The DROID X remains one of the most popular models of Android phones on Verizon, and no one who bought one on a contract back in 2010 (like me!) is eligible for an upgrade any time soon. So it’s great to see an active modding community around this solid phone, despite Motorola and Verizon’s continued stance on a locked bootloader. The latest project from RootzWiki for the venerable DX is a port of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.
That’s no small task, as the Droid X is still restricted to using the latest Gingerbread kernel from Motorola. That means that while newer ROMs can use the Ice Cream Sandwich software and expanded user interface, certain upgraded features are just impossible, and getting anything to work correctly is a major pain. Most of the essential features of the CM9-based “EncounterICS X” are working, including Internet access and calling, GPS, WiFi, audio and hardware buttons. There are still problems getting the camera, voice input (excluding phone calls), MMS and the speakerphone to work, and various apps like the gallery and calendar have major bugs.
These issues keep this early ROM from being a serious contender for your daily driver, but it’s still very cool to see ICS running on “locked” hardware. The lads over at RootzWiki are nothing if not tenacious, and most of these issues should see progress in the next few weeks. And after all, it’s not as if the official Ice Cream Sandwich software is completely without it’s faults. Remember: make an Nandroid backup if you don’t want to lose your existing ROM!
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[via Talk Android]
You are eligible for an upgrade. I bought mine October 2010 and just bought the Nexus for $300 upgrade. You have to pay the extra $20 early upgrade though.
Hmm, my local Verizon corporate store didn’t say anything about a $20 upgrade fee. I paid for the Nexus up there out of pocket. $650 – zero regrets.
In any case, I’m supposed to be eligible in April. I’ll wait for a Verizon Galaxy Note or similar device to use my two-year upgrade.
you could have stayed on contract if you wanted, and gotten an early upgrade. tha’s what the rest of the droid x holders who now have a gnex like me did. 20 bucks was what I paid too, minus my corporate discount.
$650??? Really? They saw you coming…
Lol! I bought my DX July 15th 2010 and Verizon gave me an upgrade in March 2011. I saved it about my Gnex.
Personally im gonna run the DROIDX till it is dead. Then pay retail for a new phone. Verizon dumping the unlimited data plan sux especially considering how much data I use.
I will be dumping Verizon after my contract. I’ve gone through 2 Droid X phones that had the half screen missing issue, and Verizon is a bunch of retards.
you can still have the unlimited plan and be grandfathered in as long as you don’t change lines/ change your equipment to a non-smartphone…
It actually is possible to change devices while using an unlimited data plan, even do a feature phone. Done so myself. Went from Unlimited data with D1, switched to a feature phone without any data for a while and then went to a DX with unlimited data again. Just takes a call to customer service.
Can I get an Late device next time and keep my unlimited plan?
Lte *
I think the spec on FM radio should be corrected because the Droid X does have a FM radio.
I have to say, I read a lot of poorly written articles and am usually disappointed in the internet, but this was very well written!