Database Info

[UPDATED] Samsung firmwares may close

Just thought some people not following their twitter might want to know:
@SamsungFirmware: BAD NEWS MAYBE WE HAVE TO CLOSE OUR WEBSITE! BECAUSE COPYRIGHT! We are checking it out.
This was posted an hour ago
UPDATE:
@SamsungFirmware: We missed a Disclaimer about our website.. We fix it all tonight and hope we keep running!
UPDATE:
Updates from their twitter:
@SamsungFirmware: Samsung wants my domain... Because of the name. samsung-firmware.com is already down they have the same problem.
@SamsungFirmware: We are busy with a new domain so site could be offline soon again YEAH
@SamFirmware: Site DOWN Why because we change it to www.SamFirmware.webs.com Later we go to www.SamFirmware.com
In the last post you can see they changed their twitter name
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

ronandi said:
Just thought some people not following their twitter might want to know:
@SamsungFirmware: BAD NEWS MAYBE WE HAVE TO CLOSE OUR WEBSITE! BECAUSE COPYRIGHT! We are checking it out.
This was posted an hour ago
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is bad news indeed!
Looks like they have to go... underground

Quick everyone, Start downloading and archiving it all before it is too late!

ronandi said:
Just thought some people not following their twitter might want to know:
@SamsungFirmware: BAD NEWS MAYBE WE HAVE TO CLOSE OUR WEBSITE! BECAUSE COPYRIGHT! We are checking it out.
This was posted an hour ago
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
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Click to collapse
Not sure how its a copy writing issue, they aren't making any money off samsungs property (roms). They aren't editing them and releasing them as a samsung property....should be interesting.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk

Clienterror said:
Not sure how its a copy writing issue, they aren't making any money off samsungs property (roms). They aren't editing them and releasing them as a samsung property....should be interesting.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk
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I've asked if they can provide any more details at this time. Will post if I find out more.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

You don't have to do anything wrong to get a letter from a company lawyer. If some exec gets a bug up his butt and sics his legal department on you, right and wrong have nothing to do with it.

dc41 said:
You don't have to do anything wrong to get a letter from a company lawyer. If some exec gets a bug up his butt and sics his legal department on you, right and wrong have nothing to do with it.
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That's true. But out of curiosity I've been looking up forms of copy write laws, and they all basically deal with either taking someone's work and putting your name on it exclusively, or selling it or both, or a combination of the two. Besides that the rest applies to copying music which is obviously considered illegal but that is still kind of a gray area. And of course copying games and programs.....but that's targeted towards paid games/apps. So as far as "Copy write infringement" by definition it holds no water. Then again if someone can sue NC Soft for making Linage II too addicting and actually successfully start a lawsuit anything could happen rofl.

I can see why they would get in copyright hot water over what they do. All the work that they host is technically property of Samsung and their partners after all. I would hate for them to be killed off, as their releases have helped us a lot. Samsung should think twice about this though, because I bet without the glimmer of hope shown by the GPS improvements in JH2, there would have been a lot more returns Samsung would be dealing with.

New update from their twitter:
@SamsungFirmware: We missed a Disclaimer about our website.. We fix it all tonight and hope we keep running!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Well, either they've taken it down for updating, or it's down completely, either way I can't get to it right now.

From facebook:
Samsung-Firmware Webs SITE IS DOWN. WE HAVE TROUBLE WITH SAMSUNG. WE ARE WORKING ON NEW DOMAIN,

way to have your **** together... >.<

It figures, the day that I decide I'm going to update. Hope they can get it back up soon.

Updates from their twitter:
@SamsungFirmware: Samsung wants my domain... Because of the name. samsung-firmware.com is already down they have the same problem.
@SamsungFirmware: We are busy with a new domain so site could be offline soon again YEAH
@SamFirmware: Site DOWN Why because we change it to www.SamFirmware.webs.com Later we go to www.SamFirmware.com
In the last post you can see they changed their twitter name as well
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

rajendra82 said:
I can see why they would get in copyright hot water over what they do. All the work that they host is technically property of Samsung and their partners after all. I would hate for them to be killed off, as their releases have helped us a lot. Samsung should think twice about this though, because I bet without the glimmer of hope shown by the GPS improvements in JH2, there would have been a lot more returns Samsung would be dealing with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if they are getting in trouble due to basically posting roms from samsung and nothing else what do you call it when people modify their original code to make custom roms? Are they going to jail because not only are they posting samsung property their modifying without samsungs permission.

