Should I return it? - T-Mobile LG G4

Greets!
I lept before I looked and bought a G4 to replace my iPhone 6 and after some research, LG has a stick up their arse and is claiming they will never support unlocking the bootloader on the H811:
"Unfortunately, we have no plan to support bootloader unlock in previously launched models including H811 (T-Mobile) and H815 USA version."
http://goo.gl/ZpnLW5
**EDIT** I authored the post after a string of very unsatisfactory events with T-Mobile regarding the purchase. See my reddit post here. Please consider this before you make a return/exchange decision.
I WAS going to get a Nexus 6 to skip the noise (as a long time Nexus 4 user previously) but.. but.. the G4 seems so much sexier in a way.
I'm not the biggest fan of iOS myself however, I've learned to live with it after working at Applecare for some years.. At least there is a 8.4 jailbreak.
Thankfully, I have a perfect excuse to return the G4 without a restocking fee (their cash register locked up and they couldn't provide a receipt NOR could phone support OR EVEN retail support), I'll simply state that without a receipt - I could not participate in the G4 promotion for free batteries, SD card, etc. (Watch next they won't be able to process a return at all or something, my luck).
Regardless of reason, It'll be a huge regret to hang on to the G4 if I have to put up with T-Mo's Bloatware long term - rootability was the only reason I switched back from the dark side. No one can see the future - but dear XDA fellows, is there any hope for a workaround without LG's grace to unlock the bootloader or should I simply return it and keep using my perfectly working iPhone for now?

rockerrock said:
Greets!
I lept before I looked and bought a G4 to replace my iPhone 6 and after some research, LG has a stick up their arse and is claiming they will never support unlocking the bootloader on the H811:
"Unfortunately, we have no plan to support bootloader unlock in previously launched models including H811 (T-Mobile) and H815 USA version."
http://goo.gl/ZpnLW5
I WAS going to get a Nexus 6 to skip the noise (as a long time Nexus 4 user previously) but.. but.. the G4 seems so much sexier in a way.
I'm not the biggest fan of iOS myself however, I've learned to live with it after working at Applecare for some years.. At least there is a 8.4 jailbreak.
Thankfully, I have a perfect excuse to return the G4 without a restocking fee (their cash register locked up and they couldn't provide a receipt NOR could phone support OR EVEN retail support), I'll simply state that without a receipt - I could not participate in the G4 promotion for free batteries, SD card, etc. (Watch next they won't be able to process a return at all or something, my luck).
Regardless of reason, It'll be a huge regret to hang on to the G4 if I have to put up with T-Mo's Bloatware long term - rootability was the only reason I switched back from the dark side. No one can see the future - but dear XDA fellows, is there any hope for a workaround without LG's grace to unlock the bootloader or should I simply return it and keep using my perfectly working iPhone for now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just got mine today and will be very disappointed if there is no way to unlock bootloader. I took for granted that it would be able to be done. May return now....

Really considering returning for this issue as well. I jumped from the S6, and may jump back. Still undecided.

Just because LG does not officially support an unlocked bootloader does not mean anything. Of all the devices that have bootloaders that are unlocked on this site, do you know how many of them came right from the device manufacturer?
I mean, you can do what you want as it is your device and your life, but ALL of our devs ALREADY have Root Access (just working on a safe method before it is released to the rest of the G4 community) and I am pretty sure bootloader will follow pretty close behind that, and even if not with just Root Access you can still do SO many great things that at that point the locked bootloader kind of ceases to be a big deal anyway.
......But again, do what you want and all that.

Z3ldaFan88 said:
Just because LG does not officially support an unlocked bootloader does not mean anything. Of all the devices that have bootloaders that are unlocked on this site, do you know how many of them came right from the device manufacturer?
I mean, you can do what you want as it is your device and your life, but ALL of our devs ALREADY have Root Access (just working on a safe method before it is released to the rest of the G4 community) and I am pretty sure bootloader will follow pretty close behind that, and even if not with just Root Access you can still do SO many great things that at that point the locked bootloader kind of ceases to be a big deal anyway.
......But again, do what you want and all that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This.
You have assuaged my concerns........for now

I appreciate the reassurance. I authored the post after a string of very unsatisfactory events with T-Mobile regarding the purchase. See my reddit post here. EDIT, what the heck - the subreddit went private literally the second after posting the link.
Basically put, the POS crashed after swiping my card and they just can't furnish a receipt. Not the store, not customer service, not retail support and I stood around with $400+ missing from my bank account while they debated if they'd let me leave the store with the phone. Well that and I now miss out on absolutely every promo deal offered.. Of course, they absolutely refuse to waive the restocking fee (but I did get an account credit).
I apologize if anyway my post was perceived as a whiny, spoiled brat - complaining at a lack of root/bootloader. The story went much deeper than that and I didn't take a moment to calm myself before posting (or explain myself fully at that).
All in all, I just gave up and stopped caring and will keep the G4. The iPhone is on eBay - good riddance and I'll spend this time getting used to Android again after working at the Jobs Mob for the last 3 years.

I'm going to get the nexus 6... S6 is to small for me.... This phone will take months to see an unlock bootloader and than months to see aosp.... G3 was different cause it came unlocked

I will say that it always amazes me how people expect unlock and root and AOSP to be out within a few days of a device release. Seriously...these devices are much more difficult to root and unlock than those from a year or two or three ago. Processor tech as well as addition of selinux has made this both more tricky and time consuming to develop. On top of that, they have SOO many more added hardware sensors and gadgets that AOSP takes more time to debug to get a proper build out.
Root/Unlock is in the works...as is AOSP....I know of one AOSP based dev working on the device tree now.
Personally, I think it is always a mistake to buy something if you don't at least love it as it comes out of the box.
*Edit: Regarding OP's issues with the sales process, that just sucks bro. I'd be royally P***ed at that.

rockerrock said:
I appreciate the reassurance. I authored the post after a string of very unsatisfactory events with T-Mobile regarding the purchase. See my reddit post here. EDIT, what the heck - the subreddit went private literally the second after posting the link.
Basically put, the POS crashed after swiping my card and they just can't furnish a receipt. Not the store, not customer service, not retail support and I stood around with $400+ missing from my bank account while they debated if they'd let me leave the store with the phone. Well that and I now miss out on absolutely every promo deal offered.. Of course, they absolutely refuse to waive the restocking fee (but I did get an account credit).
I apologize if anyway my post was perceived as a whiny, spoiled brat - complaining at a lack of root/bootloader. The story went much deeper than that and I didn't take a moment to calm myself before posting (or explain myself fully at that).
All in all, I just gave up and stopped caring and will keep the G4. The iPhone is on eBay - good riddance and I'll spend this time getting used to Android again after working at the Jobs Mob for the last 3 years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries buddy. I completely understand your frustration based on the entirety of your situation and I do not fault you for being upset/aggravated in the least.
I also did not take your post as you being "whiny" or anything of the sort either, Your concerns are essentially the same ones all of us had the first couple of days (or at least a lot of us did, myself included). I just happened to have already put in enough time with the G4 to be able to know that it is still a rock solid device even in its stock form.....and since we are all but guaranteed to have a public Root method at this point, one day it is just going to end up being that much better.
So rest assured you made a great decision by keeping the G4 (especially over an iPhone) and it will not disappoint.
.......If you have any other questions or concerns about our device I am only a couple clicks away and would be more than happy to answer any questions that I can for ya......Now stop reading this and go play with that damn phone, lol.

Th3Bill said:
I will say that it always amazes me how people expect unlock and root and AOSP to be out within a few days of a device release. Seriously...these devices are much more difficult to root and unlock than those from a year or two or three ago. Processor tech as well as addition of selinux has made this both more tricky and time consuming to develop. On top of that, they have SOO many more added hardware sensors and gadgets that AOSP takes more time to debug to get a proper build out.
Root/Unlock is in the works...as is AOSP....I know of one AOSP based dev working on the device tree now.
Personally, I think it is always a mistake to buy something if you don't at least love it as it comes out of the box.
*Edit: Regarding OP's issues with the sales process, that just sucks bro. I'd be royally P***ed at that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Phones by this time should have already developers tweeting about the root of the g4.... Not one of them has announced that they are working on a root or unlock method.....

