Database Info

Original Impression - Is this for real?

I bought this Gtablet when my wife and I were out doing last minute Christmas shopping on Friday afternoon. No actual live unit on display or available at Sears so bought one based on hope. My first impressions were very mixed. It was painfully slow when I first booted it up while waiting for my wife who had gone into another store and I waited for her in the car (plugged in using inverter we carry with us). Later when we got home it downloaded the update and that helped the speed issue (but still sluggish) but I've run into all kinds of issues that have me ready to return this thing.
First thing I noticed is the number of times that apps force close on the GT including the browser built into the unit. That is about to drive me nuts but I discovered another even more major issue - for me. I planned to use this device to log into our webmail server when I'm travelling in order to get my mail. I can log into the webmail and I can bring up the mail but when I open a piece of email I cannot scroll the screen to read the entire email. I also have a Moto DX and I can read my email via web just fine on that (don't like it because of the small screen and keyboard). So, why does my DX work fine with our webmail client and the GT not work? I am clueless and ticked off.
I was going to return it today but my wife wants me to hold off and call Viewsonic support but I have my doubts that they will be of much help. So, I'm wondering if putting up a custom ROM might help because of using a different kernel?
I have a couple of weeks to return this but I want it either working or gone so I have a proposal. I'm new to Android and don't want to take the chance of bricking this and losing my money and I need this done quickly in order to make a decision. I"m willing to pay a modest fee for someone "KNOWLEDGEABLE" to possiby teamviewer into one of my machines to to root/rom this unit. There would absolutely have to be a return to stock method in case the new rom doesn't work either.
I have a Win 7 Ultimate 64 bit machine, Win 7 Prof. 64 bit and a Win XP 32 bit machine available to use. In reading through a number of threads here it seems that various iterations of Windows have issues with the drivers for this. You can PM me here.
R

Unless you mess around with the bootloader, you cant really brick it. Nobody has yet, and I doubt you would be the first.
Also I reccomend this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=885940
It is like A lite eversoin of TNT lite. It speeds it upi while keeping it stockish.

Many of us understand your experience. Most of us acknowledge that the first software was not what it should have been.
I have a modded machine which is super. I have an OTA 3389 tablet which is more than acceptable.
From your comments, it sounds to me like your plan to return is the best course of action.
The G-Tablet can be a super machine, but not without some interest in working with and improving it on your part.
Sorry this is not better news. Maybe someone else will respond with a different idea.
Rev

bijan588 said:
Unless you mess around with the bootloader, you cant really brick it. Nobody has yet, and I doubt you would be the first.
Also I reccomend this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=885940
It is like A lite eversoin of TNT lite. It speeds it upi while keeping it stockish.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, just check the dev forum for instructions on installing new custom firmware. I'd also recommend making sure that you install clockwork mod 0.8 to ease backup/restores.
...OTOH from what I've heard is that the new stock fw 3389 is quite a bit better than what it ships with. And from there you can add a few minor updates, rooting, maybe the performance pack, sideload some apps and possibly the market "fix" which might be good enough for you, but even then I'd really have to recommend installing clockwork mod simply for the ease of making an image of a nicely working modified system and then being able to restore that if something messes it up...
Tablet is really nice, stable, and fast once properly setup and it's not really too hard to do any of the above IF you FOLLOW the instructions and READ them ENTIRELY and the caveats BEFOREHAND.
Really it's almost plug and play...

racedog said:
I planned to use this device to log into our webmail server when I'm travelling in order to get my mail. I can log into the webmail and I can bring up the mail but when I open a piece of email I cannot scroll the screen to read the entire email. I also have a Moto DX and I can read my email via web just fine on that (don't like it because of the small screen and keyboard). So, why does my DX work fine with our webmail client and the GT not work? I am clueless and ticked off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's a trick that works for me: if I zoom in a little on the webmail page that I cannot scroll, after the zooming in I am able to scroll to view the entire email.
I guess that soon you'll find the lack of Copy/Paste. Apple was run out of town for this and Windows Phone 7 too. At least with the G Tablet the lack of Copy/Paste seems to be limited to the stock apps.

Fuzzy John said:
Here's a trick that works for me: if I zoom in a little on the webmail page that I cannot scroll, after the zooming in I am able to scroll to view the entire email.
QUOTE]
Thanks John for that suggestion!! It worked and I can read my email from the G. That makes me happy.
Now for a new issue, I formatted a 16gig SD (FAT32) and put that in, the unit says that it knows that it is there but when I connect the unit using the USB cable to my Win 7 (64) machine its finds the machine, I tell it to activate USB transfer mode but I don't see SD2 in there. I wanted to transfer a pile of music onto it but can't do that since I can't see it. I tried transferring the music directly to the sd and then putting it into the G but when I do that it doesn't find anything.
I didn't really find anything on point in searching so if I'm missing that please point me to the thread.
I think I will go ahead and work with this. I've used and moded Win Mobile phones for the last ten years but am new to Android.
The offer for help still stands if anyone wants to take advantage and I would like to use it as a learning experience as I get into Android.
Oh yeah, thanks to all for the super fast responses. That is really appreciated. Even though it only shows that I have 5 or six posts here that isn't quite accurate. Many years ago when this site first opened I found it because I was using XDA phones but those were all WinMO at the time. I drifted away for a long time and when I came back now I am a new member again here. No longer a WinMo user and I really don't like Windows Phone 7 so I bought a Moto DX and love the phone, got my wife an HTC Incredible (she gave up her iPhone for that and that took a LOT of convincing on my part) but I am pretty much really happy with the Android OS and where it seesm to be going.
What I do love about the G is the size, the Galaxy Tab is just too small and the 800 horizontal resolution is too small so when I found a 10" tablet with 1024 and only $379.95 it sounded like a great deal. The screen angle is a ***** but I can live with that but I am sorely missing the Market (GMarket is sad). Looking forward to getting this machine rooted and rom'ed and up and running like it should be.
R
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

