Related
Taken via Rogers Redboard Blog http://redboard.rogers.com/2010/redboard’s-faaq-frequently-asked-android-questions/
Android, one of the newest – and hottest – mobile operating systems out there today is also one of the most-talked about topics here on RedBoard. One report predicts more than 50 Android-powered devices will launch this year — up from 10 in 2009.
We’re big fans of Android at Rogers. We were the first in Canada to carry an Android-powered device and have this country’s largest selection of Android devices such as the HTC Dream, HTC Magic, LG Eve, Samsung Galaxy Spica and Google’s Nexus One with even more Android devices on the way, including the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10.
We’re working hard to have real conversations about Android whenever possible – both online and in person – and thought it would be useful to answer some questions submitted by you, here on RedBoard.
1. Why should I care about Android?
Android is the operating system (OS) created by Google with which you can run programs on your smartphone. It is “open source” software, meaning that while Google has created it, other software developers – no matter their size – can modify the system or create add-on software programs that run on the OS called “apps.” The open-source aspect of the OS is driving many gadget-hungry consumers to Android-powered devices, causing handset makers such as Sony, HTC and LG to take notice and use the OS to power their products.
2. Why does it matter which version of Android I have?
The newer the version, the newer the features and functionality you can have. Just like how some software programs are written for Windows XP or Windows 7, newer Android-based apps – such as voice search or live wallpapers — are written for the newest Android OS, version 2.1. As the first to bring Android to Canada, we were also the first to learn just how much OS upgrades mean to our customers. This was a new challenge that we hadn’t dealt with before. As such, Rogers is working with handset manufactures to ensure an OS upgrade path on all all future devices.
3. Why does “rooting” an Android device void its warranty?
Rooting is when you wipe your handset clean of its existing operating system and install a new version. The problem with rooting is that handset manufacturers install and customize the OS to work specifically with their device so clearing it may make some features and functionality not work correctly. Furthermore, all handsets sold by Rogers are verified to work on our network before giving them to customers. In turn, it’s impossible for us to troubleshoot or provide technical assistance on a device that is no longer in line with that verification. That, in a nutshell, is why rooting voids the warranty of Rogers-purchased devices.
4. What sorts of things can I do with an Android phone — and what’s different from other smartphones?
Android phones aren’t for everybody. Some customers swear by their iPhone, BlackBerry or other smartphone. But here are some of the differences that will help you determine if Android is right for you:
The ease of personalization of Android phones – from colours to fonts to widgets.
The seamless integration with Google’s wide array of products such as Gmail, contacts, calendar, Picasa and maps. If you use your Gmail account on your computer to store important information, you’ll have the exact same access on the go.
Then, there are the apps. The open source community has embraced Android and as such, there are thousands of applications for download through the Android Market.
5. Are there places online that I can get tips for using Android to its fullest?
Not surprisingly, Google has a very thorough website dedicated to Android at http://www.android.com. There are also forums and blogs dedicated to Android, which you can find via an online search.
6. Does Rogers have any custom applications for my Android phone?
We recently launched the My Account app, which provides secure, 24/7 access to your Wireless accounts to view your balance, make payments as well as check airtime, messaging and data usage. It also lets you pay your bill right from your phone. Rogers SportsNet also has an app for getting the latest scores and sports news. While we can’t discuss plans right now for competitive reasons, we will be rolling out even more custom apps for Rogers customers in the near future.
7. How does Rogers define its commitment to the android community?
We understand that for Android users, the smartphone is more than just a device, it’s an extension of who they are. We’re listening to members of the Android community, and engaging with them (online and in person) to truly understand their wants and needs. That’s not limited to just users of the devices. We’re also working with software developers to ensure Rogers Android users have the best possible customer experience.
What kind of phone do you have? Would you consider an Android phone as your next device?
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Does not seem like they have a clue what rooting is.
Szadzik said:
Does not seem like they have a clue what rooting is.
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Why? They have explained their point of view well and actually they're right. They can't be responsible for issues on rooted devices, because these issues may be caused by system customizations done by 3rd party. This is absolutely logical.
You can root your phone without actually changing the original OS. They're talking about not supporting various custom firmware, which is different from rooting.
