yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Phylum:
The good news is that it seems we're only looking at a software build and not a Nexus with different hardware. That said, I'm weighing my options

return the GN and order a yakju model from the UK site, or

just flash ITL41D and confirm I get OTA updates up to 4.0.2.

Are there any concerns with flashing?

Has anyone in the US flashed theirs?

<rant>

I ordered a GN from Expansys-USA.com. I was disappointed when I didn't see any OTA updates right out of the box but gave it time. As time went on it became clear what the issue was: I have a yakjuxw (or non-yakju) build. AFAIK there's no way to visually tell whether or not the phones on Expansys-USA.com are non-yakju builds (some yakju variant); seems hit/miss.

According to a post by VicR (http://www.expansys-usa.com/ft.aspx?k=179100) on the Expansys i9250 forums (http://www.expansys-usa.com/f.aspx?i=224319 ), if you purchase a GN from the Expansys UK (Expansys.com) or European sites, you'll get a yakju build.

The whole point of me buying a Nexus was so that I didn't have to flash my phone. I'm not knocking dev's since I greatly apprecaite their hardwork, perserverance and dedication. I completely support their work - I've flashed the heck out of my Vibrant so its not new to me. But this time I wanted a pure google experience. I get worried when there are too many chefs in the kitchen: Google + Vendor (e.g.: Samsung, HTC etc) + Carrier (T-Mobile, AT&T etc). That's why we buy Nexus' ... Nexuses ... Nexi? Plus, while not the pinnacle of technology on all fronts, they're really up there technologically.

I want an Android phone, not Android + Sense/TouchWiz + Bloatware + CarrierIQ etc.

</rant>
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] iconicpaul:
From what i have read, the yakjuxw version cannot be updated by Kies from Samsung. So, if Google is not the owner of this version and Samsung doesnt offer firmware, then who exactly is the owner of that version?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] rubiconjp:
I really hope that Google would merge all the region/carrier-specific changes that Samsung did for all the GN's products out there back into the main AOSP branch and eventually do OTA updates for all GN's.

So hopefully Samsung submitted all their yakju* version changes back to Google, to be incorporated back into the main AOSP.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Phylum:
Has anyone received confirmation that the hardware is identical on these non-Google branded, AOSP supported builds? Here's another interesting article on the subject from Mobile Cafe.

If there's no way to confirm the build prior to ordering, I don't want to brick the phone/void my warranty & support by flashing something that may not work!
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] divinewisdom:
I am still waiting for the update to 4.0.2, not sure whats taking so long.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Ameen Kreidieh:
4.0.2

quick question... can i do the same thing with the official 4.0.2 image released on google?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] w0nton:
quick question i was on yakjuxw and i flash to yakju itl41d but i do not see any update to itl41f or any new builds. am i doing something wrong?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Phylum:
This is what concerns me about doing it manually. I'd like to believe that if one flashed ITL41D they would get ITL41F pretty quickly and ICL53F not too long after.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] jfim88:
So, if i make the first post procedure, i'll get OTA's or no?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Phylum:
I can't seem to get a straight answer on that either. I believe 1 person in the thread reported receiving an OTA after flashing, but someone above reported it didn't. If I'm not going to get OTA's after flashing, I'm not going to bother flashing!

---------- Post added at 07:51 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:47 AM ----------

Am I correct in understanding that this will load the same IFL41F listed on Google's factory images page?

If so, I'm curious: why does it seem to only exist on the Samsung.de site?

---------- Post added at 08:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:51 AM ----------

The zip file downloaded from the Samsung site contains an exe with the firmware baked right in. When launched you should see an Odin3Execution v1.86 window and a giant start button at the bottom. There's no option to load different firmware.