This is probably a trademark issue, since their domain included Samsung in its name. If it was a copyright issue, they couldn't just change the domain name and continue operating.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

Clienterror said:
So if they are getting in trouble due to basically posting roms from samsung and nothing else what do you call it when people modify their original code to make custom roms? Are they going to jail because not only are they posting samsung property their modifying without samsungs permission.
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Dont forget that what xda does is illegal too, but its been tolerated by the companies so far because of the positive effects xda has on the popularity of the smartphones from these companies.
I dont think that samsung has a problem with what these website does, but purely of the use of her brandname. For example: the first time i heard of samsung-firmwares i thought it was something official by samsung. After visiting xda i learned it was not.
So the reason is just that samsung doesnt want to be associated with this website, because of the experimental stuff. You will get lot of stupid people complaining to samsung about broken smartphones.

Exclusive: Someone Is Getting All Your Data And We Know How To Stop Them!

Well well well we just found out all your data is going to an Amazon server if you updated to the new 2.3.4 EVO and Sensation users. How long you use an app, What app you are using, The fact that you are rooted, the location you are using it from etc etc (without QIC) is being uploaded to an Amazon server un-encrypted. How's that for security? However thanks to Synergy team developer TrevE users of Synergy and the upcoming Eternity ROM from Virus will be secure against this obvious infringement of your privacy. What is HTC up to? And furthermore what other manufacturers are using similar methods? One thing Trev pointed out was your warranty can be voided immediately. They know you are rooted! The repercussions of this are astounding and frankly I am proud to be breaking this story with all of the work I have done here recently speaking out when I find are data being wrongly horded and used in nefarious ways. Kudos to TrevE and Virus for showing me this and helping the community find a way to put a stop to it. This is an ongoing game people and it is the aftermarket guys like Team Synergy and even journalist like myself who are a pretty good line of defense when crap like this comes up. They have your IMEI they know your location from the cell towers in hex and they know you are rooted. The best way to defend yourself is by rooting and flashing these guys ROMS period and that's a win win. Top of the line performance and defense against heinous invasion of your privacy.
for technical details including the nefarious code you can go HERE. The user behavior logs and other info are right in the thread of our sister site InfectedROM.com
The Synergy team and Revolution for the win... oh and when your using Synergy ROM and Eternity ROM this is what HTC will see..... Beat By Team Synergy. Jokes on them. I'm certainly laughing.
Kidromulous
Editor in Chief
AndroREV
We Are AndroREV WE ARE!
Someone pointed this out to me so I thought I'd share it with you all.
Link to article

The reason it's going to Amazon is because HTC has servers with Amazon obviously... Damn this is a dumb, FUD-spreading, post.

persiansown said:
The reason it's going to Amazon is because HTC has servers with Amazon obviously... Damn this is a dumb, FUD-spreading, post.
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I dont think so...I am curious to know also....What are they doing with this data that they have NOT asked us to collect.

I think the op is going way overboard assuming these STATISTICS are being used " nefariously " sure, point it out, bit don't start throwing out accusations without evidence that harmful acts are being perpetrated and scaring the community into a state of paranoia.

I think the OP just copied and pasted the article, so no need to blame him.
And yea, the way the article is written just makes it seem like a rant and not very credible...

dear Op,
please tell us about the services activated under account and sync. then disabled them all and see, how like magic that traffic then is gone...

LOL. This is really written in such a sensational way that it's pretty funny that I really am fifty fifty believing this post. It's like the posts on the web that mention gain six pack ABS in six weeks no exercise. Ah well. Good thing I'm rooted and failed the update.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App

OK, I'm calling BS, or at the very least calling it inaccurate. If you look up those IPs, they belong to amazonaws.com. If you look this up, you get Amazon Web Services. It's basically a bunch of cloud/database services they offer, for people and other companies to utilize. So while it may go to an Amazon server, it is most likely not actually going to Amazon. It is still just HTC, nothing different, just a different server. Also, WHO THE HELL CARES? It's not like it is constantly sending this data all the time. In fact, I'd be willing to bet this only gets sent when you actually submit one of those 'Tell HTC' forms that show up sometimes.