Although with Rooting, you can make core changes that could effect functionality... But like any OS, I don't know if it really matters. I've cooked all of my Windows OS's on a range of devices and still always got warranty exchanges if needed. Just flash a stock firmware and call it a day.
player911 said:
You can root your phone without actually changing the original OS. They're talking about not supporting various custom firmware, which is different from rooting.
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Yeah, but you don't root to not change anything, right? And they won't compare md5 of every file to see, whether you have changed somethin' or not. They don't give root to people just to be sure, that you have exactly what they have installed to you. If you have rooted, then they lose this sureness.
player911 said:
Although with Rooting, you can make core changes that could effect functionality... But like any OS, I don't know if it really matters. I've cooked all of my Windows OS's on a range of devices and still always got warranty exchanges if needed. Just flash a stock firmware and call it a day.
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Yeah, I think it would be nice if they would just erase all your data and install stock system. Then they would not waste too much of their time, but would be helpful.
Ahh and there is one more thing: when you flash roms, you risk hardware failure, especially if you aren't careful. It would not make any sense, if they would be responsible for such situation.
Rogers clearly does not have a clue what rooting is - what Rogers has described is installing a custom rom.
Rooting is not the same act as installing a custom rom - it's just giving yourself root access in the operating system.
Granted, that increases the amount of power the user has over the operating system - and honestly, I prefer that rooting be a little harder to do than just a one-click setup.
My reasoning behind that is simple - with great power, comes great responsibility.
Unfortunately, responsibility is a foreign concept to most consumers, especially when in over their heads trying to alter anything 'behind the scenes'.
That said, I can see why service providers would be disinclined to deal with the many problems that could arise due to root access.
Brut.all said:
Why? They have explained their point of view well and actually they're right. They can't be responsible for issues on rooted devices, because these issues may be caused by system customizations done by 3rd party. This is absolutely logical.
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As pointed out below Rogers explained using custom ROMs and not rooting. I have root and have not installed a custom ROM. I installed an overclocking app instead - does this mean my warranty has not been voided? According to Rogers it would not be.
This part made me laugh
Furthermore, all handsets sold by Rogers are verified to work on our network before giving them to customers
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Oh yes we've seen that with the whole E911 patch fiasco that ensued with the "verified" rom from Rogers.
Szadzik said:
As pointed out below Rogers explained using custom ROMs and not rooting. I have root and have not installed a custom ROM. I installed an overclocking app instead - does this mean my warranty has not been voided? According to Rogers it would not be.
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As I said:
Brut.all said:
And they won't compare md5 of every file to see, whether you have changed somethin' or not. They don't give root to people just to be sure, that you have exactly what they have installed to you. If you have rooted, then they lose this sureness.
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You can't have a gun without a license even if you don't use it, but just like to have it. No one will waste his time to check, what you actually do with this gun.
And this a reason, why such point of view *is some kind of standard* in software world. We support users of our software, but if you modified something in it, then we won't even look into your problem - go and fix it by yourself, have luck.
Even with custom rom, if flashing back the original rom can still prove that same feature still fails, the warranty is not considered void, it could be a hardware problem.
Some providers do not know what they are selling and what they are providing.
Nomal people use the mass on top to think and the gap on top to speak, but unfortunately, some chooses to use the mass at the "bottom" to "think" and the gap "below" to "talk".
Hi guys.
I am looking for a good alternative to a google development phone.
I apologize in advance for posting a possibly redundant thread here.
Here is what I am:
1. I am new to Android development.
2. I've read certain threads on rooting here and I got confused
3. I am currently learning Android development using Android emulator with Android SDK and Eclipse.
My phone requirements:
1. I don't want to sign in to Google when I start or reset the phone.
2. Ability to use wi-fi whenever I need it
3. Ability not to use my provider's soft and install whatever I want.
4. Access the hardware with low-level code functionality.
5. No data plan from my provider required.
As far as I understood rooting an Android phone is pretty much giving me administrator rights and ability to run different ROMs on the phone.
I just bought a used T-Mobile MyTouch 3D for $130. To use it, I have to log in to Google first. No Wi-Fi capabilities are exposed at this step so I have to buy a data plan from my provider which I am reluctant to do since I don't see any use for it. For now, I jumped on a free-month promotion and signed up for the plan. So I passed the signing-in part.
