Database Develop

HTC Kaiser Reviews (add yours!)

Guys,
Lets help our campaign by writing a bad review of HTC Kaiser here:
HTC Kaiser at Amazon.com
And dont forget to click "Yes" on Was this review helpful to you?
Say that you own it (yes you are!) and how you dont like it due to the performance and drivers issue (and other issues like BT, etc.).
Note that you should be honest about the review.
If you think you like the Kaiser/Tilt the way it is now, then it is good for you (be happy!).
However, if you are not satisfied with the device (and/or HTC), you feel cheated by HTC, please put your voice out (write a review).
Dont tell lie, just express your feelings about it.
If you still dont get it, check HTCClassAction
Other reviews :
Expansys.com
ATTWireless.com
Newegg.com
Amazon.co.uk

(Edit: replaced duplicate post with cross-link)
For some background on the purpose of this thread, read this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1861963&postcount=865

Good idea to get everyone to post bad reviews, but PLEASE make sure that the reviews are honest and can be substantiated. The last thing we want is for HTC to point out that we have been organising a slander campaign.

Thanks gogol for starting this thread. Remember everyone, it's not just the Kaiser that's suffering from this issue. Here's the complete list:
http://www.htcclassaction.org/devices.php
If you own any of these devices, you're entitled to share your experience with other potential buyers.
Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/102-2541160-4372107?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=htc
Amazon.co.uk:
http://amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss_w_h_?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=htc
Epinions.com:
http://www.epinions.com/search/?sub...arch_vertical=all&tax_name=&search_string=htc
What are some other sites you've used to research tech devices, where we can add consumer reviews?

ach2 said:
Good idea to get everyone to post bad reviews, but PLEASE make sure that the reviews are honest and can be substantiated. The last thing we want is for HTC to point out that we have been organising a slander campaign.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely. Thank you for mentioning that ach2. I've tried to also make that clear in every one of my comments. DO NOT POST false accusations or be unfair. And do not post about devices you don't own or haven't observed any issues with. Don't mark a post as Helpful unless you feel it is correct and helpful. (For example, I saw a negative review stating that WM6 is a bad OS. I do not personally feel that way, so I did not mark the review as helpful to me. Likewise, in my own review I did not mention Bluetooth or speakerphone issues because I have not had a bad experience with those aspects of my device.)
Simply put, if you write a review, be honest.

Couldn't agree more. Thats why I've kept my review simple and have referenced the website:
www.htcclassaction.org.
I suggest everyone else should do the same. If the website keeps popping up people will go and some may even read!!
Be warned that it can take from 1 - 6 days for the review to appear.
Other useful things are to rate 5 star reviews as "not helpful" and poor reviews as "helpful" to help dissuade people from this crippled platform.

Whats the point in this may I ask.
What exactly is the issue with the kaiser as I cannot see any issues with the one I have from vodafone. It does all I want it to do and it does it very well and quickly enough for me not to worry if its being slow.
The device is technically a PDA, it does email, office, internet, and a host of other things, its not a TV, or a portable dvd player or an ipod.
Whats the point in slating the device on amazon if this affects the way htc operates and affects its business.
I wonder if people writing these reviews have looked at the bigger picture.
I would suggest if you do not like the device and have issues with it, then maybe the device is not the most ideal device for you.

Tom Williams said:
I would suggest if you do not like the device and have issues with it, then maybe the device is not the most ideal device for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see your point Tom. However, if I have an issue with the way the device was marketed to me -- which is contrary to the way the device actually performs -- then I am also entitled to share my opinion with others. Because "if the device is not the most ideal device" for me, then it probably isn't for others either. I wish someone had told me about these problems before I signed a 2-year agreement. Therefore, I'm going to let others know so they can make a truly informed decision before they do the same. After all, isn't that the point of reviews, good or bad?
I would suggest that if you DO like the device, you offer a well-thought-out, positive review about the device. That's fair!
Edit:
Tom Williams said:
What exactly is the issue with the kaiser as I cannot see any issues with the one I have from vodafone. It does all I want it to do and it does it very well and quickly enough for me not to worry if its being slow.
The device is technically a PDA, it does email, office, internet, and a host of other things, its not a TV, or a portable dvd player or an ipod.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're completely satisfied with your device then don't go looking for faults. However, if you want understand the real issue (and I respectfully add that your comment about it being a media device suggests that you don't understand the real issue yet), then go to http://www.htcclassaction.org/misunderstandings.php. This lays out the real problem that people are upset with... and will probably change your opinion about your device. You've been warned.

lol, some of the 1 star reviews on amazon are just too funny.
"I also have not been able to figure out how to add a number to the address book? Menu> add new, would be my guess, but that's not it, and I haven't figured it out yet. (As an advanced IT guy, I should be able to figure out even something not apparent in a couple of minutes, but not so). "
I dont remember too well, but i think there's a "new" softkey right next to the "menu" softkey

