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Hi everyone,
I just arrived here from the world of Nook Color where for 20 months I have been rooting and installing CM roms. For the Nook that was essential since out of the box it was not an Android tablet.
I have had the tf700 for only 4 days, and I am delighted with it. Upgraded it to JB and have no complaints. My question is - what is the rationale for rooting and unlocking my new toy? Are there some issues with stock that need addressing, or is it just to satisfy the innate hacker that lives in all of us?
I'll do it if there is a point to it, but I am pretty happy with everything I see right now...
Derek
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda premium
derekr said:
Hi everyone,
I just arrived here from the world of Nook Color where for 20 months I have been rooting and installing CM roms. For the Nook that was essential since out of the box it was not an Android tablet.
I have had the tf700 for only 4 days, and I am delighted with it. Upgraded it to JB and have no complaints. My question is - what is the rationale for rooting and unlocking my new toy? Are there some issues with stock that need addressing, or is it just to satisfy the innate hacker that lives in all of us?
I'll do it if there is a point to it, but I am pretty happy with everything I see right now...
Derek
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are happy, I think no reason to. I have mine rooted because I wanted to buy things from Japanese Market i.e. needed to use Market Enabler. Another benefit is Browser2ram. Though browser on JB is so much better, browser2ram can make even better. Having said this, the gain to me is not as noticeble as it was with ICS. So yes. not much reason to root unless you need to use root only application.
As far as unlocking, I think main reason is to use custom rom but I am personally satisfied with stock rom so have not unlocked personally.
My reasons:
1. Titanium Backup (ease of restore after factory reset)
2. Ad Away (Ads drain my battery)
3. Cerberus, device tracker (root users can make app a system app then remotely enable GPS)
4. Orbot, useful for encrypting traffic on unsecured wireless networks (Only with root can you enable "transparent proxy")
Just to name a few reasons. Not as many reasons as why I need root on my phone but ill edit if I remember more.
TeCKNeiC said:
My reasons:
1. Titanium Backup (ease of restore after factory reset)
2. Ad Away (Ads drain my battery)
3. Cerberus, device tracker (root users can make app a system app then remotely enable GPS)
4. Orbot, useful for encrypting traffic on unsecured wireless networks (Only with root can you enable "transparent proxy")
Just to name a few reasons. Not as many reasons as why I need root on my phone but ill edit if I remember more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Titanium Backup is a biggie for me. Couldn't do without it.
2. Total Commander needs root access to be able to manage the external memory cards. I use them for storing large files (movies, documentaries, etc.).
3. AdAway -- they not only waste bandwidth and battery, but they burn my retina away. (I'm so thankful for donation versions, so I can kick the ads out and support the dev in the meantime.)
4. BetterBatteryStats
Those are the few that are currently listed with SuperSU -- I do have browser2RAM installed, but to be honest I didn't notice any tangible improvement.
It's worth the root
Great post!
I'm happy with no root for now.
Lost it when the 4.1 update showed up.
I was running a few apps needing root, yet I don't really miss them...well except for b2ram.
Can't answer about unlocking...I don't want to do that until I buy another tablet.
I'll probably mess with rooting eventually when I get really bored or when quick and easy solution appears if ever.
For now like yourself the hacker in me is taking a break
Thats OK said:
For now like yourself the hacker in me is taking a break
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe the saying goes something like "the bow cannot always stand bent." ; )
My reasoning was that my stock experience was real glitchy (launcher crashes, freezing, random reboots, stuttering from bloat running in the background)... wanted a streamlined ROM and the ability to use AutoStarts. And TB and Ad Away are never bad things to have, either.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2
at this point, as stated above, is about the apps you want to use. I suggest rooting since it doesn't void warranty. There are plenty of good apps that make use of it. Unlocking, that does void warranty. I would wait till your satisfied with the build of your Infinity In addition, wait till there is that must have rom or kernal. Since you mentioned Cyanogenmod, it hasn't officially been released yet. There is some work being done, but as usual with early builds, not everything is working yet.
I rooted mine so I can set up a chroot environment running a real GNU/Linux distro in order to do things like connecting to my home networked filesystems over a VPN service that I pay for in addition to accessing that machine for development purposes while travelling away from home using software that I trust and know has a good reputation within a wider, respected community of developers (openvpn, openssh-client, vim, etc etc).