Here is a couple of questions:
1. According to the threads I've read here, MyTouch 3D has the NAND lock which is not hacked at this moment. So is it possible to make this particular phone comply with my requirements outlined above? Could you please point me to the right thread then.
2. If 1. does not work, what phones can you recommend? I am willing to do rooting and flushing as long as it does not kill all my free time.
I can buy a Google Nexus One development phone but as far as I found out via googling, it runs about $500 which I can't afford at the moment.
I would be grateful for functional advice on the topic.
Thanks, Alex.
If you don't sign into Google, you can't use the Market. DROID Incredible is a good developers phone.
Rockin' DJ05, Minimal Icognito, Clocked at 1.3Ghz
Just get a Google Dev phone, you don't need to sign in at all, just press skip. As for the data, just remove your SIM, it will then ask you to connect to wifi. Best phone's that can be rooted without hassle:
Nexus S and Nexus One
fastboot -oem unlock and just flash a custom recovery or push BusyBox and Superuser.
dnlsmy said:
Just get a Google Dev phone, you don't need to sign in at all, just press skip. As for the data, just remove your SIM, it will then ask you to connect to wifi. Best phone's that can be rooted without hassle:
Nexus S and Nexus One
fastboot -oem unlock and just flash a custom recovery or push BusyBox and Superuser.
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Thanks, I'll start looking into Nexus One. Maybe buying a dev phone from google is the least time-expensive option.
No signing is not an option with my T-Mobile MyTouch 3G. I can't skip it. I have to sign in to use the phone. No Wi-Fi is available at this point. I've talked to T-Mobile. They said I have to sign in if I want to use the phone, i.e I have to to get their data plan. End of story.
TheSonicEmerald said:
If you don't sign into Google, you can't use the Market. DROID Incredible is a good developers phone.
Rockin' DJ05, Minimal Icognito, Clocked at 1.3Ghz
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Thanks for your reply.
Is that true? I want to sign in to Google only when I decide to sign in, i.e. per need, say when I decide to use the Market.
I don't want Google to synchronize my things either. I am capable of keeping my things together myself. I understand Google's integration is haven for many but not for me. Usually I prefer to control things on my own. I want to have an option to decide myself what I want. And if I decide to use Google's sync features in the future, I'll use them. But I want to have the right of choice here.
If you're going to say "@don't use Android-based Google owned phones then"... Heh-heh. I turned to Android because it was advertised as an open-source system, and it opens horizons for developers. Now I am learning that it is not what it is said it is. It's more phone provider's oriented and it enables phone providers to dictate users how to use it and what to do with it.
After all, Google is a big corporation and I don't see any clear differences between Google and, say, Microsoft... OK, the business models might differ but still...
Sorry for my whining. I've been developing for PCs for too many years.
Some people might have seen that there is a thread on the motorola support forums about a test build of gingerbread on the d2g. I was wondering if anyone thinks it is fake. I don't know much about android, but I do know that the linux kernel changes and that the phone can easily be made to show any android version desired. In the picture the linux kernel is 2.6.32.9 with some random strings after which I don't know how to decipher. This kernel is the same as my phone for those initial numbers, and a quick google search tells me that android 2.3.4 the most recent gingerbread uses kernel 2.6.35 not 32, so is it safe to assume that this picture and likely the whole thread and information are fake? I'm just curious.
EDIT: Here's the forum link with pic, I forgot to add it
https://supportforums.motorola.com/message/374933
EVery other Moto phone seems to be getting Gingerbread so I'm sure it is real especially considering if it was fake Moto probably would have squashed the post.
CellZealot has confirmed that the D2G Gingerbread is currently in development at Moto and the TBH guys have always been reliable and in the know.
It will get to us in time so yes we will have Gingerbread.
Will anyone bother to figure out how to root it is the question because the developers have all seemed to shy away from developing for the D2G.
I hope z4 root still works when it gets Gingerbread or else I rather just stay on 2.2
Judging by what happened with Droid X updates - you can kiss root goodbye at least for now. Not that it matters since there is no update at all released.
I thought I read somewhere GB is prerooted? Could be mistaken though.
Sent from a black angel d2g
Gingerbread eh?