Well, one more spying us is not a problem

What an interesting post. Is there any kind of independent watchdog group who goes over all the code in these roms to see what is actually going on? I assume it's all open source, so they can't really hide what they're doing. How it works in the real world, however, I don't know.

"Exclusive: Someone Is Getting All Your Data And We Know How To Stop Them!"
Really?
This is an internet forum, not a tabloid newspaper/self-help magazine.

sound like to me that you just want people to download and use your rom. because if you knew a way to stop this why not post the fix ,no instead you want us to use your rom go suck and egg.bs

Now I get it...
Posts like these, thats what the 10 post minimum was all about. Too bad it missed this clown. If you've got a fix, post it. Shove your weak ROM and your weak tabloid marketing in your very loose arse. Jive... Is this where XDA is heading?

z3r0d3vil said:
Posts like these, thats what the 10 post minimum was all about. Too bad it missed this clown. If you've got a fix, post it. Shove your weak ROM and your weak tabloid marketing in your very loose arse. Jive... Is this where XDA is heading?
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Click to collapse
you my good sir... are exactly what we need around here hahaha hilarious

Can they even do that as in htc? Isnt it like trespassing other people privacy?
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA Premium App

MxFadzil92 said:
Can they even do that as in htc? Isnt it like trespassing other people privacy?
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apparently they can, take a look in setting > about phone > legal information > HTC legal, its all there..
HTC Swyped from my Sensation using XDA Premium

*damo* said:
Apparently they can, take a look in setting > about phone > legal information > HTC legal, its all there..
HTC Swyped from my Sensation using XDA Premium
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Click to collapse
well that is one clever move made by htc. -.- wthell man. no privacy !!! anyway thanks for the info though... cant believe that they did this kind of thing to their customer.

persiansown said:
The reason it's going to Amazon is because HTC has servers with Amazon obviously... Damn this is a dumb, FUD-spreading, post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The article is not questioning Amazon but HTC. And its a fact so FUD spreading I think not

Setting the Record Straight.
For the record I would never post anything that I wrote here on XDA i'm not responsible for the post. To the people who were interested in the information imparted in said post. Glad it helped. To the folks who think it's FUD. Too bad. To the folks who think I write a tabloid... well thats for the people reading it to decide. To the folks who think the fix isn't in the piece. Get your reading glasses. Oh and to the folks who don't like the fact that I promoted the developers who created the fix and think Synergy is a crappy ROM take that up with the developer of said ROMs. Thanks a million and have a blessed day.

daman215 said:
sound like to me that you just want people to download and use your rom. because if you knew a way to stop this why not post the fix ,no instead you want us to use your rom go suck and egg.bs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
z3r0d3vil said:
Posts like these, thats what the 10 post minimum was all about. Too bad it missed this clown. If you've got a fix, post it. Shove your weak ROM and your weak tabloid marketing in your very loose arse. Jive... Is this where XDA is heading?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't necessarily believe it either but I wonder if you guys even clicked on the link because there's actually a bunch of source there, and explanations of what happens when you delete certain files that are harvesting info, and the source code that was used to "defeat" the info harvesting behaviors. I think this is interesting at the very least, if not true even if it was definitely presented in a sensational way.
I don't particularly care WHERE the data is going, I want to know WHY it's being collected in the first place, especially if it is not vital to the functioning of our mobile devices, which it seems pretty clear to all of us, it isn't. Even if YOU don't care about your info and data being harvested by google, some of us do and many of us find it very disconcerting.
Also, a guy with 14 posts trolling and asking where "XDA is heading" am I the only one that appreciates how ridiculous that is?

Massive Android malware op may have infected 5 million users

http://www.computerworld.com/s/arti..._malware_op_may_have_infected_5_million_users
Computerworld - The largest-ever Android malware campaign may have duped as many as 5 million users into downloading infected apps from Google's Android Market, Symantec said today.
Dubbed "Android.Counterclank" by Symantec, the malware was packaged in 13 different apps from three different publishers, with titles ranging from "Sexy Girls Puzzle" to "Counter Strike Ground Force." Many of the infected apps were still available on the Android Market as of 3 p.m. ET Friday.
Edit:Credit for this goes to Gio from The Collective.

