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Hello Guys,
My name is John, I recently became the social media analyst at Samsung mobile. I wanted to start opening the lines of communication between XDA and Samsung. First I wanted to say I have noticed your work on our devices on the XDA forums. I think you guys do an outstanding job, I myself am a developer for mobile devices. So let’s get down to business, we’re going to be in Austin from March 10-15 for the SXSW(south by southwest http://sxsw.com/convention). I was wondering if any of you guys are going so that we could meet up and share a couple of ideas I have. I am looking forward to meeting some of you GREAT developers!
Thanks in advance,
John
Social Media Analyst
Samsung Mobile USA
Twitter: @SamsungJohn
Is this for real? Please provide some proof you work for samsung.
Sooooo...what's the hold up with Froyo, John?
wonner said:
Sooooo...what's the hold up with Froyo, John?
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+1
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
I honestly hope you are authentic. It is about time that the people who make the phones embrace the superior developmental process.
Pikabob said:
I honestly hope you are authentic. It is about time that the people who make the phones embrace the superior developmental process.
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Or at least attempt to embrace some kind of something. That'd be a start for Samsung.
Sounds like BS advertising to get people in seats at this event.
Interesting...go through his previous posts once, not exactly his first time posting on the forums...
So let’s get down to business, we’re going to be in Austin from March 10-15 for the SXSW(south by southwest http://sxsw.com/convention).
The link doesn't work....
Troll.....
Yeah, sounds troll to me, but it will be nice for them to show here...and learn a bit of how things are done
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
Real
Yes I am the real deal, I am a developer/social media analyst. I don't mind taking a picture of my badge or something to prove my credibility.
SamsungJohn said:
Yes I am the real deal, I am a developer/social media analyst. I don't mind taking a picture of my badge or something to prove my credibility.
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I think he's legit, folks.
If you are indeed an analyst for Samsung, welcome to XDA. I'm sure you've already noticed by now that there is a lot of cynicism both for Samsung and your claim of being an employee. Simple reason for this is that most everyone here feels that Samsung has ignored their pleas for help, didn’t deliver promised upgrades, and left millions of Galaxy S owners with buggy software/hardware, etc.
If your goal is to reach out to Samsung users at the grassroots level, you're in the right place. However, you also have a tough job ahead of you. The disenfranchisement runs deep and it will take a lot of effort to fix.
Here are some suggestions for you to escalate internally within Samsung:
1. Support the development efforts of the XDA developers. There are many talented people working quite hard to customize, fix and generally improve Samsung firmware. Samsung should make some effort to provide these developers with source code, tools, and help.
2. Take an honest and upfront approach to product defects that find their way onto store shelves (e.g. GPS, battery, etc). I guarantee the cost of addressing the problem will be fully offset by the shift in customer loyalty. An unreliable product is perceived many times worse if the OEM denies or ignores the issues.
3. Set a release schedule with carrier partners and stick to it. Apple has set the benchmark for frequent over the wire software updates. Android applications are updated with fixes and improvements on a regular basis. In stark contrast, our firmware lags far behind Google’s releases and FOTA is failing more than it’s working. This has to change. Samsung needs to push out regular firmware updates that are applied seamlessly without loss of data. Forget FOTA and do it like Apple does OTW (over the wire).
4. Allow users the option of switching to AOSP. Some people like TouchWiz and some don’t. Give them the choice.
BTW, in addition to being an informed consumer, I work in the mobile industry. I know a fair amount about how it should work. The Samsung Galaxy product suite is performing very well but the real question is how long will it last. Loyalty takes effort to maintain and is easy to lose.
P.S. I may very well be at SXSW but I won’t know for sure until a week or so beforehand.
I understand I have a lot of work ahead of me. As I said before, Im here to establish a partnership with XDA developers. Inbox me to let me know if your going to be there so i can arrange somewhere to meet.
If he was legit, one of the Admins would be announcing that SamsungJohn is a rep from Samsung; he wouldn't be doing it himself as a post in the forum.
paulbh said:
If he was legit, one of the Admins would be announcing that SamsungJohn is a rep from Samsung; he wouldn't be doing it himself as a post in the forum.
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^^^^^^ that's a good point!
SamsungJohn said:
I understand I have a lot of work ahead of me. As I said before, Im here to establish a partnership with XDA developers. Inbox me to let me know if your going to be there so i can arrange somewhere to meet.
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If you are in fact telling the truth, I warmly welcome you to the true birthplace of the galaxy s.
paulbh said:
If he was legit, one of the Admins would be announcing that SamsungJohn is a rep from Samsung; he wouldn't be doing it himself as a post in the forum.
