This week, my two major smart devices - laptop and mobile phone - have undergone major system changes. During this process, I have had many thoughts and feel it is necessary to record them.
Helplessness in the Face of Android 11's New Architecture#
After a week of waiting, my newly purchased Redmi Note 10 Pro has finally been successfully unlocked and can be used for flashing. Originally, I planned to replace the system of the new phone with the European version because I prefer simplicity. The domestic version of the system has many functions that I don't need, as well as advertisements inserted in various strange places, and some customized third-party applications provided as system applications, which I don't really like. The European version of MIUI is also based on the domestic version of MIUI, but it is simplified and saves the effort of installing Google framework. Therefore, I eagerly downloaded the corresponding flash package and prepared to flash the phone following the process of "flashing recovery - factory reset - flashing system".
However, I was still stuck in my old "experience" and haven't been in touch with new systems and features for a long time. The new virtual-AB partition method used by Android 11 directly cancels the recovery partition, and flashing through recovery has become a thing of the past 😭😭 (it will prompt "partition not exists").
So I sought alternative methods, but unfortunately, the line flash package provided by xiaomi.eu does not have version 12.5. Using the official international version of Xiaomi's line flash package will result in AntiRollBack errors and device mismatch errors (the domestic code name is "chopin" and the international code name is "sweet"). According to extensive search results, I found that some experts have already provided a solution, which is to integrate TWRP into the boot.img and directly flash the boot partition, so that the corresponding boot can be performed and then TWRP can be used for flashing. However, I still don't understand the underlying principles in this area, so I will wait for someone to figure it out and then use it myself.
The biggest realization from this incident is that technological development is truly changing rapidly. If I only hold on to the outdated technologies I know and don't keep learning with the continuous advancement of technology, I will eventually be overwhelmed by the tide of technological progress. I must always maintain a mindset of continuous learning.
There was also a small episode. I thought that since I couldn't flash the recovery partition, I might as well flash the boot partition. As a result, my phone became bricked after using "fastboot flash boot twrp.img". Later, I realized that I shouldn't mess around without understanding the principles.
New Discoveries in Upgrading to Windows 11#
Since Windows 11 started pushing the latest versions through Insider Preview, I wanted to use the new system as soon as possible to experience it. However, I didn't have the corresponding upgrade channel due to hardware reasons. After checking, I finally discovered that it was a TPM issue.
So I went into the BIOS and carefully examined each option. Finally, I found that I had never noticed this option before, and it was hidden by default for the operating system. At the same time, I also solved the virtualization problem, so I no longer encountered errors when installing emulators.
Although Microsoft still prompts that I haven't met their recommended upgrade standards, I was able to smoothly change the channel and accept the push, and I started using Windows 11 with system updates. Windows 11 is about 6GB smaller than Windows 10, so I finally have some extra space on my already tight C drive. This version seems to only have UI adjustments, and I haven't really felt any major changes in the system. If I have to mention something, I found that I can directly view the files of the Linux subsystem through File Explorer. However, with the upgrade, the system performance seems to have slightly decreased, and there are some strange bugs. I have successfully sent feedback and hope it will be considered.
If developers and the companies behind them can listen to feedback and users can send feedback in a timely manner, it will be a win-win situation for both service providers and recipients.