Thanks for heads up Tx!
Sent from my HTC Vivid using XDA app

Some say the Android Market isn't safe, but the problem are the users themselves, people just download any app from the Market thinking they are safe...
it's just like going tho the supermarket and not looking at expiration dates in food, then going home and getting diarrhea because you ate something rotten. hahaha
And that's only from the Android Market, imagine the people who install hacked apps and stuf..

mateusm said:
Some say the Android Market isn't safe, but the problem are the users themselves, people just download any app from the Market thinking they are safe...
it's just like going tho the supermarket and not looking at expiration dates in food, then going home and getting diarrhea because you ate something rotten. hahaha
And that's only from the Android Market, imagine the people who install hacked apps and stuf..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that Google should do a better job of scanning/screening apps before they're released for mass consumption. This should be the first line of defense, but as you stated, it ultimately comes down to the end user being smart about what they install.

Agreed. It all comes back to why we get irritated at some new users posting when they have a problem and post before looking for the answer.......they dont want to read. Good practice would be to read the reviews before downloading.
Sent from my HTC Vivid using XDA app

http://www.noticeorange.com/StoryBo...RpY2VvcmFuZ2VyDQsSBFNpdGUY2pTyFww&font_size=9
Maybe premature
Sent from my CM7 Nightly HTC Desire HD

That ****ing sucks. There's always an asshole out there trying to **** **** up.

bluizzo said:
http://www.noticeorange.com/StoryBo...RpY2VvcmFuZ2VyDQsSBFNpdGUY2pTyFww&font_size=9
Maybe premature
Sent from my CM7 Nightly HTC Desire HD
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Click to collapse
Well I don't know where Lookout gets their information about not calling it malware but according to wikipedia
Malware, short for malicious software, is software (or script or code) designed to disrupt computer operation, gather sensitive information, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems. It is a general term used to describe any kind of software or code specifically designed to exploit a computer, or the data it contains, without consent.[1] The expression is a general term used by computer professionals to mean a variety of forms of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software.
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But that sounds exactly like what this software is. And I have seen it before on my phone. It doesn't matter how careful you are even if you do read the reviews on the market. I had a free game called Bocce Ball. It had great reviews. Had it for many months. Then one day it wouldn't work unless I updated it. Low and behold I had notifications pushed to my notification bar, my homepage was hijacked, and I had search icons on my homescreen.
There lies why apple may be superior and I hate to admit it. It actually is in control of everything that gets posted on it's market. And with the variety of OS versions out there for android, Android is starting to look like Windows more and more everyday.

People will download anything these days..
Sent from my Inspire 4G CM7 using Tapatalk

psych0naut said:
That ****ing sucks. There's always an asshole out there trying to **** **** up.
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Click to collapse
This is your one and only warning. That type of language has no place here.
Now to remain on topic. Things like this will always happen. Same with PC. If you are not careful then you get a virus. Learn to be careful and your good.

suggestions? use avg?

willwoodham0526 said:
suggestions? use avg?
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Best advice is use common sense. Read all permissions before installing and only install apps from the official marketplaces. Anti virus software really are pointless.!

I use webroot secure anywhere, it works very well.

jimcasey1768 said:
I use webroot secure anywhere, it works very well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And how did you come to that conclusion? Did it actually catch something? Or the fact that it didn't you presume you are clean?

Tx Redneck said:
... the malware was packaged ... with titles ranging from "Sexy Girls Puzzle" to "Counter Strike Ground Force."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gee. I wonder who their target audience is. Oversexed, impulsive teenage to twenty-something boys, perhaps?

Yeah, if you ask me, "Sexy Girls Puzzle" just screams malware.

that sucks man, thank you for the warning!

