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[Poll] Returning my HTC Sensation

I decided to also make this post a poll. Will you return your HTC Sensation?
For everyone that is frustrated with the bootloader, you may want to follow suit. Don't hang onto this phone past your return policy time if you will be unhappy if it's not unlocked.
HTC haven't been able to definitively say "Yes we are unlocking the bootloader for the HTC Sensation." It seems all articles and re-posts that claim this will happen are quoting vague references and canned responses. I personally emailed them (as have many) to ask if it will be unlocked and all responses are (paraphrased) "We cannot say if it will be, but keep watching our media channels - facebook, twitter, etc". I went as far as trying to escalate to corporate (politely) and they were still unable to confirm if the HTC Sensation would or would not be unlocked.
So far zero confirmation. That's also zero confirmation on the reverse - they haven't definitively said they won't either. Grid lock.
What *has* been confirmed is that future devices will sport an unlocked bootloader. I'm willing to wait for this! This does not include the HTC Sensation or recent EVO.
I am returning my HTC Sensation to the store with 1 week left on my 30 day return policy. If they manage to deliver an unlocked bootloader between now and when the next device comes out I will gladly re-purchase the phone as the hardware and experience have been fantastic. Unfortunately being a fellow tweaker, I too want the ability to use custom roms and especially not be locked to a manufacturer's release schedule for Android updates. I went through too many let downs using a locked Motorola Android phone and will no longer be supporting locked devices full stop. Android is meant to help us be free of certain restrictions imposed by other operating systems and carriers.
I'm willing to wait for a non-bootloader locked phone with killer specs.
Sadly returning the device for now. Feel free to let us all know if you will also be, or have already returned your phone in hopeful anticipation of a completely open device.
Cheers all!

As I have said..You all are misinformed. As it was told to me was the bootloader unlocking tool will be a part of the htc dev tools site that will be launching soon. I suggest you relax, keep your phone and see how it goes. Not that serious to start a revolution over. Especially when it can be coming any day now.

No problems. I can handle the flames, but also understand that people are sick of this. We can close this thread.

holding onto the phone may not be viable if there is fear that we won't be getting bootloaders unlocked. I have a limited time frame for when I can return this phone...

Elvis_Freshly said:
Either a MOD is going to close this or you are about to get flamed. #ImJustSaying
The mods say they don't want anymore of these types of threads in here as there are plenty already.
As I have said..You all are misinformed. As it was told to me was the bootloader unlocking tool will be a part of the htc dev tools site that will be launching soon. I suggest you relax, keep your phone and see how it goes. Not that serious to start a revolution over. Especially when it can be coming any day now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On a side note, would you mind pointing me to the thread about the dev tools you mentioned?

Hell no I'm not returning this phone its amazing! HTC is a huge international corporation, you're seriously surprised about getting canned responses?
Sent from my brain

jkub said:
On a side note, would you mind pointing me to the thread about the dev tools you mentioned?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am also in the late stages of deciding to return the Sensation. It is a wonderful phone but many issues and no real answer about unlocking the bootloader(actual and factual info about when -where- and how.)and no word about updates and whether or not they will fix all of the issues. I am only speaking for me but I find it increasingly harder to keep and support a device that has numerous documented issues with no announced plan to fix them from HTC and nothing about unlocking the bootloader, except vague promises.. I also would like the link to the thread about dev tools.

If you're that sad that a locked bootloader is going to make you return your phone then you need to get out more. Get over it and just wait

No it's a great phone and works, with a few quirks, great. We already have received an update after one month so in 2-3 months we will receive the next update which will update the phone to a bug free heaven.
Besides, it's already possible to disable apps so I'm going to install Launcher Pro as soon as I'm bored with Sense. Have used Sense for 2 years on my Hero so I will survive.

This phone gonna be out g2x here i come .
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App

i kept it, but i am dissatisfied with it for other reasons which i will post in my " could htc have done more with the sensation" thread.

