Source
Google is rolling out is Android 2.3.6 update for its Nexus S, but you may want to think twice about applying it. According to user reports, the tethering capability has been killed.
The benefits of the update include upgrades for Android's voice search feature as well as security updates. Google did not provide a detailed list of changes and we are still waiting for an update on the Google Mobile blog.
There is a considerable number of users who report that the update may break Wi-Fi and USB tethering, while also not fixing the voice bug. The removal of the feature has not been confirmed by Google, but it appears that users who depend on tethering may want to hold off updating their phones until it is clear whether it is just a bug or if the feature has been removed. It is not a secret that both T-Mobile and AT&T are not crazy about this feature and would rather sell customers a separate tethering package.
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Related
Source: HERE
AT&T: The most crippled Android experience
We try to be fair to every handset, but the are some we just can’t help but make fun of. Everyone thought Verizon was going to cripple Android, but they became friends with Google and offered the full Android experience.
AT&T is in bed with Apple and has gone to extreme measures to make sure their first Android phone, the Motorola Backflip, was under-powered and locked down. We already knew about the lack of Google search and today another limitation has surfaced.
The Backflip has no option to install applications from unknown sources (aka non-Market applications). This is important to note because every Android phone (that I know of) has included this as a default option of the Android OS.
Maybe it was done to “protect” the users, but this blocks the install of apps purchased on alternative markets and beta apps like Swype. Developers will also be unable to easily load and test their apps on the device before they release them.
Basically, AT&T is offering the same locked-in market experience that iPhone users get to enjoy put up with.
To add insult to injury, customers are also not allowed to remove the dozen or so AT&T apps that come preloaded with the device (bloatware). Android phones already struggle with limited storage space and having the carrier dictate which ones are installed on a user’s phone is a disappointment.
So to recap the AT&T Backflip:
1. Outdated Android 1.5 with Motoblur
2. No Google search (replaced by Yahoo)
3. Unable to remove AT&T bloatware apps
4. Cannot install non-market apps
Let us hope that AT&T offers a more open experience on their future devices, because this is not the Android that we know and love.
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Honestly, I am SO... SO SO SO SO SO SO glad I am not on AT&T with my Android devices, nor that I waited for them to FINALLY get one, I would be PI$$ED about this!!
Well, until it was rooted and custom ROM's released... but still... seriously??
Yep, they just don't get it & continue to screw their customers!
In a previous thread I posted a question about Voice Search which was eventually resolved once I updated to the latest version. Going thru the apps on my Phone I found the following stock to be older than what is available on the market:
1) Google Maps
2) Facebook
3) Voice Search.
and
AT&T Code Scanner (But the update fails with a message about invalid package sign).
I have auto sync on and background data as well but the update was never shown as available and had to got thru most stock apps and verify I have the latest; have you guys seen something like this? If you haven't, check and update the above apps.
Having same issue
I haven't seen a single app update for last 7~8 days.
I used to have a rooted Evo and it was typical to have 1~2 apps that had updates on a daily basis.
Does AT&T have power to restrict updates?
knarfl1 said:
I haven't seen a single app update for last 7~8 days.
I used to have a rooted Evo and it was typical to have 1~2 apps that had updates on a daily basis.
Does AT&T have power to restrict updates?
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I got an update to Floating Image today. I think it's just that the popular apps in the Android Market are becoming more mature and stable and don't need as many updates as they used to.
Found the same apps had updates available from Market on my Inspire within the first few days after upgrading (picked up on Feb 13th at local AT&T Store). I figured it was the situation of these apps being installed in the factory, then boxed and shipped to stores before updates were available.
I received an email for google stating that Tap and Pay will no longer be supported in versions of Android older than 4.4. Below is the email.
I hadn't heard anything about this, does anyone have any more information?
Do you know if I keep the same version of the app I have currently, which works, if there will be issues?
Email:
Dear _____,
We wanted to let you know about an update to Google Wallet that might change the way you use the app. Right now it looks like you’re using tap and pay with a device running an Android version older than 4.4 KitKat. On the newest version of Android, tap and pay works with different technology for an improved experience. As a result, starting on April 14, 2014, tap and pay will no longer work for devices with older Android versions.
Tap and pay will be available for most devices running Android 4.4 KitKat. If you are able to upgrade to KitKat now, you can check if your device supports tap and pay. Supported devices will display a tile in your "My Wallet" screen that tells you to set up tap and pay. For devices that are not eligible for Android 4.4 KitKat or don’t support tap and pay, you can still use the Google Wallet app to store all of your loyalty cards and offers, send money to your friends, view your orders, and use the Google Wallet Card to make purchases.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for continuing to be a loyal Wallet user.
If you have any questions, please visit our Help Center.
Sincerely,
The Google Wallet Team
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No more tap and pay on 4.3?
KnightTim said:
I received an email for google stating that Tap and Pay will no longer be supported in versions of Android older than 4.4. Below is the email.