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Why? There's quite a bit of speculation in your claim--why would he have to go through admins to post here?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Kubernetes said:
Why? There's quite a bit of speculation in your claim--why would he have to go through admins to post here?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
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You would think that someone who is in the position he claims to be in, would come in a little more professional than just a random post.
He said he has been lurking the forums and likes what he sees. So he has also seen all the dissapointment that is running through these forums as well.
If you were in his position would you not want to come in here, with support and proof of who you are? (there is multiple threads of the same post in other categories, all have been asking for proof for hours)
I'm not saying hes not who he says he is, just think he could have introduced himself a little better.
Guys, do a little research. Pretty easy to figure out that he is either very thorough or he's actually legit.
Maybe we should tell him that it is a welcome first step to see him here.
He is an analyst so he's going to have to escalate pretty far up the food chain to be effective. Hope you're a good communicator John.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
I wrote about it here: LINK
Does anyone know more about the background - from the twitter account it seems like just a general run-down and a disappointing community.
Other developers on here feel the same?
I'd love to get comments from some of the developers on here, if that is the case.
I'm not a developer but did read this already on a posting at Google+.
But you are right, moving into that direction would be very bad.
Some people think they can be rude because they stay anonymous.
Its something that happens more and more these days on the internet.
I realize it's impossible - there are 12 year olds who probably run rampant.
Seems like there is SOMETHING that can be done.
I'm as Pro-Android as they come. But at times it feels like starting a relationship with a beautiful boy/girl only to find they come with a sack load of emotional baggage.
Here's my take on it: http://andgamesdevblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/android-culture-its-own-worst-enemy.html
I am far from giving up (thick skinned) but there is a real troll culture growing and needs to be stomped out. Anonymity has it's uses but, as with everything else, has its drawbacks. What we need is troll hunters!
Paul
(aka Strangemoo)
I have seen that there are some stupid comments on the market... But not so extreme as to take down your app...
Some users is just plain stupid... I'm from Denmark, so a lot of the comments are in danish... But that devs are many times foreign and really don't look or understand the comments... But a lot of them complain about pathetic things like no app 2 sd or that some function suddenly's gone instead of just writing the dev an email about the issue and giving the app the respect it deserves... 1/5 rating is a lot of the times not justified...
Just my 2-cents...
I'm sorry but this is a silly and immature move by the developer. Receiving negative feedback, dealing with trolls and idiotic users that don't understand technology are fundamental assumptions of the internet, just like not giving out your passwords or helping Nigerian princes get their money out of Africa.
I loved ShootMe and used it for our screenshots, but I don't have a lot of empathy for people that empower others to control how they feel.
Wrote about this a few weeks back: http://www.androidstatic.com/what-shootme-removed-from-the-android-market
I work in IT support and one of the things I have to support is phones. It blows my mind how many 10-12 year old kids have nicer phones than I do because their rich mommy and daddys think their precious little angels needs the latest and greatest smart phones. I went over to a client's office a couple of months ago and he had 3 brand new Droid 2s for his kids, ranging from 10-14.
Point of all this?
In this day and age, there are so many rude little kids with nice phones all over these forums, its amazing to me anyone sticks around. Im over 40 and was raised in a different time than these self entitled children I see around here that want everything now, for free and want you to do it for them.
I cant blame the guy for leaving. A lot of times I wish I could go live on an island somewhere where I didnt have to deal with people because most of them suck.
s15274n said:
I wrote about it here: LINK
Does anyone know more about the background - from the twitter account it seems like just a general run-down and a disappointing community.
Other developers on here feel the same?
I'd love to get comments from some of the developers on here, if that is the case.
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Click to collapse
I'm not a developer, but I was a ShootMe user on my EVO 4G. When it received the upgrade to Gingerbread, the app stopped working. The developer never replied to my email and from reading comments on Market didn't reply to anyone.
He did finally released a new version of ShootMe, but you had to have a computer to use it. Also everytime your reboot your phone, you had to sync everytime with your computer.
Sent from my HTC EVO 3D using Tapatalk
Welcome to the "masses".
Want a better experience? Go smaller. Dev for Windows Phone, or Web OS, or RIM.
Once something becomes part of the main stream, you'll see the d-bags start rolling in. Even something like xda can be tarnished once it "gets too big". There is hardly a day that goes by where I don't read a thread here that doesn't make me shake my head. This used to be a highly technical forum, back when every devices was htc and running windows mobile.
The only thing that can really be done, is to work with a smaller, more appreciative community. I doubt you would get very many jerk off comments from a Windows Phone user, they are happy to get whatever they can.
All very good points. I wish I had put a little into my thoughts before typing that up - dev's need to be tougher AND respond to people.
s15274n said:
All very good points. I wish I had put a little into my thoughts before typing that up - dev's need to be tougher AND respond to people.