Upstreammiami said:
Phones by this time should have already developers tweeting about the root of the g4.... Not one of them has announced that they are working on a root or unlock method.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haven't done much searching, have you? jcase has posted MANY times on xda about it and has released a number of videos on youtube proving he has his phones rooted. autoprime has as well. Then, 2 days ago, thecubed announced they're working on it and are making progress.
Funny how you feel there should be a "timeframe" where thing should/must be done on a phone. Nothing like having some patience.
So, let me ask you this...would you rather they work on it and make a proper, safe release of unlock and root, or hurry it and potentially leave you with a brick?

Th3Bill said:
Haven't done much searching, have you? jcase has posted MANY times on xda about it and has released a number of videos on youtube proving he has his phones rooted. autoprime has as well. Then, 2 days ago, thecubed announced they're working on it and are making progress.
Funny how you feel there should be a "timeframe" where thing should/must be done on a phone. Nothing like having some patience.
So, let me ask you this...would you rather they work on it and make a proper, safe release of unlock and root, or hurry it and potentially leave you with a brick?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing like wanting someone to do you a favor and trying to tell them they are not doing it fast enough, eh.
.....I understand people be excited (as I am sure this guy is/was) but NEVER should you put the safety of your device (or EVERYONE on XDA for that matter) as a second class priority just because you want your Root Access now.
Also unless you are posted up in the Root Bounty thread (and actually pay out) then you really have no right to complain about anything as you are just basically trying to ride someone else's coat-tails and benefit from other people putting their devices and hard earned money up to show their respect and appreciation to our devs.

Also unless you are posted up in the Root Bounty thread (and actually pay out) then you really have no right to complain about anything as you are just basically trying to ride someone else's coat-tails and benefit from other people putting their devices and hard earned money up to show their respect and appreciation to our devs.
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Click to collapse
Count me in for $20 via PayPal. I'll post on the bounty thread soon as I have the money available
Now that I have actually used the G4 for awhile, I'm satisfied with it. The most apparent annoyance so far is some noticeable lag when carrying out tasks/app switching. I'm happy my generic OBD scanner pairs just fine (dtto on iOS) and I'm back to using aCar and other apps I've been missing.

rockerrock said:
I appreciate the reassurance. I authored the post after a string of very unsatisfactory events with T-Mobile regarding the purchase. See my reddit post here. EDIT, what the heck - the subreddit went private literally the second after posting the link.
Basically put, the POS crashed after swiping my card and they just can't furnish a receipt. Not the store, not customer service, not retail support and I stood around with $400+ missing from my bank account while they debated if they'd let me leave the store with the phone. Well that and I now miss out on absolutely every promo deal offered.. Of course, they absolutely refuse to waive the restocking fee (but I did get an account credit).
I apologize if anyway my post was perceived as a whiny, spoiled brat - complaining at a lack of root/bootloader. The story went much deeper than that and I didn't take a moment to calm myself before posting (or explain myself fully at that).
All in all, I just gave up and stopped caring and will keep the G4. The iPhone is on eBay - good riddance and I'll spend this time getting used to Android again after working at the Jobs Mob for the last 3 years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder if you called your card company and disputed the charge, if a receipt would magically appear?

Patience young turd burglar. G3 seemed to be hopeless until the TWRP exploit was found. Next time do some research before purchasing if you want instant gratification (oooohhhh myy). Otherwise be patient for the other developers to releases a safe method

Its kinda weird hearing about all these situations where the store computer locked up and cant give receipts. Funny cus when i went to get my nexus 6 for 0 down, the rep said "oh darn, i closed the transaction window and i cant print a receipt now, sorry" hmmm. I smell a whole sea of fish here....

