Related
Reason for my question? This: http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/22/htc-adopting-android-on-50-of-its-handsets-in-2010/
Going to quite a few iPhone topics here (and made one myself), I know that a lot of you guys here seem to love WinMo (at least more than OSX), so seeing this piece of news was kind of interesting.
As we all know and as the article reiterates, the vast majority of current HTC phones are WinMo-based. The rumor is that it's eventually going to go down to 50%-based with the other 50% being Android. Of course, it's a rumor, but the articles states that HTC is already on the way to being 30% Android-based, so how unlikely is it really?
Now let me go a bit further: As it is, HTC is currently 90% WinMo-based. With the speed at which they seem to be moving (2% to 50% Android-based in one year?), who is to say they won't eventually be 90% Android-based? If this does happen, though, as we see now, XDA could easily simply add the Android-based phones with little issue. On the other hand, as we also see now with Android-based phones, the design may become more limited instead of the numerous designs available for WinMo-based phones.
But...would you guys continue to purchase HTC phones? Is your love of HTC phones all dependent upon the support of XDA-developers or can you simply not switch from WinMo?
Personally, I am pretty OS independent. I can work with any phone. However, if I do have to switch from WinMo, then I would prefer to switch to either iPhone (yeah, yeah, I know) or the Palm Pre (WebOS' increasing popularity and great usability). As it is, I'm not very interested in Android, and Google...has done/say a few things in the past to make me doubt if they'll give proper support to Android. So personally, if HTC does switch to being almost completely Android-based, then truthfully, I probably would not continue purchasing HTC.
ofcourse.
however, i am not "loyal" to any OS or company. whoever makes the best device that suits my needs gets the money.
Well
They would increase their Android models but WM will still be there, so it´s just another option to stay with HTC
Personally I think Android can be good in the future, when they achieve a more mature and solid OS, meantime I´m with WM and of course HTC
crazy talk said:
ofcourse.
however, i am not "loyal" to any OS or company. whoever makes the best device that suits my needs gets the money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I wasn't referring to company/OS loyalty; my apology if I gave that impression. What I really meant was a question of how much one likes using Windows Mobile vs how much one likes XDA support.
As I said, I'm presuming there's a certain number of people here who likes WinMo, so I'm trying to gauge how many people would stick with HTC in the case of such a large move. From your post, I'm assuming you'll go with the best device regardless of OS or XDA support, though?
orb3000 said:
They would increase their Android models but WM will still be there, so it´s just another option to stay with HTC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, but I'm guessing one's choices may also become a bit more limited if HTC's Android support increases even further. Look at HTC's list of Android-based phones now. If you happen to not like any of the *three* choices, whether it be due to design, specs, or whatever other reason, then you're pretty much out of luck, aren't you?
On the other hand, if you don't like one HTC WinMo-based phone, you literally have a dozen other choices in various designs and specs to fit your desire.
My Understanding is that MS doesn’t work and listen well with the manufacturer. There are many complains on current WinMo capabilities and how time consuming it is to write application for it. Furthermore complains also go in to the development speed of the WM7 which no one knows anything about it. Therefore some HTC press release could be aiming of putting serious pressure to MS. Furthermore been only on WinMo leads HTC very depended on MS. I believe that is very important point by certain negotiations between HTC and MS.
Therefore it is only understandable that HTC starting put more weight on a second pillar. Besides developing own OS the Android is the best option for HTC for shaping and driving an Operation Platform for their Devices.
Anyhow that Large Companies like HTC, Samsung and some others paying serious attention to Android indicating very bright future for Android. It is most likely now that those companies will speed up the process growing young OS to maturate. WinMo and MS is really under pressure now, if Wm7 doesn’t bring the expected wowww change then it will no other way then to say... Good bye WinMo
Not sure if I really need another OS in the mix. I wouldn't mind a device that can do both Android and WinMo but only Android ... probably not. Then I might as well make the jump to the iPhone.
I certainly wouldn't rule out Android. As somebody who uses a lot of Google's webservices, Android has a definite appeal. There's a few WM-specific apps I'd miss, but the app ecosystem for Android will only improve as time goes one.
