yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Zenfone 5 General] ichigo_kurosaki:
Link to the 111MB Update: http://www.asuszenfoneblog.com/2014/10/asus-zenfone-5-firmware-v220408.html?m=1

and the 2nd update is here: http://fota.asus.com/delta_package/phone/WW_a500cg/formal/WW_user_2.20.40.8_20141017_6209-user-WW_a500cg-WW_user_2.20.40.9_20141021_4378-user-WW_a500cg-20141021/WW_500_1017_1021_20141021.zip

rename these files. the 111MB update should be renamed into UL-ASUS_T00F-WW-2.20.40.8-user.zip and the 26MB update to UL-ASUS_T00F-WW-2.20.40.9-user.zip. you can place them in your internal storage and reboot. the update packages should then be detected. no more need of sideloading via PC.:)
[Zenfone 5 General] RajGopi:
any changelog?

did you update?

did it break root?
[Zenfone 5 General] SystemDoctor:
I tried to update it without renaming it and I got an error in Philz recovery. Currently downloading it again because I deleted it. Will update with the changes I notice.
[Zenfone 5 General] heynando:
did any of you tried GravityBox? I know it is made for AOSP roms, but I have a feeling that a lot of its features will still work on zenUI, but I don't have the phone in my hands yet and I'm eager to know if GravityBox will work or not. Can someone please try it out for me?
[Zenfone 5 General] :
First flash the boot.img,recovery.img of JB 4.3 found in the jb firmware zip file through adb fastboot . then flash the jb 4.3 firmware file through adb sideload .

And you are done..
[Zenfone 5 General] Angristan:
I'm rooted, and I tried to manage frequency and governor, nothing to do the get better battery life... :(
[Zenfone 5 General] k0m3n9:
U just need to clear cache/dalvik cache as usual.. then all should be fine. I'm still running on deodexed KK no problemo, and almost all of my reply in this thread sent via zf5 ;)

Btw thanks for ur reply :good:, i'll include that in the steps.
[Zenfone 5 General] itraceyou:
Greenify is more effective. Playing around with frequency and governor would theoretically help but for myself, i dont see a difference.
[Zenfone 5 General] k0m3n9:
Agreed. Me too feel the same.
[Zenfone 5 General] RajGopi:
sorry if i were rude

reflashing the whole firmware is a little bit painful coz i have to update the apps again

however i have to reflash the firmware so i downgraded to JB n gave it a try n it worked well

:good: :good:
[Zenfone 5 General] heynando:
On 4.4 how much free RAM it does have after being turned on for 1 minute?

I'd be really grateful if someone tried GravityBox tho!
[Zenfone 5 General] k0m3n9:
Sorry to hear that bro. I should have include steps to clear cache/dalvik cache at first b4 posting. Anyway i've done adding it.
[Zenfone 5 General] k0m3n9:
See screenshot for free ram.... but does it matters anyway.

Not all GravityBox(KK) works on our zenfone, i just use it to run little tweaks which still works.
[Zenfone 5 General] k0m3n9:
For those who has done root and might wanna apply these.. it's better to take ur time to read this http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1393953

before u decide to do so!

For the 1st 111mb update.. u can see screenshot.. it includes patches to most of ur system files. What it does, i've no idea tho.
[Zenfone 5 General] zen_green:
I apply these these 2 updates, factory reset and then reroot the phone. It works.

No idea about improvements included...

i only notice one change.

With previous kitkat firmware, the dial tone (tone before the person i call answer the call) was too loud when i call mobile number (tone was normal when i called land line), even the phone volume is set to mini. Now, there is no more tone... i mean it is just silence since the called person answer...

well, it is better than a too loud tone, which just hurt my ear, but i would prefer a normal tone...
[Zenfone 5 General] SystemDoctor:
How did you update? When I try to update through recovery I get a Status 8 error and my PC can't detect my phone when it's in adb sideload mode cause its running Windows 8.1
[Zenfone 5 General] Angristan:
About 70% free

---------- Post added at 03:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:37 PM ----------

Successfully updated, the 2 updates. And I didn't loose root :D

BTW the 110mb update has been build on October 17th and the 26.5mb on October 21st.

But we don't know the changelog :(
[Zenfone 5 General] Angristan:
Here is the proof :p
[Zenfone 5 General] k0m3n9:
Not yet done.. we should ask [MENTION=514810]zen_green[/MENTION] the proper way.