This has been discussed and debated many times.
Just read over http://www.htcclassaction.org
If you dont agree with this move or campaign, then it is not for you.
So, please leave this thread.
Tom Williams said:
Whats the point in this may I ask.
What exactly is the issue with the kaiser as I cannot see any issues with the one I have from vodafone. It does all I want it to do and it does it very well and quickly enough for me not to worry if its being slow.
The device is technically a PDA, it does email, office, internet, and a host of other things, its not a TV, or a portable dvd player or an ipod.
Whats the point in slating the device on amazon if this affects the way htc operates and affects its business.
I wonder if people writing these reviews have looked at the bigger picture.
I would suggest if you do not like the device and have issues with it, then maybe the device is not the most ideal device for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Tom Williams said:
Whats the point in this may I ask.
What exactly is the issue with the kaiser as I cannot see any issues with the one I have from vodafone. It does all I want it to do and it does it very well and quickly enough for me not to worry if its being slow.
The device is technically a PDA, it does email, office, internet, and a host of other things, its not a TV, or a portable dvd player or an ipod.
Whats the point in slating the device on amazon if this affects the way htc operates and affects its business.
I wonder if people writing these reviews have looked at the bigger picture.
I would suggest if you do not like the device and have issues with it, then maybe the device is not the most ideal device for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the newbies just joining the forum may i present Exhibit A, the above post, which I will mark "How to jump in without bothering to look at the issue"
FYI if i buy a car that is marketed with a turbo and then the car maker don't actually connect the turbo up (AND DON'T TELL YOU!) do I have the right to be annoyed? If I buy a computer with the latest gee whizz graphics and it then refuses to run in anything but safe mode should I be a tad peeved??
HTC have marketed this "PDA" as having a "rich multimedia experience" to quote one part of their advertising blurb. So I think it is not unreasonable for this device to fulfil these expectations.
Over here its called "false advertising".
With regards to "the big picture" I would respectfully point you to the previously mentioned website so you can perhaps educate and inform yourself. I will live in hope but I won't hold my breath.
Oh and the point of the amazon campaign is very simple - to stop people who want a gadget that does everything from spending their hard earned cash - god only knows we work damn hard for it and its not too much to expect a company that has made massive profits not to FLEECE US.
rant over.

getwilde said:
What are some other sites you've used to research tech devices, where we can add consumer reviews?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Expansys UK is another site where users can leave reviews. Particularly good site to post a review on as their homepage has the TyTN 2 on it, with a "Most popular" sticker on it.
However, their reviews are moderated before posting and the review I submitted three weeks ago has yet to see the light of day - perhaps a little too honest for the censors (sorry, I mean moderators)

This move to orchestrate mass negative reviews on another site (Amazon)will be considered malicious and counter-productive in several ways:
1.
It may be harmful to the class action moves because it shows an intent to damage sales on the as yet "unproven" case by organising the hijack of the Amazon site's review system that by all accounts has shown little but positive reviews by those who have "genuinely" purchased from that site.
2.
It implicates XDA-Developers in conspiratorial manipulation of a third party site.
3
It defeats our purpose which is to persuade HTC by petition and class action to produce the drivers we would like. This action is a direct attack on sales that will be permanent - in as much as the reviews folk post on Amazon will remain there even if HTC respond to pressure and produce suitable drivers. It is not persuasive from HTC's point of view, if they continue to lose sales regardless of whether they produce the drivers or not.
I feel this kind of action falls below the standards of an honest campaign, as already started and now being reported elsewhere (other sites). The pressure is being put on by up-front means and is gaining support.
However, conspiring to manipulate product reviews elsewhere will not necessarily be looked on favorably be Amazon, HTC AT&T and other providers and if as I think likely the wider press begins to take notice of the campaign, this will be a shabby episode and ammunition for HTC.
My personal point of view - this kind of action is going in the wrong direction. Let's make our case for the drivers and make it well, we need to keep the moral high ground. If we are making a case that we have been "wronged" then we don't want to be seen scrabbling around in the muck of petty review rigging at Amazon.
Mike

mikechannon said:
This move to orchestrate mass negative reviews on another site (Amazon)will be considered malicious and counter-productive in several ways:
1.
It may be harmful to the class action moves because it shows an intent to damage sales on the as yet "unproven" case by organising the hijack of the Amazon site's review system that by all accounts has shown little but positive reviews by those who have "genuinely" purchased from that site.
2.
It implicates XDA-Developers in conspiratorial manipulation of a third party site.
3
It defeats our purpose which is to persuade HTC by petition and class action to produce the drivers we would like. This action is a direct attack on sales that will be permanent - in as much as the reviews folk post on Amazon will remain there even if HTC respond to pressure and produce suitable drivers. It is not persuasive from HTC's point of view, if they continue to lose sales regardless of whether they produce the drivers or not.
I feel this kind of action falls below the standards of an honest campaign, as already started and now being reported elsewhere (other sites). The pressure is being put on by up-front means and is gaining support.
However, conspiring to manipulate product reviews elsewhere will not necessarily be looked on favorably be Amazon, HTC AT&T and other providers and if as I think likely the wider press begins to take notice of the campaign, this will be a shabby episode and ammunition for HTC.
My personal point of view - this kind of action is going in the wrong direction. Let's make our case for the drivers and make it well, we need to keep the moral high ground. If we are making a case that we have been "wronged" then we don't want to be seen scrabbling around in the muck of petty review rigging at Amazon.
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you go on and slander and make unsubstantiated claims that is one thing, however, as long as your factual and honest I see no harm in posting a review of the device. Most reviews on these sites are people justifying their expensive purchase by giving it 5 stars and writing about how its the best thing ever. The choppy video performance, touchscreen lags, etc are all facts and the consumer should be aware of these problems before purchasing. I wish some of these reviews were out there before I made my purchase.

mikechannon said:
This move to orchestrate mass negative reviews on another site (Amazon)will be considered malicious and counter-productive in several ways:
1.
It may be harmful to the class action moves because it shows an intent to damage sales on the as yet "unproven" case by organising the hijack of the Amazon site's review system that by all accounts has shown little but positive reviews by those who have "genuinely" purchased from that site.
2.
It implicates XDA-Developers in conspiratorial manipulation of a third party site.
3
It defeats our purpose which is to persuade HTC by petition and class action to produce the drivers we would like. This action is a direct attack on sales that will be permanent - in as much as the reviews folk post on Amazon will remain there even if HTC respond to pressure and produce suitable drivers. It is not persuasive from HTC's point of view, if they continue to lose sales regardless of whether they produce the drivers or not.
I feel this kind of action falls below the standards of an honest campaign, as already started and now being reported elsewhere (other sites). The pressure is being put on by up-front means and is gaining support.
However, conspiring to manipulate product reviews elsewhere will not necessarily be looked on favorably be Amazon, HTC AT&T and other providers and if as I think likely the wider press begins to take notice of the campaign, this will be a shabby episode and ammunition for HTC.
My personal point of view - this kind of action is going in the wrong direction. Let's make our case for the drivers and make it well, we need to keep the moral high ground. If we are making a case that we have been "wronged" then we don't want to be seen scrabbling around in the muck of petty review rigging at Amazon.
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm afraid I don't agree.
1) "Intent to damage sales". EVERYTHING that we have done could be interpreted as an intent to damage sales. By its very definition that is what negative publicity does.
2) How are we manipulating amazon? All we are doing is encouraging people with kaisers to publish a negative review of their under-performing product. It would be vote rigging/product manipulation if I got my friends who DONT own kaisers to post reviews. If and its a big IF we ever get these drivers I will be the first in line to ask for my review to be withdrawn on the grounds it is no longer accurate.
With regards to this so-called "honest campaign" what exactly does that mean?? We have started a website, we are posting our reviews of our device and referencing the htcclassaction website. How is this in any way dishonest?
At the end of the day some people have paid up to $700 for this "product" and they are entitled to be heard be it through htcclassaction or via the posting of a negative review. How is this any different to when a "reputable" website posts an negative review of a product??
We have made our case for the drivers and we have been told in no uncertain terms to **** off. This needs to be brought to the wider (Read: non-techie) public and one of the ways of doing this is the posting on more consumer orientated websites such as amazon.