More importantly the images downloaded from the Google site cannot be loaded via Odin. You need to use fastboot.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] efrant:
So the system.img file is in the same directory as the fastboot.exe file? Not in a subdirectory?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] alipanga:
It 's on the same directory.... i was wlawake all night trying figuring what the problem....
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] coredump00:
Thank you for your instructions. They worked perfectly.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] slickromeo:
something that caused me major headaches was installing the drivers..... i quickly discovered that after uninstalling existing drivers, you are not supposed to plug in your phone again until AFTER your phone is in fastboot mode. and then plug it in, AND THEN install the drivers inside the windows7 device manager by right clicking on android 1.0 and installing the drivers.

and then putting everything in the same directory, all the files, with no sub folders, and if there are sub folders extract those into the same file..... the fastboot and the google source files. all together in same folder.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] efrant:
Yeah, the drivers are the biggest pain. Everyone needs to keep in mind that there are essentially two drivers: a driver for your device in fastboot mode, and a driver for your device booted normally. The link I provided in my post should have both included -- however, you need to boot your device in both modes for both of them to be installed.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] stormaker:
I strongly recommend Galaxy Nexus Toolkit for installing the driver, no need to download anything else for the driver n its only few steps, 10mins the most to get it installed. Initially i spent hours to get the driver to installed but failed at the end, n this toolkit cometo rescue.:)
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] efrant:
But what did you learn using the toolkit?

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=2031989&postcount=45
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] stormaker:
My bad, but what i meant was only use it to install the driver, for those have tried but failed with the manual way. It better than give up n think that flashing rom is difficult. I spent hours tried to google around n tried lots of driver on my XP but all i get is unknown device. Thats why, im forced to use toolkit to install the driver, then use ur instruction for the rest.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] efrant:
Sorry. I didn't intend to be rude. I was just saying that if you would have worked through the driver issue yourself, you would have figured it out and learned exactly what the issue was.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] pitflyer:
Just went through these steps. Only a couple minor issues, when I tried to backup my current ROM the first time it will not mount correctly, but after I rebooted and then did it again it backed up fine.

Also the first flash just did not work. Boot loop. Just redid the flash of the yakju components again and then it worked fine. Now onto rooting!
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] GnexMatic:
I really don't want to lose my data.

Hello so I haven't read the entire thread. But what I gather from the postings I did read is that most ppl are using the efrant's first method on the original post http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=21113773&postcount=195

Now I have a questions.

1) What's the importance of those optional steps in the instructions?

2) I don't want to lose my data. I worked to hard to on Modern combat 3 and cut the rope to do it all over again. How can I save my data?

3) Does this void your warranty and if so is it reversible?

Thanks for all the responses to my questions.

Bell GNEX Yakjuux 4.0.1 (Yeah I never got any of the OTAs for .2 or .4)

build# ITL41F.I9250UGKL1
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] stormaker:
Its ok, i stand to be corrected, as im not pefect. I do agree with u that the process of doing it n the learning path is most important ... pls accept my sincere apology.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] efrant:
1) I put them as optional, because some people like running different radios, etc. Flash them if you want. Or not. Take your pick. However, for the next OTA update to install automatically, you will have to flash them.

2) There is a link in my signature for how to root without unlocking the bootloader. Follow the instructions there. Then install Titanium Backup from the market, and back up your apps and app data. Then get that data, and any other data you want to keep, OFF your device, and follow the steps here.

3) It is essentially reversible, yes.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] crevlthe:
Followed all the steps successfully up to the reboot. My phone seems to have sat on the black Google splash screen for a long while after rebooting without transiting to the boot animation.

Silly question - How long is the first boot meant to take?

edit: nevermind; I followed someone else's advice to reflash the rom again and it worked :)

crevlthe
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] t2e:
Registered to say... Thank you !

I just flashed my device yesterday using these steps to yakju and received the 4.0.4 update today, really appreciated.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] selector:
I saw in the thread that someone was successful performing the steps in post 1 using Win 7 running on Parallels on Mac.

Can the same be said using VMFusion?

Thanks.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] alipanga:
Hi efrant!