I unlocked mine so that I can experiement with building Yocto-based filesystems which I eventually plan to flash to my device, and also so I can contribute testing/development effort to Debian's armhf architecture. Also, I want to learn what free AND copyleft touchscreen input translation layers are available that allow one to emulate traditional mouse pointers when using applications not originally intended for touchscreen interfaces.
I am not particularly happy with Android or the contortions that its developers push themselves through to restrict what can be done with it "out-of-the-box"; though I do recognize it as a preferred alternative to other systems that disrespect user freedoms such as iOS and WE. I also understand that there are arguments to be made in favor of Android's disrespect of user freedoms such as the need to protect consumer devices that are difficult to fix after hard bricking.
So yeah, I guess it boils down to is, I want to use the software I prefer and am familiar with as well as satisfying my desire to learn and contribute to the free software community.
help help!!!
pls i just go my tf700 2 days ago. with building number IML74K.US_epad-9.4.5.26-20120720,. i want to root and need jelly bean on it, but i dont know how to go about it. also i have no memory card yet, pls someone enlighten me on the steps:crying:
I was also fine with mine stock but I needed root to connect to my university's wifi which has a proxy, theres an app called proxyfier that enables system-wide proxy access, but it needs root... As some others said, if there's no specific reason why you'd want to root/unlock... don't.
My opinion is, UNLOCKING your device is something you need to think about. It's void your warranty and if you don't plan on playing with custom rom then don't do it. However, rooting is a great benefit to your device and you always can un root if you like.
buhohitr said:
My opinion is, UNLOCKING your device is something you need to think about. It's void your warranty and if you don't plan on playing with custom rom then don't do it. However, rooting is a great benefit to your device and you always can un root if you like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 Listen to this man - he knows what he is talking about. :fingers-crossed:
Recently, I contacted Asus about the issues that we have seen since the JB update. Since I support a number of these tablets for clients, I have had lots of backlash since the update. I emailed Tien and Gary about what advice they could provide when dealing with these units. I have included the last response that I got from him that addresses factory resets and cold booting, as well as a method he recommends for installing software after a reset:
"Hi Jordan,
There are people out there who believe doing multiple factory resets works, but I do not think so. Once a device has been reset, there is no user data left on there. Everything is back to factory. There should be no way data can be conflicting. Restoring a device that has nothing on it in the first place would not make a difference. However, multiple cold-boots do seem to help. Start with a factory reset and then as you reload your data back on (apps, media, e-mail, ect), cold-boot after something has been loaded on. For example, once and app or 2 has been reloaded, cold-boot the device before you load another app. This is the same for new app s being downloaded also. You want to keep the cache clear as much as possible.
I understand that a firmware update, or even news of a firmware update would be a lot easier, but again, I apologize as I do not have that kind of information. HQ releases the updates, and for the most part, they are pretty tight-lipped about them.
Sending in a bunch of units might not the best solution - you are right. I would try cold-boots u for now. JB is still new and there are definitely some things that need to be worked out with it on the TF700. I would give them some more time to deliver a solution.
Tien"
I have yet to try this process on my tab, maybe someone will beat me to it. Hope this information helps someone out there.
The issues that I reported are:
1. Graphics related issues that show as a flicker of the top 1/3rd (sometimes the entire) screen while in landscape, also a line of black pixels flashes for a moment on that same part of the screen. I have seen this in many apps at this point including the stock browser and in the XDA developers premium app. It seems unrelated to the application since I have seen reports of it on the desktop. (this is driving our users crazy- need a fix quickly!)
2. Backspace key is not respected in many applications if the asus keyboard is enabled. There are lots of examples on xda but this worked in ICS and now, does not.
3. The auto screen dimmer does not work properly and will dim, and not increase brightness when tapped. It also seems much more distracting and does not dim as gracefully as before(I know it can be disabled).
4. When docked, a Bluetooth keyboard that is paired with the device, will not function. A usb keyboard will work, but it is odd that Bluetooth keyboards will allow no input at all while docked.
5. Crash of the device with a white screen- have seen this 3 times.
6. Wifi direct removal is a major disappointment as many users had a need for this functionality.
This is good information, thanks. The only real change I have witness that's a problem is Google navigation freezing or rebooting the TF700 during trips longer than a few minutes. Intermittent problem but it has happened on three separate trips.