I always thought that d2g would be stuck in froyo
It's good to hear the news (assuming that it's true)
But like the other guys said, if it cannot be rooted, I'd rather stay in froyo
Sent from my DROID2 GLOBAL using XDA App
Official releases are never "pre rooted" and the new GB releases will likely be more difficult and may block established exploits...BUT, we will almost certainly be able to root the new build despite whatever blocks are in place. They may require loading a rooted system image from an already rooted device as we have done with other GB leaks but there will be a way to run this build on rooted phones until a new stand alone exploit is developed.
DroidSquared said:
Gingerbread eh?
I always thought that d2g would be stuck in froyo
It's good to hear the news (assuming that it's true)
But like the other guys said, if it cannot be rooted, I'd rather stay in froyo
Sent from my DROID2 GLOBAL using XDA App
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Agreed. I'm OK with what I've got. What's the big deal about this push? My position is to" ...leave well enough alone..." I really like the phone I have created (nothing special, D2G: root, bootstrap, Fission 2.4.3, etc.) I'm afeared that we'll be jacked-up by something from moto or verizon so this device is fk'd. "Open-source" my ass... it's all about $. Look at what is happening to the HTC group... I'm sure they "got a talkin' to..." by Amazon, Blockbuster, etc. and they succumbed. Whatever, Google/Android is sucking "the Man's" wang. We're hosed though; the "alternative" is a monster (crapple) much like Google/Android is becoming. Fk it.
D2G
cellzealot said:
Official releases are never "pre rooted" and the new GB releases will likely be more difficult and may block established exploits...BUT, we will almost certainly be able to root the new build despite whatever blocks are in place. They may require loading a rooted system image from an already rooted device as we have done with other GB leaks but there will be a way to run this build on rooted phones until a new stand alone exploit is developed.
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yay for XDA developers! lol
60lpsdf250 said:
Agreed. I'm OK with what I've got. What's the big deal about this push? My position is to" ...leave well enough alone..." I really like the phone I have created (nothing special, D2G: root, bootstrap, Fission 2.4.3, etc.) I'm afeared that we'll be jacked-up by something from moto or verizon so this device is fk'd. "Open-source" my ass... it's all about $. Look at what is happening to the HTC group... I'm sure they "got a talkin' to..." by Amazon, Blockbuster, etc. and they succumbed. Whatever, Google/Android is sucking "the Man's" wang. We're hosed though; the "alternative" is a monster (crapple) much like Google/Android is becoming. Fk it.
D2G
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android is still open source, but your misinterpreting the actions of the manufacturers as being androids fault. google makes android, when they make it they release the source, so its open source, so developers do what they want to it, that IS open source, although the android market isnt open source so anything market related is directly controlled by google. the manufacturers take this android open source project, and they add their own junk to it, then they put it on a machine with a locked bootloader. so even though the OS is still open source, the manufacturers lock it down their own way and have every right to for now, but google is looking to change that with ice cream.
iirc, Motorola has already announced that their new phones will have their bootloaders unlocked (except for Verizon stuff, or, rather, all models for the US market).
And last I heard Milestone 3 will be unlocked.
Gasai Yuno said:
iirc, Motorola has already announced that their new phones will have their bootloaders unlocked (except for Verizon stuff, or, rather, all models for the US market).
And last I heard Milestone 3 will be unlocked.
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They did? I thought it was just that they were considering the idea of making their phones more open and unlocked, but no guarantees that they will, and even if they make the non US phones unlocked, they still said they will take the Carriers into consideration, so Verizon could just as easily demand full and complete lockdown and keep that going for a while, unless/until enough people complain to them too.
I mentioned that Verizon models won't be unlocked in the post you quoted.
Also, to be honest, I don't really care about VZW exclusive models as long as Milestone 3 comes out and is the same as Droid 3 (save for being GSM instead of CDMA).
I can't really remember the exact source for “no lock on new non-US models”, though. I guess I can just ask them via certain channels.
Gasai Yuno said:
I mentioned that Verizon models won't be unlocked in the post you quoted.
Also, to be honest, I don't really care about VZW exclusive models as long as Milestone 3 comes out and is the same as Droid 3 (save for being GSM instead of CDMA).