Related

[EVENT] Mass Return of our HTC Vivid

If enough people are interested, I had an idea that DFW XDA members all return their Vivids at the same time for a mass return at the AT&T HQ store in order to make a statement. This is the heart of their operation. We can discuss this, but what I and others came up with so far is:
AT&T Mass Return
Tuesday December 6th at 1:00pm
208 S Akard Street
STE 110
Dallas, TX 75202
Customer Parking Available for 2 hours at:
1600 Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75201
Everyone is invited. Whether you have a Vivid or not. I understand not everyone lives here, but all are welcome none the less.
Thanks to Radi0chik
What do you guys think of this idea?
Reclaim said:
If enough people are interested, I had an idea that DFW XDA members all return their Vivids at the same time for a mass return at the AT&T HQ store in order to make a statement. This is the heart of their operation. We can discuss this, but what I and others came up with so far is:
AT&T Mass Return
Tuesday December 6th at 1:00pm
208 S Akard Street
STE 110
Dallas, TX 75202
Customer Parking Available for 2 hours at:
1600 Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75201
Everyone is invited. Whether you have a Vivid or not. I understand not everyone lives here, but all are welcome none the less.
Thanks to Radi0chik
What do you guys think of this idea?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
great idea.
Returned it already though.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
I bought mine from Amazonwireless... and I've already asked for an exchange to the skyrocket.
Plus the fact that I have school then doesn't help, but if I could come, I would.
can some one help me decide on what phone to get on sunday once i return mine?
i think that lg nitro hd is nice, but ive heard the ui sucks on it... so i was thinking either that new google nexus phone (sorry, im new to android and cant remember all these pohones) or the gs2... id rather have the og gs2 cause its faster than the skyrocket and i dont care to have lte
randrewm97 said:
can some one help me decide on what phone to get on sunday once i return mine?
i think that lg nitro hd is nice, but ive heard the ui sucks on it... so i was thinking either that new google nexus phone (sorry, im new to android and cant remember all these pohones) or the gs2... id rather have the og gs2 cause its faster than the skyrocket and i dont care to have lte
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea if your going to go with a gs2 Definitely get the OG. The Skyrocket has issues with screen resolution and such. As far as the LG Nitro goes I think that is up in the air considering it is going to have a full 720p screen. I am actually slightly leaning toward the LG just because of that but I still need to research it a little bit more.
Yes. I am wondering the same. Though I'm not sure if it will be rooted... New to thus android world. Also, I'm not sure how the devs will take the phone. I heard the lg ui is like touchwiz but retarded... Not meaning to insult. I'm hoping someone will do a good overview of the nitro by sunday
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using XDA App
randrewm97 said:
I heard the lg ui is like touchwiz but retarded...
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IMO, both of those UIs are on par with excrement. On day 1 of owning my Captivate, I switched launchers. Even on Froyo/GB, I could not put up with it and just went full AOSP launcher-wise. If the LG launcher is the same, I know that I won't like it for sure.
Sense is the only aftermarket UI that I like, hence why I ended up with this phone.
EDIT: Also, what's even the point of this? Sending a message to AT&T about this phone would do nothing with you guys mass-returning it. After the event, you wouldn't even care what happened to this device's development life anyway, while you guys all go for Nitros or Skyrockets or whatever phone fits your fancy.
Occupy AT&T....not a chance
You mad cause you have no root...?
Root doesn't allow you to do much anyway other than to either overclock your CPU, make a complete backup of your rom, flash any random rom you want etc...
All the phones have the same CPU chipset, you're just paying for different screen resolutions and plastic shells that cover everything
Samsung couldn't even use its custom CPU because it lacked the ability to incorporate LTE technology, so they chose the Snapdragon S3 APQ8060 dual-core CPU...the same one in the Vivid, and the same one is in the LG Nitro.
Its the only CPU capable of allowing AT&T's 4gLTE service to run smooth for the end user
So go ahead, boycott the Vivid, youre only benefit is a screen with a smaller resolution or a screen with a higher resolution, plus youre still gonna pay the difference plus a $35 restocking fee is applicable...
It seems to me that the problem isn't the Vivid. It's AT&T. If you really want to make a statement then keep this amazing phone, cancel your contracts with AT&T, and allow the devs to continue working on unlocking and fully rooting the device which you know they will. This will do two things. One: send a message to AT&T that will cost them BIG-TIME. Two:Once the devs see how many people are willing to SACRIFICE their wireless mobility for such a great device, they may release a carrier unlock and varying radio support for the different competitors for the vivid. There are some major competitors that offer much better rates and data packages with full LTE support that DON'T lock bootloaders.
It seems silly to put such a serious and damaging halt to great development just because you're unwilling to sever the head of the snake, whereas mass returns will accomplish nothing. Well, not nothing, but if you REALLY want this problem addressed, make AT&T pay with the sudden loss of income. HTC isn't the problem. The Vivid isn't the problem. Big corporations have insurance policies to protect them when there's a problem with inventory/product defects/returns etc. But losing customers.. That just plain sucks for ANY business. Hit them where it hurts. The Next big awesome phone you want will just be locked up tight as well unless you send a CLEAR message they CAN'T ignore.
The Vivid counterpart in Canada (Raider) has already had great roms and kernels that work and are supported/updated every couple of days. I love this phone more and more and would switch carriers in a heartbeat if the company I pay my hard earned money to EVERY Month wasn't treating me like a VALUED customer. AT&T KNOWS what they're doing. They KNOW that what they're continuuing to do is WRONG. But they aren't listening becuase the customers aren't willing to lose they're precious contract they've worked so hard for.
Yes, it means going without the ability to use your nice phone for a little while. Yes it will suck having NO cellphone at all with all it's nice features at your disposal and whim. Maybe getting a junker from a better provider and waiting for the devs is asking too much.
Either that or stop and realize you've had your phone for ONE month. Forget everything I've said about teaching your carrier a lesson, and show some support for xda (maybe a little faith and gratitude as well) because they LOVE tinkering with HTC's products. I wonder sometimes if there would even BE an XDA team without HTC. Be patient, or teach them a REAL lesson in customer service. The alternative is YOU losing out, and feeling all proud and happy for giving up something you once loved. But then again nobody wants to admit they're ACTUALLY PAYING AT&T to treat us like prisoners. Stripping you of your right to DO WITH YOUR PROPERTY THAT WHICH YOU FEEL LIKE DOING.
While we're at it let's all go buy REALLY nice houses where we're not allowed to decorate, hang pictures, change the layout of the livingroom, or park our cars anywhere near.
Been following these forums since the beginning of this week when I ordered the phone through amazon. Now that it has finally shipped today after being backordered, I'm seeing this
and returning this, which I got for a penny, would mean I would have to pay full price for the phone I exchange for, correct?
I wish the morale in this forum didn't seem like it is dying away, but I understand that many of us are almost at the 30 day limit on exchanges and two years is an awful long time to go without an unlocked bootloader.
My first htc phone, after going through LG and blackberry.... which might be exchanged like all of yours....
