[Huawei MediaPad, T-Mobile SpringBoard] hwmod:
FIRMWARE MEDIAPAD ICS 4.0.3 HWMOD C232B005

Kernel: 3.0.8 (hid@tablet_server) Thu Jun 7 17:50:45 CST 2012

Compiler: (gcc version 4.4.3 (GCC)) #1 SMP PREEMPT

Baseband: 314007 - Android: 4.0.3 - GAPPS: 4.0.4

Incremental Build: V100R002C002B010SP030

This is a modified copy of the official firmware released by Huawei C232B005 General Version (June 2012). It doesn't require running "sanix" patches nor modifications to the system partitions "boot.img"/"system.img".

As in the original, the zip file contains instructions on how to upgrade from a MicroSD memory card. The firmware contains updated GAPPS ICS 4.0.4 (gapps-ics-20120429-signed.zip).

It has been said several time however you know you will void your warranty by modifying your device.

I have tried these modified firmware several times on my MediaPad before rendering them available.

On "Androidiani.com", in the MediaPad forum, I have been releasing these same kind of modifications for the following firmwares:

C232B002, C167B003, C170B008, C170B009 and currently C232B005

I have to say thanks to many users on that forum for their contributions and suggestions.

Before you start the upgrade

Download the firmware ZIP file, unpack the file on your PC and copy the "dload" folder found in the archive on the external MicroSD card. In the same archive you will also find Huawei original PDF document in English explaining how to upgrade the device and a "readme.txt" file that lists version numbers of the various components of the firmware (kernel, baseband, build etc.).

Remember to use Huawei's "All Backup" (suggested) or similar tools to backup all the applications and data on the external MicroSD card before proceeding with the update. In this firmware it is possible to activate a remote Google backup of the applications installed from the Market using a personal Google account ("Setting -> Backup and reset -> Backup account").

Standard update method

Only copy the "dload" folder in your MicroSD card, reset the device by switching the device off (press "power" button for 10 sec). If the device doesn't start automatically again press the power button. If the update does not start repeat the operation and additionally keep pressing the Volume+ button (on the right).

Alternate update method

Use the phone application to dial the following number * # * # 2 8 4 6 5 7 9 # * # * then, from the menu that appears, select:

"Project Menu Act -> Upgrade -> SD Card Upgrade -> SD Card Upgrade External Storage".

For both methods

Follow the instructions on the device screen (in green), the complete update process will be about 10 minutes, then the device will reboot a couple of times, be patient and let the device be quiet a couple of minutes more before touching it (while updating the sim, sn, touch & coulometer firmware).

I always suggest executing a "Factory reset" after a firmware upgrade. You can do that from "Setting -> Backup & reset -> Factory data reset" and if possible also check the box related with the formatting of the device internal memory (after ensuring you have made a backup of all you may need).

IMPORTANT !!!

To avoid touching key partitions of the Android OS and the original firmware I decided to leave the duplicated "Gallery2" application (found in the "system" partition). For this reason, after the upgrade you will end up with two "Gallery" applications. Deactivate or remove the first one of the two, the one which is smaller in size. The second one has more options (Google+/PicasaWeb sync) than the one pre-installed by Huawei. Since the device is "rooted" any file manager capable of browsing folders with "root" privileges will be enough to perform the removal.

Informations

This firmware uses an alternate method to obtain "root" permissions on the MediaPad avoiding modifications to important parts of the original firmware ("boot" and "system"), at the same time it adds missing Huawei/Google applications and enable some of the functionalities that were not enabled in the original firmware.

Modifications have been applied exclusively to the device "cust" partition ("cust.img.ext4") all the remaining partitions and files have been left untouched compared to the originals Huawei ICS 4.0.3 firmware released 21 June (C232B005).

Updated:

all ICS Google Apps (gapps-ics-20120429-signed.zip)

modified permissions for "busybox" executable (755)

International language selected as "default" (English)

International wifi settings for channels (13)

Added:

Huawei applications missing in the official version

GenieWidget application included in newer gapps-ics

Removed:

"Huawei Input Method" add-on keyboard and all related Language Packs (42)

Gmail, Maps, Music2, PlusOne, Street, TagGoogle, Talkback, Youtube

Aldiko, Facebook, FoxitReader, Twitter, YozoOffice and related libraries

two space hungry games, Asphalt6, LGolf and related libraries

images and demo animations (media)

List of added/updated applications and their versions:

AccountAgent-1.1.17.apk

AllBackup-4.1.33.apk

HiDisk-3.0.21.apk

HwOUC-2.3.8.apk

PhoneFinder-2.2.0.apk

PushAgent-2.2.1.apk

Superuser-3.0.7.apk

List of functionalities added to this firmware:

"root" permissions, Superuser.apk, busybox v1.20.1, su v3.0.3.2

firmware updates from "Settings" (Huawei/Google components)

Google GenieWidget & Google Backup Transport functional

Huawei applications: All Backup, HiDisk, PhoneFinder

* FIRMWARE DOWNLOAD *

ZIP containing firmware and software (essential: huawei_apps + google_apps):

Download size: 258.649.399 bytes (247Mb) - md5: 8c8bac1094d7dcb87d959a3be1482f6f

MIRROR 1 (GameFront)

* HUAWEI KEYBOARD DOWNLOAD *

ZIP containing the new keyboard and 42 additional language packs (Huawei Input Method):

Download size: 16.266.684 bytes (15Mb) - md5: 22b4aeddd6c214ffc7e5ef753216d68b

MIRROR 1 (GameFront)

Have fun,

.:HWMOD:.