14 DAY TRIAL // Sprint's LG Optimus S Android-powered smartphone has just got a brand new custom ROM that removes some of the carrier's restrictions and own-branded applications
Even though this unofficial ROM adds extra functionality to the phone, it gives owners unrestricted access to the Android Market and phone function customizations.
Developed by two guys over at AndroidCentral, going by the usernames Beezy and KsmithInNY, ThundeROM v1.3 was released yesterday.
In addition to the features offered by the first two variants of the ROM, ThunderROM v1.3 brings a few fixes such as Roaming indicator fix and Bluetooth profile fix, but it also removes wireless tether app due to Wi-Fi radio issues.
ThundeROM v1.3 also adds Enabled hardware acceleration and stagefright, and includes a Hotspot widget.
Details about previous versions of the custom ROM are described below:
V1.2 11/25/2010 - 100% battery increments with % in battery; - Animated GPS acquiring; - More frames to charging animation; - More frames to download animation; - More frames to upload animation; - Fixed universal search.
V1 11/22/2010 - PNGOptimized; - JIT enabled; - 150mb free space after flashing; - Improved memory management settings for battery and performance; - VM adjusted for battery; - WiFi Radio adjusted for battery; - Custom status bar; - Custom notification system; - Custom Launcher; - Killed Boot sound; - Sprint ID completely removed (including launcher menu); - Android Wireless tether included in data/app; - SprintZone moved to data/app so you can uninstall if you want; - Sprint tutorial Widgets deleted.
To flash the new ThunderROM users must have a rooted Optimus S, as well as a custom recovery installed. Flashing the ROM requires users to download it, place it on the root of an SD card and boot the device in recovery mode. Furthermore, users should make a nadroid backup, wipe data, cache, dalvik, and flash the ROM.
However, users should be aware of the fact that any tempering with the Android operating system could void the warranty, disable phone's functionality or render it unusable permanently.