racedog said:
Fuzzy John said:
Here's a trick that works for me: if I zoom in a little on the webmail page that I cannot scroll, after the zooming in I am able to scroll to view the entire email.
QUOTE]
Thanks John for that suggestion!! It worked and I can read my email from the G. That makes me happy.
Now for a new issue, I formatted a 16gig SD (FAT32) and put that in, the unit says that it knows that it is there but when I connect the unit using the USB cable to my Win 7 (64) machine its finds the machine, I tell it to activate USB transfer mode but I don't see SD2 in there. I wanted to transfer a pile of music onto it but can't do that since I can't see it. I tried transferring the music directly to the sd and then putting it into the G but when I do that it doesn't find anything.
I didn't really find anything on point in searching so if I'm missing that please point me to the thread.
I think I will go ahead and work with this. I've used and moded Win Mobile phones for the last ten years but am new to Android.
The offer for help still stands if anyone wants to take advantage and I would like to use it as a learning experience as I get into Android.
Oh yeah, thanks to all for the super fast responses. That is really appreciated. Even though it only shows that I have 5 or six posts here that isn't quite accurate. Many years ago when this site first opened I found it because I was using XDA phones but those were all WinMO at the time. I drifted away for a long time and when I came back now I am a new member again here. No longer a WinMo user and I really don't like Windows Phone 7 so I bought a Moto DX and love the phone, got my wife an HTC Incredible (she gave up her iPhone for that and that took a LOT of convincing on my part) but I am pretty much really happy with the Android OS and where it seesm to be going.
What I do love about the G is the size, the Galaxy Tab is just too small and the 800 horizontal resolution is too small so when I found a 10" tablet with 1024 and only $379.95 it sounded like a great deal. The screen angle is a ***** but I can live with that but I am sorely missing the Market (GMarket is sad). Looking forward to getting this machine rooted and rom'ed and up and running like it should be.
R
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install the latest update and do a factory restore inside the security section of settings.
Then if you want install the tnt enhancement pack from the device section. Don't worry about returning to stock because they don't even open the box when you return or exchange. If they did, they would have no idea what they would be looking at.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

racedog said:
Fuzzy John said:
Here's a trick that works for me: if I zoom in a little on the webmail page that I cannot scroll, after the zooming in I am able to scroll to view the entire email.
QUOTE]
Thanks John for that suggestion!! It worked and I can read my email from the G. That makes me happy.
Now for a new issue, I formatted a 16gig SD (FAT32) and put that in, the unit says that it knows that it is there but when I connect the unit using the USB cable to my Win 7 (64) machine its finds the machine, I tell it to activate USB transfer mode but I don't see SD2 in there. I wanted to transfer a pile of music onto it but can't do that since I can't see it. I tried transferring the music directly to the sd and then putting it into the G but when I do that it doesn't find anything.
I didn't really find anything on point in searching so if I'm missing that please point me to the thread.
I think I will go ahead and work with this. I've used and moded Win Mobile phones for the last ten years but am new to Android.
The offer for help still stands if anyone wants to take advantage and I would like to use it as a learning experience as I get into Android.
Oh yeah, thanks to all for the super fast responses. That is really appreciated. Even though it only shows that I have 5 or six posts here that isn't quite accurate. Many years ago when this site first opened I found it because I was using XDA phones but those were all WinMO at the time. I drifted away for a long time and when I came back now I am a new member again here. No longer a WinMo user and I really don't like Windows Phone 7 so I bought a Moto DX and love the phone, got my wife an HTC Incredible (she gave up her iPhone for that and that took a LOT of convincing on my part) but I am pretty much really happy with the Android OS and where it seesm to be going.
What I do love about the G is the size, the Galaxy Tab is just too small and the 800 horizontal resolution is too small so when I found a 10" tablet with 1024 and only $379.95 it sounded like a great deal. The screen angle is a ***** but I can live with that but I am sorely missing the Market (GMarket is sad). Looking forward to getting this machine rooted and rom'ed and up and running like it should be.
R
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be able to see the microsd on the Gtab using, for example, ES File explorer. It'll be at /sdcard2.
As for seeing /sdcard2 from your pc, I thought I saw a post saying that if you have winamp installed on the gtab, it has an option for mounting sdcard2, and when that's enabled you can see /sdcard2. Haven't tried that myself.
Jim
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

racedog said:
Fuzzy John said:
Here's a trick that works for me: if I zoom in a little on the webmail page that I cannot scroll, after the zooming in I am able to scroll to view the entire email.
QUOTE]
Thanks John for that suggestion!! It worked and I can read my email from the G. That makes me happy.
Now for a new issue, I formatted a 16gig SD (FAT32) and put that in, the unit says that it knows that it is there but when I connect the unit using the USB cable to my Win 7 (64) machine its finds the machine, I tell it to activate USB transfer mode but I don't see SD2 in there. I wanted to transfer a pile of music onto it but can't do that since I can't see it. I tried transferring the music directly to the sd and then putting it into the G but when I do that it doesn't find anything.
I didn't really find anything on point in searching so if I'm missing that please point me to the thread.
I think I will go ahead and work with this. I've used and moded Win Mobile phones for the last ten years but am new to Android.
The offer for help still stands if anyone wants to take advantage and I would like to use it as a learning experience as I get into Android.
Oh yeah, thanks to all for the super fast responses. That is really appreciated. Even though it only shows that I have 5 or six posts here that isn't quite accurate. Many years ago when this site first opened I found it because I was using XDA phones but those were all WinMO at the time. I drifted away for a long time and when I came back now I am a new member again here. No longer a WinMo user and I really don't like Windows Phone 7 so I bought a Moto DX and love the phone, got my wife an HTC Incredible (she gave up her iPhone for that and that took a LOT of convincing on my part) but I am pretty much really happy with the Android OS and where it seesm to be going.
What I do love about the G is the size, the Galaxy Tab is just too small and the 800 horizontal resolution is too small so when I found a 10" tablet with 1024 and only $379.95 it sounded like a great deal. The screen angle is a ***** but I can live with that but I am sorely missing the Market (GMarket is sad). Looking forward to getting this machine rooted and rom'ed and up and running like it should be.
R
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you join #tegratab on freenode, I or someone else would help you. Here is a web client: http://webchat.freenode.net/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