I added a negative (but accurate) review on amazon a few days ago, which is showing up for the TYTN II.

I'm sorry mikechannon, but I disagree with you.
First of all, it is not "permanent", as you say. Your own review is editable. If HTC releases drivers, I will gladly change my review. I actually look forward to changing it. If they don't release drivers, my review stays negative.
Secondly, how is giving a perfectly honest and appropriate negative review any different than emailing weblogs like Engadget and Gizmodo to bring attention to it, or starting a website called "HTCClassAction", or having numerous threads going, regarding this issue, in the Kiaser forum here on XDA - arguably the biggest and most influential HTC community forum in the english language?
It is not any different. It is all bad publicity, and frankly, there needs to be more of it. HTC's press release basically said:
"Well, you caught us, we didn't support the included hardware, but we aren't going to fix it. If you want that functionality you are going to have to buy the next device we release."
Apparently they are not familiar with advertising laws in the US. And I quote from their HTC America website:
"Rich media experience with AT&T Mobile Music, Video, TV and games"
We can all agree the media experience is anything but "rich".
The only caution I would have for people giving negative reviews is to do so on the appropriate Amazon domain. If you are a UK or European customer, do it on Amazon UK. If you are in the US and on AT&T, do it on Amazon.com.

If the review is an honest review, then I have to say then the more reviews the better.
I for one wish I had known about the driver issues prior to purchase and prior to signing up for a two year agreement with AT&T.
Isn't the point of these Amazon reviews to point out that a device may have problems?

Dont forget to write reviews on sites such as www.newegg.com and www.buy.com that sell a LOT of these phones.

Guys, there's not much point in continuing to argue about mikechannon's post. He's shown himself to be an HTC fanboy with not much good sense in many of his recent posts. Best to just ignore him and move on. I've posted what I feel is a fairly impartial review on amazon and epinions. Don't forget to review the Tilt as well, since it's sold under that moniker a lot under Amazon.

Looking for Editors.. Paid Job

Hi,
I am Wen. Alot of you know me for either working on XDA's front page or WMPoweruser.
Well I am looking for someone that would be willing to work for one of my sites.
The site is new, and I just made it last night after being bored.
The site is a general phone site, so can talk about any phone news, which means your job is really easy.
All you do is:
Find 10 interesting news anywhere in the web about phones( I like smartphones more than dumb phones, but either works)
Write about it.. with good English and grammar.
Post it or schedule it to post the next day 1 hour apart.
This job isn't hard, and you will get paid for it. And if your good enough, you will either get a raise or I will find a bigger higher paying site for you, but only if you work hard.
What are the benefits of being an editor. Well you get to review phones(right now, I have the Palm Pre, Pixi, Motorola Droid, Devour and more. all to review). you get free things(right now I have the Jabra Stone, and Jabra Halo).
You can have all that if you work hard enough, and this job doesnt require much.
My pay can be discussed if you PM me.
BTW you might want to know that site you will write for:
MobileBlab
Its only 24 Hours old ​

A couple qualifying questions...is this US-based equipment? How do you anticipate to have the editor experience the technology first hand so they can write about it. I'm sure that you don't want someone to write about things second-hand. I mention this because you cannot steal photos and stories from others without subscribing to their site or network.

you read sites and write news... i dont need a reviewer just yet. and yes usa

Which is the same thing, you should not be stealing stories from other sites or write about news second hand. You've got to be able to put up stories that don't exist elsewhere, especially in the digital world today. What you need is underground sources that can feed information to your "editors" to put out stories. The only way to take second-hand information, from stories that already exist on the web, and use them to your advantage is to aim your site at a specific section of the market. Even then, you need permission to run the story and pictures.
A perfect example is Tmonews.com. They take stories and just publish the ones that are relevant to T-Mobile users. A generic phone site won't catch on.
I DO, however, have an idea that will catch on because I'm not seeing it elsewhere right now and it would be the perfect time to market the site. PM me if what I say makes sense and you're interested.

I am not quite sure what your saying because all the sites do that.. its not called stealing unless you dont link back to them.... Engadget is the biggest example alot of their news are from other sites.. so they just link to them and use the news.
So... ya.
But I will PM you to see what you have to say
rorytmeadows said:
Which is the same thing, you should not be stealing stories from other sites or write about news second hand. You've got to be able to put up stories that don't exist elsewhere, especially in the digital world today. What you need is underground sources that can feed information to your "editors" to put out stories. The only way to take second-hand information, from stories that already exist on the web, and use them to your advantage is to aim your site at a specific section of the market. Even then, you need permission to run the story and pictures.
A perfect example is Tmonews.com. They take stories and just publish the ones that are relevant to T-Mobile users. A generic phone site won't catch on.
I DO, however, have an idea that will catch on because I'm not seeing it elsewhere right now and it would be the perfect time to market the site. PM me if what I say makes sense and you're interested.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I'm not a news follower but rather a tweaker/tester kind of guy. I share my discoveries with the rest of the world with nice tutorials.
If you need someone to write easy-to-follow guides or to review phones (I tried every platform but WebOS and Nokia's), then I'm your man. You can see samples of what I write on my blog (blog.nicolasbouliane.com).
UPDATE: By the way, you won't get many visitors with copypasta since most people refer to a single site for these news (generally Gizmodo) and won't like reading the same stuff a day later on another blog. A simple description with a referal (à-la Lifehacker) will do the job for anything that's not original content. You should instead try getting visits from Googlers looking for a specific topic.