I'm getting the occasional black lit screen crash/freeze
jordanmw said:
6. Wifi direct removal is a major disappointment as many users had a need for this functionality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure where you are seeing this. Wifi Direct was not removed with JB. In fact, I noticed it performs much better.
The option for sending a file via WiFi direct is avialable under the share options. If you are looking for it directly under the settings menu, it was just moved to a different place (not an ASUS thing.....it was moved by Google). Go under Settings -> Wifi and click on the menu button to access it (3 dots in the lower right hand corner).
Artimis said:
Not sure where you are seeing this. Wifi Direct was not removed with JB. In fact, I noticed it performs much better.
The option for sending a file via WiFi direct is avialable under the share options. If you are looking for it directly under the settings menu, it was just moved to a different place (not an ASUS thing.....it was moved by Google). Go under Settings -> Wifi and click on the menu button to access it (3 dots in the lower right hand corner).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that! I had a couple of users who complained that it was not there. I emailed them to let them know it how to access it, they appreciate it.
--Would have been nice if Tien had mentioned it-- ya think?
Never even tried that feature and assumed it was removed since Asus listed it as a feature that would be removed with the update. I get it now.... they removed their custom support of it in favor of the stock android setup.
Kind of funny that an update announcement was posted today, I have been back and forth with them quite a bit in the last couple of weeks and the last email I sent to Tien and Gary said this:
"Unless you have a newer firmware with some of these issues resolved, I am not
sure how offering to send them to you will do any good....
Please let Gary know that this is effecting companies that have purchased over 50 of
these tablets at a time. We need resolution!"
Maybe I got his attention. I have to support these tablets, and so does Asus, they are an international company that is trying desperately to be THE go to hardware partner for cutting edge tech. Partnerships with the big G and M$ are evidence of that. I hope they realize that this is a defining year for them, either they will get their support in order or they will fold under the pressure of the added user base.
jordanmw said:
The issues that I reported are:
1. Graphics related issues that show as a flicker of the top 1/3rd (sometimes the entire) screen while in landscape, also a line of black pixels flashes for a moment on that same part of the screen. I have seen this in many apps at this point including the stock browser and in the XDA developers premium app. It seems unrelated to the application since I have seen reports of it on the desktop. (this is driving our users crazy- need a fix quickly!)
2. Backspace key is not respected in many applications if the asus keyboard is enabled. There are lots of examples on xda but this worked in ICS and now, does not.
3. The auto screen dimmer does not work properly and will dim, and not increase brightness when tapped. It also seems much more distracting and does not dim as gracefully as before(I know it can be disabled).
4. When docked, a Bluetooth keyboard that is paired with the device, will not function. A usb keyboard will work, but it is odd that Bluetooth keyboards will allow no input at all while docked.
5. Crash of the device with a white screen- have seen this 3 times.
6. Wifi direct removal is a major disappointment as many users had a need for this functionality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On top of these i have:
1. Random reboots,
2. Wifi drops out and fails to reconnect or slows down to be unusable state
Well if looks like some of the issues have been resolved but some still remain. Has anyone had time to try the method tien suggested in my op? Unfortunately i have not gotten time.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda premium
jordanmw said:
Well if looks like some of the issues have been resolved but some still remain. Has anyone had time to try the method tien suggested in my op? Unfortunately i have not gotten time.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also don't have the time to try, but I have my own share of doubt regarding these suggestion. Cold-booting my device after loading one or 2 apps is just too much of a hassle and I doubt that it provides any practical benefit. My friend's Nexus 7 haven't been turned off for weeks and I don't see any slow down or problems. The same thing can be said about my phone as well. I know they are different devices, but I don't think Google designs Android in such a way that you need to restart your device every time you install a new app.
Overall, I believe all of the problems above can only be fixed with OTA updates, and no amount of cold-boot or factory reset can fix it. I might be wrong, but it is just my opinion.
Anyway, thanks for sharing. Maybe someone will benefit from this discussion.
Since nobody has tried this method, I guess I will give it a shot today. Of course I have major doubts that this will actually work but if Tien said that there is some benefit, I have to at least try it. He is one of the only reps at asus that has ever given us any real help with the TF series.
huy_lonewolf said:
I also don't have the time to try, but I have my own share of doubt regarding these suggestion. Cold-booting my device after loading one or 2 apps is just too much of a hassle and I doubt that it provides any practical benefit. My friend's Nexus 7 haven't been turned off for weeks and I don't see any slow down or problems. The same thing can be said about my phone as well. I know they are different devices, but I don't think Google designs Android in such a way that you need to restart your device every time you install a new app.
