Run your Android from SSD/HDD on ODROID-HC4

[tobetter]

Let me introduce you one interesting feature that Android team of Hardkernel had researched recently, which is to operate Android system on SSD or HDD disk rather than eMMC/SD/NAND memory. This sounds something weird since most Android system in the market are shipped in eMMC or NAND flash memory with the device such as a mobile or a media box. One small issue to operate the Android on silicon component is the storage capacity.

Prerequisistes

• Petitboot (v20201218 and later) - click

• Hardkernel stock Android selfinstall image (v20201221) - click

How to apply Android selfinstall on ODROID-HC4
This is a bit hard compare to other Android system since ODROID-HC4 does not have USB OTG port and the target storage what we are trying to install is a generic storage. Therefore, you need to use different method unlike other ODROID SBC.

• Method #1 - Use USB-to-SATA adapter to flash the selfinstall image to your SSD/HDD from a desktop/laptop

• Method #2 - Flash the selfinstall image on ODROID-HC4 using ODROID Etcher that can run on Hardkernel stock Ubuntu Mate 20.04

Once the selfinstall image is flashed to your SSD/HDD and the Petitboot is upgrade to v20201218 and later, attach the storage to ODROID-HC4 and power up. The Petitboot on ODROID-HC4 will show you the Android selfinstall image and it will start to install Android. After installation is complete, everything is same as usual Android and features are identical to the version for ODROID-C4.

Pros & Cons using Android over SDD/HDD
The large capacity in low cost relatively to eMMC/SD, but the tradeoff is the I/O performance. It would be a good approach to run Android on high capacity storage if you are planning to run Android as a file server or playing an game emulator with tons rom files. Multiple OS installation in a storage is also feasible.

Please note...
This is an experimental feature what we are thinking of good to be supported with ODROID. Due to the limited effort in short development term, this features would not be stable enough to satisfy you or could be discontinued.

We are welcome your inputs.

[istanbulls]

I tried it, I had a great experience, an interesting experience.
It has minor flaws, but it works more stable and smooth than I expected.

Thanks @tobetter.

[istanbulls]

Android and multiple OS on SSD with Petitboot.

[tobetter]

@istanbulls, if there is an awards ceremony, I would give you "The master of the PETITBOOT".

[istanbulls]

@istanbulls, if there is an awards ceremony, I would give you "The master of the PETITBOOT".

thanks @tobetter,
I just eat it with great taste, you are the amazing cook who makes the food.