Confusing

First off, my intent is no to flame or enflame, but rather an expression of desired continuity. Seanzscreams SkyIce has been lock with thousands upon thousands of user of his rom swinging in the wind. This is supposedly over the "illegal" use of the dropbox.apk being used from a port of the SG3. What I am not understanding is that 4-5 months ago, a similar hack was used with the box.apk ported from the nexus. This was never locked or removed. In fact, it was touted in the portal itself. I am having a problem seeing a difference in the two situations. If this were just a case of cleaning all the flamers, that would be anoter thing because it gets bad, and I hate to see that myself. But, it is not just that. Again, I am looking to cause no uproar, but voice my concern over this. I have to. If I felt I could not do at least that here, than the forum would feel like being stuck in iOS. Limited, stifled and voiceless. I cant stand the thought of XDA feeling like that to me after four years of being here. Thank-you for your understanding on the nature of this post. Respect to mods, respect to devs, and respect to fellow users.
Sent from My SKYICS powered, iPhone killing, i727 death machine.

In before lock! :silly:

Its prob not the apk its self but what he got in return for including into rom. Not that I have anything against it, I mean hell he spends a lot of time for us the users. He should get something.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium

I truly hope it does not get locked. There is never anything wrong with a place to respectfully and diplomatically voice concerns and/or thoughts on such a topic. I choose to never flame or stifle anyone, and always welcome respectful opposition to my point of view. Hell, i am use to being told im wrong. Ive been married twice, lol.
Sent from My SKYICS powered, iPhone killing, i727 death machine.

cha0sdsm said:
Its prob not the apk its self but what he got in return for including into rom. Not that I have anything against it, I mean hell he spends a lot of time for us the users. He should get something. Thank-you for your input on this cha0dsm. The more info, the better.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was not aware of him getting anything for including it. Bit if that is the situation, then point well taken. Whether that .apk is present or not, he will still be on my donate to list. His roms have made my phone so much more enjoyable than I could have imagined. Funny thing is, I never got the extra space with that .apk. But to be fair, I never use dropbox either.
Sent from My SKYICS powered, iPhone killing, i727 death machine.

rebel1699 said:
Hell, i am use to being told im wrong. Ive been married twice, lol.
Sent from My SKYICS powered, iPhone killing, i727 death machine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha great! You said it!:laugh:
Us types may just be the silent minority but we know our place!
And I'll add to it, it's not just the wives, but the kids sure like to show us it too sometimes. Makes a man humble.

Retracted
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium

Retracted

I would hate to lose such a prolific Dev to this. I see the value in, XDA protecting itself, from perceived illegal activity, I see no issue with locking the threads until figured out. I would rather lose a Rom than this wonderful site.
Here's to SeanZ quick fix and re-upload of a new version of SkyICS 4.2F without the offending apk.
Thank you Seanz and XDA, both, for what you give us.

I'm assuming there is some back-channel dialog with Sean, and hopefully all ends well with new version(s) of the ROMs without the dropbox.apk.
That said, this is kind of an interesting line to walk, given how much of the activity (and value) of xda relates to all sorts of leaked, back-ported, or re-distributed software. When a leaked ROM is posted, or pieces of a ROM cross-ported & posted, for example, is it always clear which pieces are "okay" and which are "TOS violations?"

ChillFactorz said:
I would hate to lose such a prolific Dev to this. I see the value in, XDA protecting itself, from perceived illegal activity, I see no issue with locking the threads until figured out. I would rather lose a Rom than this wonderful site.
Here's to SeanZ quick fix and re-upload of a new version of SkyICS 4.2F without the offending apk.
Thank you Seanz and XDA, both, for what you give us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While I may still have a few concerns, I completely understand your stance. I love this community, which was the motivation for writing the Op. I also absolutely love the Roms that Sean provides for us. His work and dedication for us, as a community, is simply amazing. I have an immense amount of respect and gratitude for the man. As far as the Mod who locked the threads, I have never noticed anything truly "unfair" or "demeaning" by them, either. Even warning posts are courteous and respectful. So, I cant complain there. Heres to hoping that this amazing dev and the officiating mod/mods get this cleared up in a timely and mutually beneficial manner, so we can all resume our enjoyment of Seans brilliant roms within this great community.

I've been on other thread for other devices when the links get pulled. The talk was the OP was told/PMed in advance, of the infraction. thus giving the OP an opportunity to fix, I'm not saying this happen this time. I believe the Mods are on the up and up and want the treads to continue with out any issues. I would imagine that their is often behind the scenes warnings.