Overall, I believe all of the problems above can only be fixed with OTA updates, and no amount of cold-boot or factory reset can fix it. I might be wrong, but it is just my opinion.
Anyway, thanks for sharing. Maybe someone will benefit from this discussion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seriously? You think cold booting is a hassle? My friend it takes an extra second of hold the power down button when turning your tablet on. Come on stop lazy. Also if the op isn't blowing smoke, then these suggestions are directly from asus, so why would they lie? I personally have seen a huge benefit from cold booting after a couple of app installations. I do it anyways because i do like to keep my cache clear.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T
pierrekid said:
Seriously? You think cold booting is a hassle? My friend it takes an extra second of hold the power down button when turning your tablet on. Come on stop lazy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If a computer requires regular cold booting to work properly, it is defective. A Linux-based system should be able to reach uptimes measured in years (theoretically, if no updates were required).
pierrekid said:
Seriously? You think cold booting is a hassle? My friend it takes an extra second of hold the power down button when turning your tablet on. Come on stop lazy. Also if the op isn't blowing smoke, then these suggestions are directly from asus, so why would they lie? I personally have seen a huge benefit from cold booting after a couple of app installations. I do it anyways because i do like to keep my cache clear.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seriously? If you buy this expensive gadget you shouldn't be doing extra hussle like cold booting after installing an app or two. It should work without. This is the only Android device with this kind of problems. Not sure if this is some kind of memory leak or what is going on. Still its interesting that for example on Galaxy S 3 even beta roms work better than these official ones from Asus.
Asus designs beautiful units, then manufactures them with horrible QC and finally don't seem to know much about software optimizing.
Finally got around to trying this process.... Maybe I installed too many apps at one time since after the first few installs, i was doing more than 2 in some cases. No difference doing this method over factory reset. I am going to contact them again today with feedback from the process and latest update.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda premium
jordanmw said:
Finally got around to trying this process.... Maybe I installed too many apps at one time since after the first few installs, i was doing more than 2 in some cases. No difference doing this method over factory reset. I am going to contact them again today with feedback from the process and latest update.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't say that I'm surprised, but I really appreciate your effort. Thanks for sharing.
To be honest the response seemed like a "SYA" response that was so far fetched and so much hassle you wouldn't bother to try it and they could push your issues aside.
I find it funny that they claim "Jellybean is still new..." when it has been out in the wild since around July or earlier. That seems like plenty of time to get the software optimized for your flagship device(s). If you want my honest opinion, the TF700 was placed on the back burner a little bit because of the Nexus 7 that Asus and Google partnered up for. That took priority but I do find it odd that the hardware in the Nexus 7 almost mirrors the TF700, yet the Nexus 7 does not exhibit the same odd behavior or issues we are experiencing (some of us anyway) on the TF700.
I must be one of the blessed ones because I'm not experiencing all the issues that are mentioned here. I had the hardware issue of screen flex and bent adapter port, but other than that and getting a replacement I'm pleased. I actually considered getting a galaxy note 10.1, but just knew I wouldn't be satisfied with the display. The screen is the major aspect of a tablet and you really can't find a replacement at this time for the full HD of the tf 700. I have noticed that my pad is running really well after the last update and I'm really happy I didn't go with the note. I'm totally stock and not rooted. I may root one day if needed and there is a method that doesn't void the warranty by using the bootloader (if there is please let me know...I'd love to use titanium backup with root).
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using XDA Premium HD app
I upgraded to JB and I can not connect to my galaxy s2 wifi hotspot. Any idea of solution..?
Thanks for your answers.
KaliS-Pugilist said:
I must be one of the blessed ones because I'm not experiencing all the issues that are mentioned here. I had the hardware issue of screen flex and bent adapter port, but other than that and getting a replacement I'm pleased. I actually considered getting a galaxy note 10.1, but just knew I wouldn't be satisfied with the display. The screen is the major aspect of a tablet and you really can't find a replacement at this time for the full HD of the tf 700. I have noticed that my pad is running really well after the last update and I'm really happy I didn't go with the note. I'm totally stock and not rooted. I may root one day if needed and there is a method that doesn't void the warranty by using the bootloader (if there is please let me know...I'd love to use titanium backup with root).
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root does not require you to unlock the boot loader.