However, I've been pretty darn happy with Microsoft's direction lately (Win 7, Zune, and the Xbox 360 are all great products). I wouldn't buy another WM6 device, but I'm definitely going to be following WM7 closely.
I still think HTC has some of the best ID guys in the business (aesthetically I prefer the TD2 and TP2 to anything on the market) and they're very talented and making software tweaks, but they really need to raise the bar for hardware specs and quality if they want me to keep buying HTC devices, regardless of the OS.
edit: And agreeing with coolVariable, I'd love a device that could easily be configured to run either natively. That would be an instant sale from me. I have a feeling MS's licensing wouldn't make it easy, though.
I'd switch in a heartbeat to anything different from HTC/WinMo as long as it's available on my Sprint SERO plan.
Bulldog said:
My Understanding is that MS doesn’t work and listen well with the manufacturer. There are many complains on current WinMo capabilities and how time consuming it is to write application for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, if this is the case, it may explain partly why HTC is betting so much on Android so suddenly. To be honest, if it is the case, I wouldn't be surprised either. I've seen similar techniques employed by other companies in other industries recently too.
Still, corporate shenanigans or not, 50% still seems like a massive shift to me, but I'm guessing the plan might change if their 2009 30% path becomes bumpy.
coolVariable said:
Not sure if I really need another OS in the mix. I wouldn't mind a device that can do both Android and WinMo but only Android ... probably not. Then I might as well make the jump to the iPhone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both Android and WinMo? You mean sort of a dual boot deal or simply a device that can install either Android or WinMo roms? That would be fantastic; I think we can all agree on that. I think we can all agree too that it's unlikely.
8525Smart said:
True, but I'm guessing one's choices may also become a bit more limited if HTC's Android support increases even further. Look at HTC's list of Android-based phones now. If you happen to not like any of the *three* choices, whether it be due to design, specs, or whatever other reason, then you're pretty much out of luck, aren't you?
On the other hand, if you don't like one HTC WinMo-based phone, you literally have a dozen other choices in various designs and specs to fit your desire.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don´t think so, there are so many models with WM to choose from, and there will be more coming.
The actual number of Andorid models is low, and as you said, it will increase, but that is good so more options will be available.
As I said, I´ll stick to HTC WM models, at least in following 2 years...Then we can see what is Android doing and perhaps I can consider...
Great thread!
I think I will continue buying HTC phones even if there was a large Android base, even more than 50%. I like Android and all, and maybe in the future I may even take one myself, but WM is so customizable and i have it just the way i like it and wouldnt change it for anything (except for a newer more powerful device maybe tegra/snapdragon which im holding out for)
I have to give credit where credit is due: if it wasn't for this site, my tp may have been my first and last winmo phone. I wouldnt have the functionality and great experience that i do now without the help of the folks here.
BTW, I think this thread would benefit greatly from a poll, as many dont have the time to post, but everyone has time to vote.
orb3000 said:
I don´t think so, there are so many models with WM to choose from, and there will be more coming.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, currently, but if HTC does shift to majority Android-based phones, then the number of WinMo-based models will inevitably go down (in favor of Android-based models instead), which will then result in a lack of choices.
Nonetheless, I do agree with you. If Android eventually shows more promise, I would reconsider too, but at this point, I still prefer to switch to OSX/WebOS if I have to leave WinMo.
euphoria47 said:
BTW, I think this thread would benefit greatly from a poll, as many dont have the time to post, but everyone has time to vote.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, you're right. I don't know how I missed that simple bit of fact. Unfortunately, I think it's a bit late for me to make a poll now.
P.S. Thank you for the compliment.
8525Smart said:
Well, I wasn't referring to company/OS loyalty; my apology if I gave that impression. What I really meant was a question of how much one likes using Windows Mobile vs how much one likes XDA support.
As I said, I'm presuming there's a certain number of people here who likes WinMo, so I'm trying to gauge how many people would stick with HTC in the case of such a large move. From your post, I'm assuming you'll go with the best device regardless of OS or XDA support, though?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i knew what you were asking. and you are correct. i'll go with the best device regardless of OS or XDA support right now.
i mean, right now im using an IPhone because it was the best for me at the time. and now i want to switch to the Tp2. saying "i won't buy XXXX device because it is made by XXXX company and runs XXXX Operating system severely limits choices.