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As a android developer IMHO the android community is as bad as they come. Xda for example used to be a place of collaboration. Currently its a place where maybe .1% do dev, .9% appreciate the development and try to help, 99% ether complain or say nothing at all. Whether the development is for free or profite(which I won't evev get into here) how is a developer supposed to work off of that? Users would rather right a comment blasting a developer who has literally spent days of his life on some product without even attempting to resolve the issue themselves.
I'm not saying some complaints are not warranted, just saying flip the coin around and its not so hard to understand the developers standpoint.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
There is no denying that there is frustration on both sides. This frustration seems to stem from expectation, communication and control.
The developer expects their customers to be civil.
The users expects the developers to devote anything between some to all of their resources/free time building/making their products better.
Both are unreasonable expectations if you think about it.
Civility can only be maintained in a mediated environment - the Android Market seems only concerned about brand and copyright issues. Google seems to think that it's ok to put its developer behind chicken-wire with lights in their eyes whilst their customers are free to hurl beer bottles at them. Dealing with anony-trolls is time consuming and offputting.
Developers range from teenagers with spare time on their hands up to multi-million dollar development studios. I, myself, am a father of three, I work a full week (we've got to eat!) and I code when time permits. Even though I respond to every request put to my apps, if you think that I'm going to compromise the balance of other areas of my life to put in a bug fix - think again. Sure, some of the more effluent businesses can throw more resources into a project, but just bare in mind that most of us are just people and not doormats. Respect and encouragement is all it takes to make the market a happy place. Flaming just ruins things for all (on both sides).
Communication between devs and end users is and most likely always will be a bit of a sticking point. The fact that everyone has their own opinions, likes, dislikes kind of makes it obvious that there will never be an app with 100% 5 stars. Even the most popular apps on the market have ratings across the board. Though, admittedly, some of the low grades may be down to trolling - but some of them will be genuine. Communication takes time. From a user, it may take a couple of minutes out of their day. For the dev, they may have hundreds a day to deal with. This takes them away from the development that the mail is probably asking for!
A user doesn't, and should never have control over the developer. They should, however, be able to request, beg, plead *nicely*. If they get frustrated then they should remember the phrase 'you get what you pay for'. The developer doesn't get any money when you bought your phone - so don't think they have any obligation to give you something for nothing. If it's a paid app, then the developer is saying 'yes, I'll support it.' That's fair sport.
The developer should have some control over their customers in the sense that a shopkeeper can choose who they let in their shops. Unfortunately they have none. They can't even moderate the comments on the market. I've had a 'GAY - Pointless, uninstall' (his words, not mine) on a free app downloaded 12,000 times and has a 4* rating. I can't do anything about it. It always appears when people go to the page. This individual has hurt my app and me without provocation. I didn't ask anything from them. Fortunately, the following message pointed out that the 'Pointless' user was an idiot (thanks XZombie), hopefully it will negate some of the damage. We're completely at the mercy of the masses, and being a relatively new dev, it's a scary place to be!
It's a shame that the most influential party in all of this is hiding behind a wall of silence.
If you're interested - I'm keeping a track of my experience of Android development. The link is in my earlier post.
Paul
Strangemoo
Paul, I do agree with you to a point. But I'm not sure if I like about developers editing comments. But I do see what you mean about people leaving dumb comments for an app that does work.
Sent from my HTC EVO 3D using Tapatalk
Katt,
I don't suggest developers could edit comments - that would make the process equally pointless, as devs can put all of the 'nice' things they want in the description anyway. Sorry if I implied otherwise.
Devs should be able to either remove, request for removal or even block the rogue elements. At present, we have to just live with the insults with no way to disprove their claims. Even a 'troll flag' would be an improvement - to show other users that the dev disagrees with the comment.
All accountability is on the devs whereas trolls can run freely.
Do any other devs out there agree with me on this? Others may have had a much more dealings with such than I have.
Cheers,
Paul
IMO if google was smart they would allow for a limited ammount(% of total) of "submissions" of there comments to a third party(google). If they are found outlandish they can be removed.
My 2 cents lol. I can say as a dev of a few apps on the market I have gotten rediculous comments n 1 stars b4. I mean if they are justified that's a different thing entirely. But my 1 stars are disproportionally higher then the trend of the others. Which proves one thing...
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
This is an honestly great thread. Good initiative to |OP|
Taking down an app just because of a few nasty comments is just
childish and quite frankly pathetic.
Seems that developer has chucked his toys out the pram, if he does
decide to release it again who is going to trust such a developer?
I know I wouldn't use the app again, seeing as he's stuck 2 fingers up
to loyal users and the whole android community all because of a small
minority of people.
The whole thing stinks of the guy thinking he is above any kind of bad
feedback, obviously a developer that doesn't listen to the users of his
app and a developer that turns his back at the drop of a hat.
