of your phone. If you want a more granular backup, titanium backup is with looking at (requires root).

[TooNice]

What's the difference between doing a backup via Google and the other options? For a first time user, is the order of things to do 1. A backup via Google, 2. Root, 3. A backup with another app (recommendations appreciated), 3. Install ClockWorkMod Recovery, 4. Flash CyanogenMod, 5. Do another backup (?), 6. Install apps that I'll need, 7. Live happily (until the next update / phone)?

[MadduckUK]

I use the following to backup:

1. Google (for network setting, wifi AP settings)
2. SMS Backup and restore - for SMS backup
3. titanium backup (needs root) - for programs and program data (i usually just get everything from the google market again after a factory reset upgrade, and then restore just the saved data using CM)

it depends what you want to save right now really, sms's are easy, games and stuff I wouldn't even bother with until you are like 10 stars from finishing Bad Piggies or something super important like that. Wifi and network settings can be manually re-entered for the mo if needed.

soo

1. root/install clockworkmod
2. install CM10 latest nightly release http://get.cm/?device=i9300 using clockworkmod rcovery
3. CM10 comes rooted and everything so you don't need to mess with that ever again, get putting your apps back on along with the now working titanium backup.
4. done, when you install future CM10 nightlies you don't need to wipe anything so you can install a new one everyday like me if you want - cutting edge mofo.

[Terbinator]

I didn't eve know there was a CM for the S3.

Looks like i'll be rooting again tonight - only just flashed it to Samsung's official JB.

[TooNice]

Under Google Sync, I see [Sync] Calendar, Contacts, Gmail, Google Photos and Internet.

It doesn't show anything about settings and apps. Am I looking at the wrong place?

Edit: Ah, so there is a further page under Setting / Backup. The Back up my data is ticked, but how do I know that it is actually backed up?

Edit2: As far as rooting is concerned, is the Toolkit fine or am I better with CF-Root-SGS3?

[TooNice]

Still looking for a confirmation for cleanest way to root

[MadduckUK]

If you were going to unroot then i presume it would be to sell it or something? you would just factory reset then install a stock ROM back on the phone.

[TooNice]

Oops, sorry - I mean root >.<

(Basically CF-Root vs Toolkit)

[capt_cornflake]

I used cf-root which worked cleanly with no issues. No experience of toolkit though.
If you're going to install a custom rom though you generally only need the custom recovery (which cf-root includes)

[anu]

The Astro File manager is a must-have.

[capt_cornflake]

The Astro File manager is a must-have.

Personally I prefer solid explorer