Why of course!!!!
I want to hear your thoughts as why not to buy any other type of phone. Mainly because I need debate ammunition for my friends as they all traded up to Blackberry 9900s, and are now badgering me to switch over (which I never would). Thats like going back to the stone age right?
Thoughts on android vs. everything else? blackberries?
Discuss
It only does everything.
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium
Android is my OS of choice because the source code that my device is operating off of resides on my Ubuntu server at home.
My entire microSD is backed up when I connect to my home WiFi. This means that my pics/videos/etc are all managed by me on my own personal server. No iCloud or Picasa or Dropbox. Me.
I can freely install any app I want from any source including XDA-developers.com or Amazon Appstore.
Tasker.
Voice Search can do the most important thing a voice command app should: initiate navigation while I'm driving.
Because Google's servers are always accessible.
Bye bye BB.
Greetz
midnightmach said:
I want to hear your thoughts as why not to buy any other type of phone. Mainly because I need debate ammunition for my friends as they all traded up to Blackberry 9900s, and are now badgering me to switch over (which I never would). Thats like going back to the stone age right?
Thoughts on android vs. everything else? blackberries?
Discuss
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you need our help to answer the question maybe you aren't ready for an Android device. Blackberry or iPhone would suit you well.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium
Just get an iPhone because obviously you do not know why Android is the best mobile OS right now.
Sent from my SPH-D700
midnightmach said:
I want to hear your thoughts as why not to buy any other type of phone. Mainly because I need debate ammunition for my friends as they all traded up to Blackberry 9900s, and are now badgering me to switch over (which I never would).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android isn't necessarily better, it just has different strengths and weaknesses compared to the others.
As to possible replies to your badgering friends:
- This works for me, why should I change?
- I'm a leader, not a follower.
- Why do you care? It's just a phone.
- It's against my religious principles.
- My (insert family member) was killed by a Blackberry. Thanks for bringing it up, you insensitive clod!
crachel said:
My entire microSD is backed up when I connect to my home WiFi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you do that? Was looking for a working solution for a while but couldn't find one
Android is better because its my latest choice
Android is not necessarily the best for everyone. It has its weaknesses. But with that being said, Android suits my needs the best and that is why I think it's the best compared to other options.
midnightmach said:
I want to hear your thoughts as why not to buy any other type of phone. Mainly because I need debate ammunition for my friends as they all traded up to Blackberry 9900s, and are now badgering me to switch over (which I never would). Thats like going back to the stone age right?
Thoughts on android vs. everything else? blackberries?
Discuss
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android steals and infringes on all the best ideas from all the other companies!
Open source...the end
Sent from my Nexus S 4G
**this post is not designed to be rude**
If I knew literally nothing about smartphones and all the fun things I could do with them, or if I was interested in copying celebrities and young children, I would pick an iphone or blackberry.
Unfortunatly im interested in more freedom, interesting development community and customizing in all aspects. Android for me.
Well, Android is not appropriate for people that are tech illiterate and don't want to learn or will never learn, imo.
When I went to my phone carrier's booth to get back my Nexus S from RMA, a blond girl just exchanged her Blackberry for a Nexus S and she seemed completely clueless about how the phone worked and how to put music on it.
well, i never used other OS such ad iOS or blackberry.
for me 1. i like that robot image
2. much ROM i can choose and do my own modification
3. made by google, i have been using Gmail for 5years, so it's kinda influenced my choice.
4. friend suggested and i trust him
...
...
Why android? To each their own,but for me...
- flexibility and personalization
- community of developers that push the limits of the device to do new things
- on principle, android isn't a status symbol like the iphone or other apple products
kto_matchu said:
Why android? To each their own,but for me...
- flexibility and personalization
- community of developers that push the limits of the device to do new things
- on principle, android isn't a status symbol like the iphone or other apple products
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best answer. Closed topic!
almostinsane said:
Android steals and infringes on all the best ideas from all the other companies!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
actually , all companies steal ideas from each other
This is something that I had encountered before. I have this close friend, we both done IT in our Universities but took different paths. He is the middle IT guy that just one to get things done and go home to play video games and does not enjoy IT as hole much.