KaliS-Pugilist said:
I'm totally stock and not rooted. I may root one day if needed and there is a method that doesn't void the warranty by using the bootloader (if there is please let me know...I'd love to use titanium backup with root).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ICS can be rooted easily even with the locked bootloader. If you are already on JB, follow the guide to downgrade to ICS 9.x.x.30, root using the debugfs method, use OTA Rootkeeper, and then apply the OTA to JB.
What advantages is there to root the tf300, i dont want to unlock, and want to use the stock rom.
If i root, will i recive updates as before, will i loose anything?
I use the Dolphin browser HD 8.1.5, desktop mode, with adobe flash, i feel that the browsing speed is very slow, will it help root, and install browser2ram?
People in these forum tend to look at threads, but don't help out much, so I'll give my input. When I received my tablet 2 months ago, I felt like it lagged a bit. Maybe cause I was barely installing apps or who knows. Anyway, a lot of people say, " wait till you know you don't have a defective tablet." I seriously ignored that (took the risk) & rooted. I had no idea you could root without unlocking, so I did both. There is a thread that explains how you can root without unlocking, depending on what firmware you're on.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2092266
A simple Google search should answer your rooting questions, but I'll hook you up a link.
http://google.about.com/od/socialtoolsfromgoogle/a/root-android-decision.htm
If you install browser2ram, it'll definitely run faster. I installed cleanrom 2.4.6 with most of the options that were offered during the installation & I haven't had any problems. Not a single one. I'd say go for it. Just make sure you don't get any "ghost touches" on the screen, make sure your headphone jack plays left & right earbuds, check screen banding & light bleeding, etc.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using xda app-developers app
This video may help in the advantages of rooting your phone. There are others out there too:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czTkHe7-lXw&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Rootimg should help increase the speed of your device through what you can do once you're rooted. Like blocking ads, or, as you mentioned, using Browser2RAM (although that may only work on the stock browser)
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using xda app-developers app
It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice.
After getting fed up with my Infinity, I finally called ASUS. They gave me an RMA number. Is it worth it to send it in since I have to pay to ship it?
The problem I have is the keyboard lags so bad most of the time. It will not register anything for 5 seconds, then try and insert all the letters you typed at once. The browser also closes itself down randomly without an error box. In general it's just extremely slow. Made more apparent by the fact that I have a Galaxy Note II that I use every day. It's frustrating to use a $500 tablet that is so much slower.
I'm afraid it's just the nature of the tablet, though, and I'm wasting money shipping it. I've done several factory resets and cold boots. Lags even when typing on the setup screen after a reset. I'm not rooted, everything is stock.
Should I mail it off?
Thanks.
It is doubtful that the RMA will make the tablet any faster. The symptoms you describe are unfortunately very typical for the TF700 if not optimized. The bottleneck is very slow I/O performance and nothing they could do at the repair center will fix that.
There are a number of ways to speed it up a little. For browsing you could try the Boat browser, it's much faster than stock.
You can try the app Greenify. It hibernates unseen background services and helps managing what's running at any given time.
If you are willing to root, you can try SD Booster, implement the Browser2RAM script, install Titanium Backup and get rid of or freeze apps and services you don't use.
But the real difference makes to unlock the tablet and flash a custom ROM. I am running CROMi-X and now the TF700 runs like you would expect from a $500 tablet.
If you decide to sell it, be quick about it. A new model is due this fall.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
My biggest concern is that I do have an internal hardware problem. If I root and install some kind of custom rom but it doesn't fix the issue, I won't be able to send it to ASUS. I do have a 2 year Square trade warranty though I don't know if it will be covered by them if rooted.
rlg5150 said:
My biggest concern is that I do have an internal hardware problem. If I root and install some kind of custom rom but it doesn't fix the issue, I won't be able to send it to ASUS. I do have a 2 year Square trade warranty though I don't know if it will be covered by them if rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, then send it in and let Asus check it out. Since you got the RMA - better safe than sorry. But with the Squaretrade warranty you're all covered anyway. They don't care if you root and unlock AFASIK.
Check that on the forums, but I'm pretty sure Squaretrade has you covered no matter what you do software-wise.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
I doubt that you have a hardware problem. What you are describing is what many people complain about on the stock experience. Rooting may help as you can use B2R but realistically the only way to solve your issues is to unlock and install a custom rom.