To [MENTION=514810]zen_green[/MENTION] is there any root issue/other issues after applying those updates besides improvement u've mentioned?

---------- Post added at 10:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:43 PM ----------

:good: thanks for ur reveal. 1 question.. Is it necessary to do factory reset?

---------- Post added at 10:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:48 PM ----------

Can u kindly describe a bit especially on the 1st screenshot :p
[Zenfone 5 General] SystemDoctor:
I believe it means update successful.
[Zenfone 5 General] Angristan:
"Update"

"system update finished"
[Zenfone 5 General] k0m3n9:
Well, i would like to apply those updates too.. but b4 that as for a precaution step.. would someone share here a working TWRP build for KK ZF5 with locked bootloader. I dont wanna unlocked it unless it is really required like when we root our zenfone on KK. Thanks in advance.
[Zenfone 5 General] zen_green:
I did factory reset cause actually, i did downgrade to jb for couple of days. So, i reupdate to kitkat and apply these 2 new updates and perform a factory reset for starting with a fresh system.

These updates don't impact the root method.

Except the dial tone, i'm still searching what improvements there are vs 2.19.40.18... the battery backup is as bad as before, there is still a double lockscreen if you use a pin or schema, and the text croping in browser (stock one, chrome and maxthon) still doesn't work...

I'll probably downgrade to jb soon...again...
[Zenfone 5 General] killopt:
Thanks, solved with your help.

i have used the method above and then the ota update since kit kat.

Thanks again.
[Zenfone 5 General] Angristan:
On the latest update we got the 3.10 kernel :)
[Zenfone 5 General] COJR3:
Dear Friends. Please advice,

I have zenfone 6, problem is microphone. When i called anybody , there is too much noise going from my mic. None of my friends can hear my voice because of my mic. (noise like too much wind etc.)

When i activate and deactivate handsfree speaker, mic fixing and working fine. I tried 1.18 and latest kitkat (2.19.40.18) result is same.
[Zenfone 5 General] k0m3n9:
I tot we r already on that.. 3.10.20
[Zenfone 5 General] Angristan:
Sorry ^^

---------- Post added at 10:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:01 PM ----------

I'm trying to build the kernel for Zenfone 5.
[Zenfone 5 General] k0m3n9:
:good: pls do share once completed :good:
[Zenfone 5 General] SystemDoctor:
Hey guys, for those who installed the unreleased update, how did you install it?
[Zenfone 5 General] itraceyou:
Can anyone help? Thank you.
[Zenfone 5 General] sebnimh84:
Zenfone 4 "unfortunately google account manager has stopped" during setup

Hi guys,

Have been happily using my ZF4 (WW) for half a year or so now. Recently updated to KK and it works like a charm.

Then suddenly my Play store stopped working even after clearing up the cache and updated a Play Store APK which I downloaded, tried clearing up the downloads and it still doesn't work. Out of the sudden, my Google accounts on the phone went missing. Reading thru forums many have advised for a hard reset. Now that I've hard reset it - the error "unfortunately google account manager has stopped" pops up during setup right after the wifi setup page. And the phone is totally unusable.

Any other advise while I download the ROM and try to flash it via the SD card? :confused:
[Zenfone 5 General] ramoncitobrioso:
update to kitkat

Guys i need help updating my WW t00j a501cg, i tried everything i know to update it gets error that device swu is TW even if in droidboot it is WW. I tried working around the update script with regards to that sku but still gets error after sku verification. I think what it needs is an update specific to t00j not t00f/t00j coz i had tried flashing an old rom that is for t00j and it was successfully. Any idea please?
[Zenfone 5 General] SystemDoctor:
Try installing the latest SuperSU binary
[Zenfone 5 General] ichigo_kurosaki:
yes. i did update and there are no changelogs stated (yet)..but i noticed a very good improvement in battery. yes, on first boot after doing the update you will temporarily lose root. but just reboot again and you will regain root.:D
[Zenfone 5 General] SystemDoctor:
What method did you use to update?