I think a lot of you are missing the point. This is not just about the bootloader. everyone's reasons are different so I can only share my own. So if you have been paying attention to this forum at all you might get that. Personally my reasons are in no particular order: Carrier IQ, locked bootloader..not just because of development, but because you can't get rid of Carrier IQ while the bootloader is locked, being throttled by AT&T with normal use only halfway through my Billing cycle at only 3.6gb while I still have to pay full price even though I'm on an unlimited plan, their lack of answers, their silencing of our voices on forums, and those are just a few reasons. This is beyond "you mad about no root". And if you think I won't care about what happens after this, then you really haven't been paying attention. My plan is to import a phone or stick with my streak until I figure out a better option. If I use a phone they don't have on file for me, then I can at least not be throttled or be affected directly by Carrier IQ.
This idea isn't JUST for vivid users, and no one is occupying anything. This is for the returns to occur in one fell swoop so they can feel the hit they have caused themselves. As paying customers, most of us are tired of being treated like this. If you're having trouble understanding why and how this would matter, then you haven't been following this forum.
Returned mine already
rodger-sp said:
Returned mine already
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
everyone Ganged up on me last time when I politely said 'bye bye vivid' not even a week back. Even my thread got deleted and I can't find it on vivid general section anymore.
I think it's worth sticking to Samsung for a while. Eventhough I love sense interface so much, I enjoy having good debloated ROMs that give me full potential of the phone.
I'm back to galaxy s2 and it's totally worth it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
ceo.mtcl said:
everyone Ganged up on me last time when I politely said 'bye bye vivid' not even a week back. Even my thread got deleted and I can't find it on vivid general section anymore.
I think it's worth sticking to Samsung for a while. Eventhough I love sense interface so much, I enjoy having good debloated ROMs that give me full potential of the phone.
I'm back to galaxy s2 and it's totally worth it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might have been ahead of the game sir.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=19946984&postcount=173
Reclaim said:
I think a lot of you are missing the point. This is not just about the bootloader. everyone's reasons are different so I can only share my own. So if you have been paying attention to this forum at all you might get that. Personally my reasons are in no particular order: Carrier IQ, locked bootloader..not just because of development, but because you can't get rid of Carrier IQ while the bootloader is locked, being throttled by AT&T with normal use only halfway through my Billing cycle at only 3.6gb while I still have to pay full price even though I'm on an unlimited plan, their lack of answers, their silencing of our voices on forums, and those are just a few reasons. This is beyond "you mad about no root". And if you think I won't care about what happens after this, then you really haven't been paying attention. My plan is to import a phone or stick with my streak until I figure out a better option. If I use a phone they don't have on file for me, then I can at least not be throttled or be affected directly by Carrier IQ.
This idea isn't JUST for vivid users, and no one is occupying anything. This is for the returns to occur in one fell swoop so they can feel the hit they have caused themselves. As paying customers, most of us are tired of being treated like this. If you're having trouble understanding why and how this would matter, then you haven't been following this forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Carrier IQ situation will allow you to break free of your contract, not happy with AT&T, maybe it wasnt for you, not the first time a subscriber switched carriers. AT&T just got LTE when other carriers had it for longer and unthrottled, what stopped you from leaving then?, I have a bandwidth monitor on my vivid, the HTC IQ AGENT ( Carrier IQ ) doesn't take up gigs of your data plan, matter of fact it takes less than 1/10th of a MB. It is very freaky what this app is capable of and was pretty shocked when I saw the youtube vid. Did you know that uploads are also counted as well!. AT&T will soon realize that 4GB just isnt enough to satisfy customers.
Propose this, you have the ability to break free of your contract pretty soon cause of this whole CIQ debacle, if you want AT&T to keep your business, tell them you want unthrottled unlimited data on your grandfathered plan, they cant do that then just leave without penalty.
Its not HTC's fault AT&T has some weird business practices and contract practices that show up in forums / media from time to time, returning any carriers devices hurts sales and manufacturer reputation. Take the fight where it belongs, tell it to Al Franken..lol
penguinfishies said:
Been following these forums since the beginning of this week when I ordered the phone through amazon. Now that it has finally shipped today after being backordered, I'm seeing this
and returning this, which I got for a penny, would mean I would have to pay full price for the phone I exchange for, correct?
I wish the morale in this forum didn't seem like it is dying away, but I understand that many of us are almost at the 30 day limit on exchanges and two years is an awful long time to go without an unlocked bootloader.
My first htc phone, after going through LG and blackberry.... which might be exchanged like all of yours....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat as you got mine for .01 and it's a nice phone. The only thing I'd like to do is remove some bloat apps, but honestly who cares. Everything I've thrown at it works way better than it did on my EVO 4g on Sprint.
Its not like I have unlimited data with ATT and I pay for 4gig of data.
I'm keeping mine root or no root.
EDIT: I misread an article that I thought had said that HTC promised it unlocked in a month. Either way, you people are so impatient.
EDIT2: If this is for Carrier IQ then I totally agree, but for a phone that doesn't have an unlocked bootloader That's just stupid.
If you guys are seriously going to "occupy AT&T" then you are idiots. A few hundred people won't make that huge of a difference when they have nearly 100 Million customers.
In the end you're only hurting the development community because when it does get unlocked everyone would have left.
That's my $0.02. Good day.
Sent from my HTC Vivid.
8125Omnimax said:
The Carrier IQ situation will allow you to break free of your contract, not happy with AT&T, maybe it wasnt for you, not the first time a subscriber switched carriers. AT&T just got LTE when other carriers had it for longer and unthrottled, what stopped you from leaving then?, I have a bandwidth monitor on my vivid, the HTC IQ AGENT ( Carrier IQ ) doesn't take up gigs of your data plan, matter of fact it takes less than 1/10th of a MB. It is very freaky what this app is capable of and was pretty shocked when I saw the youtube vid. Did you know that uploads are also counted as well!. AT&T will soon realize that 4GB just isnt enough to satisfy customers.
Propose this, you have the ability to break free of your contract pretty soon cause of this whole CIQ debacle, if you want AT&T to keep your business, tell them you want unthrottled unlimited data on your grandfathered plan, they cant do that then just leave without penalty.
Its not HTC's fault AT&T has some weird business practices and contract practices that show up in forums / media from time to time, returning any carriers devices hurts sales and manufacturer reputation. Take the fight where it belongs, tell it to Al Franken..lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You raise some really good points. Though I do feel HTC does have some degree of responsibility because it's on their branded product with their name attached to the actual app.
Infinimint said:
Wow... HTC already said they were going to unlock the bootloader for this phone. You people are so impatient.
If you guys are seriously going to "occupy AT&T" then you are idiots. I few hundred people won't make that huge of a difference when they have nearly 100 Million customers.
In the end you're only hurting the development community because when it does get unlocked everyone would have left.
That's my $0.02. Good day.
Sent from my HTC Vivid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can I get a link to where they said they were going to unlock the bootloader?
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using xda premium