I would be very interested in this type of position. Where would I need to submit a sample of my work? FYI, hiring a woman with tech knowledge is very chic these days

So you girls really do exist!

Really, a female.. great ill PM you... now I need One more.. and If I get more than 1, I have more than 1 sites... I have http://theandroidfeed.com and http://mobileosnews.com

count me in I'm pretty there when it comes to phone news
what do I have to do generally

I still think you should be more specific in your market.
Answer this question: Why should I go to mobileblab over engadget, mobilecrunch, techcrunch, cnet, wmexperts, or coolsmartphone?

rorytmeadows said:
I still think you should be more specific in your market.
Answer this question: Why should I go to mobileblab over engadget, mobilecrunch, techcrunch, cnet, wmexperts, or coolsmartphone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well engadget, cnet, == iphone bias and I know when I read a phone review site I get tired of those biases personally
taking a look at mobileblab I think it has potential but that's just my opinion of course...gotta start somewhere

rorytmeadows said:
I still think you should be more specific in your market.
Answer this question: Why should I go to mobileblab over engadget, mobilecrunch, techcrunch, cnet, wmexperts, or coolsmartphone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very true, but that was the same question that was answered when Engadget and Mobilecrunch linked stories to my other site....
Engadget doesnt post as much news as my other site does.. and ya, thats why I have a regular reader base, because the readers know this.

domineus said:
well engadget, cnet, == iphone bias
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hate Apple and I've never seen that bias before.

Cnet, just watch their comperison videos.. Iphone never losses.. but not much Engadget.. but Gizmodo does.

iFanboys taking over the tech media?

Just saw this article this morning.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/oct/25/google-android-copy-ios
Why don't any of them ask apple if they copied all those features in iOS 5 from android?
Is the tech media being overtaken by ifanboys?

+1
the most obvious answer is Yes!

I see just as many blind and ignorant followers of android as I do iOS. Don't believe me? Look in any "google vs..." thread and you'll get a ton of posts that are just "android all da way" or "ifone sux, android rocks" or similar crap. All tech blogs have their biased journalists and all sites have their intelligent members. To pin all the stupid people on iOS though is just wrong.

goodintentions said:
Just saw this article this morning.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/oct/25/google-android-copy-ios
Why don't any of them ask apple if they copied all those features in iOS 5 from android?
Is the tech media being overtaken by ifanboys?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.
Due to what has gone before, the media use apple products (in that many moons ago, apple computers were marginally better for media use than PCs, or at least that's the impression they tried to give).
Therefore you have a media who know more about the existance of apple's products compared with say HTC's products.
Therefore they believe the hype that apple makes things first, and apple products are top of the range.
After all, can you see a journalist slating apple only to then be told "so why do you use apple products then?"
No journalist likes to be made to look like a fool.

Not being funny but, regardless of like or dislike, if someone was questioning me with the implied tones that "article" tries to convey I'd probably have punched the SOB right in the kisser!

Intratech said:
Not being funny but, regardless of like or dislike, if someone was questioning me with the implied tones that "article" tries to convey I'd probably have punched the SOB right in the kisser!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. Take a look at this quote from article.
or the extra features added to the Notifications bar in Android – were copying iOS, he responded: "I'm not going to get into this."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ifanboy writer actually had no clue we've been using the notification bar since day one.

Love how people in the comments are arguing about who had the camera from lockscreen idea first when I had it October of last year on my wp7 device.

I just found this blog by Charles Arthur, the same guy who was ignorant enough to think apple invented notification bar.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2011/jan/05/asus-tablets-unveiled
So, he was there at asus debut of the various products. Interesting that even that early in the game Charley was criticizing asus products even before he got his hands on them. He had to put negative connotations to everything Shih presented.
Sounds like an apple fanboy to me.

Do I really have to say it?
---------- Post added at 04:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:50 PM ----------
and all the media types are iFan cheerleaders anyway.

goodintentions said:
Just saw this article this morning.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/oct/25/google-android-copy-ios
Why don't any of them ask apple if they copied all those features in iOS 5 from android?
Is the tech media being overtaken by ifanboys?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes its been like that for years due to the reson xaccers has already mentioned. Good to see more people are noticing the bias.

goodintentions said:
Just saw this article this morning.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/oct/25/google-android-copy-ios
Why don't any of them ask apple if they copied all those features in iOS 5 from android?
Is the tech media being overtaken by ifanboys?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pretty sure yes. That proves that today's people are stupid enough to worship "dead" Jobs as a god.

z33dev33l said:
I see just as many blind and ignorant followers of android as I do iOS. Don't believe me? Look in any "google vs..." thread and you'll get a ton of posts that are just "android all da way" or "ifone sux, android rocks" or similar crap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you noticed that those posts all come from people with a very low post count? I guess it never occurred to you to you that they're only making those posts to reach the 10 post mark, so that they can post in the dev sections.
Oh, and to address the title question... should be obvious what I'll answer: yes.

Gusar321 said:
Have you noticed that those posts all come from people with a very low post count? I guess it never occurred to you to you that they're only making those posts to reach the 10 post mark, so that they can post in the dev sections.
Oh, and to address the title question... should be obvious what I'll answer: yes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and they posted questions in dev section...

White Nexus 5

Check it out posted on the verge http://www.theverge.com/2013/10/27/5034992/google-nexus-5-smartphone-white-color-leak
Sorry if old/boring/uninteresting
Looks nice but i'd rather the frame be white swell rather the just the back

Roxas598 said:
Sorry if old/boring/uninteresting
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You forgot unnecessary new thread in the mix.