jkub said:
On a side note, would you mind pointing me to the thread about the dev tools you mentioned?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here...
http://www.htcdev.com/
And here...
http://developer.htc.com/

jkub said:
I decided to also make this post a poll. Will you return your HTC Sensation?
For everyone that is frustrated with the bootloader, you may want to follow suit. Don't hang onto this phone past your return policy time if you will be unhappy if it's not unlocked.
HTC haven't been able to definitively say "Yes we are unlocking the bootloader for the HTC Sensation." It seems all articles and re-posts that claim this will happen are quoting vague references and canned responses. I personally emailed them (as have many) to ask if it will be unlocked and all responses are (paraphrased) "We cannot say if it will be, but keep watching our media channels - facebook, twitter, etc". I went as far as trying to escalate to corporate (politely) and they were still unable to confirm if the HTC Sensation would or would not be unlocked.
So far zero confirmation. That's also zero confirmation on the reverse - they haven't definitively said they won't either. Grid lock.
What *has* been confirmed is that future devices will sport an unlocked bootloader. I'm willing to wait for this! This does not include the HTC Sensation or recent EVO.
I am returning my HTC Sensation to the store with 1 week left on my 30 day return policy. If they manage to deliver an unlocked bootloader between now and when the next device comes out I will gladly re-purchase the phone as the hardware and experience have been fantastic. Unfortunately being a fellow tweaker, I too want the ability to use custom roms and especially not be locked to a manufacturer's release schedule for Android updates. I went through too many let downs using a locked Motorola Android phone and will no longer be supporting locked devices full stop. Android is meant to help us be free of certain restrictions imposed by other operating systems and carriers.
I'm willing to wait for a non-bootloader locked phone with killer specs.
Sadly returning the device for now. Feel free to let us all know if you will also be, or have already returned your phone in hopeful anticipation of a completely open device.
Cheers all!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You knew this phone had a locked bootloader when you bought it. It's funny how everyone is *****ing about it when they damn well knew it was locked. And what? Since HTC didnt release the unlocked bootloader a few weeks after the phone launches that's too long? Do I want my bootloader unlocked? HELL YEAH! Am I going to sit here and ***** and moan about it because HTC hasnt unlocked it yet? NO, because I knew I was buying a phone with a locked bootloader when I bought it. HTC Has said they will unlock the bootloader, they just didnt give an exact date as to when it would be unlocked. Even if HTC changes their minds, someone will get it unlocked eventually. Just look at the G2! That's never been officially unlocked..
I'm really tired of seeing all these posts with people *****ing about the bootloader.. YOU KNEW THIS WHEN YOU BOUGHT THE PHONE.. so 1. Dont buy the effing phone until it's unlocked or 2. stop *****ing that it's locked and just be patient!!! It's quite SIMPLE..

People knew it was locked but we also had the impression it would get unlocked that's the main reason people bought it. From what we hear htc aint unlocking **** , point blank they could of just told people its not going to be unlocked on Facebook and just ended it there instead of keeping hope alive. I still can live with it being locked cause i still have my ns and to think i was gonna sell it.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App

I would love for it to be unlocked, but I knew it wasn't when I bought it; and I've managed to work around it anyways..so I'm good.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App

I have to vote no because that other dual core from tmobile has an older android version and less RAM. And besides-the screen on my HTC HD2 is so unrelieable right now I gave it to my 3yr old son to play angry birds with

bonebeatz1234 said:
People knew it was locked but we also had the impression it would get unlocked that's the main reason people bought it. From what we hear htc aint unlocking **** , point blank they could of just told people its not going to be unlocked on Facebook and just ended it there instead of keeping hope alive. I still can live with it being locked cause i still have my ns and to think i was gonna sell it.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OMG! really? what you hear must be different from what the rest of us hear, because judging on what I read in the forums they tell everyone the same thing. They are committed to what they said and they are working on getting it going. The phone hasnt even been out for a full month yet and so many of you are crying foul on HTC's part. When I spoke to someone there, they said yes they did get a memo about informing them about the new policy. She told me the newer phones (released in late summer/early fall) will come shipped with unlocked bootloaders and they were working on an update for both the sensation and evo3d(which at the time I spoke to her wasnt even released yet). She told me the techs think it's going to be a nightmare for them because of all the noobs bricking their devices. I'm sure they already have S-off ready but right now they are trying to figure out the best way to implement it. Just because they didnt unlock it in the first 4 weeks of release doesnt mean they lied! People need to have patience. I mean they have to figure out how they are going to do it and also brace themselves and be ready for tons of noobs calling in saying they ****ed up their device. There is more to it than "hey it's ready push it out"
For example, will it be a OTA update? I think they will try to not make it so easy so every tom **** and harry could **** up their phone. Will we have to call in and request it special? will we have to send our devices into HTC and have them unlock it for us? I'm sure the logistics are what they are working on now. But how you get they are lying from all the info people have gotten is amazing. They keep saying they are standing behind it, and that there will be a update of some kind to unlock it. The only thing they havent told us is WHEN. And if they did give us a date and then couldnt make the deadline then you would be saying the same ****, that they lied and would prob be even more pissed off. I honestly dont see it happening until late aug or sept. But I'm sure by then one of us devs will break it or get a leaked Hboot
n8dwgphx said:
I have to vote no because that other dual core from tmobile has an older android version and less RAM. And besides-the screen on my HTC HD2 is so unrelieable right now I gave it to my 3yr old son to play angry birds with
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess you are referring to the G2x? It does have Froyo stock but I hear CM7 got a lot more stable for it(I'm going to try it again). I run Faux's GB rom on my G2x. and it's pretty stable for me.
The ram issue? Sure the G2x has only 512 but I NEVER had a time when I didnt have at least 90-100mb of free ram and that's when everything I use is open and running in the background. Someone once said if you have that much available ram at all times even when you open everything up then it's pretty much wasted ram. When I got the G2x I came from the MT4G and I was REALLY concerned about having 768 and having to go to 512. But Cyanogen himself when he got the g2x said the 512 of ram was perfectly fine and there were no issues with it having only 512. When I read that I felt better about making the switch. And yes it does have less ram than the sensation but at this point and time my G2x blows my sensation out of the water speed and performance wise. I love my sensation and cant wait until we can see what this thing can really do

