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[Q] MAXX Dev Edition is no more .. recommendations?

I have a MAXX Developer Edition that suddenly dropped dead a couple weeks ago. Off it went to Motorola for warranty repair.
Now they say they don't have parts to fix it, have no idea when parts will be available nor replacements. They are offering me $$ back or another model (presumably with appropriate compensation, it'll be a couple days before I will have a chance to call them to talk about it). I don't have a sense whether waiting for a batch of parts to be manufactured will do me any good, since the dev edition has apparently been out of stock for some time.
I really liked the Maxx because of the big battery, but I also really want a phone I can root. I am one of those who is not comfortable with the mystery overseas unlocking service, so that option is out.
Anyone have any suggestions? I'm considering waiting for the Galaxy S5 to come out, but I'm not fond of the huge amount of crapware Samsung loads on their phones, not to mention what Verizon loads on. Plus the rumors of the limitations on using an sd card on the S5 to begin with.
Thanks for suggestions,
ken

They're still listing the Dev Edition for sale and they don't have parts to fix yours? Call me crazy but that's a load of malarkey if I've ever heard one - but then again, this is Motorola we're talking about, I suppose. I'm staring at the order page right this second in another tab... just put it in a cart... just verified it's in stock and ready to go.
I think you should call/contact Motorola and as soon as you get the first person on the phone, immediately say "I want to speak to a Supervisor," and when that person gets on the phone say "I want to speak to your Supervisor or Manager..." and don't back down till you get the third person and then lay it out for them:
If it's a legitimate warranty repair (I'm guessing that it is since you sent it back to 'em or dropped it off for the job) and they're lacking parts, they need to replace the entire phone, period.
I'd be all over 'em like stink on you-know-what and I wouldn't get off it till they shipped me the replacement overnight just for the trouble they've already caused with the BS excuse.
But that's just me... <hint, hint>

If moto gives you the run around and says it's still out of stock but you still want the maxx unlocked you have one choice. Get them to send you a regular maxx and use the China boot loader unlock for 40 bucks.
Sent from my Chinese connection unlocked and can't be stopped Droid Maxx
---------- Post added at 02:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:38 PM ----------
The only downside is no warranty using this method
Sent from my Chinese connection unlocked and can't be stopped Droid Maxx

bigv5150 said:
If moto gives you the run around and says it's still out of stock but you still want the maxx unlocked you have one choice. Get them to send you a regular maxx and use the China boot loader unlock for 40 bucks.
Sent from my Chinese connection unlocked and can't be stopped Droid Maxx
---------- Post added at 02:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:38 PM ----------
The only downside is no warranty using this method
Sent from my Chinese connection unlocked and can't be stopped Droid Maxx
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Click to collapse
I have a dev edition and there really isn't a full warranty to begin with. Moto told me that if you unlock the bootloader you have the warranty, but if you root you don't. As if people aren't going to root their unlocked phone.

Really didn't know that. If you decide to go this route I would see how much a maxx is now off contract. If they are replacing a dev with a regular maxx I wouldn't pay the dev price.
Sent from my Chinese connection unlocked and can't be stopped Droid Maxx

What a load of crap, unless they can no longer repair stock Droid Maxxes, too. The parts in the developer edition are exactly the same as the stock Droid Maxx, except the printing on the back that says it's a developer edition.
The developer edition was back in stock on their web site yesterday. It's still there now. http://www.motorola.com/us/shop-all...r-Edition/m-Droid-Maxx-Developer-Edition.html

I'll try to give them a call tomorrow, and see what they say. If the DE is truly in stock again to order new, they have no excuse not to cough one up.
I'll post whatever response I get.
p.s. Yes I was perfectly aware about the China Connection. As I mentioned in my OP, I don't feel comfortable going that route. I am aware IMEIs in stock at retailers are not kept secure, but I see no sense in just handing it to persons unknown (I mean, why don't I see anyone posting their IMEIs on this public board if it's such a nonissue?). To each his own, everybody has their own risk calculus. I'm certainly not griping at anyone making a different choice.
Also, I coughed up the $$ for DE so I could muck with my phone without losing the warranty. That's important to me too - though that calculation will change if Moto gives me a runaround when I actually try to use it!
p.p.s. theycallmerayj: I am skeptical that the person who told you that has a clue. Certainly there is nothing in writing saying that, and Moto went through the bother to include a very explicit warning sheet about unlocking in the phone's box (on top of the phone, no way to miss it). Likewise in their unlocking pages, they go through a lot of words warning that unlocking will void warranty except for DE phones, but not a single byte spent mentioning rooting. *shrug* Besides, unlocking is kinda a weird thing to do if it isn't immediately followed by rooting or flashing an alternate image ...