[email protected] said:
You forgot unnecessary new thread in the mix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh really? Meh!

Roxas598 said:
Oh really? Meh!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, this is already being talked about in the designated leak threads.

JCreazy said:
Yeah, this is already being talked about in the designated leak threads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aww damn sorry I did a search beforehand but I obviously didn't search hard enough

I heard it was possibly fake, not sure though

rohithaip said:
I heard it was possibly fake, not sure though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it doesn't come from Google there's a high chance its fake
Sent from my supercharged LGOG

javskies said:
If it doesn't come from Google there's a high chance its fake
Sent from my supercharged LGOG
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, I have to stop relying on unofficial sources.

It's an obvious fake, look at the camera and power button position on the first and third image.

SetPT said:
It's an obvious fake, look at the camera and power button position on the first and third image.
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There's a reason that reputable sites like The Verge and Android Police are referencing it from evleaks twitter account. evleaks has been in the game for a long time and is rarely wrong about anything he posts. It's usually a safe bet that if he puts it out there, then it's going to come to pass.

Watcher07 said:
There's a reason that reputable sites like The Verge and Android Police are referencing it from evleaks twitter account. evleaks has been in the game for a long time and is rarely wrong about anything he posts. It's usually a safe bet that if he puts it out there, then it's going to come to pass.
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What i'm trying to say is there is something wrong with that leak.
Maybe we'll have a white nexus 5, maybe not (most certaintly yes), but the inconsistency in the image is visible.

I would not say verge and android police are reputable sites.
These guys just follow the standard blogging information dissemination of re-posting the same info/stuff everywhere.
That being said I'm definitely getting a white nexus.

It is NOT a fake.
Look at the official black render from the Google Play Store page, it have the "issue" about powerbutton and camera too. It is simply an error that comes from LG/Google

the1onewolf said:
I would not say verge and android police are reputable sites.
These guys just follow the standard blogging information dissemination of re-posting the same info/stuff everywhere.
That being said I'm definitely getting a white nexus.
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Not sure why you say they're not reputable sites. They've got a history of fairly accurate reporting, a few "sources" that they can identify legitimacy from, and they tend to pass on things that common blogs gobble up and spew out. Despite all the leaks of release dates as an example, I saw no indication from either of anything until the evleaks post, which many including other sites like Android Central and Engadget use.
Add to that the Google themselves left a message to the Android Police apk teardown team in the code of the latest Google Play Store release before it went live. Watching the G+ Nexus community post blog after blog talking about "unofficial" this and that, with no coverage from sites like Android Central, Android Police, The Verge and Engadget shows that they don't tend to simply post whatever is floating out there, they take their time to vet it.
Like any news outlets, of course they've been fooled a couple of times but overall their accuracy, as well as tact in reporting make them more reputable in my eyes.
And black Nexus 5 for me please, though I will admit that it is the first white phone I've ever even remotely thought of getting.

the1onewolf said:
I would not say verge and android police are reputable sites.
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Show me a more reliable source of information on this phone than Android Police, @evleaks, or The Verge.
None of these sites have ever claimed to know "facts", they simply put the information out there with a disclaimer to "take this with a grain of salt".

the1onewolf said:
I would not say verge and android police are reputable sites.
These guys just follow the standard blogging information dissemination of re-posting the same info/stuff everywhere.
That being said I'm definitely getting a white nexus.
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Remember last year when Google was going to announce the N4 and the event got cancelled because of the giant storm in New York? They invited The Verge's Editor in Chief personally instead and announced it there.

Anyway, kind of brings me back to my original point. Many reputable tech publications across the board follow the evleaks twitter. Head over to his and look at his followers, you'll see many tech giants in there. Take a look at this article that talks more in depth about Evan Blass (evleaks) and you'll see why he's someone that the tech industry pays very close attention to.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/0...rview-with-evan-blass-the-man-behind-evleaks/

Well not to rehash this.
I think what I said was misinterpreted.
There certainly are many reputable sources (industry insiders, distributors, manufactures, people closely connected and etc) out there and evleaks is definitely one of them. When it comes down to exclusives, breaking news and leaks these kinds of sources are generally very reputable because they're in the heart of it and in the know.
However, these blog organizations are just outsiders who just quote reputable sources - in this case they basically just posted what evleaks wrote. In a sense all they did was "retweet" what evleaks. Saying what the other reliable guy say doesn't make you, yourself, a reputable organization. That rep comes from the own content you produce and the way you vet information.
When it comes down it, these blog sites are just all following the same sources on twitter or whatever. Most people here probably follow these same sources as well. These are not exclusive sources who only give your organization exclusive information - this is free information that is posted for all to see and it's just being passed around/circlejerked by all the blog sites and even xda right now.
As for the content these blog sites actually produce. Well the way these blog editors review products is cursory and superficial at best. Whenever, I watch a review posted by a blogging site I can tell they haven't dug deep enough and that's because those guys aren't real industry experts or even "power" users. I'd love it if these guys actually would dive in their products more and even disassemble the products to check the quality of the internal components. I know alot people who use a product heavily or for a particular purpose/industry would really love and appreciate that.
That's where I'm coming from and that's my two cents.
Now back on the subject.
I really hope they do simultaneously release both colors.
I always hate it when they release the white version 3-5 months after.

why do people believe this is real? anyone could accomplish that using photoshop

hello00 said:
why do people believe this is real? anyone could accomplish that using photoshop
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It may be a fake rendering, but the information itself may be real. Evleaks has always been dead on with his stuff in the past, so I think his leak is credible.