Hi guys, I am afraid I bear bad news . In a recent email exchange I had with Asus support I asked about updates to the TF700. They said the following:
ASUS has not planned a release of a firmware update for the TF700 which will revert the OS to KitKat 4 Android.
Unfortunately we have also not been advised of a release date for new firmware releases for your model. Currently we are also awaiting extra information of our R&D department on the matter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This seems to suggest we will not get KitKat 4.4 but we may get another firmware update. This would possibly still be based on 4.2.1 with just some bug fixes specific to the TF700 or it could possibly be based on 4.3. However they don't have a release date for this yet.
I know this won't be entirely unexpected news for some people but rather a confirmation of what many of us already feared would be the case. It is indeed a shame given the TF700 is really not that old.
Good to know, Asus won't be getting my money again any time soon, looking at the Samsung note 10.1 to replace this apparently old machine
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 4
Thanks for sharing the information, and I would appreciate your help in clarifying a few points regarding your email exchange with ASUS. I am not trying to be nitpicking here, but your quoted email does leave me with one question and a comment:
1. Question: was this person a customer representative of ASUS UK (I got it from your profile location)? As far as I know, the R&D Department of ASUS is in Taiwan, and I highly doubt that ASUS UK has close communication with its Taiwan counterpart. Moreover, given my past experience, customer support usually doesn't have much technical knowledge to answer questions about stuff like OTA updates, bootloader unlocking, etc...
2. Comment: The way the quoted email was written is really weird. What is meant by "revert the OS to KitKat 4 Android"? "Revert to" means returning to a former state, which doesn't make sense when you talk about a future update. And what is "KitKat 4 Android"? I am sure that is not the way most people refer to Android 4.4 KitKat. And lastly, "awaiting extra information OF our R&D department" sounds odd, shouldn't it be "awaiting extra information FROM our R&D department"?
Personally, whenever I receive emails with such mistakes, I instantly question the sender's professionalism and credibility.
huy_lonewolf said:
Thanks for sharing the information, and I would appreciate your help in clarifying a few points regarding your email exchange with ASUS. I am not trying to be nitpicking here, but your quoted email does leave me with one question and a comment:
1. Question: was this person a customer representative of ASUS UK (I got it from your profile location)? As far as I know, the R&D Department of ASUS is in Taiwan, and I highly doubt that ASUS UK has close communication with its Taiwan counterpart. Moreover, given my past experience, customer support usually doesn't have much technical knowledge to answer questions about stuff like OTA updates, bootloader unlocking, etc...
2. Comment: The way the quoted email was written is really weird. What is meant by "revert the OS to KitKat 4 Android"? "Revert to" means returning to a former state, which doesn't make sense when you talk about a future update. And what is "KitKat 4 Android"? I am sure that is not the way most people refer to Android 4.4 KitKat. And lastly, "awaiting extra information OF our R&D department" sounds odd, shouldn't it be "awaiting extra information FROM our R&D department"?
Personally, whenever I receive emails with such mistakes, I instantly question the sender's professionalism and credibility.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The initial email was sent using the form on the Asus UK support page, although I do not think the representative who responded was necessarily based in the UK. They had an Asian name and judging from the way the email was written, I think that English is probably not their first language. The reply email was not UK specific either ([email protected]). The guy could actually have been based in Taiwan for all I know.
I think this guy is probably quite reliable as he seemed fairly knowledgeable when dealing with my other queries / complaints but yes he is just a customer support rep so there is a possibility of what he said not being 100% accurate. Still, I think it is the closest to an official word on the matter that we have had so far and seems pretty plausible.
Best way to get any respect on tablet updates is to Go Nexus.
I'm just waiting for the Nexus 10 2. Which will probably release in days if not a couple months at longest.
There are plenty of 3rd party keyboards and cases for 10” tablets, such as the Nexus 10. Which make them function and even look just like our TF700T.
I used to think of the Transformer line as unique. But if you look around. You'll find there's really nothing so special to the Transformer line. Now that 3rd parties have given other tablets, especially Nexus tablets. Every feature that seemed special about the Transformer line.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
This is what asus replied me when I asked them about the KitKat update.
Thank you for contacting ASUS Customer Service.
My name is Myra and it's my pleasure to help you with your problem.
We apologize for the delayed response due to the weekend.
Hi, we're very glad to help you. For this issue, now we are try our best to, and at this time we are unable to set a date for its release. Please stay tuned for more news on our support website. Thanks for your understanding.