Your right, i didn't unzip the zip file inside the .tar file... i almost give but i a site that saying that i need to put a .zip on the end of the file inside the .tar file... i tried it again and now it wofks like a beauty! Thanks!
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] efrant:
You can do this on MacOS without using VMF or Parallels. Just make sure your drivers are set up properly, and have a look at this post.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] danton47:
Does anyone see *decreased* battery life after switching yakjuxw 4.0.2 -> yakju 4.0.4?

This seems to be the case fo me :(
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] stormaker:
Try do factory reset if u haven't, mine actually have better battery life after switched from yakjuxw, n I don't face signal loss either.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] vijayvb:
Has any one tried and succeeded yakjujp to yakju?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] efrant:
There is no difference if you are running yakjujp or yakjuxw or yakjuux, etc. The procedure is the same and it works.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] funkadesi:
Now that I have Yakju build on my phone.... Will I receive OTA updates with the unlocked bootloader?

Or should I lock it to receive them?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] efrant:
10 char...
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] knudsen81:
I did the steps in post 2, but why can't i get the ota for 4.0.4??
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] efrant:
Why did you not do the steps in post 1? If you did, you would not need any OTA, as those steps flash IMM76D (4.0.4).

The instructions in post #2 are dated. They will flash ITL41F (4.0.1) to your device. As stated many times in this thread, you will get the OTA, but when is not certain. It could come immediately, it could come in a few hours, it could come in a few weeks. You can't tell when.

Follow the steps in post 1 and you will be fine.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] eddie_gordo:
OP updated with some info about the bootloader! :)

Thanks to efrant, once again! :)
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] daleylay:
I am holding the Galaxy Nexus Docomo yakjuxe set, if i flash without the following line, what will impact to the rom?

5) Optional -- Flash the bootloader: fastboot flash bootloader bootloader-maguro-primela03.img

7) Optional -- Flash the radio: fastboot flash radio radio-maguro-i9250xxla02.img

12) Optional -- Flash the recovery partition: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img

Thanks.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Peikko:
I followed the guide step by step and everything seemed to be fine. but after a reboot I can't get past the "google" boot screen

edit: nevermind. phew.... I thought I broke my phone. works again.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] efrant:
You need to let the phone sit for 10 mins or so, as that is how long it will take to boot after following these steps.

Nothing. Those images are not part of the "ROM". However, you will need to flash them before applying an OTA update (the update verifies the radio before proceeding to flash), but then you can flash back to whatever versions of each of those three images you want.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] ddragman:
Does it mean my phone will not get OTA in future? I went trough steps in first post only to change from yakjuxw to yakju to be able to get updates from Google.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] efrant:
I think you are missing the point of what I was intending to do with the step-by-step.

Take a read of the following information, and see if it makes sense all together.

1) All stock builds (yakju, yakjuxw, yakjuux, yakjuwtf, etc.) and even a lot of custom ROMs will receive the OTA update notification.

2) Receiving notification on your device of an OTA update is NOT the same as install that same update.

3) yakju builds are updated by Google before non-yakju builds are updated, however, this does NOT mean that you will get the OTA notification on your yakju device as soon as you see others get it. In fact, many non-yakju users will get the OTA notification before many yakju users. All this means is that the yakju update is available before the non-yakju updates.

4) Generally speaking, once the yakju update is available, it will, in 99.9% of the cases, appear here on XDA before you receive the notification on your device. You could wait anywhere from seconds to MONTHS after you see it posted here before your yakju device will get it.

5) The benefit of switching your build to yakju is that the update is available FIRST, and will be posted here so you can update your device.

6) Once you see the update link here on XDA (like in this thread for example), all you have to do is follow the instructions and install it yourself.

7) In order for you to install the update, you will need the radio image, boot image, and all the files in /system that came with the version of Android that is being updated, otherwise, the update will not install (without modification). But flashing the radio and the boot image is so easy (takes all of 30 secs each).

8) Many individuals like using different radios and kernels, for various reasons, such as performance, functionality, etc. There is NO reason to not use the radio or kernel that you want, just so that you "can get the OTA". Once the update file is posted here, flash back to the original radio and boot image, and install it. It's not difficult.