Where's the WOW? *Edit: More WOW now with a controller :)

You know, leading up to my purchase of the Gear VR I watched countless Oculus Rift videos where the user was simply dumbfounded, dismayed and amazed by the complete immersion of the experience. Lots of swearing and laughing. A sense of "no longer being in the real world".
The Gear VR has a better screen than the Oculus Rift and the FOV is just slightly less (96 degrees vs 100 degrees). But to be honest, although it's cool, I am NOT getting that WOW moment where I feel I've been transported to another world. I can see pixels, I can see the binocular effect. Yeah it's cool but for me anyway, not remotely immersive. Perhaps 360 videos would be immersive if they weren't so badly out of focus. I can watch quality HD movies in the Cinema but those are movies on a screen - again not immersive - I'm not IN the action. Games come the closest but Android games tend to be a bit on the cartoonish side. Of the games I've played only Anshar and Darknet give me the sense I'm IN the game, Anshar being the best (I really wish they would release the full game - getting tired of playing one level forever).
So are these people in the Oculus videos just easily impressed? Don't get me wrong, the Gear VR is a fun device and worth the $200, but it just isn't AMAZING for me like all those folks in the videos seem to think the Oculus is. Never once have I felt like laughing or swearing or just being giddy at the experience. It's neat, but for me that's about it.
** Update: Turns out the best most immersive games for the GVR (such as Herobound) require a controller. Since I did not own a bluetooth controller previously I was not aware. Herobound is a very impressive VR game and gives a good sense of immersion. Very promising.

Maybe it's like hypnosis. Some people are easier to hypnotize than others. Maybe with VR it is just easier for some people to feel IN the environment than others? Dunno.

I guess the sad thing about the GVR is that we will never have games that can compete with what a PC with graphics card can spit out. There is an app to allow you to play PC games on your Note 4, but the lag over wifi is so bad they are kind of unplayable and you can't hard tether for obvious reasons.

Let it go man. if you dont like it - stop using it. But youve said all there is to say.

stevegee111 said:
Let it go man. if you dont like it - stop using it. But youve said all there is to say.
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Wow, do you actually read posts before responding or just blurt things out? I said on numerous occasions in this thread that I like the GVR and it is worth the money, it just isn't the WOW experience I was hoping for. My advice to you, since you're new and clearly don't know better, is read the words someone has said before commenting on them.
SMH

Actually there is one experience for me that does have the WOW immersive feeling. It is the Lunar Theater in Oculus Cinema. When the lights come up just looking at that is so amazing. I don't care about silly fuzzy 360 videos, give me more content like THAT, not only to sit and look at but to roam and explore. Even have a moon monster or two jump out at me.

...and your point is?
the gear VR is a fun early adopter thing to experience the current status quo of VR. its impressive in some ways, not so much in others. thus the "innovator edition", thus no finished product on the open market yet from neither samsung nor oculus nor anybody else, thus the very transparent "this is only for people who like to come along for the ride early on" policy. the paths to better products is known, the technology is not quite there yet, but its already a lot of fun for some, and less fun for others. the end.
not sure what youre trying to accomplish here.

zorglub667 said:
...and your point is?
the gear VR is a fun early adopter thing to experience the current status quo of VR. its impressive in some ways, not so much in others. thus the "innovator edition", thus no finished product on the open market yet from neither samsung nor oculus nor anybody else, thus the very transparent "this is only for people who like to come along for the ride early on" policy. the paths to better products is known, the technology is not quite there yet, but its already a lot of fun for some, and less fun for others. the end.
not sure what youre trying to accomplish here.
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Um, did you READ the OP? Let me explain again. I am responding to the fact videos I have seen of people using the Oculus Rift (which has an inferior screen to this) that has them utterly gobsmacked. They laugh, they swear, they are AMAZED. Considering this device has a superior image I was expecting the same and am disappointed I have not experienced those emotions.
If you had actually read the OP I wouldn't have to repeat myself.
P.S., They are selling this commercially through BestBuy brick and mortar stores, so let's not pretend this is some alpha unit for "innovators" only, despite the clever name. Other than better content, I doubt future iterations of the Gear VR will be much improved until we get higher res displays.
** Dude, 13 posts in 8 years and you decide to finally pontificate in my thread?

Folks, if you disagree with my viewpoint that is your prerogative, but at least show that you read the words I wrote before commenting. It is clear from the last two individuals that they did not read the OP.

So another thread about the screen door effect ruining the experience for you'? Wasn't it enough to ruin just the one? IF you don't like the experience then sell the device and wait for the Note 5 or 6 (4K/5K screens) and Gear VR2.
The videos are a bit fuzzy I agree, but moving the device closer to your face will definitely increase your FOV (difficult to measure/calculate by just how much). Moving the lens further from your eyes doesn't make the pixel-issue disappear, but instead distorts the outer edges and makes for a worse experience (no wonder you hate it so much; you are lessening the amount of "in-focus" light that reaches your eyes while making the black edges all the more visible).
This is an INNOVATOR's edition and if you fail to see that then you truly shouldn't own one. The experience is the best VR experience we can achieve as of yet, and you aren't apparently able to comprehend that fact, and the fact that people are different; some aren't as anal about pixels being visible as you are, thus the "wow amazing!"-effect they get when using it..

1. i did read your opening post.
2. that some people have no trouble to oversee the obvious resolution shortcomings while others do, and that you in particular are disappointed in the resolution, all that has been discussed many many times now, i would say. would you disagree?
3. it appears you are pretty quick at judging people. my post was not meant as an offense in any way. i must say i found the tone of your reply surprisingly aggressive. we're just chitchatting about a tech gadget here. no reason to get worked up about it.
still fail to see the point in opening yet another thread about the same topic. no idea what youre trying to archieve by this.
yes, we will only get better resolution, once we have small displays with even higher resolution than the current qHD generation. in case anyone didnt know that already...
no, i do not think that the way samsung/oculus sell this is a cheat in any way. i fondly remember the *numerous* disclaimers i had to click through to get mine. rarely has a manufacturer tried so hard to NOT sell me a product
the product isnt even advertised in the slightest. if at all, one could argue that it appears that samsung has been quite surprised by the demand. what little batches they put out seem to have sold out pretty much anywhere rather quickly. so: demand is up even though its so openly communicated to be an prototype-y product, so the usual dynamics of the free marketplace kick in, so bestbuy jumps on the bandwagon. it appears, that many people seem to be fine with the current shortcomings. an argument could be made if they tried to sell this to people without letting them try it out first. to kind of HIDE the real nature of it or something. but that does not seem to be the case anywhere, and i dont find that surprising either - overall, most people really seem to react very much on the "wow, wtf!" side of things. that it didnt wow you, im really sorry and i mean that completely without any sarcasm whatsoever. but i think its enough to discuss this in 2 or 3 threads and opening yet another still seems kind of pointless to me. many people are impressed. you are not. what else is there to say?
oh, btw: ive been around on XDA for a long time (ever since the very early windows mobile days when HTC was still selling its phones not under the HTC brand but labeled as MDA/XDA/whatever). this is an old account i had forgotten and ressurected because i forgot the password of another. if you feel the need to judge people based on something as artificial as a forum post number, well: to each his own.