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Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Darnell_Chat_TN said:
There are plenty of 3rd party keyboards and cases for 10” tablets, such as the Nexus 10. Which make them function and even look just like our TF700T.
I used to think of the Transformer line as unique. But if you look around. You'll find there's really nothing so special to the Transformer line.
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Click to collapse
MicroSD slot? Battery in keyboard dock? USB port?
I gave up on waiting on updates to 4.3 or KK - this last week I finally bit the bullet and flashed CROMI-x. Painful process in that it took days to be successful in unlocking the bootloader - literally took dozens of tries before the tool finally worked. After that, all else was straightforward. I wasn't having any particular performance issues; rather, I got fed up with the random reboots that seem to occur at least once/day. Hopefully, that will improve with CROMI-x.
_that said:
MicroSD slot? Battery in keyboard dock? USB port?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
USB On the Go allows for storage expansion and addresses USB. And the fact the MicroSD storage is not utilized like in the pre-Android 4.0 days, means the MicroSD storage is not well leveraged when running stock. Far as charging, if this works with the Nexus 10 2, that would put Asus behind on that one.
I'm talking keyboards, but if such things interest you like MicroSD and a battery in the dock. You may continue with it and all the issues built into the TF700T. For me, I'm going to take the Nexus 10 2 off ramp.
Edit: I want to add, _that you have helped make the TF700T a better device and I do thank you for your efforts. Even running your kernel now .
sparksd said:
I gave up on waiting on updates to 4.3 or KK - this last week I finally bit the bullet and flashed CROMI-x. Painful process in that it took days to be successful in unlocking the bootloader - literally took dozens of tries before the tool finally worked. After that, all else was straightforward. I wasn't having any particular performance issues; rather, I got fed up with the random reboots that seem to occur at least once/day. Hopefully, that will improve with CROMI-x.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was not having performance issues early on. But the more I used it and the more I added, I found it slowing up big time. While my loaded up phone was having no issues at all. This is when I realized the talk about the slow storage on the TF700T is a big problem. That's when I moved to CROMI-x. It is better than stock, but the storage issue can only best be overcome by using ROM2SD with CROMI-x. (You need a very fast MicroSD.) That does help the most, but still, it's all patches around a big issue. And a tablet that has things right to begin with would run better.
Darnell_Chat_TN said:
USB On the Go allows for storage expansion and addresses USB. And the fact the MicroSD storage is not utilized like in the pre-Android 4.0 days, means the MicroSD storage is not well leveraged when running stock. Far as charging, if this works with the Nexus 10 2, that would put Asus behind on that one.
I'm talking keyboards, but if such things interest you like MicroSD and a battery in the dock. You may continue with it and all the issues built into the TF700T. For me, I'm going to take the Nexus 10 2 off ramp.
I was not having performance issues early on. But the more I used it and the more I added, I found it slowing up big time. While my loaded up phone was having no issues at all. This is when I realized the talk about the slow storage on the TF700T is a big problem. That's when I moved to CROMI-x. It is better than stock, but the storage issue can only best be overcome by using ROM2SD with CROMI-x. (You need a very fast MicroSD.) That does help the most, but still, it's all patches around a big issue. And a tablet that has things right to begin with would run better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had mine over a year and never ran into any real performance problems. While never as snappy as my 2012 & 2013 Nexus 7's or Galaxy S3, it was much better than my Xoom - I didn't see the severe issues that others have. But the random reboots (most occurred when just "idling", not during app use) were just maddening and made the tablet undependable in my mind. I haven't noticed any performance differences with CROMI-x yet but I'm really hoping that it is now more stable.
Tell me I'm wrong...isn't the Nexus made by Asus? Or am I thinking that just cause I'm old and senile?
flhthemi said:
Tell me I'm wrong...isn't the Nexus made by Asus? Or am I thinking that just cause I'm old and senile?
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Indeed, they are. Very different animals, though.
flhthemi said:
Tell me I'm wrong...isn't the Nexus made by Asus? Or am I thinking that just cause I'm old and senile?
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Click to collapse
The 7 inch Nexus are made by Asus and the 10 inch was made by Samsung.
I tried messaging Gary but I did not have high hopes as the account is dead for so long.
Does anyone know a new contact? Maybe they could say something more reliable about update policy regarding the TF700...