You guys are nitpicking about something you already knew about. So what does that make u?
I still got the phone knowing what I was getting. I came from the g2x and the nexus s and I don't regret getting rid of both.
The bootloader will be unlocked. We have root now and overclock so take that and have fun with it. Stop being impatient. This isn't the Atrix I'm sure it won't take that long lol.
If u want it that bad....start developing the unlock yourself or sit down and Stfu.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App

charlieb620 said:
You guys are nitpicking about something you already knew about. So what does that make u?
I still got the phone knowing what I was getting. I came from the g2x and the nexus s and I don't regret getting rid of both.
The bootloader will be unlocked. We have root now and overclock so take that and have fun with it. Stop being impatient. This isn't the Atrix I'm sure it won't take that long lol.
If u want it that bad....start developing the unlock yourself or sit down and Stfu.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly! If the XDA app had a thanks button I'd be hitting it right now
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App

We need to ask them to add one lol.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App

What if Verizon doesn't lock their bootloader?

This would be extremely interesting if they end up choosing not too lock theirs after the negativity that surrounded it on the S3 and now AT&T taking heat for locking there bootloader. Perhaps this will make them reconsider. Obviously probably not but it seems like no one has discussed the idea. I think it's completely plausible! If they do, Dan will be free to release the bootloader hack straight forward and AT&T might consider officially unlocking it or atleast leave Dan's exploit alone.

Dan would still wait until the end of May
The Verizon S3 had VRALF2 as launch firmware, VRALEC had unlocked recovery, VRALE6 had unlocked kernel
You can't judge a model by whatever firmware it first pops up with

If they don't, I'm really not looking forward to the monkeys flying out of my butt

Are we talking about the same verizon here?
The one that has its logo on the note II home button?
Locked for sure.

When pigs fly is when Verizon won't lock it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

JaeKay said:
Are we talking about the same verizon here?
The one that has its logo on the note II home button?
Locked for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well It's just considering the massive smack in the face by AT&T's drastic change in security standards, I think Verizon could turn around and try to capitalize or just turn around and do something wild like AT&T but in a good way.
Either way it's more then likely gonna be locked but again given AT&T's random change, whose to say it will be?

I'm already surprised half the US carriers have it unlockable, and the other half don't...
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 2

This is like asking what if water wasn't wet.

Locked bootloader probably affect 0.01% of the entire S4 users. I doubt the carriers care about this much.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

gordec said:
Locked bootloader probably affect 0.01% of the entire S4 users. I doubt the carriers care about this much.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. This isn't a Nexus. If a Nexus came locked, a not-insignificant number of users would be angry. The GS4 (like the GS3 before it) is for popular consumption, and the vast majority of smart phone users do not even know about unlocking, flashing, etc., much less have a need for it.

