[Moto G 2015 Android Development] MotoJunkie01:
Stock Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow for TextNow

Device Compatibility: Moto G (3rd Gen) 2015 (xt1548 ONLY)!

Android Version: 6.0.1

Build No. MCI24.107-70

System Version: 24.62.70.osprey_sprint.sprint.en.US.sprint

Kernel Version: 3.10.49

Baseband: M8916_2020632.44.321.54R

Carrier/Provider: TextNow (Sprint MVNO Subsidiary)

Android Security Patch Level: January 5, 2017

Build Version SDK: 23

PRL Version: 25060

ROM & FIRMWARE FILES:

DOWNLOAD LINK: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B7-zQU1VihD3aHZ4N1VJelY0d2c

This link provides download access to the following files: bootloader.img, gpt.bin (Partition Updater), NON-HLOS.bin (Modem, AKA "Baseband"), fsg.bin (Radio Firmware), recovery.img (Stock 6.0.1 Recovery), boot.img (Stock 6.0.1 Kernel/Ramdisk), system.img_sparsechunk files (a series of /system image files which, when flashed, comprise the ROM itself) An executable flash-all.bat file is also included, which is basically a script instructing fastboot as to each and every partition to be flashed.

Because the TextNow Moto G3 was shipped with Android 5.1.1 firmware, and because no firmware update or OTA has since been released for the TextNow variant, many key firmware components are outdated (e.g., Baseband, Bootloader, Partition Index, Radio Firmware, WLAN Drivers, etc). I have compiled this stock MM ROM in fastboot flashable format to ensure that all relevant firmware partitions are updated during installation of the stock ROM. Future releases of this ROM, which will center on bug fixes and stability improvements, will be compiled in TWRP flashable zip format.

REQUIREMENTS & INSTRUCTIONS:

1. An Unlocked Bootloader;

2. A Windows PC or Mac;

3. The Android SDK Platform Tools, or, preferably, the latest version of Minimal ADB & Fastboot. Download the program from this link for Windows PC and install once download is complete. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7-zQU1VihD3TnhTNVVVZGZ4bVU/view?usp=drivesdk

4. On your PC or Mac, install the most recently released version of "Motorola Device Manager." This piece of software installs and periodically updates the correct USB Drivers for your Motorola smartphones or tablet. A current version can be downloaded here, on the Motorola/Lenovo website: https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/88481

5. Power on and allow your Moto G3 to boot into the OS. Go to SETINGS, then select ABOUT PHONE, find BUILD NO. and tap it approximately 7 or 8 times until you see a toast confirming that DEVELOPER OPTIONS is enabled. In DEVELOPER OPTIONS, enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging.

6. Once you have downloaded the stock ROM installation & firmware files from the above link, place these files on your PC Desktop, in the same directory/path as ADB/Fastboot. Connect your Moto G3 to your PC or Mac using an OEM or high quality equivalent micro USB to USB syncing/charging cable. In your ADB/Fastboot directory, open a command window by holding the SHIFT key and simultaneously right clicking with your cursor in the folder/directory of the path sought. In this instance, the ADB/Fastboot directory would be correct. In the command window type: "adb reboot bootloader" .....Your device should boot into AP Fastboot mode from the Android OS. If it doesn't, you may manually boot into fastboot mode by first powering off your Moto G3. Then, hold Power and Volume Down simultaneously until the recovery menu appears. From recovery (if stock recovery) simply use Volume Down to navigate to Bootloader option then press Power to select. Once in Fastboot Mode, open another command window in the ADB/Fastboot directory, then type,: "fastboot devices". The command window will return with a string of numbers under an entry titled "connected devices". The numbers are actually your device serial number. (If no numbers are returned following the command, or if a prompt appears saying "waiting.....", then your device is not properly communicating with ADB/Fastboot via your PC or Mac. Try switching USB Ports, switching syncing cables and/or uninstalling/reinstalling Motorola Device Manager.

7. Upon establishing a proper connection between your PC and Moto G3, click on and run the executable file titled "flash-all.bat" (located n the directory of files from the below link), sit back & wait a minute or two. Your Bootloader', Partition Index, Modem, Radio Firmware & Stock Recovery will be updated to Stock Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow. Your /system partition will also be flashed with a series of img_sparsechunk files, updating your Android OS to Stock 6.0.1.

** It should be noted here that once your partition index & bootloader have been updated, you will not have the option to downgrade either of these partitions at a later time. In fact, attempting to downgrade bootloader.img or gpt.bin has been known to result in a hard brick. Your Modem (NON-HLOS.bin) and Radio Firmware (fsg.mbn) may be downgraded with no reported adverse effects.

8. Now, you will need to root your stock Marshmallow OS. (Many of the addon pre-installed applications on this stock ROM require superuser access.) To root the ROM, you will need to flash SuperSU v2.79 systemless root .zip via TWRP recovery. Links for both files are here:

[MENTION=6485916]squid2[/MENTION]'s TWRP v3.0.2-r5: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7-zQU1VihD3ajYwR25xZ3dFT3c/view?usp=drivesdk

[MENTION=631273]Chainfire[/MENTION]'s SuperSU v2.79 Systemless Mode zip: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7-zQU1VihD3VFBidGk4SjFkQUE/view?usp=drivesdk

9. Upon initial boot, setup, etc., go ahead and update your PRL & Data Profile to ensure your versions are the most recent. Under SETTINGS, scroll down to SYSTEM UPDATES. Turn WiFi off and Cellular Data on. First choose the option to update your PRL. Once successfully updated, choose the update Profile option. A reboot will be necessary in order for these changes to take effect.

Add-ons Included (in /system/apps) & Credits:

TextNow v5.3.0 by TextNow, Inc.

SuperSU v2.79 by [MENTION=631273]Chainfire[/MENTION]

BusyBox v49 by [MENTION=630155]denys[/MENTION] Vlesenko

Fast Cleaner v3.2.8 by the [MENTION=1039731]OPDA Team[/MENTION]

Kernel Adiutor-Mod v1.0-07/18/2016 by [MENTION=2358906]yoinx[/MENTION]

CyanogenMod 13 File Manager v3.0.0 by The CyanogenMod Team

Google Nexus MM Boot Animation (Dark Theme)

Nova Launcher v 5.0.3 by [MENTION=1372738]teslacoil[/MENTION] Software

Candy Icons v2.3.3 [MENTION=1910578]Vukasin[/MENTION] Andelkovic

VIPER4ARISE FX v2.5.0.5 by VIPER ACOUSTICS & A.R.I.S.E SOUND SYSTEMS

Esira Music Player v1.0 by [MENTION=6900870]A.R.I.S.E[/MENTION] SOUND SYSTEMS

I also want to say a huge thanks to [MENTION=1969772]dearmasfamily[/MENTION] for his TextNow based stock Android compilations on the Moto E LTE 2015 (xt1526). His modifications to apns-config.xml and eri.xml on the Moto E LTE were a lifesaver during my network configurations for TextNow on the Moto G3. And thanks to [MENTION=6485916]squid2[/MENTION] for his hard work on custom kernels for Osprey. His detailed explanations on boot image support have given me a much broader understanding of the systemless root methodology. Finally, [MENTION=5781153]ResistanceIsFutile[/MENTION], your keen eye for detail, research, and general editing skills have been invaluable. Thank you.