staring to feel ripped off.

I'm starting to feel ripped off with how long these upgrades take. I mean when you have phones manufactures posting profits in the millions and billions, yet they wont hire the manpower to get these updates out, it gets old. I have an evo3d, and feel like we should have ICS already. I know when I had a palm pre, at launch, the armchair programmers did more for that phone for free, then palms paid programmers ever did. Thats what I dont understand, if these rom guys can do so much in a couple hours after work, then why can't these paid 8 hour sh%theads get the job done in a reasonable amount of time. Just like my acer 100 tab, when you buy it they say january have ICS, after you've bought it, now its april maybe. Ridiculous. Just venting I suppose, although I feel its a justified vent.
I'm not sure why they don't update things faster either. I guess it's just that a new version of android would confuse the majority of users. idk
Why would android OEMs want to upgrade their old devices? They get their money from selling more phones, if your g1 was officially kicking ICS, why would you want to upgrade? It's sales strategy. If you want updates, go to pretty much any other OS.
z33dev33l said:
Why would android OEMs want to upgrade their old devices? They get their money from selling more phones, if your g1 was officially kicking ICS, why would you want to upgrade? It's sales strategy.
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Click to collapse
This is partly true, this rest is garbage.
Another thing is, people who want upgraded OSs are in the minority. So it just doesn't make since to put resources into stuff people don't care about.
A lot of my friends are still on IOS4.
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
Are there any programs that will only work on ICS that you absolutely must have?
There's none in my case.
My phone works great, so why do I need the OS updated to the latest?
xaccers said:
Are there any programs that will only work on ICS that you absolutely must have?
There's none in my case.
My phone works great, so why do I need the OS updated to the latest?
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Click to collapse
99% of the time I'd agree with that, but I'm fastidious when it comes to having organised bookmarks. I use Chrome at home and at work and have bookmark syncing enabled. I've used ChromeMarks to access my Chrome bookmarks on my phone, but I've always wanted it to be part of the browser.
Enter, Google Chrome for Android. It does the bookmark syncing.
I literally have ICS on my S2 for that 1 reason. Even with a few bugs and lags every now and then (it's still beta, after all).
I find the people not wanting updates comment as b.s. As for them not wanting to update to sell new phones, I agree with that, but as a consumer it gets tiring having every penny milked from you in one way or another. I buy a new phone outright every year, I have an evo3d, so comparing its update to something like a g1 is ridiculous at best.
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA App
^ as stated you're the minority. The majority don't buy phones for updates. Hell most don't know what OS their phone has.
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
if they dont update it you will be more willing to upgrade your phone sooner. They have nothing to gain from spending time updating there phones when they can slap a slightly better os on a slightly better phone and get you in a new two year contract.
bacnat86 said:
if they dont update it you will be more willing to upgrade your phone sooner. They have nothing to gain from spending time updating there phones when they can slap a slightly better os on a slightly better phone and get you in a new two year contract.
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Click to collapse
Correcto, thats why carriers love Android so much.
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
sleekgreek said:
I'm starting to feel ripped off with how long these upgrades take. I mean when you have phones manufactures posting profits in the millions and billions, yet they wont hire the manpower to get these updates out, it gets old. I have an evo3d, and feel like we should have ICS already. I know when I had a palm pre, at launch, the armchair programmers did more for that phone for free, then palms paid programmers ever did. Thats what I dont understand, if these rom guys can do so much in a couple hours after work, then why can't these paid 8 hour sh%theads get the job done in a reasonable amount of time. Just like my acer 100 tab, when you buy it they say january have ICS, after you've bought it, now its april maybe. Ridiculous. Just venting I suppose, although I feel its a justified vent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
because the programmers get paid for it so they have no hurry. the dev community wants to use it so they put alot of hours and concentration into and get it out. I feel your pain man
This.
bacnat86 said:
if they dont update it you will be more willing to upgrade your phone sooner. They have nothing to gain from spending time updating there phones when they can slap a slightly better os on a slightly better phone and get you in a new two year contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the most common candidate for being the main reason. Why make people content with the last Big Thing when you can instead beef up and get them hyped for the next Big Thing?
But then why schedule the Ice Cream upgrade for the SGII just before the SGIII comes out? Beats me. Maybe companies are just schizophrenic. Maybe it's a genius plan to make people fume into wanting the SGIII (people tend not to to change their minds once they've made it up) while ensuring the people who can't afford it still remain happy after six months. Maybe it's just a publicity issue (Samsung needs the positive publicity of coming out with ICS, so they'll eventually need to follow through, but not until the very last moment). Any explanation seems likely to me at this point.
This is why it's generally best to buy a future-proof phone. With the Nexus, for example, you'll be able to get indefinite upgrades from google (even if you have to go through a few hoops). The easier something is to unlock (and I suppose: the more popular it is so that more devs are working on it), the more likely you'll be able to keep your phone upgraded yourself, even if you'll have to go through a few hoops to do so. You can't rely on your manufacturer*, and you definitely can't rely on your carrier to have your best upgrade interests in mind.
Of course, if you get a new phone every year (or even every two years), this isn't so much of an issue for you. Most people probably do this (indeed, the very system encourages them to do this), and so there's little incentive to actually change the system.
*This is supposedly where Apple excels, but at what cost..
I can answer that....
You see, all the armchair programmers have a disclaimer that says "We are not responsible if we break your phone..It may, or may not work as expected and if it blows up your phone it's not our fault"
A huge corporation like Motorola/HTC/Samsung/LG/Nokia/etc have millions of users worldwide with a large set of carriers that all want to tweak the user experience to what that particular carrier wants to standardize on. The phone manufacturer may build what they think is a perfectly reasonable piece of software (ALL software has bugs by the way) only to have it kicked back by the internal quality assurance team because it fails a particular test case. And when you have several dozen/hundred developers working on software it's a coordinated effort to meet internal timelines and goals. And if it passes the internal testing it has to be tested by the carriers who can reject the software build due to bugs/user experience/last minute enhancements which triggers the whole cycle all over again.
Smaller development teams where it's a few people working on code do not have as much overhead and probably don't have as much internal testing processes for all possible corner cases as a huge company does so they can coordinate and release a build much quicker.
sleekgreek said:
I'm starting to feel ripped off with how long these upgrades take. I mean when you have phones manufactures posting profits in the millions and billions, yet they wont hire the manpower to get these updates out, it gets old. I have an evo3d, and feel like we should have ICS already. I know when I had a palm pre, at launch, the armchair programmers did more for that phone for free, then palms paid programmers ever did. Thats what I dont understand, if these rom guys can do so much in a couple hours after work, then why can't these paid 8 hour sh%theads get the job done in a reasonable amount of time. Just like my acer 100 tab, when you buy it they say january have ICS, after you've bought it, now its april maybe. Ridiculous. Just venting I suppose, although I feel its a justified vent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As said above, the biggest issues are that Devs here and elsewhere have no responsibilities if the upgrades fail, and secondly, there are a ridiculous number of devices being released. There are about 100 android devices available as current phones, and I don't know how many total. Rather difficult to keep so many up to date. It would be nice if they would scale back how many products are out at once, but manufacturers don't seem to get that yet.
psychephylax said:
I can answer that....
You see, all the armchair programmers have a disclaimer that says "We are not responsible if we break your phone..It may, or may not work as expected and if it blows up your phone it's not our fault"
A huge corporation like Motorola/HTC/Samsung/LG/Nokia/etc have millions of users worldwide with a large set of carriers that all want to tweak the user experience to what that particular carrier wants to standardize on. The phone manufacturer may build what they think is a perfectly reasonable piece of software (ALL software has bugs by the way) only to have it kicked back by the internal quality assurance team because it fails a particular test case. And when you have several dozen/hundred developers working on software it's a coordinated effort to meet internal timelines and goals. And if it passes the internal testing it has to be tested by the carriers who can reject the software build due to bugs/user experience/last minute enhancements which triggers the whole cycle all over again.
Smaller development teams where it's a few people working on code do not have as much overhead and probably don't have as much internal testing processes for all possible corner cases as a huge company does so they can coordinate and release a build much quicker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just dont agree with that, after being with the palm pre from its launch, through all the manual hacks we had to implement before preware, then finally recieving an update months later that couldn't compete with the unofficial code from the guys over at precentral. There is a problem there. I understand there is alot of red tape involved with official releases, but even given that, the time frames are still ridiculous to the point that there is nothing reasonable about it. As awesome as the pre was it was missing basic functions, functions that were there in the code, perhaps they wanted to follow apples model of screwing the customer into the next model, idk. The fact of the matter is, there is no reason why htc or acer or samsung, despite touchwiz and sense and cant push out a nice update in a timely manner, none.
bacnat86 said:
if they dont update it you will be more willing to upgrade your phone sooner. They have nothing to gain from spending time updating there phones when they can slap a slightly better os on a slightly better phone and get you in a new two year contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the UK where contracts (compared with what I've seen in other countries) are actually pretty good value, you get a new phone for free or not very much every time you renew your contract.
After even a year, there are much better phones out there, the phone you have may be a bit scuffed around the corners, battery will be down on capacity.
So most people upgrade when they get a new contract anyway.
It kills me when i read about the supposedly new "jelly bean" that's supposed to be coming out within the year. Seriously? get ICS out on more phones before you even THINK about releasing another update. Who knows the actual reason behind the delays for these updates but someone needs to get on it. When some of the newest phones out right now still don't have ICS or won't for awhile, there's something wrong.
The obvious plan is to push people to buy the newer quad core phones, more contracts, more money, not to mention if there's a premium because they're "quad core" just like then 4G first came out.
the majority of people buy what their salesman makes look good. some chick at the t-mobile store i was in bought some old phone cuz it was a few bucks cheaper than a new phone, which is like twice as fast and will have support at least 6 months longer than the other..
Shano56 said:
the majority of people buy what their salesman makes look good. some chick at the t-mobile store i was in bought some old phone cuz it was a few bucks cheaper than a new phone, which is like twice as fast and will have support at least 6 months longer than the other..
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Click to collapse
This is true. A while back when I was trying to buy my first smartphone I ended up buying an original Droid just because of the salesman telling me about buy one get one offer, after reading about them, I had found out that this phone was so outdated, luckily I had found out before my 30 days.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium

Switching from the S5...

Ok so..
Its been about 12 days since I have had this phone. I thought I could be patient enough with it to maybe wait for a root (if developers are even still working on it.)
Turns out I am not so patient.. I would rather switch to a company like HTC who is kind enough to give tools to their customers who want the option to do what they want with their own ****ing cell phone that they purchased. :highfive:
Anyway..
My question is: Is anyone familiar with the return policy? I am pretty sure that it is 14 days and I can trade it back in hopefully for an M8, but if someone that has experience or knowledge with this can shed some more light I would be very grateful.
Second question would be do you guys think the HTC One M8 is the best option for me right now? Ill be going through at&t and I want to be able to root and flash roms. Preferably some of the more popular ones like AOKP or Pac-Man etc..
PunchLick said:
Ok so..
Its been about 12 days since I have had this phone. I thought I could be patient enough with it to maybe wait for a root (if developers are even still working on it.)
Turns out I am not so patient.. I would rather switch to a company like HTC who is kind enough to give tools to their customers who want the option to do what they want with their own ****ing cell phone that they purchased. :highfive:
Anyway..
My question is: Is anyone familiar with the return policy? I am pretty sure that it is 14 days and I can trade it back in hopefully for an M8, but if someone that has experience or knowledge with this can shed some more light I would be very grateful.
Second question would be do you guys think the HTC One M8 is the best option for me right now? Ill be going through at&t and I want to be able to root and flash roms. Preferably some of the more popular ones like AOKP or Pac-Man etc..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just go do it. why do you need to ask about it when you already know the terms. simply call them or go to the store.
Later.
I am not sure about the terms, that's why I posted on these forums asking. That's why I said "I'm pretty sure" and asked if someone who knew for sure could give me more details. :good:
PunchLick said:
I am not sure about the terms, that's why I posted on these forums asking. That's why I said "I'm pretty sure" and asked if someone who knew for sure could give me more details. :good:
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Click to collapse
what's the point of posting anything here. whats the point of even sharing your thoughts of switching. if you made your decision, just go and do it. why ask us when you can ask AT&T? just leave man
Because I bought it on launch day and I am not sure how many days you get before you can return the phone. A lot of people are switching too or getting the TMO version, so I think a topic like this could become helpful to others as well.
Not sure why you are being rude, if you aren't going to help or say anything worth reading just stop typing. I didn't mean to hurt anyone's feelings in showing that I think owning a locked down device isn't for me anymore.. it's still a great phone. I just thought I would be more patient or enjoy stock more, but I was wrong.
PunchLick said:
I am not sure about the terms, that's why I posted on these forums asking. That's why I said "I'm pretty sure" and asked if someone who knew for sure could give me more details. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
14 days from purchase to return and a $35 restocking fee are basically the terms.
Personally, I wouldn't switch. I think the S5 is a superior device even without root (for now). but you gotta do what's best for you. Good luck.
peaster3 said:
14 days from purchase to return and a $35 restocking fee are basically the terms.
Personally, I wouldn't switch. I think the S5 is a superior device even without root (for now). but you gotta do what's best for you. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for a real reply and for the information, its really appreciated.
I think the S5 is a superior device too, but I really need root for certain apps. Not to mention flashing roms can be pretty fun.
Also sooo much bloat I just want to remove, not a big deal, but prefer a clean device.
Pretty sure mine will be going back in the next few days as well. I love the camera and the water resistance is great, but for the price, with the ehh battery life I've been getting and some annoying software stuff, it can't do anything that my international Note II can't.
In the future if/when someone can find an exploit and get root, I would definitely give it another shot.
hlb3 said:
Pretty sure mine will be going back in the next few days as well. I love the camera and the water resistance is great, but for the price, with the ehh battery life I've been getting and some annoying software stuff, it can't do anything that my international Note II can't.
In the future if/when someone can find an exploit and get root, I would definitely give it another shot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I completely agree. The cons just outweigh the pros for me personally in this situation!
The bloat you can disable until root comes out
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Daxxer2007 said:
The bloat you can disable since root won't come out
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ftfy
I'm enjoying all these people giving up its really quite amusing. I had a backflip and an atrix your puny 12 day wait has nothing on the wait for those phones to have root.
cyberace1985 said:
I'm enjoying all these people giving up its really quite amusing. I had a backflip and an atrix your puny 12 day wait has nothing on the wait for those phones to have root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the reason for the rush is I can return it for something that already has root and more development. I'd rather get more enjoyment now rather than hope and wait. Although if the return policy stated like 2 months or something, I'd honestly probably still wait those 2 months because I do enjoy this phone.
It's also the principal of the situation too though. I'm not ALL FOR companies that sell overpriced phones that, when bought, are just so locked down that i don't even feel like it's actually fully mine.
I've got a week to decide, I may stop in to have a look at the competition.
I've been seeing a lot of people posting that they aren't getting that great of battery life. I'm getting about 36 hours uptime with about 6 hours screen. Is that better or worse than what you guys are seeing? TIA.
Sent from my SVF14N16CXS using Tapatalk
Josborne6 said:
I've been seeing a lot of people posting that they aren't getting that great of battery life. I'm getting about 36 hours uptime with about 6 hours screen. Is that better or worse than what you guys are seeing? TIA.
Sent from my SVF14N16CXS using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There only seems to be a handful complaining, even on other forums people are getting crazy good battery life. Heck I can have on screen time of 4-5+ hours, tons of email, text, phone calls etc, all sync is on, gps is on etc.... and still have plenty life left at the end of the day, actually as I type this in similar situation I have 22% life left and been off the charger for 33 hours, and even browsing I still have 4 tabs open. First phone where the thought of not having enough battery doesn't even occur to me, going to be nice on trips lol.
Far as the OP, do what you have to do, though I don't know why you'd think root would've been available by now on this phone, this isn't the old days where people could crack same day. I liked the M8 but couldn't put up with the camera and bulkiness plus no water proofing.
I have the M8. If you like flashing and customizing it is a no brainer. I myself am running stock and still enjoy the device.
My wife has a S5. It's pretty and white and shimmers like nail polish. Perfect phone for a beautiful girl.
Also as far as the discussion of superiority of either device. It's an opinionated one. Each excels at their own intended goals.
If the camera of the M8 is scaring you, just ask yourself . " will I be on assignment for national geographic where I will need to take epic photos on the go?"
If you answered no, then this camera should be good enough for your personal use.
It seems like you're just asking for that little push for you to make the trade.
I am giving you that "push". Everything will be okay in HTC land....be free...
Oh yeah. Have fun with the raised speaker grills. The gamble on receiving two variations of the LCD screen and ... Yeah that's about it.
HTC UltimEight ?
It really depends on where you bought the device. Typical return policy would be 14 days. Some vendors do not charge a restocking fees on returns but "I heard" AT&T can charge you. This was forwarded to me from the sales rep. I got my S5 at Target and returned it. I was not charged with a restocking fee by them or At&t that I am aware of.
I got myself the M8 since I wanted root.
Jooosty said:
I have the M8. If you like flashing and customizing it is a no brainer. I myself am running stock and still enjoy the device.
My wife has a S5. It's pretty and white and shimmers like nail polish. Perfect phone for a beautiful girl.
Also as far as the discussion of superiority of either device. It's an opinionated one. Each excels at their own intended goals.
If the camera of the M8 is scaring you, just ask yourself . " will I be on assignment for national geographic where I will need to take epic photos on the go?"
If you answered no, then this camera should be good enough for your personal use.
It seems like you're just asking for that little push for you to make the trade.
I am giving you that "push". Everything will be okay in HTC land....be free...
Oh yeah. Have fun with the raised speaker grills. The gamble on receiving two variations of the LCD screen and ... Yeah that's about it.
HTC UltimEight ?
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Click to collapse
I have both, a gunmetal grey m8 and shimmery white tmo s5 sim unlocked for ATT, The m8 is great if you like to mod/customize, you can run Sense, GPE, or AOSP (cm is already being worked on)...The s5 (ATT) obviously is locked down....both phones are very nice it just depends if you need the ability to customize.