I'm sure he will be missed... Not
Ps. there are better screenshot apps out there
I agree with your comment. Though I am not a dev. I have experience working in the retail end of software. This is a I want it now society, folks forget that they got this software/app for free and as soon as they have a little issue they fly off the deep end cussing out the maker/distribitor of the product. Anyhow like you said you get what you pay for.LIke in my IT course in school my book said "check the dummy behind the keyboard" anyhow thanks for the great apps i use the time flies app.
If a dev dropped his customers because of a couple of snide comments then, yeah, I'd agree with you.
But was that the case for ShootMe?
Before we start flinging hooks around here, wouldn't it be more productive to actually find out what happened first.
I may be proven wrong here, but the guy must've been given some serious grief to take such a newsworthy action.
In fact, that's not been mentioned - it could be media storming. Drum up enough publicity and come back blazing. Only time will tell on that one.
At the end of the day, it's his property. And if he makes a lot of people unhappy that's his prerogative. The reason he's giving though are indeed a real issue the community needs to address.
The plot thickens.
(Glad you like Times Flies! You're most welcome)
Paul
I've noticed that the flavor of a community will vary a lot by device. The Captivate community seems to be generally good and helpful for the most part, but I've heard horror stories of ungratefulness and rudeness about communities around other devices. It may be the same sort of thing with different varieties of apps. If people feel like an app performs a function they deserve outright, they may be less inclined to courtesy and more inclined to selfish expectation.
Hi guys, so apparently I've given the impression that I'm a conceited **** on these boards. I like to think that I'm not, so first off I'd like to just apologize for the way I've come across, and now that my ban is removed I'll be using these boards with the intention that they were given; to discuss Android, Skyrocket, and all things related. No more flaming. You'll just have to see if I follow through.
So, that aside I'd like to ask for your help developers/users. I'm writing my final paper on XDA-Developers (we have to analyze a digital public sphere, Google Habermas public sphere for more information, and write a paper on a specific line of inquiry about a commons based peer production) and my line of inquiry is essentially, how this massive community falls together without the guidance of Google.
They essentially just release Android code to public, and all of this happened. No one at Google told CM to exist, or any of the wonderful ROM creators/porters that exist on this board, and no one told us users to install these ROMs. So if you could write up WHY you guys do it, it'd be incredibly helpful. I'm talking about anything from a 800 word speech about open-source and the message behind it, to just being bored, to just liking the looks of your phone, to just being part of the community.
Thanks, and again I'm sorry for previous interactions.
I do it because I like the freedom allowed on custom ROMs. There is much more customizability on a custom ROM than on a stock one. Performance is another huge plus. It allows my device to work at a higher level than normal.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
Thanks! Do you mind if I quote you in the paper?
Many, many Att upgrades ago, I was researching new phone options to grow beyond BlackBerry. Came down to iPhone and the captivate. When I came across XDA, the decision was easy -once I understood what Android had to offer a geek like me, iPhone was out of the question.
Soft-bricked the cappy the first night I had it. Never looked back
dac1227 said:
Many, many Att upgrades ago, I was researching new phone options to grow beyond BlackBerry. Came down to iPhone and the captivate. When I came across XDA, the decision was easy -once I understood what Android had to offer a geek like me, iPhone was out of the question.
Soft-bricked the cappy the first night I had it. Never looked back
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Actually, I have a section on the risk involved and why people would continue with it; would you say you had enough confidence in your computer-literate abilities that you weren't overtly worried about a hard-brick or that you really had no idea but you were aware of the benefits and wanted them no matter what.
whosgotlag said:
Actually, I have a section on the risk involved and why people would continue with it; would you say you had enough confidence in your computer-literate abilities that you weren't overtly worried about a hard-brick or that you really had no idea but you were aware of the benefits and wanted them no matter what.
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Nail on the head. I understood what benefits came with the territory, but had no prior experience with Android or Linux. Although I am very literate in Android now, it's really just a hobby. Although fun, I see no considerable gain from my flashing and modding activities (aside from a performance perspective, usability and reliability at par, or less than oem)
dac1227 said:
Nail on the head. I understood what benefits came with the territory, but had no prior experience with Android or Linux. Although I am very literate in Android now, it's really just a hobby. Although fun, I see no considerable gain from my flashing and modding activities (aside from a performance perspective, usability and reliability at par, or less than oem)
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Same question as the first guy; mind if I quote you?
Don't mind at all.
I do it for the chance to prove myself wrong there are many things that I am not familiar with however on Xda has giving me the opportunity to expand my knowledge and I understand that every new person newcomer new developer anybody starts off starts Step 1 and in this community it makes it possible to be a level 1 and still be great I flash ROM to flash ROM I like the uniqueness I like the capabilities I like the ability to know that I have no boundaries.