He is an Apple addicted as it´s best. The same old speech: "It just works".
I told him, well, now that you choose to be a ***** Jedi that follows your Yoda master everywhere (not now as it´s dead), let me show you one thing that my Android does.
I opened my WfiKill app, and killed his connection to the world. I look into his eyes and said, see, I can cut you out of business and all your "Just Works" crap doesn't work anymore.
Moral is, it´s not what you do that makes you a smart person (Not all IT people thinks like it "should"), but is rather your "always on" feeling that something you do or have could be better. No Blackberry, no iOS and even WP7 at some extent will satisfies that feeling.
The HUGE IRONY is that the person who made the iPhone so desired by millions had the same thought of "seeking perfection" that most people here have. The difference is that on an iOS perspective, only Jobs, could do what we do with our Androids.
So you choose, you just use whatever Apple, or RIM, or MSFT wants you to use, or you switch to Android if you feel that what they want YOU to use is not enought.
For me is NEVER enought. Thanks XDA to allow me to keep feeding this awesome feeling of discovery and creativity which differentiates me from the "others".
Hey I know why I love my android, and for me it simply comes down to customization. When ever i get bored of the phone I flash a new rom. See how high I can get my Quadrant score. Mostly I love the screen the phone is pure eye candy... Super AMOLED + Voodoo control is amazing.
I know why i love android, I wanted to know why you love it and why you think it is the best. Don't be mistaken I am android fanboy... but not to the extent of some people on this forum. I think iphone and blackberry both have their advantages too. Thanks for the great responses.
I'm trying to get a windows phone and I was wondering if it was good
Welcome! Everyone has different preferences, so what one person may like/dislike may be different for you. I suggest you make a trip to a store which has some windows phones on display for you to play around with. Also, read some reviews on a few of the phones you are interested in. That may help in making your decision on a phone. Best of luck in your search!
its not bad but as the others said it boils down to personal preference, go to the store and try different os..
cheers
Windows Phones are great for the average user. But for people that pay attention to the market, id recommend waiting for Windows Phone 8 since current users wont be upgraded and will be basically crippled from further development and platform growth
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
I have to say a pure phone windows phones are pretty good. Stable, easy/fast to use and do what you need but as a user said already they are dumbed down and you don't have much for freedom to customize....
To nutshell it if you want games/apps/freedom don't get a windows phone. If you want a phone that just works as a phone/social networking device have at it.
I have a wp7.5 phone and its strictly a backup handset I just can't justify losing all the freedoms and features of android.
P.s. Windows phone GPS apps suck pretty bad compared to Google maps.
Pin it to Win it.
I agree with the above two. A personal preference for sure. Is it good, yes, it makes and receives calls and a good Social Media device. Depending what your specific needs are, you have the big 3 (iOS, Android and Windows Phone) to choose from. Play with them, check out the phones in person, verify they have the apps you want to use. etc..they all work well, just choose the one that fits your needs and that is all that matters!
Great for average users and very user friendly, but nothing much man can do with it.
if you only want call, sms, surfing.. its quite good. But im an android flashaholic
Lol, no.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
Everybody should wait for Nokia WP8 pureview phones, they will make other phones embarassing.
Maybe WP8 may bring you a lot of surprise:silly:
If you wanna get one, just go symbian for better battery life lol
hopatrickz said:
I think of windows phones as a middle between Android and iOS. Not too difficult to use but also not tooooo user-friendly that it seems dumbed down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly! Not too complicated with all of the ROMs and rooting that happens with Android, and not as dumb as iOS, with those little squares on the screen that just stare at you with their dumb app logos.
Windows Phones are cool, depending on what type of user you are.
I had a hard time with the when i had my HD7, but alot has changed since then. Way more feature and apps.
Best bet for you will be to wait for the Windows Phone 8 devices, they will be great and will have SD card slot.
Good Luck:good:
.
Thread moved to Q&A due to it being a question. Would advise you to read forum rules and post in correct section.