In all honesty, now having Android phone for the past 5-6 years and rooted, installed custom rom on all of them. I don't know how important it is to have unlocked bootloader and flash custom roms.
Some how I always end up with a variation of stock modded rom. I rarely go with CM, AOSP or a variation of those. I guess it's a much bigger deal for those diehard CM and AOSP fans.
Some how I always end up with a kernel that's minimally modded from the stock kernel.
The best functions from a custom ROM for me are extended power menu and push home button for flashlight on the Note 2.
Most times I flash every 2 weeks just because it's a common hobby that's shared between many members of XDA.
Not saying I don't want a bootloader for our S4. Can't wait to waste more time flashing ROMs.

I agree with above. Also i cant wait till devs fix the issues with this phone.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

its very important at least oncevir twice a year something or another stops working on the phones I've had ans the only way is a full reset and reinstall everything which takes forever.. or if you have a month it two old cwm backup it is much quicker.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

TouchWiz 4.3 update - WHY

Okay, we got the 4.3 update we all been waiting for. Now comes the magic question - WHY.
I'm not trying to troll here, I think I have a valid question. It's got features taken out, a lot of stuff is different now, some things work, some things don't. It looks different, but - is it better? I am yet to find what is it that it does better than original 4.1 firmware.
I guess what I'm trying to ask is : "give me a reason not to revert back to where it was"

galets said:
Okay, we got the 4.3 update we all been waiting for. Now comes the magic question - WHY.
I'm not trying to troll here, I think I have a valid question. It's got features taken out, a lot of stuff is different now, some things work, some things don't. It looks different, but - is it better? I am yet to find what is it that it does better than original 4.1 firmware.
I guess what I'm trying to ask is : "give me a reason not to revert back to where it was"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because you can't. Once you take the 4.3 OTA, you're stuck with it.

McDastardly said:
Because you can't. Once you take the 4.3 OTA, you're stuck with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to say, it was incredibly disappointing that Samsung decided to sneak device lock-down disguised as a software update. Very lame. I was under impression that Samsung does value community building mods for its overpriced phones, understands the value of such community. Apparently, they don't. I agree with someone who said it will be the last Samsung device he purchased, I think it's time for me to join the boycott.
But coming back to the issue at hand: lets imagine I was lucky enough not to trust Samsung to deliver me an update and instead took a hacked one. Is there any reason whatsoever to stay on 4.3? And by that I mean:
- does 4.3 solve some problem in original firmware, that anyone should care about?
- does 4.3 implement some new feature, which was not in original 4.1 firmware that I should be excited about?

galets said:
Okay, we got the 4.3 update we all been waiting for. Now comes the magic question - WHY.
I'm not trying to troll here, I think I have a valid question. It's got features taken out, a lot of stuff is different now, some things work, some things don't. It looks different, but - is it better? I am yet to find what is it that it does better than original 4.1 firmware.
I guess what I'm trying to ask is : "give me a reason not to revert back to where it was"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What features were taken out? Anything that can be replaced with better apps on the market shouldnt count. In my opinion the new stock task manager makes it worth it.
---------- Post added at 01:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:11 PM ----------
Well if I could go back in time I would have just waited for a custom 4.3 tw rom. But at least I don't feel the need to flash a new rom every day now.

ThePagel said:
What features were taken out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At this time, my biggest issue is that codes do not work, and i cannot get into hidden menu, so no QPST. I'm on PagePlus, so updating PRL is a manual process, and without putting phone into modem mode I cannot do that.
There are a few other annoying things, such as: can't turn off warning against increasing volume on headphones (i think there's some add-ons which let you do it though)

galets said:
At this time, my biggest issue is that codes do not work, and i cannot get into hidden menu, so no QPST. I'm on PagePlus, so updating PRL is a manual process, and without putting phone into modem mode I cannot do that.
There are a few other annoying things, such as: can't turn off warning against increasing volume on headphones (i think there's some add-ons which let you do it though)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can understand your annoyance with the hidden menu being gone. But that wasn't a "feature" it was a "hidden menu" after all and with root there are ways to get rid of the volume warning. That bugs the crap out of me as well but not to the point to change it yet.... YET!

galets said:
I have to say, it was incredibly disappointing that Samsung decided to sneak device lock-down disguised as a software update. Very lame. I was under impression that Samsung does value community building mods for its overpriced phones, understands the value of such community. Apparently, they don't. I agree with someone who said it will be the last Samsung device he purchased, I think it's time for me to join the boycott.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah, Samsung hasn't been overwhelmingly developer friendly for awhile. There's a bit of dislike for them due to Exynos processors.