Toss3 said:
So another thread about the screen door effect ruining the experience for you'? Wasn't it enough to ruin just the one? IF you don't like the experience then sell the device and wait for the Note 5 or 6 (4K/5K screens) and Gear VR2.
The videos are a bit fuzzy I agree, but moving the device closer to your face will definitely increase your FOV (difficult to measure/calculate by just how much). Moving the lens further from your eyes doesn't make the pixel-issue disappear, but instead distorts the outer edges and makes for a worse experience (no wonder you hate it so much; you are lessening the amount of "in-focus" light that reaches your eyes while making the black edges all the more visible).
This is an INNOVATOR's edition and if you fail to see that then you truly shouldn't own one. The experience is the best VR experience we can achieve as of yet, and you aren't apparently able to comprehend that fact, and the fact that people are different; some aren't as anal about pixels being visible as you are, thus the "wow amazing!"-effect they get when using it..
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And thanks for proving my point. You say, "so another thread about screen door effect ruining the experience for you?" Can you please point to me where in my OP I mention screen door effect at all? Right. I don't mention it. Not once.
This is a thread about whether you feel a "sense of immersion" that makes you say WOW. I am pleased that so many of you do. I have now shown this device to 10 people and not a single person has reacted that way. The general reaction has been, "Well, it's kind of cool but not what I expected" I ask them if they feel like they are "there" and not a single person has said yes. Most of my friends are older successful business people who aren't amazed by the latest bit of kit. Maybe older people have a more difficult time entering the VR world because they've been in the real world so long? 3 different people said, "Based upon the videos I've seen online I was expecting more (paraphrasing)".
The one exception, as I mentioned, is the actual theater (not the film but the theater itself) in Oculus Cinema. People thought the moon was the coolest and wondered why there wasn't more content like that. I'm hoping Oculus (or a developer) creates more soon.

BestBuy is now selling this device out of their retail stores with demo units set up in hundreds of locations. They are selling it at full retail. Name one other "beta" product that has ever been sold in this manner? I don't think that setting up store demo's is an attempt to "talk you out of buying this device".
I think by calling it an "Innovator Edition" Samsung is sort of giving themselves a "get out of jail free" card. Yes, here is our "Innovator Edition", don't expect much but oh yeah, we're selling it at BestBuy with demo units for full price. That's fine. They call it marketing. I do like this device and think it is well worth the $200 - as I have stated on numerous occasions which some members apparently miss each and every time.
I think the fact is (as I said in the OP that no one read), some people have more of a suspension of disbelief about VR than others. To me, while cool, most of it just seems like as handy film viewer (which is worthwhile on it's own). This is also the reaction my friends who have seen it give. Perhaps the real problem is simply content. There are some moments which are immersive - which I also stated but everyone seems to miss.
Assuming the GVR is truly a "beta" (it's really not - you don't sell betas in stores), what are people expecting from future products? This is plastic, some lenses, a headstrap and some electronics. Perhaps they will come up with some miracle lenses which parse out all pixelization? I honestly doubt that. The Gear VR is what it will be. What will change is the phone and content.

Here's one thing to keep in mind folks. Very very very few people come to forums such as this to discuss the Gear VR. Those who come tend to be fanboys and enthusiasts, and that's perfectly cool. The mistake people make is that they take the impressions of the few individuals here and project that over the marketplace.
On the other hand I am attempting to see this product through the eyes of the average non-enthusiast consumer. Many here say their friends have loved the product. We tend to associate with those who think as we do. In my own experience, the reaction has been far more muted.
If you wish to comment in this thread, please discuss the topic of immersion. Attacking me is not OT. If you don't like what I have to say, don't read the thread, simple as that.
** I'm wondering if people using the Oculus are having a more immersive experience not because of the technology but because of superior content? Watched a YouTube of a guy playing Assetto Corsa on the Rift and it looked incredible.

Hi folks,
If you don't want to participate in this thread or any other created by the OP or feel that it's not contributing to the well-being of XDA, please don't post. Trolling and arguing is not allowed on any thread. If people would learn to ignore others, possibly there would be less negative back and forth posts. Everyone, please ignoring threads and posts you don't like. Differing opinions are fine and it's ok to disagree with them but it's really not that serious. However, if something is bothering you to the point of distraction, then call a moderator.
Regards

mitchellvii said:
And thanks for proving my point. You say, "so another thread about screen door effect ruining the experience for you?" Can you please point to me where in my OP I mention screen door effect at all? Right. I don't mention it. Not once.
This is a thread about whether you feel a "sense of immersion" that makes you say WOW.
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which is exactly the point where one could argue that thats exactly the same thing. because, why again is it that you feel a lack of immersion? judging from most of your posts, that would be...oh right, the screen door effect.
q.e.d.
mitchellvii said:
I am pleased that so many of you do. I have now shown this device to 10 people and not a single person has reacted that way. The general reaction has been, "Well, it's kind of cool but not what I expected" I ask them if they feel like they are "there" and not a single person has said yes. Most of my friends are older successful business people who aren't amazed by the latest bit of kit. Maybe older people have a more difficult time entering the VR world because they've been in the real world so long? 3 different people said, "Based upon the videos I've seen online I was expecting more (paraphrasing)".
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so, to be a bit more blunt, youre saying that in contrast to these friends of yours, whoever would disagree with their findings probably does so because...they "havent been in the real world for so long"? or maybe because theyre not "successful business people". or maybe because theyre "fanboys" that "make the mistake of not seeing this through the eyes of the average non-enthusiast consumer".
those are the things you are implying (albeit in a somewhat subtle, suggestive way). well then, so be it. i will leave this discussion, but id like to point out towards the forum moderation that the question about who is trolling and who is not is at the very least somewhat debatable.