Failure to comply with forum rules will result in an infraction and/or ban depending on severity of rule break.
In my honest opinion, Windows Phones are extremely dull. (Well at least WP7.5)
Pros:
Unbelievably fluid
Xbox Live, kinda
Bloatware can be deleted without hacking
Great keyboard. And I mean great, after using it I tried to find a port of it for Android
Cons:
Apps in the Marketplace are waaaay overpriced
There are barely any apps, let alone good apps
Barely customizable home screen, which may appeal to others
The UI is strange, with all the slide swipes and tiles, which once again may appeal
I really missed the menu button from Android, and the search key only takes you to Bing, so unlike Android won't vary from app to app
Auto rotation support was inconsistent
Notifications we pretty crappy
That was my experience with WP7 but with WP8 a lot may change, I really do not know because I don't follow Windows Phone news.
Sent from my MB508 using xda premium
Hi. I'm currently using a Nexus One on an ATT prepaid plan. I am not a very heavy cell user, but I appreciate having a smartphone, and fortunately for me, the 2yr old (almost 3yr old) Nexus One has been powerful enough for my uses. I am glad that community roms like evervolv make it possible for me to have the latest software on such an old phone.
However, one big issue has forced me to upgrade: The call-volume is too low, and despite spending 10+ hours last week trying different roms, it is just impossible for me to make calls on the phone.
Long story short: I need a new phone. I don't want to spend too much money ($100-150 at most), and my needs aren't very much. I don't mind buying a used phone, so long as it is an upgrade from the Nexus One, and actually has decent call volume. Can be ATT or unlocked.
Does anyone know what would be a good upgrade with this budget? I suppose anything made in 2011 would be decent (Maybe a Galaxy SII)? Ideally, I would have something that the community still makes mods for, so that I can continue to have new software. I havne't been keeping up with phones, so I don't know what would be good.
Thanks. :laugh:
Sir, there is a thread in place that can assist you: **DEVICE SUGGESTION THREAD** -- Not sure what device to buy? Ask here!
Thank you & Thread Closed
Hi guys,
I've been a member of XDA for a while now. I'm not as active as I hoped to be when I joined but I live such a busy life it's impossible to stay on and continuously remain active.
Anyway, to my point and reason for starting this thread. There are certain individuals with the knowledge on this site (and others) whom are fully capable of flashing LTE capable devices. The ones that can be flashed anyway. I'm not talking about illegal flashing, donor phones or anything like that. I'm talking about simple, legal flashing to another wireless carrier such as taking a VZW Galaxy S3 and flashing it to Page+.
I've offered to pay one individual to show/teach me how it's done. I can flash 3G devices without issue. But asking someone to teach you, show you or otherwise provide you with tips on how to flash LTE phones is a lost cause. They use this ability to make money charging $35 a pop to flash phones. And that's fair I guess. If you can do something others cannot then you charge for it right?
But what gets me is that we are Android enthusiast's. An open-source mobile development project that went beyond the expectations of it's original dev's at Google I would imagine. Now, it's arguably the most popular mobile OS in the world. To me it's the most popular anyway, to h3ll with iOS.
Anyway, for us to be all about the open source scene and what not but to refuse to share knowledge about flashing LTE devices because of pure greed is beyond me. We live out lives based on free, open source software but when it comes to something such as flashing LTE devices there is no way anyone will help you learn how to do it or especially show you how to do it.
That's why I'm starting this thread. I want/need to learn how to flash LTE phones to Page Plus. That's it... I run a smartphone shop and often have client's come in wanting options or directly asking me if I can flash a phone to Page+ for them. Well sure! But only if it's a 3G device. :-/
The only other way is for me to use a certain individual who charges $35 to flash the phones remotely. If I try to double it up to $70 then my client's are turned off as there is a shop further away from mine who has a T-Mobile employee there who flashes phones for $35. So I want to be able to offer this service to my clients for the same. I cannot charge them $35, jump online and wait on the person who's name I will not mention to get to me when they can. I make no money, in fact, the time I would have to spend doing this would cost me money because in my field time truly is money.