Additionally, it wasn't that sneaky. The phone was intended to have a locked bootloader from the beginning. It was expected that the update would patch the loophole we found from the leaked aboot step. That's why it was mentioned multiple times to not accept the 4.3 update in case it locked the bootloader.
Samsung hasn't been developer friendly for a long time. Anytime you take an OTA update you can expect it to prevent the use of custom firmware unless a trusted source says it doesn't.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

BadUsername said:
Additionally, it wasn't that sneaky. The phone was intended to have a locked bootloader from the beginning. It was expected that the update would patch the loophole we found from the leaked aboot step.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still maintain it's been sneaky. The boot loader was not patched for a long time, you even get an icon which indicates custom firmware. Many folks understood it as if Samsung quietly endorses modding. The S3 has had a reputation of phone friendly for modders. Many purchased this very model specifically because they intended to mod it. Also don't forget, people look up to tinkerers, so a lot of sales were made because "this guy who knows the phones has samsung"

galets said:
I still maintain it's been sneaky. The boot loader was not patched for a long time, you even get an icon which indicates custom firmware. Many folks understood it as if Samsung quietly endorses modding. The S3 has had a reputation of phone friendly for modders. Many purchased this very model specifically because they intended to mod it. Also don't forget, people look up to tinkerers, so a lot of sales were made because "this guy who knows the phones has samsung"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung isn't as nice as you think. HTC will often allow you to unlock the phone by signing an agreement that you are voiding the warranty. Verizon has had a history of locking bootloaders that other carriers wouldn't.
This bootloader lock is mostly Verizon's implementation anyway. They're the ones who changed the bootloader and patched our loophole. Other devices on the 4.3 OTA update (sprint and T-Mobile) still have unlocked bootloaders.
The custom icon was only stating we had a custom recovery installed. Didn't have anything to do with firmware checking.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

It's hard to call it sneaky if you look back at the thread that was all about waiting for the update it was repeated daily, if not a couple of times a day that if the OTA hits your phone not to take it because it would lock your bootloader. Taking my early upgrade from the Bionic this didn't really surprise me lol. It just clinched it that, I'll maintain my unlocked bootloader and rom away until its time for my next phone, which will be a nexus or amazingly enough a moto if i can let go of my bionic anger lol....

If you purchase a phone to be modded, after you mod it, why would you ever take a manufacturer OTA?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

galets said:
I have to say, it was incredibly disappointing that Samsung decided to sneak device lock-down disguised as a software update. Very lame. I was under impression that Samsung does value community building mods for its overpriced phones, understands the value of such community. Apparently, they don't. I agree with someone who said it will be the last Samsung device he purchased, I think it's time for me to join the boycott.
But coming back to the issue at hand: lets imagine I was lucky enough not to trust Samsung to deliver me an update and instead took a hacked one. Is there any reason whatsoever to stay on 4.3? And by that I mean:
- does 4.3 solve some problem in original firmware, that anyone should care about?
- does 4.3 implement some new feature, which was not in original 4.1 firmware that I should be excited about?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung probably does value it, however we need to keep in mind it doesn't HAVE to be their fault.
Android is released from Google, then Samsung gets a hold of it, adds their own skin/features/framework, then hands it off to Verizon, where Verizon locks everything down and adds crap things to it. Verizon is EXTREMELY against community mods and such.
We need to figure out if other carriers are having issues with the 4.3 rollout (if it exists) then we might be able to decide who dropped the ball
SGS3 running Android 4.4 KitKang

XdrummerXboy said:
Samsung probably does value it, however we need to keep in mind it doesn't HAVE to be their fault.
Android is released from Google, then Samsung gets a hold of it, adds their own skin/features/framework, then hands it off to Verizon, where Verizon locks everything down and adds crap things to it. Verizon is EXTREMELY against community mods and such.
We need to figure out if other carriers are having issues with the 4.3 rollout (if it exists) then we might be able to decide who dropped the ball
SGS3 running Android 4.4 KitKang
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its samsung. Every version of the s3 is locked on 4.3 the only difference is nobody is complaining about it on the other forums. samsung wants to be able to have there phones used in government agencies and the like so they locked the phone down. I accidentally upgraded and haven't complained once because its not that big of a deal. I am just not buying from samsung from now on (unless they make the tablet that folds into a phone). Someone can correct me if I am wrong but everything I have read says every s3 on 4.3 has been locked down. If you do say I am wrong please give me a link so I can educate myself.