Let me know if this clears things up.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Pentium:
I used this step by step guide to move from 4.0.2 yakjuxw to 4.0.4 yakju and everything worked like a charm but I noticed something:

if I go to check for updates in Settings>About it never checks, and shows "Last check for update on 1/1/1970"

is there a problem or it's just a connection issue?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] efrant:
Mine checks in fine. It may be a connection issue.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Pentium:
Its working now, I guess it was a connection thing!
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] ddragman:
Thanks for explanation. I still have some questions because I am new to android (well I made one app, but that is all) and I hope you will help me clear them up.

2) What is the difference betwen OTA and installing update? I know OTA is received "over the air" by google, phone manufacturer, network operator, ... Is there any other difference except how updates are installed?

7) Please correct me if I am wrong. I have updated from yakjuxw build ICL53F to yakju build IMM76D, but I did not perform steps 5, 7 and 12 from first post, because they were optional and I do not have any knowledge about android OS.

When new yakju build will be available I will need to flash the radio image, boot image and other files from yakju build IMM76D to be able to update to newer build?

8) I am not clear with what is radio and what is the difference between kernels, what is bootloader and recovery used for.

My goal was to change from yakjuxw to yakju and wait for 4.0.4 OTA. But I have changed yakjuxw to yakju, flashed 4.0.2 build ICL53F to 4.0.4 build IMM76D and keep bootloader, radio and recovery from yakjuxw build ICL53F. Correct?

If I ignore the fact there is no need and reason from my point of view to use any other kernel, radio, bootloader, recovery, ... and I want to receive OTA in the future I need to flash my phone again and also flash bootloader, radio and recovery partition with img files from yakju build IMM76D? Please correct me if I am wrong.

Because I am not clear with usage and difference of radio, bootloader, kernel, recovery and all the things at android I do not have any need from my current point of view to use any other images than the one google released for Galaxy Nexus.

Beside of all I also like the thought that I do not need to take care for updates and eventually I will receive them over OTA. But I am curios and I would like to read more about radio, kernel, bootloader, recovery and other stuff to clear up my understanding about android.

Thanks for help!
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] stormaker:
2) What is the difference betwen OTA and installing update? I know OTA is received "over the air" by google, phone manufacturer, network operator, ... Is there any other difference except how updates are installed?

-What efrant trying to tell is, if u skip the optional steps, u might still be able to receive the OTA notification, whereby it inform u that there's update available, but the installation for the update will fail.

7) Please correct me if I am wrong. I have updated from yakjuxw build ICL53F to yakju build IMM76D, but I did not perform steps 5, 7 and 12 from first post, because they were optional and I do not have any knowledge about android OS.

When new yakju build will be available I will need to flash the radio image, boot image and other files from yakju build IMM76D to be able to update to newer build?

-U 're right, if u want to install the OTA update, not only recieve the notification, u need to perform all the optional steps, so that your rom will be in totally stock.

8) I am not clear with what is radio and what is the difference between kernels, what is bootloader and recovery used for.

-For in info abt kernel, bootloader and recovery ... refer to below links.

http://www.tabletroms.com/forums/general-discussion/3592-basics-android.html

http://androidforums.com/faqs/443075-root-terminology.html

Conclusion is,

1)Do perform all the optional steps if u want to receive OTA notification as well as install it right away.

2)Dont perform the optional steps if u choose to use other radio, recovery ... etc, in this case, u might still recieve OTA notification, but cannot install it right away. To solve this, just perform the optional steps before install the OTA update. After that, change the radio, recovery .. etc to ur choice again n repeat the steps on the next update. The reason ppls choose, for example other radio to use is, they know which radio is the best for their phone/carrier/telco, which might improve the signal strength n so on.