P.S. Here's the thread about winamp and sdcard2:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=880237&highlight=winamp

Ahead of the game.
Hi racedog, actually I think you are ahead of the game. You seem to have made a lot of progress if you bought this Christmas eve.
How did you get it to run in the parking lot of the mall on Christmas eve? Even with a power inverter for power, hoe did you get a WiFi connection?
So far my G Tablet is stock and I am over-all happy with it. However, after Viewsonics post that they won't be providing any support for swapping the LCD screen, I feel they are missing the point. Their post said they would be anouncing some new products soon (my guess is at CES right after the first of the year).
I might end up taking my G Tablet back to Sears and waiting for the newer, more powerful and maybe more promising second generation tablets I am sure are to come at CES.
This tablet has been fun and I may keep it, but, I would really like to know the price points on the new models at CES.

Sucks out of the box.
Erase it and start over.
Load Clockwork Recovery Mod first! Put the update.zip on the sdcard, don't worry about the external SD method.
Once you have that boot mod, it's next to impossible to screw it up.
Flash that then get TNT lite 3.1.0 plus the supplement
Make sure you format the SDCARD using the advanced menu 2048 and 0 swap r it will crash on ya.
Do the full market fix. Download Dolphin HD and you will have a very usable tablet.
racedog said:
I bought this Gtablet when my wife and I were out doing last minute Christmas shopping on Friday afternoon. No actual live unit on display or available at Sears so bought one based on hope. My first impressions were very mixed. It was painfully slow when I first booted it up while waiting for my wife who had gone into another store and I waited for her in the car (plugged in using inverter we carry with us). Later when we got home it downloaded the update and that helped the speed issue (but still sluggish) but I've run into all kinds of issues that have me ready to return this thing.
First thing I noticed is the number of times that apps force close on the GT including the browser built into the unit. That is about to drive me nuts but I discovered another even more major issue - for me. I planned to use this device to log into our webmail server when I'm travelling in order to get my mail. I can log into the webmail and I can bring up the mail but when I open a piece of email I cannot scroll the screen to read the entire email. I also have a Moto DX and I can read my email via web just fine on that (don't like it because of the small screen and keyboard). So, why does my DX work fine with our webmail client and the GT not work? I am clueless and ticked off.
I was going to return it today but my wife wants me to hold off and call Viewsonic support but I have my doubts that they will be of much help. So, I'm wondering if putting up a custom ROM might help because of using a different kernel?
I have a couple of weeks to return this but I want it either working or gone so I have a proposal. I'm new to Android and don't want to take the chance of bricking this and losing my money and I need this done quickly in order to make a decision. I"m willing to pay a modest fee for someone "KNOWLEDGEABLE" to possiby teamviewer into one of my machines to to root/rom this unit. There would absolutely have to be a return to stock method in case the new rom doesn't work either.
I have a Win 7 Ultimate 64 bit machine, Win 7 Prof. 64 bit and a Win XP 32 bit machine available to use. In reading through a number of threads here it seems that various iterations of Windows have issues with the drivers for this. You can PM me here.
R
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I will be doing the clockwork mod and putting on a new rom. The question is about formatting the card. You mention above used "advanced menu 2048", I don't know where I would find that on android on the G, or are you referring to something else?
I didn't get it connected while in the car, I just had it plugged in so that I could take a look at it and start putting a charge on it. I didn't connect until I got home. However, I DID try connecting it in the car using my Moto DX with wireless tether. The dx showed that it was running but the G never found the signal from the phone. It did see a few other secured wifi connections but it didn't see the phone. I have no idea whether this was because I don't have wifi tethering setup correctly on the DX or what the deal is but I figured I would work with that later.
I don't really care if I have to tether via usb with the phone but wifi is a lot cleaner and easier if possible. I know that easy tether and pdanet are out there but I haven't checked to see if they have an android client yet, I've only used them on my Win 7 netbook.
R

racedog said:
I will be doing the clockwork mod and putting on a new rom. The question is about formatting the card. You mention above used "advanced menu 2048", I don't know where I would find that on android on the G, or are you referring to something else?
I didn't get it connected while in the car, I just had it plugged in so that I could take a look at it and start putting a charge on it. I didn't connect until I got home. However, I DID try connecting it in the car using my Moto DX with wireless tether. The dx showed that it was running but the G never found the signal from the phone. It did see a few other secured wifi connections but it didn't see the phone. I have no idea whether this was because I don't have wifi tethering setup correctly on the DX or what the deal is but I figured I would work with that later.
I don't really care if I have to tether via usb with the phone but wifi is a lot cleaner and easier if possible. I know that easy tether and pdanet are out there but I haven't checked to see if they have an android client yet, I've only used them on my Win 7 netbook.
R
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Offer is still open on IRC

racedog said:
I will be doing the clockwork mod and putting on a new rom. The question is about formatting the card. You mention above used "advanced menu 2048", I don't know where I would find that on android on the G, or are you referring to something else?
I didn't get it connected while in the car, I just had it plugged in so that I could take a look at it and start putting a charge on it. I didn't connect until I got home. However, I DID try connecting it in the car using my Moto DX with wireless tether. The dx showed that it was running but the G never found the signal from the phone. It did see a few other secured wifi connections but it didn't see the phone. I have no idea whether this was because I don't have wifi tethering setup correctly on the DX or what the deal is but I figured I would work with that later.
I don't really care if I have to tether via usb with the phone but wifi is a lot cleaner and easier if possible. I know that easy tether and pdanet are out there but I haven't checked to see if they have an android client yet, I've only used them on my Win 7 netbook.
R
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found that the stock rom cannot use ad-hoc networks. I had to use the hack for the 3G Hotspot app on the DX to get it working on the Gtab. Once I upgraded to TnT lite than I was able to use Wireless Tether and stopped getting all the drops and reconnects too.
I really think that you will be happy with this as soon as you mod it with what's here in this community. I have only been here for less than a week and have found answers to all my questions. Good luck.