XdrummerXboy said:
Samsung probably does value it, however we need to keep in mind it doesn't HAVE to be their fault.
Android is released from Google, then Samsung gets a hold of it, adds their own skin/features/framework, then hands it off to Verizon, where Verizon locks everything down and adds crap things to it. Verizon is EXTREMELY against community mods and such.
We need to figure out if other carriers are having issues with the 4.3 rollout (if it exists) then we might be able to decide who dropped the ball
SGS3 running Android 4.4 KitKang
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahhh I forgot about the Knox or whatever they call it. I thought you were able to switch between using it and not though.
But I guess maybe they have to make sure EVERYTHING is secure, then build the "non" secure stuff on top of that framework.
SGS3 running Android 4.4 KitKang

XdrummerXboy said:
Ahhh I forgot about the Knox or whatever they call it. I thought you were able to switch between using it and not though.
But I guess maybe they have to make sure EVERYTHING is secure, then build the "non" secure stuff on top of that framework.
SGS3 running Android 4.4 KitKang
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can still root the OTA by using saferoot. Once rooted, superSU will ask if you want to disable knox. You can then load safestrap which will allow you to load other 4.3 roms and multi-boot your phone etc. Read ALL the threads on saferoot and safestrap before you install them.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

galets said:
Okay, we got the 4.3 update we all been waiting for. Now comes the magic question - WHY.
I'm not trying to troll here, I think I have a valid question. It's got features taken out, a lot of stuff is different now, some things work, some things don't. It looks different, but - is it better? I am yet to find what is it that it does better than original 4.1 firmware.
I guess what I'm trying to ask is : "give me a reason not to revert back to where it was"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
App access to notifications. That is my killer app for 4.3

Small Update Is Out

It does not change ver. from 4.1.2

what does this updatedo?
What does this update do? Does it affect my root? Thanks!

It is notifying me too. Since I have twrp and root on stock jelly bean, how can I update if helpful, or turn off update notification?
Chad
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using XDA Free mobile app

AFwarbird said:
It is notifying me too. Since I have twrp and root on stock jelly bean, how can I update if helpful, or turn off update notification?
Chad
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Started getting the notification yesterday, but I'm also on stock Jelly Bean 4.1.2 and TWRP. I was able to stop the notifications by freezing "AT&T Sofware Update" with Titanium Backup, but I'd also like to know if there's anything here worth the trouble of trying to get it installed.

I just had a chat session with a Samsung official, and she said it's news to them. I told her that I am on I727UCMC1, and she said that my device is up to date. The small update AT&T is pushing must be something to do with AT&T.
Unless it updates my camera features, I'm not even bothering with it, and will keep AT&T Update frozen.
I'm pretty sure I'd have to backup everything, revert to stock UCMC1, cross my fingers and toes that it still doesn't brick my phone, and hope it still can be rooted the way I did before.

It sure would be nice if there was some sort of explanation as to what is being updated. I have looked all over and not found anything anywhere else that mentions this update to I727UCNJ1. I got the number from this an at&t website I would post the link but can't. It is only 12mb so probably not worth a bunch of trouble but I wish I knew what it is trying to update.

Paranoid?
Me too. Mine is original stock, but I upgraded the Android OS last year to 4.1.2 via Samsung Kies. However, mine is unlocked, and I can't help but be suspicious that AT&T is "updating" to do something that is to their benefit and not ours (i.e. relocking the phone?, spyware, etc.?), so it would be nice to have some details of what/why this unexpected update, before blindly agreeing to it. So, if anyone know what this update is all about, please share with us. Thanks very much!

My money's on an update that locks the phone down. What else would AT&T possibly do with a three-year-old platform that isn't making them any new money at this point?

I chatted with an AT&T representative yesterday, and all I could get out of her was that the update had to do with new features to the O/S. That's all the information that she could find, and couldn't tell me any specifics about what features were being updated.
I am about to go to an S5 or S5 Active soon, and I might just revert to stock to check it out.
It's pretty fishy though that neither Samsung, or AT&T has, or wants to divulge in any, information on exactly what it's going to do.
---------- Post added at 07:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:26 PM ----------
As far as it locking your device back down, I have yet to flash, or install anything that has re-locked my phone. I guess it's possible. The only thing I'm worried about is losing root, and not being able to get it back with the last way that's available.

I see it's now listed on the AT&T eSupport website No details, just "Android OS Enhancements".
I don't have enough posts on this forum to be permitted to publish a link, but you can find it by Googling "AT&T Update to Skyrocket", and the eSupport link should be near the top of the results.