Sent from my SGH-I727 using xda premium
Quote away.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
I first flashed because i was bored with the stock rom. Sense then it's become addictive, if i twick tjis or that will i get better performance or better battery. What roms run smoothly. Gets my heart racing every time because i know one little screw up and the phone is dead.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
I started flashing and rooting because I love to tinker and modify, I've done cars, computers, etc. I started porting and playing with source because of my inherent need to learn to know what makes things tick and because I wanted to give back to the community that taught me.
As far as when I started I wasn't ever worried I have a strong IT background and I did tons upon tons of research in understanding the processes, the risks, and the rewards. I'm of the do it right the first time or don't bother mindset so anything I do I understand.
Yes I allow quoting
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Thanks guys. This is actually really helpful. If there's any interest I'll post my final paper.
Probably shouldn't be interest. Its a 500 level English course so you know the drill, heightened language and poignancy out of nothing
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
Well I look at the same way. I love to know why things work like they do. Btw I'm using the liquid smooth Rom jb 2.0 RC 7. On the skyrocket. It's awesome. Everything good so far. 3 days
Sent from my SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
dac1227 said:
Many, many Att upgrades ago, I was researching new phone options to grow beyond BlackBerry. Came down to iPhone and the captivate. When I came across XDA, the decision was easy -once I understood what Android had to offer a geek like me, iPhone was out of the question.
Soft-bricked the cappy the first night I had it. Never looked back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
From the first day I got my first android phone I started to root it and find ways of better the performance since I noticed battery was really bad on stock. Xda educate me starting from the simple things to more complex like modding, installing all kind of custom roms, fixing softbricks on my skyrocket. I was even induced to learn some Linux coding. I install as triboot Ubuntu, win 7 and wind 8. My wife and mi daughter have iPhone each. Mi wife has an iPad and mi son has an iPod and with all the pressure at home I stick to my android because of the versatility.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
I was a hard core BlackBerry user until it seemed like they stop making the effort to keep up with Apple/Android so I jumped ship. I didn't like the Apple interface and Android looked interesting. The Skyrocket was my first Android phone and my only up to this day(played with many others).
I was on stock GB for a long time before I even knew rooting existed. I looked into root, read many post on xda and other forums, and soft bricked my phone 4 times over the weekend until I got it right. Since then I'm slowly becoming a flashaholic. I mostly flash for the endless customizations and performance tweaks. Flashing roms is also a great way to stay up to date without spending $200-600 on the latest phones.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
whosgotlag said:
Thanks guys. This is actually really helpful. If there's any interest I'll post my final paper.
Probably shouldn't be interest. Its a 500 level English course so you know the drill, heightened language and poignancy out of nothing
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please post it.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
The reason I chose Android was, ironically, choice. I had spent two years using apple iPhones, and it had left a bitter taste in my mouth, in that you had what you had. As a rebellious soul, I felt hindered. The "take what we give you" principal began to anger me. After my iPhone 4 crapped out, I called AT&T and ordered my Skyrocket. Two days later, my electronic world changed. Root, roms, and the developers behind them continually creating new and more useful modifications at a pace that was hard to beleive. The devs commitment to the community, in addition to a global company (Google) that was actually encouraging these things was akin to watching the wheel being invented. A complete difference in night and day. How could it get better? Well, three months ago, it did. I ordered a Nexus 7. Out of nowhere, providers and the regular and sometimes driver restrictive device makers were out of the picture as well. It was now Google, myself and xda. I can now decide how my device will be used. I alone will determine how my experience will unfold, with the blessing of the company who created it. I work very hard for my money. And for the first time, I actually feel that I fully own the devices that I purchased. You rent an iPhone. You own an Android.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
whosgotlag said:
Hi guys, so apparently I've given the impression that I'm a conceited **** on these boards. I like to think that I'm not, so first off I'd like to just apologize for the way I've come across, and now that my ban is removed I'll be using these boards with the intention that they were given; to discuss Android, Skyrocket, and all things related. No more flaming. You'll just have to see if I follow through.
So, that aside I'd like to ask for your help developers/users. I'm writing my final paper on XDA-Developers (we have to analyze a digital public sphere, Google Habermas public sphere for more information, and write a paper on a specific line of inquiry about a commons based peer production) and my line of inquiry is essentially, how this massive community falls together without the guidance of Google.
They essentially just release Android code to public, and all of this happened. No one at Google told CM to exist, or any of the wonderful ROM creators/porters that exist on this board, and no one told us users to install these ROMs. So if you could write up WHY you guys do it, it'd be incredibly helpful. I'm talking about anything from a 800 word speech about open-source and the message behind it, to just being bored, to just liking the looks of your phone, to just being part of the community.