rothnic said:
Offer is still open on IRC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate the offer but because of the holidays I won't be able to take you up on it until probably Tuesday, maybe tomorrow Monday if I get REALLY lucky. I going to be trying to do as much as I can myself until them.
I wondered if the problem might be that the stock rom did not recognize ad hoc networks because I looked for the option to select it and it was not there. Thanks for that info.
R

Forgot, the winamp solution didn't work. I selected the mount option in winamp but it did nothing. I will get back to this issue once I get the greater issue of the rom and wifi connect to my phone fixed. Those are the real biggies that need fixing first.
R

Thanks to rothnic this new G has CWM installed and tnt like running on it along with Market and other apps that I've downloaded from it. What a huge difference this makes, my constant FC's seem to have stopped happening and I am now very happy with this unit. What a world of difference.
The screen is still a major issue but I can live with it (for now, will keep watching the screen swapping thread) but the device is fast, functional and completely usable whereas 24 hours ago I was set to return it to Sears but my wife talked me out of that and to try fixing it.
Again, special thanks to rothnic for all the "above and beyond" help and patience and also to all of the Gtab community here for the help and suggestions.
R

[Q] Is the TF the right tablet for the amateur tweaker?

I've tried a demo unit in a retail store near me. (In singapore), but the shop didn't let me connect to wifi, let alone use the browser or download some apps for testing.
All i could do was add widgets and swipe through the home screens.
But with what I've read so far, these are some questions that are running through my mind.
1) With the SBK, will the device be 'locked down' like the international version of the milestone? Regrettably I got it not knowing the severe limitations of this. I could not flash anything custom.
2) How many devs have ordered this or are planning to order this? Will the pool of devs be large enough? Or will this device just fall by the way side. I have a feeling this is linked to point 1, and that devs too are mindful of the SBK, encrypted or not.
3) The price point justifies buying this product over the XOOM and Iconia, both of which are more expensive. But will ASUS return the favour of 'consumer confidence' by providing us with timely updates and bug fixes?
These are just some questions that are running through my mind now. The tablet/dock combo is reaching my shores next week. I'd be glad to help anyone check out stuff if the retailer allows me to.
Also, is there anything I should look out for when getting one from the retailer?

there's already been 2 patches in the short time it's been released, we have full root and custom recovery although no access to bootloader I believe.
There seems to be a dev interest.

How do we go about accessing the boot loader? Will it require processing power?
If so I can dedicate some processing power.
Will us not having boot loader be a potential problem to developers?
Does not having access to boot loader mean we cannot load custom unsigned roms? Or am i wrong here?
What are the implications?
Sorry for sounding stupid, but I'm trying to learn as I go, and to make the right decisions when looking for another android device. The milestone issue got me irked.

[Q] trying to recover hipstreet flare

I have several of these hipstreet flare 4gb a13 based tablets. One started to hang on the android text boot screen. Reset button did nothing.
Using a combination power on then press hold up volume when the adroid icon appears brings this chinese menu up. Can anyone decipher for me?

Chartlb said:
I have several of these hipstreet flare 4gb a13 based tablets. One started to hang on the android text boot screen. Reset button did nothing.
Using a combination power on then press hold up volume when the adroid icon appears brings this chinese menu up. Can anyone decipher for me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We dont support any of the china based knock off devices

Problem solved
Select option 2 from the first menu then select the bottom center option. It should restart. Apps are all still there. Funny that you don't support the "Chinese knock offs" I didn't know that any of these devices were made in northamerica. Hip street is a Canadian company btw.

Chartlb said:
Select option 2 from the first menu then select the bottom center option. It should restart. Apps are all still there. Funny that you don't support the "Chinese knock offs" I didn't know that any of these devices were made in northamerica. Hip street is a Canadian company btw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then why was it in Chinese I wonder.
it doesnt matter where it was made to be honest. knock off devices break copyright laws and that is the reason they are not supported here. Just because it has a name on it doesnt mean it is official.
example of this would be that recently (the last few days) devices have been poping up branded Samsung with "official looking" IMEI and product stickers but were found to be cheap knock offs and people were out alot of money because they thought they were legit.
Most of these devices dont have the hardware they state they do and when people try to fix them they end up with a paper weight.

zelendel said:
Then why was it in Chinese I wonder.
it doesnt matter where it was made to be honest. knock off devices break copyright laws and that is the reason they are not supported here. Just because it has a name on it doesnt mean it is official.
example of this would be that recently (the last few days) devices have been poping up branded Samsung with "official looking" IMEI and product stickers but were found to be cheap knock offs and people were out alot of money because they thought they were legit.
Most of these devices dont have the hardware they state they do and when people try to fix them they end up with a paper weight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your example describes a actual knock off, people buying the knock offs did not get them at Walmart or there local at&t store, the product I was seeking help on is a cheap tablet yes, but sold by a actual company. The flare that I have is not a knock off of a flare. The fact that they don't pay for a google license to there play site dose not diminish the fact that it is running the open source android os. The fact that the code modification was developed in Chinese seems to be inconsequential. Seems to me you have lost the concept of opensource.