AT&T is taking the same tack as Verizon, and locking everything down. Even the mid to low end phones. So, I wouldn't be surprised if this is a way to lock older phones.
On the other hand, it really may be final bug fixes - a sort of final service pack. I wish I trusted them to give it a try.

I reverted back to stock I727UCMC1 using Odin v1.85, updated OTA to I727UCNJ1, flashed TWRP custom recovery, got root back, but I am not sure if I am still unlocked or not. I tried *#7465625# on the dialer, but the code does nothing.
Anyone know of another code to check the unlock status?

Thanks very much for your feedback. I've always just put a SIM card from another carrier into my phone. Even if it is not an active SIM, your phone should still tell you whether or not it is locked.

24fan4life said:
I reverted back to stock I727UCMC1 using Odin v1.85, updated OTA to I727UCNJ1, flashed TWRP custom recovery, got root back, but I am not sure if I am still unlocked or not. I tried *#7465625# on the dialer, but the code does nothing.
Anyone know of another code to check the unlock status?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unless u restored a previous efs partition that was locked to a carrier then u will remain unlocked, afaik no one lost their unlocked sim by restoring or flashing any firmwares, to read more about the sim lock or to unlock the sim read this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2638037
as for firmwares locking down the phone its referring to the way root is acheived not to the sim carrier lock

T.J. Bender said:
My money's on an update that locks the phone down. What else would AT&T possibly do with a three-year-old platform that isn't making them any new money at this point?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i hope you are joking, because if not then then you're insane. no offense intended.

Not so insane, I'm afraid. AT&T has started a war on unlocked bootloaders lately. The CEO has officially come out as saying they don't want unlocked devices on their network, and have followed up by sending out OTA updates that lock down devices. Several devices started out unlocked, like the S2, and became locked by OTA updates. The S3, Note 2, etc.
IOW, I wouldn't put it past them, especially if Samsung wasn't aware of the update. On the flip side, the S2 is no longer even for sale, and I have to wonder how many are left in active service.

Clarification?
lingowistico said:
i hope you are joking, because if not then then you're insane. no offense intended.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, that was very helpful! Seriously though, as a senior member of this forum, perhaps you might have some constructive comments on this subject? After all, we're sitting here with phones (the I-727 SII Skyrocket is an oldie, but goodie!) that are trying to push an unanticipated OTA update on us, in a very suspicious manner. We hope it's just a bug fix, but don't trust the carrier (AT&T) to be doing this, unless they have some ulterior motive. The benefit of your substantial experience would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for any insight you can offer us.
Regards,
Ron M.
jshamlet said:
Not so insane, I'm afraid. AT&T has started a war on unlocked bootloaders lately. The CEO has officially come out as saying they don't want unlocked devices on their network, and have followed up by sending out OTA updates that lock down devices. Several devices started out unlocked, like the S2, and became locked by OTA updates. The S3, Note 2, etc.
IOW, I wouldn't put it past them, especially if Samsung wasn't aware of the update. On the flip side, the S2 is no longer even for sale, and I have to wonder how many are left in active service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your insight, it was TRULY helpful! As a relative newbie, I just want to clarify our terms. When you use the term "unlocked", I deduce you are referring to a phone that has been rooted and is running a different platform - is that correct? In my case, I am NOT rooted and simply running the original crappy stock platform, but my phone is "unlocked" in the traditional sense, in that I can use it with different sims from different carriers throughout the world, rather than being "locked" to AT&T. So, for those of us who are not as technically advanced, could you please clarify? For me, if this OTA update doesn't prevent me from continuing to use other sims from other carriers, then I don't know what the downside would be, unless they're just adding more spyware and bloatware to their already intrusive system? I look forward to your comments.
Regards,
Ron M.

jshamlet said:
Not so insane, I'm afraid. AT&T has started a war on unlocked bootloaders lately. The CEO has officially come out as saying they don't want unlocked devices on their network, and have followed up by sending out OTA updates that lock down devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought T.J. Bender was talking about simlock since he didn't mention the bootloader. :silly:
At&t sure isn't making life easy for you.. I'd still be proudly rocking a skyrocket too if I didn't lose it :angel:

I only messed with my Skyrocket for an hour or so after accepting the OTA update, before starting up my new S 5 Active.
The only thing that I really noticed, was they took the AT&T phone setup app off of it, since it is no longer in use by AT&T. There may have been more that I didn't notice, but only running it a couple hours, I couldn't tell. I even checked the camera thinking they might have finally snuck some new features into it, but no dice.

lingowistico said:
i hope you are joking, because if not then then you're insane. no offense intended.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How does suggesting that AT&T would lock a bootloader make me insane?
Sent from my totally badass HTC One m8 using Tapatalk

Is anybody close to unlocking the latest bootloaders, or is it unlikely?