I need an open source enthusiast whom isn't p0ser. One whom is willing to teach me how to flash LTE phones so that I can offer this service to my customer's. I do not care about the money, I simply want people to know that I can do anything for them at my shop. Telling them I cannot flash LTE phones is just bad for my business in general.
So, with all of that said I would really be impressed if a true enthusiast came out of the wood work to help me with this little problem. Me and the thousands of other individuals who need to know how to flash LTE devices. I mean wow, the things we use this site for... Yet no one will reveal the secrets of LTE flashing. It boggles my mind.
And yes, I've read thread after thread on forum after forum trying to decipher the methods used to flash these phones. I know it's simple, it's as simple as flashing a 3G device to Page+. That's what makes me even more discouraged about it all. It's so easy to do. That means it's easy to teach. I have all of the necessary software do flash nearly any device. But the exact steps to follow are what I am missing.
So, someone, anyone who cares about the open source movement and the ability we have to share knowledge please step forward and show not only me, but everyone here that open source development is not used for profit but for expanding our knowledge. It seems that some of us of gotten off of track over the years. Greed is one of the things that makes Apple a horrible company, it's also what makes people turn into individuals they never meant/hoped to be.
So c'mon guys, let's forget all of the bs and let's get back to our roots here. Who's willing to help me learn how to flash LTE devices? I can offer compensation if I must but again, that would go against the idea behind open source. I simply need to learn how to do this, period. And I'll do whatever I need to do in order to learn.
Thank you all for taking the time to read this and hopefully it will do some good.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
PAinguIN
The info I found here is completely baffling to me. Half the phones listed say they're a 4G device and will work with voice/text/data/ The other half say they won't work because they're 4G phones. So as for the "why" you might be able to flash a particular phone, I don't know. Seems dependent on a phone-by-phone basis.
Does Page Plus even offer LTE service? Does it even offer 4G of any sort (like HSPA+)? The coverage map on their website only lists EV-DO for data. Plans list amounts of data, but make no mention of 4G or LTE.
Or are you merely trying to get LTE capable Verizon phones to work with Page Plus service, regardless of what actual speed of data they can get?
There's many aspects of this that I don't understand. Are you the operator of a corporate-owned store? Are you a franchise? Do you operate as an authorized representative of Page Plus, as well as other MVNOs? I really don't know how these type of shops work, although I see them everywhere.
Offering to flash for free might be breaking some sort of contract or something. I agree that it's greedy to charge so much for so quick/simple a task, but I'm not surprised they charge so much either, since bringing a phone and paying the money to flash it is way cheaper than buying a new phone (and the phone selection on their website is craptacular - just plain awful), so they get the money where they can.
The software to flash phones in this way, I'm betting, took a lot of development, time, and money. The fact that this service isn't available to you, and must be done through a separate, paid service, means to me that they're keeping this to themselves for reasons that should be obvious.
XDA is a community devoted to developing and "hacking" (primarily) the Android system. What you're looking for has far less to do with Android. and more to do with the carriers themselves. Some phones can be flashed, some can't. Or rather, ones that "can't" perhaps can, but would require a bunch of R&D to get done, and isn't worth it to find out. What I mean to say is that what you're asking for probably won't be done. Not without forking over a ton of money, because what you'd expect/hope to do is impossible, and the people who could do it have already done so, and they are the very people who offer this service at $55 a pop because it took a lot of time and money to figure out how to do it.
And no personal offense intended, but Page Plus looks like a horrible choice to go with for anyone who expects to use a smartphone. The phone selection sucks beyond comprehension. Seriously, the only thing it has going for it besides its cheap rates is that it has Verizon's coverage. But who needs that kind of coverage? Probably people that can afford Verizon's actual plans and can enjoy its LTE network and/or travel across the country a lot, and wouldn't bother with this joke of a company in the first place. Bring your own 4G phone? Why? Go with a Verzion pre-paid plan. Or tell Big Red to stick it and go with a company that doesn't anally rape their customers, like T-Mobile. It just seems to me that there's better options, including Verizon-powered MVNOs than Page Plus. When it comes to smartphones, anyway. Basic voice/text plans are probably OK.