Chartlb said:
Your example describes a actual knock off, people buying the knock offs did not get them at Walmart or there local at&t store, the product I was seeking help on is a cheap tablet yes, but sold by a actual company. The flare that I have is not a knock off of a flare. The fact that they don't pay for a google license to there play site dose not diminish the fact that it is running the open source android os. The fact that the code modification was developed in Chinese seems to be inconsequential. Seems to me you have lost the concept of opensource.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I havent. I am a firm believer in the open source community. It is just when people dont follow the rules set by open source which china devices generally dont. Like the GPL. This is one of the biggest things against them. Now if this company is different then I will applaud them.

zelendel said:
No I havent. I am a firm believer in the open source community. It is just when people dont follow the rules set by open source which china devices generally dont. Like the GPL. This is one of the biggest things against them. Now if this company is different then I will applaud them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like I said this is a Canadian company, this is not a knock off product, it is sold at Walmart and other places, it uses a low cost a13 processor and as far as I know it follows the gpl, assuming that it doesn't seems to be harsh considering you don't know them or their product line. It would be simlarlily harsh of me to assume that I would over pay for cellular service from AT&T if I hadn't researched the issue.

Chartlb said:
Like I said this is a Canadian company, this is not a knock off product, it is sold at Walmart and other places, it uses a low cost a13 processor and as far as I know it follows the gpl, assuming that it doesn't seems to be harsh considering you don't know them or their product line. It would be simlarlily harsh of me to assume that I would over pay for cellular service from AT&T if I hadn't researched the issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wasnt assuming man. I went looking for it before I posted. I hope you find what your looking for but this device is very rare around here. You may have to resort to going to a china based site to find anything on it.
Good luck.

zelendel said:
Wasnt assuming man. I went looking for it before I posted. I hope you find what your looking for but this device is very rare around here. You may have to resort to going to a china based site to find anything on it.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would have been a great response to my original post, as it stands I was able to restore the device following these steps.
1. Boot to chinese menu by:
A. restarting with power button
B. As soon as android icon appears press and hold vol up (10sec)
2. From Chinese menu select option 2
3. From second menu select middle option on second row
Device should restart might have to press green icon bottom row.
Also noted, item 1 on second row turns off touch screen, use vol up/down to toggle along and power button to select if you turn it off. Item 3 may turn it back on but not sure, otherwise restore as above and it will come back on.
Regards
Chuck

Hipstreet Flare 2 Firmware and Reset
After searching for the past hour, I finally found a solution that works
Basically I had a Hipstreet Flare 2 (HS-9DTB7-8GB) and this morning it was stuck at the boot screen (showing just "@9" logo). It would display that boot screen logo for about 15-20 seconds and then keep rebooting on its own over and over.
I tried to get to a recovery menu multiple times but failed.
I finally found an official firmware file from the Hipstreet site with instructions on how to restore firmware and reset device.
Just visit "flare2 (dot) hipstreetonline (dot) ca"
(sorry if I'm not allowed to post direct links...this is my first post and I just wanted to help others that are stuck)
The instructions listed on that page and very easy to follow.
Hope this helps

neviln said:
After searching for the past hour, I finally found a solution that works
Basically I had a Hipstreet Flare 2 (HS-9DTB7-8GB) and this morning it was stuck at the boot screen (showing just "@9" logo). It would display that boot screen logo for about 15-20 seconds and then keep rebooting on its own over and over.
I tried to get to a recovery menu multiple times but failed.
I finally found an official firmware file from the Hipstreet site with instructions on how to restore firmware and reset device.
Just visit "flare2 (dot) hipstreetonline (dot) ca"
(sorry if I'm not allowed to post direct links...this is my first post and I just wanted to help others that are stuck)
The instructions listed on that page and very easy to follow.
Hope this helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THANK YOU WORKED!!!!!!!! Been looking for weeks to fix hipstreet

Instructions and Link to Firmware
UPDATE:
I've added mirror links at MEGA:
Firmware File: https[COLON]//mega.co.nz/#!FEJQlbiJ!SFhWBG_vHEPoGYX8HnOZrt1Cy3opph8adkAacJFQmKI
Manual: https[COLON]//mega.co.nz/#!UBRGhDDL!2RuHFSQFH8elYoVizn0mev4YeTale7YdeqMD9qffcaU
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seems like the Hipstreet site is down. I had a few people message me looking for the stock firmware and instructions so I'll post a link to the Firmware file and the Hipstreet Manual:
Firmware File: www[DOT]tusfiles[DOT]net/7a3fp69oho38
Manual: www[DOT]tusfiles[DOT]net/r2oyb24lynxj
1. Download the file from the link above.
2. Unzip the file into one folder.
3. Format a microSD card (erase everything on it). Then copy the 4 files that you unzipped and copy them into the root directory of the microSD card.
4. Power off your Flare 2 unit (ensure that there is at least 50% battery left).
5. Insert the microSD card you loaded with files in step 3 into your Flare 2.
6. Hold the VOL UP button and the POWER button, and wait for the scrolling Android screen.
7. Let go of both buttons and flashing will begin. Please wait for flashing to complete.
You have successfully flashed your Flare 2.

Can't boot recovery!!
Is there any option for me if my Hipstreet Flare 2 won't boot into recovery using Volume and Power buttons?