Just Curious
Since skyics got closed for using dropbox.apk wouldn't the leaked roms be considered the same thing? It has apk files from the carriers in them that might have been updated and not released yet. I am just wondering how that works? I don't want to get in trouble for using something I'm not suppose to,

slydog72 said:
Since skyics got closed for using dropbox.apk wouldn't the leaked roms be considered the same thing? It has apk files from the carriers in them that might have been updated and not released yet. I am just wondering how that works? I don't want to get in trouble for using something I'm not suppose to,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it is more of an issue of it being on a device in which it was not meant for, and as a direct result, getting something (50Gb) that you were not otherwise able to get. If it was just a regular Dropbox.apk, it would be no big deal. The extra 50Gb promotion added to it is where the issue lies. It is a very slippery slope, though. In an open source dev community, I suppose it could be argued either way. It will come down to basic rules and judgement on a case by case basis, most likely. Like I said in the op, the same occurance with the Box.apk 50Gb promotion ported from the Nexus was never questioned, so I guess it can be labeled as a grey area and go either way.

Thanks
Thank you for clearing that up. I just didn't want to get in any trouble if the other apk files were illegal.

rebel1699 said:
I think it is more of an issue of it being on a device in which it was not meant for, and as a direct result, getting something (50Gb) that you were not otherwise able to get. If it was just a regular Dropbox.apk, it would be no big deal. The extra 50Gb promotion added to it is where the issue lies. It is a very slippery slope, though. In an open source dev community, I suppose it could be argued either way. It will come down to basic rules and judgement on a case by case basis, most likely. Like I said in the op, the same occurance with the Box.apk 50Gb promotion ported from the Nexus was never questioned, so I guess it can be labeled as a grey area and go either way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This can definitely be argued either way... all of the "leaked" ICS roms can be considered stolen, as they are not "official" releases.
I think what's bothering me the most is that in the 4 months I've had my skyrocket, I honestly can't remember any involvement from a Mod, and now threads are locked everywhere. Makes ya scratch your head. (I don't say this to flame, it's just odd seeing a one-day heavy cleanup. To add to that... Sean has had drop box in his from for 2 weeks... why now?)
Edited: cause fat thumbs sumbited before I was ready! Lol!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using XDA

If it turns out the the folks at Dropbox are behind this, I will move to another cloud storage solution and close my Dropbox account.
There are too many other options available.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda premium

The issue is DropBox is a paid service, any free exploit is illegal.

ChillFactorz said:
The issue is DropBox is a paid service, any free exploit is illegal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it could very well be that Dropbox is forcing the hand of XDA on this one. In that case, XDA would indeed have to protect itself. I would imagine that Sean will have the opportunity to "clean" and re-release his rom. Otherwise, the threads would have been simply deleted. Just my opinion, though.

Since the 4.2F thread is back open, thanks to Sean and the mods for their fast work in getting things resolved. Back to Sky-Ics Bliss.

Swift Key 4

I've beta tested a few things and I'm surprised at how unappreciative developers are of their beta testers. Most recently it was swift key. Honestly the flow kind of sucked in its first iteration compared to swype (or even the stock swype keyboard) but I stuck with it and provided feed back hoping it would get better and I would be rewarded for my efforts. When their release version came out i got an email the next day with a $2 discount and that my beta version was expired.
So now in addition to my time they want to take my money. And they won't even let me keep using the beta to avoid paying.
At least it wasn't as bad as solid explorer. They didn't even offer a discount. Just flipped all of their beta testers the bird and shut down the beta.
So is this behavior typical of developers? I think the least they could do is give their app for free to the beta testers that contributed to making their product market worthy.

Hmm, I've had the complete opposite experience. Swiftkey's beta program has been great to me. Either because I purchased Swiftkey 2.x or because I also signed up as a VIP to receive Swiftkey 3 beta (from awhile ago), I receive updates and emails about their betas usually the day of or day after blogs publicize them. Seems great to me, especially since they include the direct apk in each email. I don't see the issue here.
You sound unnecessarily riled though, they gave you a $2 discount off a $4 app for beta testing it. Additionally, Swiftkey frequently has a sale on their tablet and phone app even outside of holidays. Swype, before they included OTA updates, had a measurably worse practice. The only way you knew about newer betas was because your version stopped abruptly when you typed and you had to log into their site to download a newer beta. There was no supporting email system like what Swiftkey has.
Edit: I just checked and Swiftkey is $2 right now. Hasn't it been on sale since Swiftkey Flow was officially included?