Thanks, and again I'm sorry for previous interactions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm an old computer guy... It's always been about 'bigger, better, faster'. When the 'smart phones' came out, I figured I could reprogram them. They seemed to be tiny, Linux based computers. While researching my project, I found XDA... A whole bunch of folks with the same idea.
I'm now retired, (which is really cool but you can get incredibly bored)... SO, I tweak my phones for fun. My son broke his HTC OneX so we had to take it to AT&T to get a replacement. The sales person saw my Skyrocket with JB on it when I answered a text from my bud (JellyBean is not officially available for the skyrocket yet)... EVERY person in the store HAD to see my phone. Even the manager came out to look. Rather than tell me my warranty was void, they all loved it. The only question the manager asked is if I know how to return it to stock (in case I needed warranty work done) THAT'S why I do it... Bigger, better, faster... & the 'WOW' factor. On a side note, I've made several new friends AND I've learned a LOT about coding and such. I've always been cursed with not only needing to know HOW something works but also the need to know WHY it's got to be that way.
As far as the 'flaming' & 'bashing' goes, that's all part of the camaraderie & tomfoolery that goes on in any group. For those who do it in a non constructive manner, no offense is ever taken on my part. Karma WILL take its toll... LOL
Good luck with the paper. I'd love to read the finished product.
There's an old adage among us old 'bikers' that also applies to this question: "If you have to ask, you wouldn't understand"
I know its so painfully obvious, but has anyone actually tried to contact samsung to get the development resources we need? Drivers and the such.
Beyond a doubt they left this phone to sink a long time ago, but the sidekick community is die-hard and all we want is the phone we thought we were getting. And we can have that phone, with no added work by Sasung - we have the devs and the will! We only need the way.
It would not be too difficult to draft a polite but demanding business letter/ petition and have all of us send it in. Shoot, if we got the story to the XDA mods we could probably get support site-wide for "dedicated sidekick/android enthusiasts want freedom for their phone - device never allowed upgrade from froyo". You guys might see this as stretching it, but a majority of people on XDA have samsung devices and would hate to see their own development halted by the company.
Strength in numbers. Not to mention, this kind of outcry would show samsung that the sidekick (keyboard devices) are still sought after and will be fought for. Somewhere in our petition should say the resources are just to hold us over until they release the next model which will NOT get treated like the red-headed stepchild the 4G did.
You'd be surprised what a small, vocal group can get done. If anyone has any background on this type of thing, say so. if nobody else steps up I will write it tuesday-Thursday and post it for any revisions, then we can each take a copy and send it. Even a simple facebook page or cheap website would add so much to this cause.
Sent from my SGH-T839 using xda app-developers app
Tsloble said:
I know its so painfully obvious, but has anyone actually tried to contact samsung to get the development resources we need? Drivers and the such.
Beyond a doubt they left this phone to sink a long time ago, but the sidekick community is die-hard and all we want is the phone we thought we were getting. And we can have that phone, with no added work by Sasung - we have the devs and the will! We only need the way.
It would not be too difficult to draft a polite but demanding business letter/ petition and have all of us send it in. Shoot, if we got the story to the XDA mods we could probably get support site-wide for "dedicated sidekick/android enthusiasts want freedom for their phone - device never allowed upgrade from froyo". You guys might see this as stretching it, but a majority of people on XDA have samsung devices and would hate to see their own development halted by the company.
Strength in numbers. Not to mention, this kind of outcry would show samsung that the sidekick (keyboard devices) are still sought after and will be fought for. Somewhere in our petition should say the resources are just to hold us over until they release the next model which will NOT get treated like the red-headed stepchild the 4G did.
You'd be surprised what a small, vocal group can get done. If anyone has any background on this type of thing, say so. if nobody else steps up I will write it tuesday-Thursday and post it for any revisions, then we can each take a copy and send it. Even a simple facebook page or cheap website would add so much to this cause.
Sent from my SGH-T839 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm for it. I think it's a great idea to sign a petition requesting to Samsung at least a test build of Gingerbread. :good:
Agreed broda's we have to do this.:thumbup:
Sent from my SGH-T839 using xda app-developers app
I like the idea! I'm not a dev so I wouldn't be able to write the letter, but I can help edit.
I will write up a draft tomorrow after my studies, leaving the appropriate "technical" spots easily editable so that we can get exactly what we need from Samsung per the Devs instruction.
Thank you guys for your support on this, I truly believe good can come of this!
Maybe we can direct them to our sidekick wishlist thread while we're at it ;D
Sent from my SGH-T839 using xda app-developers app
I would definitely help to, but English is not my main language. So i would try to help with the petition!