Root Concerns

I might be speaking out of an uninformed thought here, but I'm concerned about our root status.
With the bounty being as high as it is, and me not being able to find anywhere that the Devs are collaborating, what are the odds it is taking so long (or even might NOT happen) because there is no developer collaboration for the insanely high bounty? I could be wrong, but I'm starting to wonder if that's the right way to go about it.
Then there's the concern that if we do achieve root, it'll be so late in the game that no one will be developing for our S5 at that point and will have moved on to another device.
Thoughts?
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think we NEED the bootloader unlocked in order to achieve root it just makes it a hell of a lot easier. I believe the Note 3 on certain carriers still has the bootloader locked but someone was able to find a vulnerability and used that to get root. But I do share your concern as many carriers are offering upgrades after a year and most developers and obviously users get new devices with their upgrade.
Correct, we don't need an unlock bootloader to have root, but, Kitkat update has patch all the vulnerabilities that were use in previous devices like the S4 and Note 3, currently all Note3 shipped with KitKat are stock with no root because of that. I personally think that root will not be achieved on the S5 (Verizon and AT&T), the Note 3 has been on the market way longer than the S5 and the bootloader still locked and root is thing of the past if the Device was shipped with KK from factory.
Besides most of the Devs are researchers and get better recognition/$$$ by giving the exploits to manufactures instead of making it public. Other Devs just like to make it for Fun, but with the locked bootloader there is not much fun but a lot of work instead, and since no everybody that pledges actually pays is not worth it for them to actually work on getting root for a device you can get unlocked on other networks (ex. T-Mo). If all S5 were to be shipped with a locked bootloader, you would had root by now.
Colerunn said:
I might be speaking out of an uninformed thought here, but I'm concerned about our root status.
With the bounty being as high as it is, and me not being able to find anywhere that the Devs are collaborating, what are the odds it is taking so long (or even might NOT happen) because there is no developer collaboration for the insanely high bounty? I could be wrong, but I'm starting to wonder if that's the right way to go about it.
Then there's the concern that if we do achieve root, it'll be so late in the game that no one will be developing for our S5 at that point and will have moved on to another device.
Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These are legitimate concerns that should have you reevaluating your next purchase based on carrier and manufacturer. The goal is to make AT&T and Verizon phones secure enough for the military and business accounts. That is where the big bucks lie for those carriers. Sprint and T-mobile are more geared towards the average pedestrian with their lower price plans and limited coverage, therefore do not worry about locked bootloaders and super secure phones. Other manufacturers such as HTC provide unlock to those seeking it and root has been very easy.
As for developer discussions regarding root...you have seen what the bounty threads turn into...with all that bickering and name calling it is not conducive to a development environment, so those people actually hampered progress. I am sure discussions are going on in private in some IRC channel without the needless interruptions and constant requests for ETA and "Are we there yet." And as mentioned there is a lot more $$$ in the private sectors rather than claim a half bounty and have a free root available.
I'm really regretting my purchase of the S5 without having root, and to hear that it may never come is really concerning.
Welp, sounds like it's time for me to bite the bullet then. I'm thinking I'll post my phone to Craigslist as looking to sell or trade for a T-mobile version. Worse-comes-to-worst, I'll ebay the phone for what I can get, and pay out of pocket the difference for a new one.
Raises a new question: international version or just a different U.S. carrier's?
The carriers are getting work and ideas from us, then adding those features to the phones. Then locking them up (Bootloaders, No Root) because - Like Kenny says, they want to be more secure for corporations. Some people use root for bad things like (Not paying for apps and Xposed modules blocking ads, and other things that they don't want us doing) I use root for LONG LASTING BATTERY LIFE and getting rid of bloatware apps running in the background I dont even use. Yes, it sucks we can't do the things we use to but, they have made it so we can Turn Off apps, Long Lasting battery with the Ultra Power Save feature, etc......(Things we did with root are now coming on the phone >Stole those ideas from us<
EDIT: LETS GO KINGO, YOU CAN DO IT !!!!!! Maybe soon Kingo can produce a root option. That would be awesome. I'm not leaving At&t, been there for 18 years. Great coverage and customer service has been awesome to me !!!
Don't need root for getting apps for free. Ever heard of Aptoide?
Sent from my stock, untouched Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 on the xda-developers app
LoopingCreeper said:
Don't need root for getting apps for free. Ever heard of Aptoide?
Sent from my stock, untouched Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 on the xda-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you know what I mean. They don't want us to have Root Access. You can do a lot of things with root man.
LuckyColdJohnson said:
Well, you know what I mean. They don't want us to have Root Access. You can do a lot of things with root man.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know what your mean. Freedom can be used to get in app purchaces for free. That is kinda getting apps for free and it requires root.
Sent from my stock, untouched Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 on the xda-developers app
For me, ans more of a power user, the Root abilities were to get a smooother better battery life custom solution. I used Adaway and some apps for better performance. Other than that, root didnt mean much to me. I do miss the rebel aspect of it and that alone rather makes me wish I had bought the HTC M8 instead of the S5 last week.
Best of luck to the Devs that find us a root or AT&T to provide unlocking.
I'm with you guys. I'm just out to up my battery life, remove ads (admittedly. Can you blame me?), and have a few hardware changes, like reassigning buttons, switching music with my volume keys and such.
Biggest want? Titanium backup. I relied on that app more than I'd like to admit, as well as TWRP or ClockWork (depending on the phone/ROM I was using at the time).
It's just nice to be free with something I bought full price, SO I COULD HAVE THE FREEDOM TO DO WHAT I WANTED WITH IT.
Either way, We'll see what happens. All I want is root permissions.
Here's a curious thought, though. The AT&T S4 isn't rooted, but they have a workaround (loki mod). Anyone know if something like that is in the works for us?
I agree. Hopefully we will get an Root option (Maybe Kingo will come through again like with the Note 3) but their saying nobody has a root option for 4.4 on At&t phones. Don't see much talk about almost getting there as well. Chainfire was also saying that new Android firmware is about to start breaking root apps. 4.4.3 and on could be the start to the end of custom roms and root for Samsung devices (At&t). I too thought about going with an HTC device, I just love the S5's camera. I don't know what to think about these new phones man. It was so much fun installing and customizing our phones how we wanted to. Its sad and depressing watching these loved things go away. I'm not on my phone as much anymore.
I'm personally getting ready to purchase another device, I love my GS5 even tho it isn't rooted but I'm just not liking the size of it. I got it for $10 with my team member discount but I think I'm going to either get a T-Mobile one or European S5. Idk I want to stay with Samsung but this whole locked phone thing is discouraging.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using XDA Premium HD app
LuckyColdJohnson said:
I agree. Hopefully we will get an Root option (Maybe Kingo will come through again like with the Note 3) but their saying nobody has a root option for 4.4 on At&t phones. Don't see much talk about almost getting there as well. Chainfire was also saying that new Android firmware is about to start breaking root apps. 4.4.3 and on could be the start to the end of custom roms and root for Samsung devices (At&t). I too thought about going with an HTC device, I just love the S5's camera. I don't know what to think about these new phones man. It was so much fun installing and customizing our phones how we wanted to. Its sad and depressing watching these loved things go away. I'm not on my phone as much anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the only reason I kept and probably will keep my Nexus 5...
Colerunn said:
I might be speaking out of an uninformed thought here, but I'm concerned about our root status.
With the bounty being as high as it is, and me not being able to find anywhere that the Devs are collaborating, what are the odds it is taking so long (or even might NOT happen) because there is no developer collaboration for the insanely high bounty? I could be wrong, but I'm starting to wonder if that's the right way to go about it.
Then there's the concern that if we do achieve root, it'll be so late in the game that no one will be developing for our S5 at that point and will have moved on to another device.
Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen maybe one or two times since I've been a member of XDA where a bounty worked achieve root or an unlocked bootloader. Honestly, I doubt many of the devs who work on that type of stuff bought an AT&T S5. If it was me, I would have gone T-Mobile or International, as I'm sure most have.
Also, as someone said above, not everyone pays their pledges. The longer a bounty lasts, the bigger chance people who have pledged early have moved on or are not following anymore. I'm willing to bet that if a bounty was close to 2K, the most a dev could hope for is maybe $500, if their lucky. That's still quite a bit of money, but no where near what was pledged. Past experiences dictate present actions.
Sent from my VK810 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
---------- Post added at 04:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:05 AM ----------
KennyG123 said:
These are legitimate concerns that should have you reevaluating your next purchase based on carrier and manufacturer. The goal is to make AT&T and Verizon phones secure enough for the military and business accounts. That is where the big bucks lie for those carriers. Sprint and T-mobile are more geared towards the average pedestrian with their lower price plans and limited coverage, therefore do not worry about locked bootloaders and super secure phones. Other manufacturers such as HTC provide unlock to those seeking it and root has been very easy.
As for developer discussions regarding root...you have seen what the bounty threads turn into...with all that bickering and name calling it is not conducive to a development environment, so those people actually hampered progress. I am sure discussions are going on in private in some IRC channel without the needless interruptions and constant requests for ETA and "Are we there yet." And as mentioned there is a lot more $$$ in the private sectors rather than claim a half bounty and have a free root available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The carriers should make separate phones for consumers and businesses. That would be great.
Sent from my VK810 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Skizzy034 said:
The carriers should make separate phones for consumers and businesses. That would be great.
Sent from my VK810 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some do...sort of...they are called developer's editions and you usually have to wait a few months for their release.
KennyG123 said:
Some do...sort of...they are called developer's editions and you usually have to wait a few months for their release.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey KennyG, I just got the s5 Active, will y'all be opening up a thread for that soon? Thanks
Colerunn said:
Welp, sounds like it's time for me to bite the bullet then. I'm thinking I'll post my phone to Craigslist as looking to sell or trade for a T-mobile version. Worse-comes-to-worst, I'll ebay the phone for what I can get, and pay out of pocket the difference for a new one.
Raises a new question: international version or just a different U.S. carrier's?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MetroPCS S5 for $649+ $30 unlock code from cellunlocker-dot-net and you have a wide open west device ready for custom recovery/roms, the works. Also will be carrier unlocked and completely unbranded. Radio has all the LTE bands for TMO and ATT, LTE works. Was using Alliance Rom at the time.
I did sell mine and picked up an M8. Just prefer the feel in hand, 32GB (what was SEC thinking 16GB on a top tier device!) and of course the IPS LCD just looks better to my old, tired eyes than the SuperAMOLED+. Of course everyone's preferences are different.
If you're a night owl and prefer full darkness viewing the AMOLED displays can't be beat. Using LUX I was able to turn down the brightness to just about nothing and the contrast is still outstanding. LCDs (of course) wash out since they do have finite limits of contrast at low levels...
But in normal environments, wow, the IPS display looks spectacular...
In any case, expecting root on an ATT device these days is probably going to lead to major disappointment. Personally, I'd rather use an iOS device than a locked bootloader device (S4/S5).
When you're used to having the freedom of root and can no longer do the things you get used to it's like a punishment, having virtual shackles around your feet and expected to run a 10K on a day with 80 degree dewpoints. Oh yes and with a family of hungry black bears right behind you...
LuckyColdJohnson said:
Hey KennyG, I just got the s5 Active, will y'all be opening up a thread for that soon? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really needed if it is just as locked down and basically same hardware will see how it goes.

The State of the Z2 Developement Thread & WE GOT THE DEVICE INTO A DEVS HANDS!