I saw you were uncomfortable with the Chinese method I was just stating it is your ONLY choice if they don't have the dev phone and you really want an unlocked boot loader. Guess you have to weigh your immediate need vs. being uncomfortable.
Sent from my Chinese connection unlocked and can't be stopped Droid Maxx

the developer edition it s again on stock
check here
http://www.motorola.com/us/shop-all...r-Edition/m-Droid-Maxx-Developer-Edition.html

OK I spoke to the second-tier support folks. They are indeed unable to get parts or do anything with my unit. Nor can they just send me a new one from stock. They are unable to access that stream of hardware. Go figure.
However what they did offer was if I ordered a new one from the Moto website, and send them proof-of-purchase, they would fully reimburse me. So it's essentially the same thing as a replacement, just done the hard way.
My guess is warranty support is handled by a third-party contractor, not by Motorola themselves. That could explain the inability to access the stock of new units. I'm further guessing they could only replace units with refurbished ones but the DE has not had enough volume for there to be refurb units available.
Well, a new unit is ordered, I'm now waiting with bated breath for the 7-day waiting period (whatever they call the shipping latency they mention on their website).
So my post title "Dev edition is no more" has been shown to be wrong. I like being wrong.

kenryan said:
So my post title "Dev edition is no more" has been shown to be wrong. I like being wrong.
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Well, it was out of stock for weeks, and wasn't even listed under developer phones to backorder, so it sure seemed like the dev edition was no more. I just stumbled onto the listing the other day.

kenryan said:
OK I spoke to the second-tier support folks. They are indeed unable to get parts or do anything with my unit. Nor can they just send me a new one from stock. They are unable to access that stream of hardware. Go figure.
However what they did offer was if I ordered a new one from the Moto website, and send them proof-of-purchase, they would fully reimburse me. So it's essentially the same thing as a replacement, just done the hard way.
My guess is warranty support is handled by a third-party contractor, not by Motorola themselves. That could explain the inability to access the stock of new units. I'm further guessing they could only replace units with refurbished ones but the DE has not had enough volume for there to be refurb units available.
Well, a new unit is ordered, I'm now waiting with bated breath for the 7-day waiting period (whatever they call the shipping latency they mention on their website).
So my post title "Dev edition is no more" has been shown to be wrong. I like being wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can appreciate everything you said there, but as noted, the Dev Edition and the regular consumer model of the Droid MAXX are the exact same phones - there is no difference at all in terms of the hardware, none of it, the difference lies in having the unlocked bootloader from the factory in the Dev Edition and a locked one in the consumer model. Sounds like the people you've talked to are just coming up with excuse after excuse to not do what they're legally obligated to do: fix the damned phone or replace it, and now with that convoluted mess of a solution - "Buy a new one, we'll pay you back..." - there's just something not quite right going on there.
Seems like Motorola is still doing the same old crap that infuriated me a few years ago when they pulled the "screw you" thing with the original Atrix and Photon in terms of ICS updates: they just love doing things that piss off their customers it seems. Only reason I have a Droid MAXX at this moment is because it was completely free, I traded a donated laptop for it so it didn't cost me a cent out of pocket - I made a promise to myself that I'd never actually purchase Motorola hardware again so at least I haven't broken that yet.
I can't comprehend why Motorola would make such ridiculous claims over "parts" and the Dev Edition warranty repair you're rightly allowed to have access to - personally I would have just paid some local shop to fix the microUSB port issue (given THEY would be able to get the part(s) needed, of course, and with the popularity of Droid hardware and the fact that the Droid MAXX and Droid Ultra use effectively the same hardware in that respect) and then paid to do that Chinese unlock and seen what happened.
Regardless, good luck with the final resolution, I hope it all works out and you're back up and running with a Dev Edition soon.

[Q] Droid Ultra/Maxx - Is there a way to root my device and unlock the bootloader?

Hello all!
I am using the Droid Ultra forum because I can't find or there doesn't seem to be one specifically for the Maxx. I assume they are they same phone but one just has a better battery.
I recently bought my new Droid Maxx using an upgrade. When it arrived, I tried using FoxFi for wifi tethering since LTE is faster than my house internet. I found out it won't work since I have the 4.4. To anybody that is curious, 4.4 came with my phone, I didn't use the OTA update.
After looking around on the internet, I am unable to find a guide that can root my phone. Has anybody made a bootstrap?
I am wondering if there is a way to root my phone with the 4.4 kitkat, whether 4.4 root method is still in development, or people have given up on trying to root it.
Something else. I tried to root my device with two programs, each have failed in the process. Kingo and OneClickRoot.