If samsung releases the driver source code I can make a stable CM6 and a BETA CM7 for this community. Butttttttt.....I don't see it happening.
Im up for it, count me in. Sure never doubt the power and determination of an online community especially an open source one like xda
I doubt anything would happen for sk4g. We did similar things in the sgs4g community. Samsung is more like honey badger...
Of course we should try, but i'm not sure that Samsung will help us after 2 years of doing nothing....
I'll post it up within the half hour - this week was busier than expected. And unless Samsung completely destroyed everything relating to our device, it should be as simple as a developers release right?
Sent from my SGH-T839 using xda app-developers app
Tsloble said:
I'll post it up within the half hour - this week was busier than expected. And unless Samsung completely destroyed everything relating to our device, it should be as simple as a developers release right?
Sent from my SGH-T839 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup
Here is draft one. Feel free to download the doc and make adjustments. Let's just be sure that the majority of our community agree on the final product and then we can take action. I will be sending out the story to Gizmodo/Engadget and stuff too... If this isn't an underdog tech story I don't know what is. You guys might think that's over the top, but it's just not right for a company to abandon their customer and it is never too late to make amends.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a formal petition regarding the Samsung SGH-T839 device (T-Mobile Sidekick 4G).
We, the loyal consumers (and other), request through this petition that you kindly release development information & resources regarding the SGH-T839. This request is being made due to the absolute lack of support and development for this device since its launch April 20th, 2011. Please note that this device shipped with Android Operating System (Android from this point) Version 2.2 “Froyo” which was released May 20th, 2010. This is despite the fact that the SGH-T839 launch date was over four months after the release of Android Version 2.3 “Gingerbread” (released December 6th, 2010).
Not only was the device shipped with an outdated operating system, but a Kies / Over the Air Update to Gingerbread was never released. This came as a shock to all loyal consumers of the SGH-T839 as Samsung continued to update other devices to the new Android version and release new devices with Gingerbread already installed. In addition to the lack of support, the SGH-T839 had many bugs such as a keystroke logger within the system, the keyboard software missed keystrokes, and frequent Force-Close of applications.
These problems, amongst others, have been thoroughly logged by the XDA Developers Community (www.xda-developers.com). Amazingly, there is a large community of SGH-T839 users that are dedicated to the device and have managed to correct many of the software-related defects that were shipped with the device. This petition requests that Samsung release the following development items to the XDA Development Community, that the loyal consumer of their product may be able to enjoy everything that the SGH-T839 is capable of:
We urge you not to overlook this petition, as it is being circulated amongst several online communities that are dedicated to the Android Open Source Project for support. The influence of these communities over Samsung’s broader handheld-device customer base runs very deep; the XDA Developers Community alone has over 4.7 million registered users. We, the loyal consumer (and other), anticipate a prompt response to this matter. We also look forward to increased involvement from Samsung pertaining to the Android Open Source Project and hopefully a future device with similar form-factor of the SGH-T839.
Sincerely,
Edit 2: Was just thinking maybe "Release source to XDA community should be create developers release pack or something?
Tsloble said:
Here is draft one. Feel free to download the doc and make adjustments. Let's just be sure that the majority of our community agree on the final product and then we can take action. I will be sending out the story to Gizmodo/Engadget and stuff too... If this isn't an underdog tech story I don't know what is. You guys might think that's over the top, but it's just not right for a company to abandon their customer and it is never too late to make amends.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a formal petition regarding the Samsung SGH-T839 device (T-Mobile Sidekick 4G).
We, the loyal consumers (and other), request through this petition that you kindly release development information & resources regarding the SGH-T839. This request is being made due to the absolute lack of support and development for this device since its launch April 20th, 2011. Please note that this device shipped with Android Operating System (Android from this point) Version 2.2 “Froyo” which was released May 20th, 2010. This is despite the fact that the SGH-T839 launch date was over four months after the release of Android Version 2.3 “Gingerbread” (released December 6th, 2010).
Not only was the device shipped with an outdated operating system, but a Kies / Over the Air Update to Gingerbread was never released. This came as a shock to all loyal consumers of the SGH-T839 as Samsung continued to update other devices to the new Android version and release new devices with Gingerbread already installed. In addition to the lack of support, the SGH-T839 had many bugs such as a keystroke logger within the system, the keyboard software missed keystrokes, and frequent Force-Close of applications.