First off... This phone is amazing. With that being said it has its quirks. Audio, Source and probably other things. But this device has the best potential to be the best device of the year. Of course T-Mobiles 800 dollar price in the beginning didn’t help anything. But at 375 right now that’s a steal. As of right most devs who were working on the bring up of the device have given up due to little knowledge or moto's crap. IF we can get this device into the right hands there could be so much potential. SO as for the state of the device right now its being abandoned for no reason really. SO how are we going to fix it? Thats what im here to ask you guys. Would you guys be willing to pull together and get a device pool started to get the device to the right developer and get a spark going in the community. Or leave it how it is and try to make it work. As of right now its me and maybe 2 others who were/are currently working on the device. Id like to make that a few more. Please let me know in the comments what you guys think we should do... As for me I bought the essential phone and still have the z2 and I like both but the z2 is just so fast. I really dont want this device to die. It deserves a shot.
Here is a pool for the device to go to the right dev. https://paypal.me/pools/c/80zSDgB3xa I put it at 400 to cover taxes and the device from tmobile. if there is anything else needed i will pay the rest.
Current list of devs who said they would help. @invisiblek
Anonymous
Today
$100.00
Michael Sullinger
Today
Uzephi
$50.00
david mattocks
Yesterday
$50.00
Richard Lowe
Yesterday
$10.00
James Nickell
2 days ago
$25.00
Dustin Wann
2 days ago
$20.00
Victor Gatdula
2 days ago
$20.00
Pedro Ribeiro
4 days ago
$20.00
kendall green
6 days ago
$25.00
Jean-Paul Hines
6 days ago
$20.00
Joe Moss
Today
$45.00
AND WE DID IT GUYS WE HAVE SUCCESSFULLY BOUGHT THE DEVICE AND I HAVE CONTACTED @invisiblek AND ITS ON THE WAY TO HIS HOUSE RIGHT NOW EXPECTED DELIVERY DATE IS THE 12TH!
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO BELIEVED IN THE Z2 AND ALL THE WORK THAT WAS PUT IN PRIOR! GOOD THINGS ARE COMMING GUYS JUST HANG IN THERE!
I'm definitely down to donate. I've been learning Android but nowhere near ready to develop a ROM or anything. Once I have a PC very soon, I'll be able to test and help out with some things. If it's worth doing, I'll use my jump trade with tmobile and get a new phone and donate this one to someone actively working on it. Either way, I'd hate to give up using this phone due to lack of interest or something.
Here is a pool for the device to go to the right dev. https://paypal.me/pools/c/80zSDgB3xa I put it at 400 to cover taxes and the device from tmobile. if there is anything else needed i will pay the rest.
How does this payme work..???I'm down to donate..
Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 12:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:07 PM ----------
Who are you looking to get to help? Man I'm looking at getting the essential too.How do u like it compared to z²
Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk
It's a pool as in people chip in and once we hit the 400$ I order the z2 force and ship it to a dev that can get things going for us
Chipped in $20
you might consider dees troy from TWRP. He developed TWRP for the One Plus One which allowed hardware encryption. I contacted him earlier and he said that he doesn't have a Moto Z2, doesn't plan to buy one and doesn't develop TWRP for phones he doesn't have. I have contributed.
I also had an Essential phone at one time, but returned it. It was heavier but otherwise nice. The lack of antenna's for 4 MIMO needed for Qualcomms gigabit modem was what finally convinced me to go with the Moto Z2. I haven't had any problems with the battery lasting more than a full day for me.
Also I am looking to get the keyboard mod from Livermorium when it becomes available. By the way, I just got the Insta Share Projector which came with the $300 cybermonday T mobile deal, which I plan to sell on ebay and bring the cost of the Z2 down to below $200. If anyone here is interested, PM me.
200 is quite a good deal how did you get ahold of deestroy? i would like to ask him if he would like one
through twitter, https://twitter.com/Dees_Troy
removed.
Yeah im sure a lot of people would chip in, there is a lot of misinformation or lack of it at all. There are several threads where users say they got the device Sim Unlocked, but no where lists the process to do it, just to contact users outside of XDA. Very shady, why can no one just post the tools/instructions. Ebay/Swappa is chock full of sim locked devices that would be great deals but no one can use them because of all the new sim unlock rules form carriers. I have ATT and dont want to get a bootloader locked model from them but cant find any devices that are pre sim unlocked and i am holding off on picking one of these up until i see if the community picks up or if i should just go ahead and get the pixel xl 2.
Right now you can find unlocked tmobile z2s which work with att just fine for pretty cheap. I know personally they work on att and even support att video calling lol and at the current price their going for (375 at tmobile) its amazing. Im pretty sure i know a site that unlocks for around 40 also one that ive used numerous times. and if i can get the device to the dev im thinking of we will have lineage in no time
I'm down for development. Let's organize, plan and build.
Sounds great. I just chipped in and eager to see some ROMs down the road.
joemossjr said:
First off... This phone is amazing. With that being said it has its quirks. Audio, Source and probably other things. But this device has the best potential to be the best device of the year. Of course T-Mobiles 800 dollar price in the beginning didn’t help anything. But at 375 right now that’s a steal. As of right most devs who were working on the bring up of the device have given up due to little knowledge or moto's crap. IF we can get this device into the right hands there could be so much potential. SO as for the state of the device right now its being abandoned for no reason really. SO how are we going to fix it? Thats what im here to ask you guys. Would you guys be willing to pull together and get a device pool started to get the device to the right developer and get a spark going in the community. Or leave it how it is and try to make it work. As of right now its me and maybe 2 others who were/are currently working on the device. Id like to make that a few more. Please let me know in the comments what you guys think we should do... As for me I bought the essential phone and still have the z2 and I like both but the z2 is just so fast. I really dont want this device to die. It deserves a shot.
Here is a pool for the device to go to the right dev. https://paypal.me/pools/c/80zSDgB3xa I put it at 400 to cover taxes and the device from tmobile. if there is anything else needed i will pay the rest.
Current list of devs who said they would help. @invisiblek
Contributors @byt3b0mb
@kendallgreen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you get @invisiblek to confirm he'll work on stuff? The only things I'm really interested in are adoptable storage (or similar hacks, currently using apps2sd folder binds which are slightly buggy), and getting the Sony PS4 remote play libraries working on here so I can use it with the game pad (which I currently have working with magisk). I don't know much about Android development but I should probably break out an old device and see what I can make happen. I really want this thing to expand the storage and be security patched with the ability to play PS4 on the gamepad. That's really it haha. If someone experienced knows what they are doing and is willing to pop on board though, I'm all for pitching in to make it happen.
pkgingo said:
Can you get @invisiblek to confirm he'll work on stuff? The only things I'm really interested in are adoptable storage (or similar hacks, currently using apps2sd folder binds which are slightly buggy), and getting the Sony PS4 remote play libraries working on here so I can use it with the game pad (which I currently have working with magisk). I don't know much about Android development but I should probably break out an old device and see what I can make happen. I really want this thing to expand the storage and be security patched with the ability to play PS4 on the gamepad. That's really it haha. If someone experienced knows what they are doing and is willing to pop on board though, I'm all for pitching in to make it happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If we get the device to him, Invisiblek said he'd assist where he can.
Uzephi said:
If we get the device to him, Invisiblek said he'd assist where he can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well yeah I see people saying that but I don't see him saying that. Any chance he can confirm? It's not that I don't trust you guys, it's that I've donated to causes in the past where a half hearted comment in a one off pm was blown out of proportion. I'm willing to take the risk you guys aren't going to take the PayPal money and run either, I just want some confirmation that yeah, this dev will seriously give this a shot if given a device from their own mouth basically.
pkgingo said:
Well yeah I see people saying that but I don't see him saying that. Any chance he can confirm? It's not that I don't trust you guys, it's that I've donated to causes in the past where a half hearted comment in a one off pm was blown out of proportion. I'm willing to take the risk you guys aren't going to take the PayPal money and run either, I just want some confirmation that yeah, this dev will seriously give this a shot if given a device from their own mouth basically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand your worry. I wouldn't have donated $50 if I didn't know if the device would go to good hands.
---------- Post added at 14:37 ---------- Previous post was at 14:36 ----------
Update per the Z2 discord: We have pooled enough money and @joemossjr is mailing the device to @invisiblek. Estimated delivery is a week from today. I see great things for this device's future! Huzzah!
I'm so excited you are working on this @invisiblek . Since the goal was reached I am sending you a donation directly via paypal
I have a bricked Z2F currently, which is why I am not contributing right now. Looks like its either wait an unknown amount of time until a blankflash is released for it, hack the xaomi blankflash to work with the Z2F, or pay the $150 to have motorola replace it for me. I am thinking that I am going to just pay the $150 because it is much better than waiting until this phone becomes out of date.
Side note, dont switch boot slots after flashing TWRP and then try to switch back to the original slot with adb. Reflash the device.

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