Hi and thanks a lot!! This was the only way I was able to fix my Hypestreet Flare2!

ty!

does anyone have the manual referenced in the last post as the link is not working?

please help "samsung focus 2" store demo issue

hello,
i bought a samsung focus 2 from ebay not knowing it was originally a store demo model. it was on the 7.5 OS but was able to force the 7.8 official release onto it (just kept doing the update till it went through). but it didn't fix the issue with it loading the demo software once it would boot back up. i have followed all the ideas posted on here about doing soft/hard resets but know the info is stored on a portion of the phone that updates won't overwrite.
i have done my searches on here and they were never answered by the person who started the thread and were quite old as well. is there a generic ROM i can load that will block the demo or does anyone know how i can hack the phone (bootloader, registry) to stop or delete this nonsense.
i cannot get my money back for this phone as the person deleted their ebay/paypal account. i have been on the phone with both and it's just not going to happen. so my only option is to hack the phone.... i don't want to sell it to someone else knowing it has this problem as i know it will come back on me and i just don't have it in me to rip someone off like i was basically just done.
i'm extremely noob when it comes to hacking a phone or registry so would need it in simple instructions.
it seems like a nice phone and would be a great backup so i don't want to brick it or break it. i would like to eventually use it so anyones help would be greatly appreciated.
this is the white samsung focus 2 SGH-I667
now that i look, i'm not 100% sure it actually updated to 7.8. it says it on the about screen, but it feels like it's still on 7.5... how can i be sure it's updated or not.
thanks !

Go to windowsphonehacker.com and try the tutorial for installing custom ROM in Samsung phones.
(I can't post the link because I'm a new member)

7.8 has resizable tiles like wp8, check your start screen

I have the same problem. I bought the demo phone for my wife ): Did you solved ? Thank you.

faaktoo said:
I have the same problem. I bought the demo phone for my wife ): Did you solved ? Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you can find a custom rom for this device then that will do the trick but having looked at the focus 2 forum, it seems to be a device that has received no attention at all!
There are no unlocks, no roms, no nothing!
Mabie the other WP hacking sites might have one but on here there's nothing for that phone, strange!

I'm fooled by the eBay seller. I do not want to cheat someone else.
I can't believe that no one wants to solve the problem with the second generation of Samsun Focus phones!
I'm willing to pay. Just to have functional phone

faaktoo said:
I'm fooled by the eBay seller. I do not want to cheat someone else.
I can't believe that no one wants to solve the problem with the second generation of Samsun Focus phones!
I'm willing to pay. Just to have functional phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi There I was just reading your post. I think you have a Focus 2? Well I have a Samsung Focus S, and it is also on demo mode, just finished debranding it and interloping it also. I also just finished disabling the demo mode. Don't know if it can also work on the Focus 2, it is just a registry edit. maybe it can work for you. If you still need help email me at [email protected]

How to upgrade Note 20 Ultra from...Android 5.1. Seriously.

I need help from someone a lot smarter than me. First time poster, but no stranger to rooting. (If I break some protocol, please correct me, I want to be a good citizen.)
Background (can be skipped)
I bought a Note 20 Ultra 5G (model #SM-N9860F) from a guy for a steal of a deal. Now I know why. Before buying we started it up and made a phone call, so I figured most everything else would be fine. Took it home and started messing with it, only to find it laggy and exhibiting other odd behaviors. So I went to check for updates before loading it up with my stuff.
But there was no Update button. I tapped "Software Info" and the next thing I saw made me read it three times. It showed, "Android version: 5.1."
Issues
So...
The phone functions but with lag and issues. SIM is recognized, then unrecognized. SIM cannot be used for data (though wifi is fine).
Not kidding, Kingo Root says it was able to root this Snapdragon phone. Root Checker Basic confirms it as rooted.
Using all the various key combinations posted all over the Internet, I cannot get into Download mode. I've tried for days.
Rebooting into Recovery shows Chinese options. (After many days of messing with it I finally found a way for it to show the English list...happy to share how I got there if anyone cares.)
The phone does connect to a Windows PC successfully via USB and can share files to internal and external memory.
Interestingly, the 500GB of internal memory only shows a fraction of it as available. Wondering if Android 5.1 just can't recognize that much space.
Bottom line
I am unable to get into Download mode. When I do get to where I think Download mode should be, the green Android guy is lying down with the words "No command" underneath. Therefore I can't use Odin, or a paid service, or Samsung Smart Switch...even tried the old Kies, since it has Android 5.1 on it. ALL of them require me to get into Download mode, and it just won't go.
Plan B?: I've heard repeatedly that rooting a Note 20 Ultra is (nearly?) impossible. Since multiple apps on my device insist I successfully rooted it, I was hoping I could use the TWRP app (it's installed) to flash something that could help. But I don't know what that would be, or if it would help at all. TWRP doesn't recognize the .zip, .tar, or any other files I've found and copied to the device. Maybe it's looking for a .img? I'm just not sure, and I don't even know what to look for.
Additional info
I've attached a few screen shots and photos.
I'd be ever so grateful for anyone's guidance. Again,
How can I get into Download mode? Seems that would get me back on the paths I know better.
And/or what can I flash using TWRP on what appears to be a rooted device? Would that even help?
Thank you!