I can't really remember the exact source for “no lock on new non-US models”, though. I guess I can just ask them via certain channels.
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Sorry, I guess I had a brain fart there.
I am looking for some help getting root access on the ZTE Valet from Straight Talk.
Android Version: 4.1.1
Kernel Version: 3.4.0-perf [email protected]
Please let me know if you need more info, or if there is a root method already confirmed working for this device.
Thanks!
I am still looking
I am still looking for a root solution for this phone. I have tried several solutions (made for other devices) that I found searching the forums and google, but nont have worked.
If anyone knows of one, please PM me.
I really don't think this phone can be rooted because of the "proprietary" nature of Tracfone's service. Although the phone is ZTE by manufacture and Tracfone is tied in with Straight Talk as well, the way Tracfone service is metered probably means if you rooted it it may not work through them anymore.. but that's just my supposition. Having said that.. I bought one today myself. Although I've rooted all the Android devices I have.. I don't intend to even try with this one.
I know it's a little late to be chiming in on this, but I thought you'd appreciate an answer.
The ZTE tracfone/straightalk devices cannot be rooted. period. The reason behind this is that the airtime tank info (minutes, service date, etc) is actually stored on the phone itself instead of the network. They had to develop an un-rootable phone so that people couldn't go in and edit their own airtime tanks. It's not an issue on normal tracfones, but android wasn't secure enough on it's own. Perma-locked bootloader, locked kernel.
The only way to root your device is to get a new device. It sucks, but it's the sacrifice of being on a prepaid plan with this company.
Source: My own Tracfone ZTE Valet and a boatload of research and experimentation.
Good luck.
iamthedonut said:
I know it's a little late to be chiming in on this, but I thought you'd appreciate an answer.
The ZTE tracfone/straightalk devices cannot be rooted. period. The reason behind this is that the airtime tank info (minutes, service date, etc) is actually stored on the phone itself instead of the network. They had to develop an un-rootable phone so that people couldn't go in and edit their own airtime tanks. It's not an issue on normal tracfones, but android wasn't secure enough on it's own. Perma-locked bootloader, locked kernel.
The only way to root your device is to get a new device. It sucks, but it's the sacrifice of being on a prepaid plan with this company.
Source: My own Tracfone ZTE Valet and a boatload of research and experimentation.
Good luck.
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While I don't have the phone, my understanding is you can check the tracfone website for how many minutes/data you have left and not just the app on the phone. If true then the minute tank is not just on the phone but "in the cloud" which to be honest makes perfect sense. Andriod is hard to 100% lock down, sooner or later a hack will happen. It is just the nature of the OS. One reason it is open source, but then again iOS is not and people found ways to jail break/root that. So I am not going to say it is "impossible", and I really think the minutes/data information is stored on tracfone's servers not on the phone. It would cost them too much if they got hacked and were able to add minutes for free.
Now if I am wrong, ok but I doubt I am based on my experience with computers and I don't think Tracfone would take the risk. Also I have found instructions on rooting some Android tracfones by Samsung. So again I think it is possible, just no one has figured out how with this one (yet).
Update: I recently watched a review of this phone on youtube and the person was demonstrating how to see the minutes you have left and mentioned that often it is not instant when you add time/data. And even after using minutes you need to click the refesh to see the latest information regarding your minutes/data. If it was on the phone itself, no update would be needed. It would just be "there". So it is server based, not on the phone itself.
Hey!
I have currently a Vivo NEX on order from AliExpress.
I wonder how fast (if at all) there will be a way to root the device, and most importantly: install Google Play and custom launchers on it.
A custom ROM; something stock like would also be exciting to see soon.
Another question that I have is: will I be able to use the in-display-fingerprintsensor when I install a custom launcher?
I guess that's a very noob question but I really have not much experience with that because this will be my fist phone with a fingerprintsensor at all.
Greeting from Austria!!
LOL Meister said:
Hey!
I have currently a Vivo NEX on order from AliExpress.
I wonder how fast (if at all) there will be a way to root the device, and most importantly: install Google Play and custom launchers on it.
A custom ROM; something stock like would also be exciting to see soon.
Another question that I have is: will I be able to use the in-display-fingerprintsensor when I install a custom launcher?
