Use Stock Updater.apk in Custom ROM?

[th3magpi3]

Hello fellow modders,

Just wondering if any of you have managed to utilize the stock system update apk to push updates to devices with your custom rom, and if so how did you accomplish this? Please let me know, thanks!

[shaunmt]

I've never tried, nor do I know anyone who has.

I do know that the update URL is stored in the build.prop file. I don't know how the stock updater works though. I suspect it is probably documented in Google's android developer documentation.

I also know that there are some third party OTA updater apps that can be used. I don't remember the name(s), but as I recall, they were free. I think they worked by configuring some settings in your ROM for their updater App, then uploading your ROM's to the app provider's website and configuring them on the website. Then the app checks their website for new matching versions, alerts the user, downloads the update and maybe even reboots to recovery and installs the update.

I don't think any of the FreakTab developers have tried to implement OTA updates. ROM downloads help drive traffic to the FreakTab website, which is a good thing for the FreakTab community.

ShaunMT

[th3magpi3]

I've never tried, nor do I know anyone who has.

I do know that the update URL is stored in the build.prop file. I don't know how the stock updater works though. I suspect it is probably documented in Google's android developer documentation.

I also know that there are some third party OTA updater apps that can be used. I don't remember the name(s), but as I recall, they were free. I think they worked by configuring some settings in your ROM for their updater App, then uploading your ROM's to the app provider's website and configuring them on the website. Then the app checks their website for new matching versions, alerts the user, downloads the update and maybe even reboots to recovery and installs the update.

I don't think any of the FreakTab developers have tried to implement OTA updates. ROM downloads help drive traffic to the FreakTab website, which is a good thing for the FreakTab community.

ShaunMT

Thanks for the prompt reply shaun,

The name of at least one of the services you're referring to is called OTA Update Centre. I have attempted to use it but I have to modify my kernel which I have no experience doing. I fully intend on releasing my custom ROM as a download here on FreakTab, however I'm a box re-seller and I'm trying to provide as much support to my customers as possible. Many of them are elderly or far from tech savvy and struggle with even the simplest of updates so I'm trying to streamline the process for them. I'll take a look at the build.prop and see if I can find any documentation on Google's Android Developer section. Thanks for responding!

[shaunmt]

Thanks for the prompt reply shaun,

The name of at least one of the services you're referring to is called OTA Update Centre. I have attempted to use it but I have to modify my kernel which I have no experience doing. I fully intend on releasing my custom ROM as a download here on FreakTab, however I'm a box re-seller and I'm trying to provide as much support to my customers as possible. Many of them are elderly or far from tech savvy and struggle with even the simplest of updates so I'm trying to streamline the process for them. I'll take a look at the build.prop and see if I can find any documentation on Google's Android Developer section. Thanks for responding!

Yeah, OTA Update Center is the app/service I was thinking of. I believe you only have to modify your kernel, if you want to distribute a custom kernel by itself, without a ROM. If you are distributing a full ROM, you just provide the OTA Update Cednter apk and configuration files in your ROM. At least that is how I understand the instructions, but then, I've never tried to use it myself.

Personally, I'm guessing most of your customers won't be concerned much with getting updates and those that are won't mind downloading and installing them. Also, remember that even if the process is automated and even if the new ROM is good, the flash process can still fail. Many of your customers will probably have no idea what to do if something goes wrong. How often do you think you will really be providing updates anyway?

ShaunMT