kbtraveler said:
I need help from someone a lot smarter than me. First time poster, but no stranger to rooting. (If I break some protocol, please correct me, I want to be a good citizen.)
Background (can be skipped)
I bought a Note 20 Ultra 5G (model #SM-N9860F) from a guy for a steal of a deal. Now I know why. Before buying we started it up and made a phone call, so I figured most everything else would be fine. Took it home and started messing with it, only to find it laggy and exhibiting other odd behaviors. So I went to check for updates before loading it up with my stuff.
But there was no Update button. I tapped "Software Info" and the next thing I saw made me read it three times. It showed, "Android version: 5.1."
Issues
So...
The phone functions but with lag and issues. SIM is recognized, then unrecognized. SIM cannot be used for data (though wifi is fine).
Not kidding, Kingo Root says it was able to root this Snapdragon phone. Root Checker Basic confirms it as rooted.
Using all the various key combinations posted all over the Internet, I cannot get into Download mode. I've tried for days.
Rebooting into Recovery shows Chinese options. (After many days of messing with it I finally found a way for it to show the English list...happy to share how I got there if anyone cares.)
The phone does connect to a Windows PC successfully via USB and can share files to internal and external memory.
Interestingly, the 500GB of internal memory only shows a fraction of it as available. Wondering if Android 5.1 just can't recognize that much space.
Bottom line
I am unable to get into Download mode. When I do get to where I think Download mode should be, the green Android guy is lying down with the words "No command" underneath. Therefore I can't use Odin, or a paid service, or Samsung Smart Switch...even tried the old Kies, since it has Android 5.1 on it. ALL of them require me to get into Download mode, and it just won't go.
Plan B?: I've heard repeatedly that rooting a Note 20 Ultra is (nearly?) impossible. Since multiple apps on my device insist I successfully rooted it, I was hoping I could use the TWRP app (it's installed) to flash something that could help. But I don't know what that would be, or if it would help at all. TWRP doesn't recognize the .zip, .tar, or any other files I've found and copied to the device. Maybe it's looking for a .img? I'm just not sure, and I don't even know what to look for.
Additional info
I've attached a few screen shots and photos.
I'd be ever so grateful for anyone's guidance. Again,
How can I get into Download mode? Seems that would get me back on the paths I know better.
And/or what can I flash using TWRP on what appears to be a rooted device? Would that even help?
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you got what you paid for, it's probably a fake Note20 Ultra.
From what I can tell, the model & build numbers conflict, they're from different models of the Note 20 Ultra, that's why I think it's a fake.
Even the model number doesn't look right, it has a hybrid Chinese/European model number........

KOLIOSIS said:
Sounds like you got what you paid for, it's probably a fake Note20 Ultra.
From what I can tell, the model & build numbers conflict, they're from different models of the Note 20 Ultra, that's why I think it's a fake.
Even the model number doesn't look right, it has a hybrid Chinese/European model number........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Koliosis,
Yeah, thanks, that has crossed my mind, and that's why I posted those images. If it's fake it's a really good one, but I am aware I could have to chalk that up to experience.
Still, why in the world would a fake have Android 5.1 on it? And it works(-ish)! Isn't that still bizarre? Anything that can be done to force it into Download mode or to flash something with TWRP to at least get an OS from the modern era?
Thanks again...

kbtraveler said:
Hi Koliosis,
Yeah, thanks, that has crossed my mind, and that's why I posted those images. If it's fake it's a really good one, but I am aware I could have to chalk that up to experience.
Still, why in the world would a fake have Android 5.1 on it? And it works(-ish)! Isn't that still bizarre? Anything that can be done to force it into Download mode or to flash something with TWRP to at least get an OS from the modern era?
Thanks again...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There should be several threads/tutorials here that show how to flash firmware using Odin (& of course,includes how to get into download mode).
Before you try that out,have you tried to use Samsung's Smart Switch program on your PC?
Given the information you've posted,it's difficult to determine which model you have,which makes matters worse since we don't want to make a bad situation worse.
I'd start with the Samsung Smart Switch, hopefully it'll be able to determine the make of your phone & flashing stock firmware should be a breeze. (If it's indeed a genuine Samsung Device).

KOLIOSIS said:
There should be several threads/tutorials here that show how to flash firmware using Odin (& of course,includes how to get into download mode).
Before you try that out,have you tried to use Samsung's Smart Switch program on your PC?
Given the information you've posted,it's difficult to determine which model you have,which makes matters since we don't want to make a bad situation worse.
I'd start with the Samsung Smart Switch, hopefully it'll be able to determine the make of your phone & flashing stock firmware should be a breeze. (If it's indeed a genuine Samsung Device).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes sir, and that's my problem. I've rooted and changed ROMs on a dozen devices or more in the past (thanks to XDA!!), always using Odin. But this phone simply will not go into Download mode at all. Using every key combination I can find I either wind up with the Chinese recovery selections I mentioned or I get that "No command" screen with the Android lying on its back.
So far I've tried these PC apps:
Odin (several versions)
Smart Switch
Kies
FixPPO (https://android.imyfone.com/android-issues/android-no-command-error/)
DroidKit (https://www.imobie.com/android-system-recovery/fix-android-no-command-error.htm)
Some, like Odin and the paid options, require Download mode - which isn't working for me - so those apps can even tell I've plugged a phone into the USB port.
Just to put it out there, when the phone is booted into the OS and attach it to the PC, Windows recognizes it's connected but Smart Switch does not. That supports your point that it may not be a Samsung device, but I wondered if it could also have something to do with Smart Switch coming after 5.1 was old.
I just wondered if somebody who didn't know what they were doing somehow downgraded this phone to Android 5.1 before I accept it as a full loss. Still hoping...

kbtraveler said:
Yes sir, and that's my problem. I've rooted and changed ROMs on a dozen devices or more in the past (thanks to XDA!!), always using Odin. But this phone simply will not go into Download mode at all. Using every key combination I can find I either wind up with the Chinese recovery selections I mentioned or I get that "No command" screen with the Android lying on its back.
So far I've tried these PC apps:
Odin (several versions)
Smart Switch
Kies
FixPPO (https://android.imyfone.com/android-issues/android-no-command-error/)
DroidKit (https://www.imobie.com/android-system-recovery/fix-android-no-command-error.htm)
Some, like Odin and the paid options, require Download mode - which isn't working for me - so those apps can even tell I've plugged a phone into the USB port.
Just to put it out there, when the phone is booted into the OS and attach it to the PC, Windows recognizes it's connected but Smart Switch does not. That supports your point that it may not be a Samsung device, but I wondered if it could also have something to do with Smart Switch coming after 5.1 was old.
I just wondered if somebody who didn't know what they were doing somehow downgraded this phone to Android 5.1 before I accept it as a full loss. Still hoping...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Makes since you tried Kies (given the stated Android version).
Can you download/sideload any apps that may help identify the phone (& check for Knox 0x0) such as this one:
Phone INFO+ (SAM) - Apps on Google Play
All-in-one INFO and TOOLS for Samsung devices.
play.google.com
AIDA64 - Apps on Google Play
Hardware and software information utility for Android devices
play.google.com
I wish I had more to offer,it's been years since I've dealt w/a rooted Samsung (Note 5).
Hopefully,others will chime in & offer a solution.
FWIW,Definitely following this thread, I'm interested in how things work out, hopefully for the better.

