What OS can I install on my spare tablet?
Lo people
I've got a spare tablet, an Android dual core thing, with a really slow boot time. It's been bad since I got it (free) 18 months ago, and once it's been swtiched on for 15 to 20 minutes it's useable but it's so pre loaded with junk, the first 20 minutes are useless.... and what I wondered was....can I download an OS and install it fresh?
Android for example? Is it available to the public? Can I download an image, place it on a USB drive and boot from it? Or from an SD card maybe?
Re: What OS can I install on my spare tablet?
Potentially you can do that but I wouldn't recommend it unless you can find the correct vanilla version for your make and model, a lot of them are exactly the same but with different branding (especially the cheap ones).
What I would do is look into removing the apps that you don't use (you can remove stuff like Facebook etc as an example) which will speed it up, you may need to root it first before you will be allowed to remove the bloatware.
So I would Google that initially, or maybe, you know, make and model would be helpful and the community may actually be able to help you!!! :P
Re: What OS can I install on my spare tablet?
On Android for the last few versions you can go into Settings -> Apps and though not uninstall built-in apps, you can 'disable' them.
Doing that can make it a heck of a lot quicker.
If that's not working out for you, I'd go Ferral's route of rooting it, and then download System App Removed (ROOT).
Re: What OS can I install on my spare tablet?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Zak33
... what I wondered was....can I download an OS and install it fresh? ...
Which tablet? A lot of cheaper tablets have a small but dedicated community trying to make them better, so it's definitely possible that there are OS options out there. A few more details might make it easier for us to pin something suitable down ;)
Re: What OS can I install on my spare tablet?
Tap settings, about and have a look for the model #.
Android ROMs are made specifically for a device and will not normally work on others.
Assuming that this is one of those cheap generic Android 4.1/4.2/4.4 tablets, you may not be able to find an alternative ROM for it. In this case you will likely have to root the device (eg: TowelRoot should work for most devices from 2014 and older), before you can remove the junk apps.
If you enjoy tinkering carry on, otherwise look for a used 1st gen Nexus 7 tablet for ~ £40. Great basic tab and it runs Android 4.4 butter smooth.
Re: What OS can I install on my spare tablet?
Thankyou for your replies :-)
So...start at rooting it to be able to take out the junk that I font use but which is "built in" is a good start place.
Re: What OS can I install on my spare tablet?
Do you know what exact make/model it is? I'm not that up-to-date with flashing but especially if it's a fairly common one there might be some custom ROMs for it.
Re: What OS can I install on my spare tablet?
This is doable but depends on the make/model so do share that with us. Personally I would first root it as that would give you the privileges to remove even system apps. Once rooted, you can remove unnecessary apps and maybe take a backup of the apps you want before formatting it or flashing it with a custom rom.
Re: What OS can I install on my spare tablet?
if you can find a compatible rom and are comfortable with rooting your tablet and flashing the ROM then that is a possibility (you may even find an earlier version which will run better on older devices or a custom ROM such as CM [which must also be compatible with your specific hardware].
If not, then your best bet is to disable and uninstall unnecessary apps or do a factory reset if you can.
Re: What OS can I install on my spare tablet?
Also, what type of tablet are you using exactly (brand, model no, series, etc.) or is it a knock off with no brand?
Re: What OS can I install on my spare tablet?
It's a Sweet Tablet Kola Kube
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sweet-Tablet.../dp/B00AEB4ZUQ
yes, they're a cheap China import.
Re: What OS can I install on my spare tablet?
Have you heard of Remix OS? I found out about it a few days ago in an article from CES, a number of developers have created custom Remix OS roms for a number of android tablets.
Re: What OS can I install on my spare tablet?
Zak33 did you ever get this sorted? I have been given a cnm (versus) 9.7 tablet which looks very similar to yours. I intend to put a few games for my girls on it but its stuck at Android 4.0.4. and farm heroes saga wont work!