zorglub667 said:
which is exactly the point where one could argue that thats exactly the same thing. because, why again is it that you feel a lack of immersion? judging from most of your posts, that would be...oh right, the screen door effect.
q.e.d.
so, to be a bit more blunt, youre saying that in contrast to these friends of yours, whoever would disagree with their findings probably does so because...they "havent been in the real world for so long"? or maybe because theyre not "successful business people". or maybe because theyre "fanboys" that "make the mistake of not seeing this through the eyes of the average non-enthusiast consumer".
those are the things you are implying (albeit in a somewhat subtle, suggestive way). well then, so be it. i will leave this discussion, but id like to point out towards the forum moderation that the question about who is trolling and who is not is at the very least somewhat debatable.
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Once again you are attributing your interpretation to my intent then damning me for it. Do us both a favor and take my words at face value. I don't have a subtle meaning or agenda.
I was simply expressing the experiences of my friends and because it disagrees with your experience it has apparently short circuited your brain and convinced you that you possess psychic powers.
Couple factoids you should consider. Most people who lurk (read but do not comment) at this forum probably do not yet own the GVR. They are just here to read feedback from owners. The average typical consumer that buys a GVR from BestBuy has no idea XDA even exists, and so they won't be commenting. So we are left with mainly enthusiasts who are at least somewhat invested in the idea they made a good purchase. That's not to say their opinion is not 100% valid, but it is to say that one should not project the opinions here to the rest of the marketplace. The sample is skewed. It is my opinion that the typical non enthusiast consumer will not be as impressed with the sense of immersion as you are. My friends which are a good sample of an older non enthusiast demographic were not. They all thought it was cool. No one was saying OMG and begging me to try it again.

Here's a perfect example in the differences of perceived immersion:
I just played DreadHalls after watching a YouTube of a full grown man playing it. He was so frightened that I literally thought he was going to pee his pants. He had to take a break mid-game just to catch his breath and calm his nerves.
So anyway, I just played it. Seriously, WTF? I might have found this scary when I was 8. Just think really really weak Doom. I say weak Doom because Doom actually was scary. Immersive? I guess if cartoon bricks and groaning noises are immersive for you. So here is an example of a user who was actually physically frightened by a game I just found silly. He kept saying, "Wow, it's like I'm really there!" I kept saying, "Wow, cartoon bricks!"
I don't blame the Gear VR. A large part preventing me from experiencing immersion is simply a lack of content. I'm also spoiled by years of triple monitor gaming with a fast PC and awesome video card. Now THAT'S immersive. When they create games that have the realism and texture of the Lunar Theater, then I'll start getting more excited about this platform.

Just played HeroBound for the first time (didn't have a controller before). Now that game is very immersive. The opening scene with the big volcano is amazing. If you haven't played that game definitely give it a try. Hopefully someone will bring that level of graphics to a 1st person shooter.

Haha, I get what you mean. I read one thread on reddit saying that he was 'crying' after using the gearvr for the first time. LOL. Seriously, I just don't get it. I want VR to succeed so much, but I also have my feet on the ground and don't let the hype go straight to my head. Using it, the sweet spot for focus is tiny, right in the middle of the lense, look up or down left or right without moving your head and it immediately starts to get proportionally blurry. The resolution reminds of looking at one of those digital projectors from 10 years ago, the panasonic AE300. The resolution was quarter HD, like the iPhone 4 except blown up on a massive screen. That's what movie watching experience is like in Occulus Cinema, the black screen door probably takes 30% or more of the 'full' image, it just looks really bad, and that's not even talking about the low ass resolution this rectangle takes up.
Some might say I'm being too harsh, whenever I get a new product I find all the flaws first and gradually get used to those flaws if I decide to keep it. But I never say this product is better than it really is. Some might get caught up on the hype train and want for VR to succeed so much they never talk about what's currently wrong/broken or what can be improved. I think it will succeed eventually, but clearly the GearVR is not a consumer ready product. I honestly laugh thinking if Samsung released GearVR without Oculus and John Carmack's expertise. I mean the smoothness of the experience is what makes it special, not the lenses, or the screen.
Having said that, the one place it just works is games. Herobound, that ring toss game, Ikarus. These fixed point experiences are much better imo, competely avoids motion sickness and maximises the phone's graphic ability. The sea creatures of Ocean Rift have a solidity and fluidity that creates a compelling experience and makes me believe that VR is inevitable. The comments from people really depend on what previous experience and expectation the user has. Most people don't expect anything, don't have anything to compare it to and are amazed with Google cardboard when they first see it. The main issue that disappointed me was the fact that I had paid 250 for lenses that have barely acceptable focus and awful peripheral vision. GearVR needs way more adjustment, not only distance, but angle and individual lense focus.
Then regarding the media quality of the 360 video demos. Ranging from meh to this is terrible. The best material has been from alternative sources It's disappointing that Samsung supplied such low quality videos with the premier of a new category. One would think they want to prove what VR is really capable of. At least host a site where users can download high quality 360 video, 360 is probably overrated too, 180 is very immersive and a better balance of quality vs filesize.
The catalogue currently available is still small. I can see how new users can blow through content in a few days and leave the GearVR to gather dust. Overall this is very much a beta product. Procuring one was a pain in the hole as well, much like the Note 4 process. Samsung should definitely copy how Apple rolls out products.