---------- Post added at 01:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:27 PM ----------

My friend who's super tech savvy said what's new in the update. Still can't install it though and he's refusing to help me. Anybody else get a status 8 error?
[Zenfone 5 General] Sisqo:
anyone got the ota update?
[Zenfone 5 General] Angristan:
Sure! I'm syncing Android sources for now.
[Zenfone 5 General] dewankpant:
Hi well how did u updated can you please send me a link to download Asus Zenfone 5 Firmware V2.20.40.8 ... Cozz the link on Asus zenfone blog isn't working... Please help

---------- Post added at 03:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:47 PM ----------

Hi well can anyone please send me a link to download Asus Zenfone 5 Firmware V2.20.40.8 ... Cozz the link on Asus zenfone blog isn't working... Please help
[Zenfone 5 General] Angristan:
Here it is :)
[Zenfone 5 General] Angristan:
Has anyone unlocked his bootloader with the ASUS app? Does it wipe data? Can we update manually after this?
[Zenfone 5 General] k0m3n9:
:good: Are u working on Kernel for KK (v1013) or JB (v0909) or both :D

---------- Post added at 07:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:05 PM ----------

I remember [MENTION=5804825]RajGopi[/MENTION] has done this :)
[Zenfone 5 General] SystemDoctor:
It doesn't wipe any data and you can still updatr manually if your computer has the proper drivers installed (mine doesn't have the intel drivers since it's on Windows 8.1 so I can't sideload the update) and if you do unlock it, the screen before the boot animation becomes white and the text on it becomes black.
[Zenfone 5 General] Angristan:
V1013 :) I don't need JB anymore :p But if you want, we'll see :)

The problem is that v1013 is for 2.19, and I'm on 2.20 ^^ But like it's KK, it should work ^^
[Zenfone 5 General] k0m3n9:
Do u still keep it unlocked.. have u done re-lock?

Did u flash any custom recovery ie. Philz or TWRP? Wonder does this still works after re-lock :confused:
[Zenfone 5 General] Angristan:
Thank you! But I have to update with the normal method, or with a custom recovery, etc?
[Zenfone 5 General] SystemDoctor:
I was able to flash TWRP before unlocking and no, I haven't relocked it yet which may be the main reason why I can't update to v2.20 and why I keep on getting a status 1 error in Android 3e recovery.
[Zenfone 5 General] k0m3n9:
No, i dont need for JB either.. i'm on KK. But who knows i might downgrade again later :p

Just asking since some of us here still holds on JB. BTW any changelog?
[Zenfone 5 General] SystemDoctor:
Well if you flashed a custom recovery you can still install it the normal way (Your phone detecting the system update package then rebooting to the custom recovery) but you may sometimes get errors. If you decided not to flash a custom recovery you will not be able to flash any kernels and thus have to sideload them I believe.
[Zenfone 5 General] Angristan:
Haha don't downgrade please :p And I don't know the changelog, the update is not one the official website..

---------- Post added at 12:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:37 PM ----------

So if I just unlock my bootloader, I will not be able to upgrade?

And we can flash a kernel with fastboot normally ^^
[Zenfone 5 General] sami62:
what is " ASUS ZenFone 5 Kernel source file for Android OS " on asus site?

how can we use them?
[Zenfone 5 General] RajGopi:
bro i explained unofficial bootloader unlocking in my thread(without using OFFICIAL bootloader unlocking app by ASUS)

do refer to this thread http://xdaforums.com/android/help/root-zenfone-5bootloader-unlock-recovery-t2896589

i suggest you not to relock the bootloader n don't worry about OTA because its unofficial so you will get OTA updates

i did relock the bootloader but two members faced problems while relocking(happy to say one of them solved his problem) but for your safe being just don't relock the bootloader

ota updates automatically relocks the bootloader n removes the custom recovery but you can always repeat the process i explained in my thread to unlock bootloader n flash custom recovery

:good: :good:
[Zenfone 5 General] Angristan:
I'm using it, don't worry ;)

---------- Post added at 01:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:08 PM ----------

I don't care about OTA, I did never get it ^^ But I will take a look at it and make my choice, thanks :)
[Zenfone 5 General] dewankpant:
Actually i mentioned the same thing above .. The link at zenfoneblog.com isnt working for the 111mb update... That's why i specifically asked for a seperate link .. :(
[Zenfone 5 General] Angristan:
Oh :( I will look if I have it on my Windows partition on my computer, and then maybe upload it on my website :)
[Zenfone 5 General] RajGopi:
all the best bro

just follow the procedure n everything will be fine

:good: :good: :good: :good:
[Zenfone 5 General] k0m3n9:
U can refer to http://xda-university.com/as-a-developer/adding-features-to-your-kernel
[Zenfone 5 General] Angristan:
Thanks for the link, it will be useful :D
[Zenfone 5 General] dewankpant:
That'll be very helpful cox nowhere else i coud find a working link :(
[Zenfone 5 General] k0m3n9:
Thanks for the link bro.. but personally i dont agree with what u say "i made bootloader unlocking unofficial". I have used this method earlier when u at 1st posting suggested using the official Asus app to unlocking bootloader" - no offence tho :good:
[Zenfone 5 General] RajGopi:
i agree that bro(no offence)

i remember you faced problem while relocking bootloader right??