_that said:
MicroSD slot? Battery in keyboard dock? USB port?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And a hinge. Mine stays docked almost all the time. I get clamshell protection and a handy portable package. Once you start trying to replicate the other features using accessories with other tabs, you get a bulky mess of stuff that you couldn't pay me to carry around.
Not that I'm exactly loving Asus these days, but the transformer certainly was special when I got it.
fortunz said:
And a hinge. Mine stays docked almost all the time. I get clamshell protection and a handy portable package. Once you start trying to replicate the other features using accessories with other tabs, you get a bulky mess of stuff that you couldn't pay me to carry around.
Not that I'm exactly loving Asus these days, but the transformer certainly was special when I got it.
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I totally agree with you. That is the main reason why I still hold on to the TF700 and not get the new Padfone Infinity ( the new Padfone has a Snapdragon 800, 1080p screen, fast internal storage, microSD support with performance that obliterates almost everything else). The only thing holding me back is the keyboard dock, without which the tablet experience is simply incomplete (in my opinion of course). If ASUS manages to bring the dock to the next Padfone and achieve decent size and weight, I will gladly make ASUS my go-to brand for all computing needs.
...that's a shame.
I have kitkat on my phone, it's pretty nice so far.
So... Anyone else shopping around for an upgrade this holiday season? I was looking at the tf701, but If it's going to have the same lack of development (I truly appreciate the hard work our few, but amazing, devs have put in), then I'd rather go for one of the new waterproof xperias or a galaxy tab. Haven't really looked into the various options yet.. I was excited when we got cm, and especially a pac-rom port, but every time I gave them a try, they just seemed a bit off. Like they were unfinished and obviously made for a phone. Maybe cromi just spoiled me. :shrug:
This tablet has been good to me, though. I got a micro-hdmi to hdmi cable, so maybe I'll use it as a media hub or something... If the native Linux on our device had more development behind it, and was just a tad more stable and compatible, I wouldn't really be looking into a replacement. Definitely not planning on getting rid of it. If I can find the time maybe I'll use it to delve deeper into learning how to develop myself.
---------- Post added at 05:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:57 AM ----------
sparksd said:
I gave up on waiting on updates to 4.3 or KK - this last week I finally bit the bullet and flashed CROMI-x. Painful process in that it took days to be successful in unlocking the bootloader - literally took dozens of tries before the tool finally worked. After that, all else was straightforward. I wasn't having any particular performance issues; rather, I got fed up with the random reboots that seem to occur at least once/day. Hopefully, that will improve with CROMI-x.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that will in fact improve. I forgot about that stock issue... Jeeze, that was the worst, so annoying.
nvan7891 said:
...that's a shame.
I have kitkat on my phone, it's pretty nice so far.
So... Anyone else shopping around for an upgrade this holiday season? I was looking at the tf701, but If it's going to have the same lack of development (I truly appreciate the hard work our few, but amazing, devs have put in), then I'd rather go for one of the new waterproof xperias or a galaxy tab. Haven't really looked into the various options yet.. I was excited when we got cm, and especially a pac-rom port, but every time I gave them a try, they just seemed a bit off. Like they were unfinished and obviously made for a phone. Maybe cromi just spoiled me. :shrug:
This tablet has been good to me, though. I got a micro-hdmi to hdmi cable, so maybe I'll use it as a media hub or something... If the native Linux on our device had more development behind it, and was just a tad more stable and compatible, I wouldn't really be looking into a replacement. Definitely not planning on getting rid of it. If I can find the time maybe I'll use it to delve deeper into learning how to develop myself.
---------- Post added at 05:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:57 AM ----------
Yes, that will in fact improve. I forgot about that stock issue... Jeeze, that was the worst, so annoying.
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Click to collapse
I can't imagine a vendor ever matching the features and capabilities the ROM development community adds. I like that Asus offers a way to unlock the bootloader. Samsung would rather that you don't. In the year I've had this, there have been multiple firmware releases. For a minute, cromi was changing every other day. There is a new device they have to sell now. I'm happy. 5.2.2, btw is amazing! Cheers
other ways
if your worried about it unlock and put a custom rom on it like cmbroms thats going to have kk anyday know it will come
well I was hoping for Kit Kat too... seeing as its optimized for lower RAM devices I was thinking it would really help out stock. Its definitely time to flash now. My only question is if anyone knows if they're working on a Kit Kat version of CROMi???