These problems, amongst others, have been thoroughly logged by the XDA Developers Community (www.xda-developers.com). Amazingly, there is a large community of SGH-T839 users that are dedicated to the device and have managed to correct many of the software-related defects that were shipped with the device. This petition requests that Samsung release the following development items to the XDA Development Community, that the loyal consumer of their product may be able to enjoy everything that the SGH-T839 is capable of:
We urge you not to overlook this petition, as it is being circulated amongst several online communities that are dedicated to the Android Open Source Project for support. The influence of these communities over Samsung’s broader handheld-device customer base runs very deep; the XDA Developers Community alone has over 4.7 million registered users. We, the loyal consumer (and other), anticipate a prompt response to this matter. We also look forward to increased involvement from Samsung pertaining to the Android Open Source Project and hopefully a future device with similar form-factor of the SGH-T839.
Sincerely,
Edit 2: Was just thinking maybe "Release source to XDA community should be create developers release pack or something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think we should ask for the release source for devoleping
I do not believe any of the official ROMs had the keystroke print statements enabled... someone can correct me if I'm wrong.
I'm not sure if I understand what you are asking Samsung for. Any partially complete work toward GB they might have laying around? Not to curse our chances, but I think they are not likely to release source for proprietary drivers.
Be very clear about what you're asking for. They might seriously consider one such request, if it is well reasoned, and within their power to grant.
One other thing to consider is sending this petition to T-Mobile as well. They can exert considerably more pressure on Samsung.
I left the "specific request" blank. It goes at the end of the 2nd to last paragraph after the colon. That's why it looks like I didn't ask for anything. If someone with the knowledge wants to give that list, it can be added and the other revisions can be made.
Sent from my SGH-T839 using xda app-developers app
Good first draft. Keep in mind your audience, though. We're unlikely to get Samsung to help us by insulting them. For example, "due to the absolute lack of support and development for this device" should be replaced with a different reason. You attract more flies with honey than vinegar. Maybe something about how the device has great potential, especially with the physical keyboard, but has been limited by its operating system. Speaking of keyboards, didn't pretty much all or most ROMs at the time come with the so-called key-logger? Also, keep in mind that Samsung and T-Mobile have no interest in supporting the Sidekick because they don't make any more money off it. They make money by getting people to upgrade to new phones. So whatever we ask them has to be easy for them, like just releasing to developers whatever they have lying around that isn't proprietary. Lastly, it's a bit misleading to say there are X million XDA members. The vast majority of them couldn't care less about the SK; I'm sure the SK community is rather small. Maybe highlight this fact: there are a few of us developers who love the SK as a development machine but our hands are tied because we don't have the code, etc. etc.
marathonjon said:
Good first draft. Keep in mind your audience, though. We're unlikely to get Samsung to help us by insulting them. For example, "due to the absolute lack of support and development for this device" should be replaced with a different reason. You attract more flies with honey than vinegar. Maybe something about how the device has great potential, especially with the physical keyboard, but has been limited by its operating system. Speaking of keyboards, didn't pretty much all or most ROMs at the time come with the so-called key-logger? Also, keep in mind that Samsung and T-Mobile have no interest in supporting the Sidekick because they don't make any more money off it. They make money by getting people to upgrade to new phones. So whatever we ask them has to be easy for them, like just releasing to developers whatever they have lying around that isn't proprietary. Lastly, it's a bit misleading to say there are X million XDA members. The vast majority of them couldn't care less about the SK; I'm sure the SK community is rather small. Maybe highlight this fact: there are a few of us developers who love the SK as a development machine but our hands are tied because we don't have the code, etc. etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agree with this.
T-Mobile knows that they have everything because of loyal customers, not to mention how many of the hundreds of thousands of people who owned Sidekicks. Samsung understands this which is obviously why they decided to pick up the device two years ago.
Play this to our advantage. Tug on their heartstrings, so to speak.
Yeah, I agree. Haha I guess this letter wasn't the place to let my frustrations out ;P
Sent from my SGH-T839 using xda app-developers app
Just thought I'd drop in and say hey and kinda give a short introduction. Firstly, I got started with XDA when I acquired my first smartphone, the HTC Rezound. Once my baby girl demolished that phone I kinda just went with the cheapest phones and deals I could find. Now I'm an owner of a Motorola droid turbo and couldn't be more happy with a device. I recently used the jcase sunshine method and am currently running CM 12.1 on the device.
My actual electronic skills are mainly on computers and laptops with the occasional modding of any game system. The phones (as of now) are a little out of my league but I'm constantly learning as I try to find similarity's between modding consoles and modding phones.
I'd really like to give a shout out and high five to all the developers that make a community like this possible. Your time and effort does not go unnoticed, and is especially appreciated by myself. Hands down, XDA is home to the leading developers in the Android community.
Well that's enough rambling for now. Y'all take care and have a great new years night.
-bmseedbox
I too am new to the Android community and am so thankful to the XDA-Developers for this forum and their work. There are so many excellent resources and ideas and help contained here that it amazes me each time I visit.
Sent from my LG-D852 using XDA Forums
Feel free to post in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=961655
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