so i edited the thread after listening to your problem n removed the official unlocking app

ok i will edit that post bro

thanks :good: :good:
[Zenfone 5 General] SystemDoctor:
Does the latest update solve the battery drain issue? I can't install it because of the status 1 error which is pissing me off.
[Zenfone 5 General] k0m3n9:
No, i didn't face that problem.... and for ur reminder, i've never used the official Asus unlock bootloader apk.. and no need for me to remove it tho. I only asked in ur thread why need that apk since we can unlock it via adb, that's all.
[Zenfone 5 General] RajGopi:
Oops! sorry for that

i made changes of removing the official bootloader unlocking app long back itself when someone got problem with that n not now

okay anyways thanks :good: :good:
[Zenfone 5 General] k0m3n9:
Good to hear that :good:

---------- Post added at 09:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:07 PM ----------

I still have doubt on this delta update package and btw http://www.asuszenfoneblog.com/2014/10/asus-zenfone-5-firmware-v220408.html?m=1 has been updated with link error to those FOTA(s)

It's better to wait for an official update to be released.
[Zenfone 5 General] Angristan:
Sorry I deleted them yesterday :/

---------- Post added at 02:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:46 PM ----------

Followed this method and it works. Now I'm unlocked and I have this beautiful recovery :p No need to root because I was already ;)
[Zenfone 5 General] RajGopi:
happy to hear that :highfive: :D

philz recovery is a bit laggy but works :good: :good:

and the answer for your question on my thread http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=56311973&postcount=125
[Zenfone 5 General] djkodok:
I've finally managed to install the unreleased update with the most stupid way I know by reflashing again with full firmware 2.19.40.18, clear cache, 2.20.40.8, clear cache again and then 2.20.40.9 & clear cache. But the update break my root. So I have to re root again.

Here's the screen shot of my adb command.

Sorry for my English. :)
[Zenfone 5 General] Efuma:
The two unofficial updates some of you have installed are actually internal beta builds. Asus' Taiwanese Zentalk forum allows its members the option to apply for beta access. If accepted, your Zenfone's serial number would be logged . Thereafter, you would receive all beta fota updates. As a reference, Asus started pushing out 4.4.2 test builds through this manner way back in July.

On the beta forum, there was a short list of bug fixes for the first 110 mb update, but nothing was mentioned for the second update. I would suggest caution, as you will receive no support for these builds.

If you really want to be guinea pigs, you can sign up on Zentalk. Better brush up on your Chinese first though.
[Zenfone 5 General] Angristan:
My battery life is much better on 2.20.49.9 !
[Zenfone 5 General] djkodok:
Thanks for the information & suggestion too. But brush up on my Chinese? :banghead:

Well I guess I should reverse back to 2.19.40.18 or I'll just wait for the next official update.
[Zenfone 5 General] sami62:
i did not understand anything!!

how can i install kernel source ?
[Zenfone 5 General] Angristan:
I you don't understand, give up ^^
[Zenfone 5 General] dewankpant:
Hi can u please send the link from where u downloaded that ota zip file .. Coz the asuszenfoneblog.com link isnt working .. Thanks :)
[Zenfone 5 General] djkodok:
Sorry bro, can't help you. I've downloaded the file from that site link 2 days ago.
[Zenfone 5 General] k0m3n9:
Here u go https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0Bx_zotWPsHHDdjJoV0JMdVJTaG8&usp=sharing

but pls dont ask me regarding this.. i'm not applying these updates yet :p

I DONT RECOMMEND THIS! (SHARING REMOVED, SORRY)

IMPORTANT FOR U TO READ THIS EXAMPLE BEFORE U DECIDE TO APPLY ANY FOTA UPDATES.... tho we might have guides to overcome it.
[Zenfone 5 General] heynando:
Oh yes, for me it matters a lot, the one and ONLY reason I'm getting the Zenfone instead of the MotoG 20014 is the 2gigs of RAM, and 1.2 gigs of free RAM is just awesome!