SlimSnoopOS said:
Hmm, I've had the complete opposite experience. Swiftkey's beta program has been great to me. Either because I purchased Swiftkey 2.x or because I also signed up as a VIP to receive Swiftkey 3 beta (from awhile ago), I receive updates and emails about their betas usually the day of or day after blogs publicize them. Seems great to me, especially since they include the direct apk in each email. I don't see the issue here.
You sound unnecessarily riled though, they gave you a $2 discount off a $4 app for beta testing it. Additionally, Swiftkey frequently has a sale on their tablet and phone app even outside of holidays. Swype, before they included OTA updates, had a measurably worse practice. The only way you knew about newer betas was because your version stopped abruptly when you typed and you had to log into their site to download a newer beta. There was no supporting email system like what Swiftkey has.
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I'm not sure I'm at the "riled" stage. More just surprised. Seems a little nickel and dime since if they don't have beta testers they'll just have to deal with customer complaints which will cost more in the long run than the $2 they made off me and a few hundred others.

Gibscreen said:
I'm not sure I'm at the "riled" stage. More just surprised. Seems a little nickel and dime since if they don't have beta testers they'll just have to deal with customer complaints which will cost more in the long run than the $2 they made off me and a few hundred others.
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But you do though, just from the tone in your OP. I added an edit as well to my prior post. Why couldn't you use the $2 discount to get the app for free? According to different blogs, it has been on sale since officially updated the other day.

Gibscreen said:
Kinda shot yourself in the foot there. You were trying to belittle my point and instead you proved it. I didn't even know they offered the same discount to everyone. So they really offered nothing to their beta testers.
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Herein lies the misunderstanding. I read it as they gave you a $2 discount for beta testing where you would get the app for free. The latter part of your post doesn't warrant a response.

Gibscreen said:
Well since this post has devolved into name calling, it's not about the money retard. It's value for services. And get your head out of the sand. Every other industry lets beta testers keep the product for free.
But go right ahead and give away your time for free. When you start crying about not getting paid by your employer I'll just say they gave you shelter for 8 hours a day in exchange for your work.
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That's a false equivalence if I've ever seen one. If I were working 8 hours a day on improving software I would expect to be reimbursed for my time. But then again, that would mean I would be employed by the software company and payment for my extensive services would be customary.
Swiftkey is a keyboard app for a phone. I'm already going to be using a keyboard app on my phone anyway. They let me see the fruits of their labors long before the average customer does so in return I report any problems I run into. That's the relationship.

so is this where i say i bought swiftkey back in the day for $0.10 and when flow went to the full app, it's now included with my original dime purchase?
it was one of those 10 apps for .10 week's.

frankspin said:
To this day I will never understand the rationale of people who complain about the cost of an app when they have a $50/month smartphone plan and a $500+ smartphone.
---------- Post added at 04:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:05 PM ----------
I'm going to call BS on this one. Me thinks you came here looking to have someone give you the apk so you could avoid paying for it.
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Seriously? Anyone who doesn't know how to get the app for free is an idiot. For those of us who want to go about getting it legitimately, carry on.
The OP was intended to discuss the somewhat unfair practice of developers taking people's time to develop their product, which they then sell to other people. All while they penny pinch and fail to appreciate the contributions of their beta testers. I'm truly shocked that people are so developer minded that they can't even look at this issue objectively and see that the developer gets a HUGE benefit for pretty much nothing in return. We get the privilege to use their buggy product for a few months? That's the benefit?
This could have been something that a developer could have noticed and said to themselves "you know these people do provide me with a benefit. How about if I show them I'm grateful." Not likely but at least possible. Instead they'll look at this thread and carry on as usual. Congratulations.

SwiftKey 4 is fantastic on my phone. I've beta tested a lot of things and I never once expected ANYTHING in return. I have gotten things but never sought them out.