I guess that's a very noob question but I really have not much experience with that because this will be my fist phone with a fingerprintsensor at all.
Greeting from Austria!!
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Root and custom roms will be available as soon as Vivo release source code and blobs, and yes you can use the fingerprint sensor on custom launchers, even if it doesn't have play store you can still install launchers and apps from an apk.
Exanneon said:
Root and custom roms will be available as soon as Vivo release source code and blobs, and yes you can use the fingerprint sensor on custom launchers, even if it doesn't have play store you can still install launchers and apps from an apk.
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Thats great news actually. I have successfully rooted and installed a custom ROM on my galaxy S5. But I am still quite new to the topic and therefore I want to ask: if some videos or websites claim that they have a way to root *any* android device: can that be true from a technical standpoint or is such a thing always scam?
LOL Meister said:
Thats great news actually. I have successfully rooted and installed a custom ROM on my galaxy S5. But I am still quite new to the topic and therefore I want to ask: if some videos or websites claim that they have a way to root *any* android device: can that be true from a technical standpoint or is such a thing always scam?
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Click to collapse
It is definitely a scam, there's no way of rooting *any* phone, it's true that most phones become rootable sooner or later, but that depends on the manufacturer and those who modify the device. The thing is that technically any android phone can be rooted, but that can only be done if one first has access to a bootloader which they can send commands to, such as flashing a recovery. Apps or sites that say they can root any phone is a very deceptive way of tricking inexperienced users, based on somewhat facts.
The process of rooting a phone goes something like this:
1. Manufacturer releases software which allows a pc to communicate with the phone, therefore allowing for the pc to send commands such as flashing a recovery, sideloading a custom rom, restoring stock firmware, etc.
2. At that point, the user has complete access to their phone, just as the manufacturer would, so they can flash a recovery, through which they could flash supersu or magisk in order to root their phone, or a custom rom.
Now the thing about apps that can supposedly root a phone through the os, without it having root, is that some of them are legit, but they work in many different ways, those ways vary from each device. Apps such as kingroot (roots the phone without the need of a pc) is that they normally look for system apps which they can exploit and use as a backdoor to gain root access for the device, such apps can indeed root multiple devices, but no app can root literally any phone. This is because, if for example there was a phone that was released 15th june, 2018, and would have extremely good security, no apps that could be used as a backdoor, the app simply couldn't exploit that device. This is exactly why very new phones (such as the vivo nex) have no custom roms or root, because they're so new that no exploits have been found, and the manufacturer hasn't released software for users to root, nor have they released source code for developers to start building custom roms for them.
Sorry for the long paragraphs, hope I helped.
Moral of the story: don't trust weird apps saying they can root any device.
Exanneon said:
It is definitely a scam, there's no way of rooting *any* phone, it's true that most phones become rootable sooner or later, but that depends on the manufacturer and those who modify the device. The thing is that technically any android phone can be rooted, but that can only be done if one first has access to a bootloader which they can send commands to, such as flashing a recovery. Apps or sites that say they can root any phone is a very deceptive way of tricking inexperienced users, based on somewhat facts.
The process of rooting a phone goes something like this:
1. Manufacturer releases software which allows a pc to communicate with the phone, therefore allowing for the pc to send commands such as flashing a recovery, sideloading a custom rom, restoring stock firmware, etc.
2. At that point, the user has complete access to their phone, just as the manufacturer would, so they can flash a recovery, through which they could flash supersu or magisk in order to root their phone, or a custom rom.
Now the thing about apps that can supposedly root a phone through the os, without it having root, is that some of them are legit, but they work in many different ways, those ways vary from each device. Apps such as kingroot (roots the phone without the need of a pc) is that they normally look for system apps which they can exploit and use as a backdoor to gain root access for the device, such apps can indeed root multiple devices, but no app can root literally any phone. This is because, if for example there was a phone that was released 15th june, 2018, and would have extremely good security, no apps that could be used as a backdoor, the app simply couldn't exploit that device. This is exactly why very new phones (such as the vivo nex) have no custom roms or root, because they're so new that no exploits have been found, and the manufacturer hasn't released software for users to root, nor have they released source code for developers to start building custom roms for them.
Sorry for the long paragraphs, hope I helped.
