Bluetooth Tethering ROM for the Omate TrueSmart

As we’ve touched upon in the past, MediaTek-based devices are more often than not a world of hurt for aftermarket developers. No, the devices built upon MediaTek platforms aren’t inherently bad. Rather, MediaTek themselves willfully fails to comply with GPL requirements by requiring a paid “Source Code License” in order to obtain code that should be freely available under the GPLv2 license terms.

The Omate TrueSmart was launched earlier this year at CES 2014. But while the device has been otherwise highly regarded, it is unfortunately based on the MediaTek MTK6572 SoC. Because of this, development for the device has been an uphill battle. But when talented developers like XDA Senior Recognized Developer Dees_Troy are on the task, not even MediaTek can get in the way of device modification and enhancement.

While the Omate TrueSmart offers solid functionality out of the box, the stock ROM lacks certain features that power users would find handy such as full native Bluetooth tethering to your smartphone. In addition to the working Bluetooth tethering, the ROM features a fully working settings app that allows users to modify account settings, various build.prop tweaks, and root via SuperSU.

Adding Bluetooth tethering functionality has proven difficult, as no freely available source code exists. But using source code for a different device based on the same MTK6572 SoC, Dees_Troy  managed to get it working on the TrueSmart. Unfortunately, Bluetooth tethering had to be slowed down in order to prevent the driver from crashing. And even when slowed down, the operation is still somewhat unstable and may disconnect from time to time. However, this is still a very major step forward for development on the TrueSmart.

If you own a TrueSmart and wish to get a bit more out of it with a custom ROM, head over to the original thread and give this build a try!

source: xdadevelopers