I hadn't heard anything about this, does anyone have any more information?
Do you know if I keep the same version of the app I have currently, which works, if there will be issues?
Email:
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I just recieved the email also. Sucks since I am on verizon and since I have to use a older modded application. I too would like to know more details!
I bought a Huawei MediapadM2 8 LTE in December 2015, it never received any Android updates and so is stuck on Lollipop 5.1.1. Given that Google actually releases regular security patches now, is this old version of Android inherently not secure and are there things I should avoid doing with it. The tab itself is great for playing games and media consumption but I have stopped using it for anything where I would need to enter financial information.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4575649&stc=1&d=1534662898
damole said:
I bought a Huawei MediapadM2 8 LTE in December 2015, it never received any Android updates and so is stuck on Lollipop 5.1.1. Given that Google actually releases regular security patches now, is this old version of Android inherently not secure and are there things I should avoid doing with it. The tab itself is great for playing games and media consumption but I have stopped using it for anything where I would need to enter financial information.
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The earlier versions of Android are very insecure especially Lollipop with no updates. Even without storing and using the tablet for sensitive information it can still track your media preferences and if infected can record your voice/data or even be used as a gateway to hack other machines (with wifi network or with tethering). Not to worry though you can find a rom for your device or try developing one by yourself this will be a more recent version without all the security holes and has recent updates.
The forum for your device is here
Hi,
First sorry for this vague post. I am on Android since 2012. During 2012-2014 I used to try out lots of custom ROMs as I was in college and I had mobile like Samsung Galaxy S3 and then later Nexus and the OEM abandoned the updates after a while. After that I started working and since then have been on multiple Google line of devices, first Nexus and now my latest is Pixel3. I am generally happy with the phone. However, my Pixel3 stopped receiving updates I started thinking why I should dump this and buy a new one when it's perfectly working fine for my need.
I just came to this site after like ages to see what is the current status of custom ROMs. It seems overwhelmingly new now. I remember back then we had some sharp edges and something or other didn't work. Since then I am more into google ecosystem now. I use google Fi for phone. I like and use most of the google feature. So just wondering what will I lose by moving to custom ROM and am I ready to live without those features or should I just accept that I will not have any updates and if I need the updates I will have to buy a new phone.
I am not much interested into rooting and gaining advanced controls or doing anything extra nerdy. I will be perfectly happy with just getting the security patches and whatever feature is there if they keep working.
1. what are some good custom ROMs popular these days?
2. What are the things I'd lose moving to custom ROM?
3. Does all hardware for ex: Finger print, NFC work?
4. What about google apps, I mostly like all google app like camera, google pay, phone, play store
5. I like the google specific features like call screening and google assistance, google feed. I guess I will lose those.
6. I also use google Fi, can I still use that seamlessly or is there any gotchas I need to be aware of?
7. Is there any other way to keep my phone Googlized and receive security updates. It is totally acceptable if I can get security patches after some delay and not via OTP but have to sideload manually.
r0b0 said:
Hi,
First sorry for this vague post. I am on Android since 2012. During 2012-2014 I used to try out lots of custom ROMs as I was in college and I had mobile like Samsung Galaxy S3 and then later Nexus and the OEM abandoned the updates after a while. After that I started working and since then have been on multiple Google line of devices, first Nexus and now my latest is Pixel3. I am generally happy with the phone. However, my Pixel3 stopped receiving updates I started thinking why I should dump this and buy a new one when it's perfectly working fine for my need.
I just came to this site after like ages to see what is the current status of custom ROMs. It seems overwhelmingly new now. I remember back then we had some sharp edges and something or other didn't work. Since then I am more into google ecosystem now. I use google Fi for phone. I like and use most of the google feature. So just wondering what will I lose by moving to custom ROM and am I ready to live without those features or should I just accept that I will not have any updates and if I need the updates I will have to buy a new phone.
I am not much interested into rooting and gaining advanced controls or doing anything extra nerdy. I will be perfectly happy with just getting the security patches and whatever feature is there if they keep working.
1. what are some good custom ROMs popular these days?
2. What are the things I'd lose moving to custom ROM?
3. Does all hardware for ex: Finger print, NFC work?
4. What about google apps, I mostly like all google app like camera, google pay, phone, play store
5. I like the google specific features like call screening and google assistance, google feed. I guess I will lose those.
6. I also use google Fi, can I still use that seamlessly or is there any gotchas I need to be aware of?
7. Is there any other way to keep my phone Googlized and receive security updates. It is totally acceptable if I can get security patches after some delay and not via OTP but have to sideload manually.
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1. LineageOS
2. I have not found anything lost.
3. Yes
4. You can download the Google Camera app from the play store. Probably the phone app also, but I have not tried it. Google Pay will require rooting and Universal SafetyNet Fix module.
5. Don't know, as I don't use them.
6. I don't use Fi, but would expect it to work.
7. I'm not aware of any other way, but have not looked. Lineage does everything I need.