Thanks for testing GravityBox, amongst all the available tweaks it is no doubt my favorite one, and i'm happy to know some of features work on zenUI.

Same goes for me, I don't care about OTAs because I never ever ever get them, always have to go after them..

Could you please hand us a URL linking to the exact page? I couldn't find it researching in english..
[Zenfone 5 General] sebnimh84:
I've self-solved my problem.

Problem : "Unfortunately, .com.google.android.gsf.login has stopped". Upon factory reset of the phone. You can't even proceed with using the phone as the initial setup of the phone is not done. Therefore, phone is rendered useless.

What I've tried : Clearing up the cache in the play store, downloads, resetting app preferences, re-adding Google accounts. All failed. Hell I even tried contacting Asus tech support and spoke to a Rizal (Agent MY03). He doesn't even understand my problem as I doubt that he's trained to troubleshoot ZF problems... he keeps asking me to go into Settings to disabled this and that, and constantly asked me if I had rebooted the phone right. Ultimately he had advised me to bring it in to the Asus service center at Bukit Bintang which only operates 9 - 5, Mondays to Fridays. Good job Asus support. Good job. I'll make sure I write into Asus about this.

So how to solve this phone? It's sort of bricked now.

1. With a lot of Googling done, I came across the idea of reflashing the entire OS to its stock ROM

2. You'll need an external SD card for this! 2GB worth at least. Beg, borrow, steal if you have to... but you'll need one

3. The good thing about Asus is, even though the phone has not been set up - you still can plug a USB cable and get it connected to the PC. Download a copy of the *.raw STOCK ROM ; here. Copy it onto the root folder of your SD card.

4. Pop in the SD card, reboot the phone into the bootloader (Asus Droidboot) by holding down the power button + volume up button

5. Once you're in the bootloader, select SD DOWNLOAD

6. It'll then run by itself and reflash the entire ROM into the old JB Stock ROM

7. Once it's done, start up the phone, set it up yadda yadda...

8. Go to the Asus website to download the latest ROM. Copy it onto the root folder of your INTERNAL STORAGE.

9. Your phone will be able to detect that you've an upgrade available. Upgrade your ROM!

10. Problem solved!

I hope those who are Googling for a solution will find this post most useful.
[Zenfone 5 General] heynando:
do you happen to know if the SD DOWNLOAD option from the bootloader can also be used to downgrade from KK to JB?
[Zenfone 5 General] SystemDoctor:
I'm trying that method unfortunately I can't install the intel mobile isb drivers since it doesn't support Windows 8.1. Is there a way to sideload on Ubuntu without the drivers?
[Zenfone 5 General] Efuma:
This is the main page for the TW Zentalk forum:

http://www.asus.com/zentalk/tw/portal.php

If you have an ASUS account, you should have access to the forum. If you don't, here is the signup page:

https://account.asus.com/signup.aspx?&lang=en-us

Here is the beta signup page:

http://www.asus.com/zentalk/tw/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=42187&extra=page=1

You'll want to click on the yellow "I Want to Sign Up" label:

I waited only a few days between application and acceptance.

At the moment, beta signup is open through the end of the year. They have cut off Mainland Chinese applicants, because there are a billion of them and they all want early access. So only Taiwan applicants are now getting in. There are no restriction yet on WW applicants, probably because there aren't too many around the world who are fluent in Chinese. WW beta builds are released simultaneously with the CHT&TW(all Taiwan specific) builds, as they are almost carbon-copies, except for a few Taiwan apps.

There is no download site for beta builds. Everything is done through FOTA, which is linked to your IMEI.

Like I said, join at your own risk. Chinese will be a huge hurdle. If you can google-translate your way through it, all the more power to you. English isn't a hard language, so your inquiries shouldn't be totally ignored.

The one big advantage to joining the beta program is the early access to betas. ASUS has announced a tentative date of 4/2015 for Zenfone Lollipop. Based on Zenfone's 4.4.2 release schedule, Lollipop beta builds should start to appear in January. That may or may not be a huge incentive for you.

So good luck!
[Zenfone 5 General] SystemDoctor:
April 2015 is way too long and by the way, what's FOTA?
[Zenfone 5 General] sebnimh84:
Yes it does. I was running KK previously and since the phone was 'bricked', I had to force it to flash downgrade it to the original ROM, which is JB. Works fine.