3)Even if u dont receive OTA notification or unable to install the OTA update bcos u use other radio, recovery .. etc then the stock one, u still always can come here n get the latest update file to manually update it just like what u recently did. The update file most probably will be posted here earlier/faster/sooner than u get the OTA notification on ur nexus.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] efrant:
@stormaker: I couldn't have said it better myself!
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] ddragman:
Thanks for explanation and help!

EDIT:

Flashed again and I am pleased with result. Phone works smooth! Excellent!
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] efrant:
I would make the following minor modifications, as it is not entirely accurate.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] stormaker:
Thanks ! I'm still learning as i go ... :)
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] ace-user:
will the noob method in second post wipe all my apps,data,sms contacts etc?if yes,how do i make a backup of all my apps and stuff without root??
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] efrant:
Yes it will wipe everything, including /sdcard. Best way is to root without unlocking the bootloader (link in my sig), install Titanium backup from the market, and back up your app data, and something like SMS backup to back up your SMS. Then unlock your bootloader, and follow the steps in post 1.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] ace-user:
oic....

i dont want to use the steps in post 1 cuz it seems a little complicated...can i use method in post 2?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] efrant:
Yes, but you will be flashing 4.0.1, and don't bother asking when it will get the update to 4.0.2 or 4.0.4, because no one knows.

All it takes is a little bit of reading to follow the steps in post 1. It is not complicated, and you will learn something.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] KingVaroon:
I recently tried doing this on a friends phone(Samsung Galaxy nexus i9200). I downloaded all the files and unzipped them to a folder like instructed. Made sure the drivers were installed properly. However, when I turn on the phone in bootloader mode, it is no longer recognized by the computer (says driver not found). I tried uninstalling and reinstalling the driver from the link provided in the OP, but the phone still can't be recognized by the computer once inn bootloader mode. Can somebody please help?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] efrant:
That is because there are essentially two (2) drivers that need to be installed. One for fastboot, and one for adb. You need to be booted normally (or in CWM) to install the adb driver, and you need to be booted into the bootloader to install the fastboot driver. The instructions linked in the the first step of the first post (which links to here) mention that you need to be booted into fastboot (i.e., bootloader) mode, before you try to install the fastboot driver.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] netfast:
Battery Life Brilliant now

Thanks efrant for your time and efforts.

I was very reluctant to do this as have had other phones ive rooted etc and has always been a pain doing and buggy. so thats why decided to get a GN thought with google straight updates this would eliminate this need.

Anyway finally bit the bullet and I have seen remarkable improvement in the battery. I would get 10hours moderate app phone sms use. First run with 4.04 its still going at 25 hours. Really impressive. Best of any of the 4 androids and two iphones ive ever had.

WiFi is still not great, think it is a bit better - marginally though.

It just seems a bit tighter overall, no lag, no weird locks etc.

in fact this is the first android i have ever thought I have no hesiatation in recommending an android phone. I have always recommended android over iphone but if I am honest with myself for non-tech enthusiasts I have always had in the back of my mind "yeah but it does have a few bugs so go with the iphone"

Now I think Android will start taking over the phone war completely. Just fix the WiFi though ....

Was starting to look elsewhere and cheat on her but she has me back again. Like a gf who has lost a few kilos or added some extra enhancements and just seen her in a bikini again.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Reeebo:
I finally grew some balls and decided to update my phone from 4.0.2 yakjuz to 4.0.4 yakju!! After watching a lot of youtube videos and time I successfully did it! Thank you everyone here. This is like a mark of passage! Hope i don't end up having any signal problems though.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] eowyn:
I admire you for patiently answering the all the queries. I do wish that everyone is as kind and patient as you are. I salute you Sir!
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] ace-user:
so do u hv signal problem after the change??
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] sagiballs:
where do i put the files?

Sorry, this is my first attempt at any tinkering. I downloaded all the files. Fastboot.exe is in the android SDK folder. But where do i put the other files? do i put them onto my SD storage on my GNex? is there any where in particular they need to go? or in any folder name?

Thanks in advance
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] efrant:
I think you need to read the first post again. Particularly steps 2 and 3.