Aah i made an account just to respond to you
i had an iPhone 7 Jet Black replica with android 5.1 once upon a time, same symptoms- 8GB actual storage but will show 128GB when connected to PC
So here are my two cents: These devices won't be recognized by samsung tools as they are not having motherboards made by samsung. I would recommend that you check actual specs from AIDA64 and you will find out which company has made the motherboard or device, mine had strange MediaTek processor though. And hopefully you will find some chinese websites where people are talking about how to flash firmwares in these phones but i recommend not to do that, i had to lose my device as it got bricked.

Well, that's exactly why I come here. I'd never come across that AIDA64 app, and I've attached screen shots. I've never heard of a "Kirin," but sure enough, it's Huawei. Dang it!
@priteshsolanki, hate to hear about your experience. Thanks for the heads up.
So...does Huawei have a Smart Switch equivalent, lol? And by the way, even if I got this working, would Huawei have enough hardware in this bugger to be able to listen in and send data back to Mother China?? I don't know how that kind of thing works...

kbtraveler said:
Well, that's exactly why I come here. I'd never come across that AIDA64 app, and I've attached screen shots. I've never heard of a "Kirin," but sure enough, it's Huawei. Dang it!
@priteshsolanki, hate to hear about your experience. Thanks for the heads up.
So...does Huawei have a Smart Switch equivalent, lol? And by the way, even if I got this working, would Huawei have enough hardware in this bugger to be able to listen in and send data back to Mother China?? I don't know how that kind of thing works...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is strange, i think The AIDA64 app is being fooled here too! To find which company has made it, Its gonna be same experience as finding father of an orphan child which just had permanent memory loss
Its not Kirin, its not huawei.. why?-
So its showing ARMv7 32bit processor, which is definitely not Kirin 1020. because kirin 1020 is a high end processor itself too and uses 5nm technology and Cortex A78 architecture! (While yours is showing stone age 28nm with Cortex A7)
Then there is Platform MT6799. When i look up for that, its again showing totally different company- MediaTek chipset "Helio X30 (MT6799)" which is a deca core processor but what we got here in your details is a Quad core processor.
What we know about your processor:
- its Cortex A7 @1301 MHz and has 28nm manufacturing process
(can't be 5G at any cost)
- From above details it seems like an ancient processor which came out somewhere around 2012, probably thats why its running 5.1.
- The performance is equivalent to high end Android Jellybean device, but definitely not suitable for using in 2022
- The storage and RAM amount shown there are just to fulfill fantasies, dont expect it to be reliable. Its probably a 1 or 2GB Ram with 4 or 8GB storage.
- The software in the phone is really fantastic, i have never thought that a clone can be so perfect that even Apps like AIDA64 will have a hard time finding the facts!
Now coming to the main questions:
1) Can it be upgraded?
90% no based on research i have done in google, this phone is totally non existent for google. for remaining 10% you can expect the rom maker to contact you in DMs after seeing your thread here and offer you an upgrade lol
2) Should you use any file syncing tools with it?
Quick answer: Syncios app is your best bet to sync data between phone and back, but only luck can help you find actual firmware of the device
Slightly long answer: So according to our findings all these data shown in phone settings fake, and syncing apps back in 2011-12 i think its going to give you hard time finding a working one. Android 5.1 in todays time is not something you should be using as daily driver for sure. I suggest you to just treat it like a toy.
About my iPhone 7 back in the day, i bought that one for some 60USD but it was worth it, had some kind of apple music app which never required login but was able to stream any songs for free. so ive used that one out for music only.
I really wish there was a better way to put it, but you can try one last dry hope at needrom website to see if they have any details about this device.

kbtraveler said:
But there was no Update button. I tapped "Software Info" and the next thing I saw made me read it three times. It showed, "Android version: 5.1."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like has been said, sounds like you got a fake, Software info is one of the first things I would have checked before buying, not after you have bought it and then start having issues. Unfortunately you only really have yourself to blame. like is quite often said if the deal "seems to good to be true" there are reasons why.

@samorgs60, you are very right. I've taken many chances like this one on many electronic devices, and to my recollection, this is the first time I got burned. It's kind of like speeding: I don't always obey the speed limit to the letter (number?), so in the past when I got what I believe was an unfair speeding ticket - I was accused of going faster than I was - I dealt with it my accepting it as a balance in the universe for all the times I should have been busted.
@priteshsolanki, what a catch! Wow. That is kinda amazing, and would explain why it has 5.1 on it. I'm actually astonished at the quality of the device in every way, other than the obvious.
So I hate to ask this, but...isn't it true that carriers (I won't mention mine by name here) make offers for value against a new phone if your current phone simply 1) turns on and 2) does not have a cracked screen? That kinda seems to describe what I've got right now. Not interested in misleading on purpose, but what is the likelihood this would qualify as a trade-in? If they took it initially, what's the likelihood of it coming back to haunt me (the carrier contacting me about it not being a Samsung)?
Really appreciate the help, guys!

It sucks that you got a fake. If you paid with PayPal or Credit, I'd file a claim/dispute and try to return for a refund. Carriers usually log the IMEI of trade ins and if it doesn't match the model or is blacklisted in any way, the trade will be denied.