I don't like swift key. The space bar is too small. I keep accidentally hitting the period instead which.makes.my.writing.look.like.this.
Did they change this in version 4? Or heck, at least give the option to?
Edit: nope. The period is still. Ridiculously big for no reason, taking up. Precious space bar space. Time to. Uninstall again. I apparently had this keyboard purchased from back when it. Was on sale for like. 40 cents.
Edit: I took screenshots of the stock Android keyboard and SwiftKey and found them identical in length. It was probably a mental thing. I do hate how this thing auto spaces after pressing period though. I also dislike the number layout. These are things I wish the developer would consider making options for.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

Div033 said:
I don't like swift key. The space bar is too small. I keep accidentally hitting the period instead which.makes.my.writing.look.like.this.
Did they change this in version 4? Or heck, at least give the option to?
Edit: nope. The period is still. Ridiculously big for no reason, taking up. Precious space bar space. Time to. Uninstall again. I apparently had this keyboard purchased from back when it. Was on sale for like. 40 cents.
Edit: I took screenshots of the stock Android keyboard and SwiftKey and found them identical in length. It was probably a mental thing. I do hate how this thing auto spaces after pressing period though. I also dislike the number layout. These are things I wish the developer would consider making options for.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
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If I'm not mistaken you can turn that off in settings.
OP - perhaps you should just enjoy the fact that they allowed you to beta test in the first place. When Swiftkey originally hit the scene beta testing was limited to a few and in almost every instance a user who had already purchased the app.
If McDonald's was test marketing the McRib in your area and gave you one for free does that entitle you to free McRibs for life?
Step off your high horse and spend 2 bucks.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

kujayhawks77 said:
If I'm not mistaken you can turn that off in settings.
OP - perhaps you should just enjoy the fact that they allowed you to beta test in the first place. When Swiftkey originally hit the scene beta testing was limited to a few and in almost every instance a user who had already purchased the app.
If McDonald's was test marketing the McRib in your area and gave you one for free does that entitle you to free McRibs for life?
Step off your high horse and spend 2 bucks.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
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I'M gonna throw my two cents...
shouldn't you want to pay for the finished product? show's appreciation for someones hard work and time? tesing a beta isn't a reward, or privilege, you do it on your own free will because you expressed interest in a product.

Gibscreen said:
I've beta tested a few things and I'm surprised at how unappreciative developers are of their beta testers. Most recently it was swift key. Honestly the flow kind of sucked in its first iteration compared to swype (or even the stock swype keyboard) but I stuck with it and provided feed back hoping it would get better and I would be rewarded for my efforts. When their release version came out i got an email the next day with a $2 discount and that my beta version was expired.
So now in addition to my time they want to take my money. And they won't even let me keep using the beta to avoid paying.
At least it wasn't as bad as solid explorer. They didn't even offer a discount. Just flipped all of their beta testers the bird and shut down the beta.
So is this behavior typical of developers? I think the least they could do is give their app for free to the beta testers that contributed to making their product market worthy.
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Hold up... It was an open beta... You mean to tell me that you expect them to give everyone a free copy... Pay the money, it's worth it.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

I will chime in just for the sake of it, we all got the email about final release and one thing that did strike me was in the email they said it was free and not $2, not complaining about the price just the wording and false advertisement of the email I got because before I got the email I read on Endgaget that it was on sale for $2. Checked my email and saw I got one from Swiftkey thanking me for beta testing yadda yadda and at the end saying it was free with a play store link, wrong fail. If you're gonna give a discount than just say it, don't say it's free when it's only free if you already purchased Swiftkey prior. Just my 2¢.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

kujayhawks77 said:
If I'm not mistaken you can turn that off in settings.
OP - perhaps you should just enjoy the fact that they allowed you to beta test in the first place. When Swiftkey originally hit the scene beta testing was limited to a few and in almost every instance a user who had already purchased the app.
If McDonald's was test marketing the McRib in your area and gave you one for free does that entitle you to free McRibs for life?
Step off your high horse and spend 2 bucks.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
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I find the number layout easier to use. The layout of some punctuation, not so much lol but it is liveable. The Autospace/Autopunctuate can definitely be disabled.
Other than that, the keyboard is fast, the predictive text is accurate, but non-invasive, and it's a keeper for me. All I need is a real theme for it lol.
Meanwhile.. Thread reported. 98% of this thread is pure BS and a waste of forum space. Too much of that here at XDA IMO...

I got the app for free myself. Beta tested then updated the next day after all was said and done. Win-Win.
Sent from the Dark Side of my Eclipsed GS3.

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