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Android ricing
Android ricing refers to changing up the UI of a device running android to better suit one's taste. This can be done for many reasons, such as to make using the device more practical, or to make it suit the user's tastes more.
Contents
About Android
Android is a mobile operating system based on the open source Linux kernel. Android is FOSS, the majority of it is licensed under Apache or GPLv2. Android has components that can easily be swapped out that will change the user experience.
ROMs
ROMs are different versions of Android firmware. Many companies make devices with their own ROMs (such as HTC Sense or Samsung Touch Whiz) that control the user experience. Although not necessary, downloading and installing a different ROM to your phone may be able to give you more features and increased customizability. To do this, you need to root your device to gain administrative access and install a custom recovery, which will install and manage ROMs. Some popular ROMs and their respective benefits and features include:
CyanogenMod
- Relatively simlar to stock or AOSP (Android Open Source Project) Android
- Very mature ROM, has a large community
- Clean and uncluttered (in comparison to TouchWiz, for example)
- Variety of features (ex. Pie Controls, Quick Settings, etc.)
- Easy installation process (simply follow the CyanogenMod Installer App)
Android Open Kang Project (AOKP)
- Lots of tweaks and customization
- Lots of additional features (in comparison to CyanogenMod)
- Includes vibration patterns, custom toggles, and custom navigation rings; virtually anything can be changed
ParanoidAndroid
- Again, lots of options for customization
- A large variety of features, many of which are not based off of stock Android (HALO, Pie Controls, Hybrid Properties, etc.)
PAC-MAN ROM
Slim Bean
Replicant
A project to replace all proprietary components of Android.
Other ROMs
There are a plethora of custom ROMs available. For most devices, your best bet is to search the xda-developers forum for your specific device's subforum, and see what is available and compatible with it.
Launchers
A launcher is the application that opens up whenever you hit the home button. This area consists of your home screen, and many things can be put on here for convenience, such as icons for apps and widgets such as clocks. You do not have to root or install a custom ROM to install these. Some popular launchers are Apex and Nova.
Icon Packs
Icon packs are a group of icons that come packed together and are designed with the same same style. Icons should complement the background that you have. Some commonly used icon packs are Holler, Tiny white, metro, and Click UI.
Apps & Games
There are many apps available for Android. Several apps that focus on ricing are UCCW and dash clock. There are also many apps that vary from news apps to office suites.