Moral of the story: don't trust weird apps saying they can root any device.
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Thanks a lot for the detailed explanations!
That with the bootloader makes a lot of sense to me as I work a lot with microcontrollers especially; AVRs and PICs. Some of them have a dedicated part of the FLASH where you can keep code around that runs at system startup. A bootloader. That per example lets the AVRs flashed with an Arduino Bootloader communicate with the PC without the need for a programming device!
So I won't load any itchy software on my new device haha.
An other question I have is:
Are there any disadvantages of having a Chinese ROM other than having to install all Google services manually?
LOL Meister said:
Thanks a lot for the detailed explanations!
That with the bootloader makes a lot of sense to me as I work a lot with microcontrollers especially; AVRs and PICs. Some of them have a dedicated part of the FLASH where you can keep code around that runs at system startup. A bootloader. That per example lets the AVRs flashed with an Arduino Bootloader communicate with the PC without the need for a programming device!
So I won't load any itchy software on my new device haha.
An other question I have is:
Are there any disadvantages of having a Chinese ROM other than having to install all Google services manually?
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Well most of the time stock android is always faster and more stable, be it touchwiz, miui, flyme. Touchwiz for example uses very high resolution icons for the ui, which take up more ram (and make the rom size much bigger, therefore sacrificing internal memory) making the phone more sluggish. Basically roms that aren't stock always have some element to them which is likely to make them slower, or have more bugs, possibly.
Because how can you have a better android rom than pure android? Building upon it is always a good thing, but changing it completely usually results in a not so good experience. These sort of things certainly don't apply to what oneplus do with oxygen os and whatever the stock rom is for motorola phones.
As much I fall in love with this phone but VIVO is totally developer unfriendly.
Due to unavailability of kernel sources third party developers couldn't build any custom aftermarket ROM's.
It’s the opposite from what OnePlus offer.
I will wait 6-9 months we will see many other OEM building same design and feature 3d fingerprint reader under the screen and most important developer friendly.
Even Samsung device it’s very very easy rooting and installing twrp and has plenty of development support with custom rom,tweaks and mod.
This Funtouch OS out of the box Vivo phones is totally not acceptable and DOA to me.
It’s a shame such wonderful device with really bad and closed software.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
paatha13 said:
As much I fall in love with this phone but VIVO is totally developer unfriendly.
Due to unavailability of kernel sources third party developers couldn't build any custom aftermarket ROM's.
It’s the opposite from what OnePlus offer.
It’s a shame such wonderful device with really bad and closed software.
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Well dammit then. I came here to check about this, potential availabilty of any custom roms (linegae / RR)
I'm gonna check about others vivo. Thanks for warning
I think I'm sort of hijacking the thread but it's on topic so should be ok ... I hope.
I've never bought a Chinese phone, but this year I will be getting my first Chinese Android device (Vivo or not).
I've rooted phones in the past so not worried about it but is it required to get Google Play Store and framework on the device? Basically I'm asking how does one make this Chinese phone into a Westernized one.
01alim said:
I think I'm sort of hijacking the thread but it's on topic so should be ok ... I hope.
I've never bought a Chinese phone, but this year I will be getting my first Chinese Android device (Vivo or not).
I've rooted phones in the past so not worried about it but is it required to get Google Play Store and framework on the device? Basically I'm asking how does one make this Chinese phone into a Westernized one.
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Basically you cann install the playstore through the gmail hack. You install gmail via the included chinese store app. Then it will automatically load playstore on the device.
If you pick your seller with care they will have a semi western rom on the phone. I (I posted the link to the seller in the where to buy thread) ordered my vivo nex from a seller who does that. They will have english language, playsore gmail, maps youtube etc preinstalled.
Despite the not open software of the nex just because its sheer popularity there will be custom roms and hacks. You can bet on that! Just not as many of corse.
so not open software is final ?
It's one of many deciding factor for me.
ayamgoreng said:
so not open software is final ?
It's one of many deciding factor for me.
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I guess noone can say for 100% sure because the phone will start selling just tomorrow. But people with vivo expreince have claimed that the software on vivo phones is generally not very developer friendly.
Even if there won't be custom ROMs I can still have a custom launcher on it.
ayamgoreng said:
so not open software is final ?
