Mobile Phone Operating Systems?

Hey,

Just wondering is there a way to modify/change the OS or firmwar on your phone?

If this is possible how risky is it?

I'm asking this question about all mobile phone brands.

Hmm, I haven't tried this myself yet, but I have an HTC Apache (which is the same as the Sprint PPC 6700) and I have heard that the default Windows Mobile 5 operating system can be replaced with a version of Linux. I have upgraded the firmware ROM on my smartphone once already, upgrading to AKU2.2, and it wasn't that difficult. It is advisable to back up your existing ROM information first before you try performing an upgrade, and as always, make sure that the upgrade procedure is not interrupted. I'm planning to get the Windows Mobile 6 upgrade at some time, which will probably be my next ROM upgrade on my smartphone.

This post has been edited by travstatesmen: Sep 18 2008, 07:48 AM

to change OS or firmware of a phone depends upon the mobile

For ex..
Nokia s60 can be updated if u have nokia pc suite and relevant upgrade software which can be downloaded
Apple can be upgraded at apple stores
Htc mobiles can be upgraded at htc stores.. they charge u for that...

Upgrading is a different thing. I guess you can install linux on some mobiles and ipods. Or you can change software of sony ericsson mobiles like k800 to w850(if both have the same screen reso) but its too risky. Your mobile can turn into a brick, you need professional help for that.

Changing firmwire is a risk, on any device!
Like while uploading it, then the electric is down, or run out of battery, then your device can't be run anymore
this is what I have read from. I have intended in changing my sony ericson k750i firmwire since it is already out of warranty (been many years), hopes that it can work better with new OS, but I just choose not to do it since knowing that it will break when not properly handled
Also Ipod, I heard some people out there has software that crack ipod, but the risk is the device will break

Issues like not matching firmwire, different version, or the software does not compatible with your device, can cause the problem arise upon uploading

Only do it if you know what you are doing. Changing firmware isnt risky to be honest if you backup the original one. In case of any errors, just upload the backup one and it is ready to go.

I will like the risk factor for each phone as i have tried many phone modification and not to be boastful, very well verse on it.

Most risky one is Samsung. As it set all system files as read only and if you do a force rewrite, it will corrupt the files.

The most friendly one is Nokia and Motorola as the firmware itself can be accessed, written and rewritten. As long as you back up according and sync it to your computer, nothing will happen.

Depends on your knowledge in phone "reformatting", Sony Ericsson is neutral and depends on the user skills. If the phone is spoiled due to corrupted firmware, you have to send to the service center for a major "reformatting".

Currently i am still having my soon to dispose Motorola E398 that has been hacked and firmware upgraded. My next aim is on the new generation of SonyEriccson phone which i might "reformat" and to install Symbian OS into it.

wow you have great knowledge in phone upgrading
I have sony ericson k750i, and the firmwire is the original one, do you know how to upgrade it, any tools? because hacking tool is prevented in forum any idea can help me? via pm is okay.

Which Mobile you are using? If it is Nokia, and within warranty period you can goto local
Nokia service center, they will upgrade it for free. If the warranty expired they will charge you
some money. If you want to install it yourself, Its not that much easy. Not all phones support
it.
Some latest mobiles support installing firmware through PC Suite. You can get that information
on Nokia website. Installing firmware in those mobiles is easy and less risky. For other models
its somewhat risky and you'll need to buy some tools.

And last my small suggestion, If you aren't sure what you are doing, stop doing it.

It depends on the phone model you use. Normal medium-end phones provide firmware updates which can be updated using their PC suite applications like Nokia PC suite for Nokia, ActiveSync for Windows Mobile phones.

But very few high end PDA phones have the option of installing your own OS. There are also some distributions of embedded linux specially for Mobile phones like HP iPaq and HTC touch mobile phones.

I'm not too sure if they can be changed, but if it can, it could be risky because what if your phone doesn't support the operating system you want? Or why not try getting a new phone with that operating system installed on it.