Whatever. I don't know why I spent so much time responding to your post. I sincerely wish you success in your business. The world certainly needs people like you that want to give their customers what they need for as little money as possible, and with as little nickel-and-diming (ass-raping) as necessary. But the software/hardware/firmware limitations on so many phones made for the US market make what you're hoping for a physical and/or logistical/financial impossibility (or, simply, more than it's worth) to realize.
Planterz said:
The info I found here is completely baffling to me. Half the phones listed say they're a 4G device and will work with voice/text/data/ The other half say they won't work because they're 4G phones. So as for the "why" you might be able to flash a particular phone, I don't know. Seems dependent on a phone-by-phone basis.
Does Page Plus even offer LTE service? Does it even offer 4G of any sort (like HSPA+)? The coverage map on their website only lists EV-DO for data. Plans list amounts of data, but make no mention of 4G or LTE.
Or are you merely trying to get LTE capable Verizon phones to work with Page Plus service, regardless of what actual speed of data they can get?
There's many aspects of this that I don't understand. Are you the operator of a corporate-owned store? Are you a franchise? Do you operate as an authorized representative of Page Plus, as well as other MVNOs? I really don't know how these type of shops work, although I see them everywhere.
Offering to flash for free might be breaking some sort of contract or something. I agree that it's greedy to charge so much for so quick/simple a task, but I'm not surprised they charge so much either, since bringing a phone and paying the money to flash it is way cheaper than buying a new phone (and the phone selection on their website is craptacular - just plain awful), so they get the money where they can.
The software to flash phones in this way, I'm betting, took a lot of development, time, and money. The fact that this service isn't available to you, and must be done through a separate, paid service, means to me that they're keeping this to themselves for reasons that should be obvious.
XDA is a community devoted to developing and "hacking" (primarily) the Android system. What you're looking for has far less to do with Android. and more to do with the carriers themselves. Some phones can be flashed, some can't. Or rather, ones that "can't" perhaps can, but would require a bunch of R&D to get done, and isn't worth it to find out. What I mean to say is that what you're asking for probably won't be done. Not without forking over a ton of money, because what you'd expect/hope to do is impossible, and the people who could do it have already done so, and they are the very people who offer this service at $55 a pop because it took a lot of time and money to figure out how to do it.
And no personal offense intended, but Page Plus looks like a horrible choice to go with for anyone who expects to use a smartphone. The phone selection sucks beyond comprehension. Seriously, the only thing it has going for it besides its cheap rates is that it has Verizon's coverage. But who needs that kind of coverage? Probably people that can afford Verizon's actual plans and can enjoy its LTE network and/or travel across the country a lot, and wouldn't bother with this joke of a company in the first place. Bring your own 4G phone? Why? Go with a Verzion pre-paid plan. Or tell Big Red to stick it and go with a company that doesn't anally rape their customers, like T-Mobile. It just seems to me that there's better options, including Verizon-powered MVNOs than Page Plus. When it comes to smartphones, anyway. Basic voice/text plans are probably OK.
Whatever. I don't know why I spent so much time responding to your post. I sincerely wish you success in your business. The world certainly needs people like you that want to give their customers what they need for as little money as possible, and with as little nickel-and-diming (ass-raping) as necessary. But the software/hardware/firmware limitations on so many phones made for the US market make what you're hoping for a physical and/or logistical/financial impossibility (or, simply, more than it's worth) to realize.
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Planterz,
Yes, I'm just trying to get LTE capable VZW (and certain Sprint phones as rare as they are) to work on P+. I know 3G speeds are possible but as you pointed out 4G LTE is not. That's not really important. As long as SMS, MMS, and mobile web is there then my client's will be happy.
And no, I'm not an authorized Page+ provider. The shop I own started from something I did on the side for extra money. I'm an IT guy by trade but about 3 months ago I decided to resign from my day job, focus on phones and now I'm opening my own shop! It has really been amazing!
But anyway, I plan on becoming an authorized P+ provider because from what I read it's very easy to do so. From what i understand it is perfectly legal to flash devices that Page Plus supports (and some that they do not) to their network. It will, however, automatically cancel any contract that was previously associated with the phone. This will result in early termination fees and all of that jazz. Oh, and this is only if you flash it while it's active on an account. If it is not attached to a wireless carrier then there's nothing to worry about.