I (very) recently got a Verizon Galaxy S6 and (stupidly) allowed the updates to run :silly:. I should have known better, as I went through the unlocking/rooting process with Verizon's S3. I could live with it for a bit if people think it will be unlocked in the near future (I'm on VRU4BOG9), but if there's a reason that it's unlikely that it will ever be unlocked, I can still return it and cancel my plan. I could just change carriers, but it's a little tricky because it involves my wife's phone/line, as well.
Does anyone have any information or opinions regarding this?
Thanks!

I'm with you in the same boat.
It was past the baseband even before i let the updates run.

I doubt there will be anything. This forum is pretty dead. No developers etc. I am going to look into getting a tmobile s6 and see if I can unlock, root and get it working on verizon. I think it can be done I've just not looked into it yet so not for sure.
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Stagefright might allow root. I'm waiting to see.

redrol said:
Stagefright might allow root. I'm waiting to see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stagefright doesn't run at root level.

dobbs3x said:
I doubt there will be anything. This forum is pretty dead. No developers etc. I am going to look into getting a tmobile s6 and see if I can unlock, root and get it working on verizon. I think it can be done I've just not looked into it yet so not for sure.
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
t-mo has CDMA radio?
or you plan to run LTE only?
i would be interested to find out as well

It's unlikely.. as some of the recent dev posts have made clear samsung is the ultimate anti-developer company... as such most of the dev's that would normally work on this have moved on to other brands. It's also gotten to the point that it's almost impossible to actually unlock.. they almost always work around it rather than unlock it, and there are only so many of these workarounds out there.
It may get rooted again, but it will be very unlikely that the bootloader gets unlocked.. basically our only hope would be a leaked test bootloader thats already unlocked.. But I've only ever heard of this happening once.

Take it back while you can. Had my s6 rooted on 5.0.2 but there was no xposed support or xposed for it. If you enjoy rooting your phone the outlook is not good. Not much going on with this scene. After owning mine for just 2 months I sold mine on eBay and am headed towards a nexus. Not a bad phone but not good for flashing...I will do my research next time before getting a Samsung !

sulpher said:
It's unlikely.. as some of the recent dev posts have made clear samsung is the ultimate anti-developer company....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not Samsung, IT'S Verizon that's locking Us out.

rbeavers said:
It's not Samsung, IT'S Verizon that's locking Us out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's Samsung that lets Verizon lock us out. They let companies throw their logo on it still so...

How about Chainfire
EXPERIMENT: Root without modifying /system (you can search for it here on XDA)
I hope it could actually work soon!

webwarr said:
How about Chainfire
EXPERIMENT: Root without modifying /system (you can search for it here on XDA)
I hope it could actually work soon!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried it, no go

Got it...
That's sad
Sent from my SM-G920V using XDA Free mobile app

Becoming less and less happy that I bought this phone. Especially on the payment plan. I may have to bite the bullet, pay it off and just sell it for whatever I can get. Sucks. I loved my fascinate, my S3, and my S4. Been using my Moto Maxx 2 more and more lately. THAT'S SAD.
Sent from my XT1565 using Tapatalk

Besides the Nexus what model phones are now dev friendly? I was looking at a G4 but apparently LG is just like Samsung with the nearly uncrackable locked bootloaders now.

s5 just got full bootloader unlock..

Is it Verizon or the Exynos chip that's holding back development on this device? ELI5
Sent from my XT1565 using Tapatalk

It's the customized software that samsung builds for Verizon that limits access to root and bootloader. Without having root privileges, you can not make any system changes let alone access it. The chip has nothing to do with this.

s5 just got bootloader unlock BUT the dev has not said he will release anything. It may never happen on this device. having said that the debloater is the key to a smooth device with good battery. If debloating is all you need, that can be done without root.
After debloating about 150 apps on my s6, I can get days and days on battery with minimal use.

This who ordeal with Samsung screwing us on the S6 is making me want to switch to a Nexus...