It's one of many deciding factor for me.
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Our only hope is for wider spread selling across globe and not only Asia that maximaze possibilities.
As more and more users across globe getting know Vivo then its more possible.
Don't forget Vivo is major sponcored of World Cup 2018 that's major worldwide athletic event and think Vivo has ambition to sell to western world some time(not to far hope)
LOL Meister said:
Basically you cann install the playstore through the gmail hack. You install gmail via the included chinese store app. Then it will automatically load playstore on the device.
If you pick your seller with care they will have a semi western rom on the phone. I (I posted the link to the seller in the where to buy thread) ordered my vivo nex from a seller who does that. They will have english language, playsore gmail, maps youtube etc preinstalled.
Despite the not open software of the nex just because its sheer popularity there will be custom roms and hacks. You can bet on that! Just not as many of corse.
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Thank you.
So what's the things we are missing using a semi westernised ROM over a full western ROM?
How are sellers able to get custom ROMs on the phone so early? (Or are they not custom ROMs?).
01alim said:
Thank you.
So what's the things we are missing using a semi westernised ROM over a full western ROM?
How are sellers able to get custom ROMs on the phone so early? (Or are they not custom ROMs?).
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I think they might have some contracts with Vivo...
Even more proof of that if you look on AliExpress they charge way premium for the devices. I paid 800€ on the 8G 128G version!
I think that there are no disadvantages besides anything regarding their AI tech which will only understand Chinese I think.
Once I am not planning to use that, that's no problem. People claim that the funtouch OS is somewhat unstable but I will test that for myself. The seller I ordered from claims that I will be able to receive over the air updates so they will surely patch things over time.
Remember that if you do not like their OS you can still install a launcher from playstore.
But if any of that holds true, I will see when my phone arrives. The seller claims that they will ship it out over the next 7 days per DHL.
I will update here on my experience, installing launchers, if playstore is there or not etc.
LOL Meister said:
Basically you cann install the playstore through the gmail hack. You install gmail via the included chinese store app. Then it will automatically load playstore on the device.
If you pick your seller with care they will have a semi western rom on the phone. I (I posted the link to the seller in the where to buy thread) ordered my vivo nex from a seller who does that. They will have english language, playsore gmail, maps youtube etc preinstalled.
Despite the not open software of the nex just because its sheer popularity there will be custom roms and hacks. You can bet on that! Just not as many of corse.
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will the gmail hack enable google services like Calender and contact sync also??
When you open the developer options, your phone will keep warning on status bar???
野比君 said:
When you open the developer options, your phone will keep warning on status bar
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Are you serious??
Btw, do you know if you can eliminate the chinese software that comes pre-installed? And can you configurate everything you need as if it were a "normal western android"? (contacts, calendar sync, emails, etc)
LOL Meister said:
Hey!
I have currently a Vivo NEX on order from AliExpress.
I wonder how fast (if at all) there will be a way to root the device, and most importantly: install Google Play and custom launchers on it.
A custom ROM; something stock like would also be exciting to see soon.
Another question that I have is: will I be able to use the in-display-fingerprintsensor when I install a custom launcher?
I guess that's a very noob question but I really have not much experience with that because this will be my fist phone with a fingerprintsensor at all.
Greeting from Austria!!
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I have the Vivo Nex now. Can't use third party launcher unless you sign up for a vivo account which can only be done with a China phone number. This is a new development as I was able to get nova on vivo x21 without account.
Really annoying.
radioraheem2 said:
I have the Vivo Nex now. Can't use third party launcher unless you sign up for a vivo account which can only be done with a China phone number. This is a new development as I was able to get nova on vivo x21 without account.
Really annoying.
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Thanks for informing! I really hope that someone finds a workaround soon!
Just a note at the side: I don't know about stability but even though the Vivo OS looks a lot like iOS especially for larger phones like that things like the quick draw from the bottom are quite nice features.
DrG0nz0 said:
Are you serious??
Btw, do you know if you can eliminate the chinese software that comes pre-installed? And can you configurate everything you need as if it were a "normal western android"? (contacts, calendar sync, emails, etc)
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Also interested in this one, since the phone is available now! Mine will take some time in shipping though.