And, you are right, XDA is primarily devoted to the development of 3rd party, open source Android OS's. The hacking, well, the hacking comes in place when devices will not let you unlock their boot loader. Such as Samsung. You cannot unlock the bootloader on an S4 (not sure about the S5) yet... And Samsung does not help you with this. They do not encourage unlocking the boot loader.. HTC, however, encourages you to and provides you with the means to unlock your boot loader free of charge. This is one of the main reasons's I have used HTC phones for the last 4-5 years. Since the EVO was released and then the HTC One M7.
But still, what is done here on XDA is much more than simply hacking phones and development. There are lots of threads associated with flashing and some of them have very useful info if you're wanting to flash a 3G device. (Which is easy by the way). But, LTE devices... Unfortunately the story is not the same.
I was just hoping someone could point me in the right direction or be so kind as to show me how it's down or send me the process for flashing, say, a Galaxy S3 on VZW (which is an LTE device). It only takes about 5-10 minutes...
And, lol!!! You have the wrong idea about my shop. I started buying and selling smartphones a couple of years ago. I've worked in the IT field for over a decade and have many loyal clients on the side. Slowly, I began to learn how to repair iPhone's and Android devices. I found a guy who did repairs, a local university student, he and I partnered up. We split everythihng 50/50. Things went surprisingly well! He graduated in May and moved back home, reluctantly...
I continued to carry the torch... My shop is not going to be a Page Plus shop. We have places named "Talk Unlimited" around here that serve that purpose. But as I said, I just hate having to tell people it's going to cost them $75 for a $35 job or even have to send them to Talk Unlimited whom charges $75 as well.
So no, we offer a wide array of services for smartphones including buying/selling. In addition, we offer services in the IT field which cover the entire spectrum. From computer repair and virus removal to enterprise level networking and defense contracting.
I gave up a darn good job and have staked everything I have in this business. So it has to be the BEST! It must offer what other's are incapable of offering and do so much cheaper. Which we do... And in the grand scheme of things being able to flash LTE phones really doesn't matter. But it's only good business to be able to provide the service if needed by a client.
I should have been more clear on that when I started the thread. So once again, no, I am not opening up a shop providing only flashing services to Page Plus and their crappie phones. And they are crappy, just as you pointed out. LOL!
With all of that said, do you know anyone I can speak to or any thread I can check out? Vip3r is the one whom I've used in the past. He knows his stuff, but he will not teach me how to do it. Not even if I pay him. And I understand, he has his reasons. I do not hold it against him. But i need to be able to offer this service if the time comes to where another client needs a solution and flashing to P+ is the only one you know?
Thank you for posting. Perhaps your post will help get a conversation started or something with some answers. Lol!
Thanks again Planterz!
PAinguIN
It's only a matter of time...
As my title states, "It's only a matter of time.". Once I discover how to flash LTE devices I will post my findings here. For everyone to see, read and use. To me, this is the only fair way to do things. Keeping open knowledge from others and forcing them to spend hours and hours online (which I don't have) to find all of the little answers needed is simply not an option for me nor is it for most others.
It appears that I'm missing out on only one or two steps in the process. I guess I'm going to have to ruin a few of my LTE devices as I try to learn this on my own. The process is (I would say) 90% similar to flashing a VZW iPhone 4 to Page Plus. But with a couple of missing steps. I need these steps.
If/when I discover how to do this on my own I will post it in this thread for EVERYONE to see. No longer will people have to ask questions about LTE flashing. Because it will ALL be RIGHT HERE! Mark my word, as soon as I discover what I'm doing wrong and perfect the process then it will be posted here in absolute detail.
If anyone has any information to contribute to this thread I, personally, and many, many others would be more grateful than you could possibly imagine.
Thanks,
PAinguIN
I am now an authorized P+ dealer...
And as time goes by I will piece together the puzzle of flashing non-VZW phones to P+ with MMS/SMS and at least 3G.
If anyone has any insight or tips into this please share.
Thanks!