There is no working root for Android 4.4 on the Ultra/MAXX/Mini, you're stuck like everyone else.
There was "a Chinese guy" doing bootloader unlocks for ~$40 in the recent past few weeks but he/she/it has since stopped doing so (probably unable to access Motorola's database anymore or simply got caught doing it, who knows).
So again, you're stuck with stock 4.4 like everyone else is. The info is all over this subforum...

br0adband said:
There is no working root for Android 4.4 on the Ultra/MAXX/Mini, you're stuck like everyone else.
There was "a Chinese guy" doing bootloader unlocks for ~$40 in the recent past few weeks but he/she/it has since stopped doing so (probably unable to access Motorola's database anymore or simply got caught doing it, who knows).
So again, you're stuck with stock 4.4 like everyone else is. The info is all over this subforum...
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Ah, that is quite unfortunate. I just needed to get caught up in the news. Thanks and I hope to see some root hacks soon.

Garret27 said:
Ah, that is quite unfortunate. I just needed to get caught up in the news. Thanks and I hope to see some root hacks soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could try easy tether pro

I've been thinking. I was reading the forums quite abit recently. The Chinese guy might of had access to the Motorola database with the IMEI or he might have developed a serial-cracker. I remember using keygens to unlock copies of Microsoft Office along time ago. This guy might have done the same but kept it for himself to make a profit. I am wondering if we might see a keygen that uses a person's IMIE.
Just an idea I had.
Sent from my XT1080 using xda app-developers app

So for the sake of getting a more informed is this piece of crap ultra worth keeping in the hope of a root solution in the near future, or is anybody really even working on one?

It's a good phone that could be great (not as great as the MAXX 'cause of that battery life and no wireless charging) - I would say don't hold your breath for an unlock for the bootloader or even root nowadays, it's getting way too tough to root and bootloaders are pretty much... well, locked up I suppose. I don't know of any devs that are seriously working on the Droid devices anymore, it's kind of a crapshoot if you find one I guess.
IF I had gotten either of them before that "Chinese guy" stopped providing the bootloader unlock codes I may have developed a different opinion, but I missed that window of opportunity and so I decided holding onto those phones wasn't feasible given my requirements.
As I said in another post, I did like the MAXX and Mini when I owned them recently, but the fact that I wanted a bit more capability meaning root access because I use some apps that require it as well as the option of potentially using some customized ROM or doing customization that might require something like the Xposed framework means you're dead in the water with the Ultra/MAXX/Mini.
I sold both, picked up a Samsung Galaxy Express for $80 and it's unlocked (for T-Mobile, did that in 2 minutes), rooted and of course running CyanogenMod 11 aka Android 4.4.2 without a single issue so far except the camera FCs often but that's a well known bug that persists and likely will always be problematic (except on those new CyanogenMod phones I suppose since they're designed to run that OS 100% without problems).
The Ultra, the MAXX, and the Mini are damned nice devices if you like "pure stock" and pretty much zero chance of them ever being anything else - the fact that they're GSM unlocked from the factory is a plus, so is the wireless charging for the MAXX and Mini, but that's about it for me and not enough to keep them for the long haul.
Good luck...

Thank you very much for an honest opinion. Fortunately I just signed on with Verizon and received this phone only a couple of days ago and have the option of retuning it and canceling the service with only a minimal restocking fee to deal with. I guess I will have to exercise that option because root access to the device is critical for use at work.

SOSDD said:
Thank you very much for an honest opinion. Fortunately I just signed on with Verizon and received this phone only a couple of days ago and have the option of retuning it and canceling the service with only a minimal restocking fee to deal with. I guess I will have to exercise that option because root access to the device is critical for use at work.
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Click to collapse
Exchange for a gs5. It has root. As does the HTC one m8. The m8 looks well built. And the dot view case is sweet.
Sent from my unlocked consumer edition Motorola Droid Maxx xt1080m.

Dmaxx.4.2.2 rooted and writable. Is sunshine only way to unlock bootldr?

I love this phone, nothing coming out is exciting. But, I need lollipop now. I'd like to install a recovery, make a backup, flash lollipop based Moto x Rom. If this phone was new, I would pay for sunshine without thinking, but I don't know if I want to invest money in a phone towards the end of its useful life.
So is there any other way to get lollipop?

Sunshine is pretty much the only method as there was no Droid Ultra/MAXX/Mini "developer edition" so Motorola (because Verizon says so) won't allow for bootloader unlocking even on these now 2+ year old devices, sadly. Realistically they could, it's just a damned code that every phone is capable of working with but Motorola just won't do it.
Sunshine is your only hope if you wish to use custom ROMs without hassles. It's just $25, I mean really, the cost of a good case for some other device, and then it would be open and you could do pretty much anything you want with it.
Consider yourself lucky you have one that can be unlocked, they're pretty rare these days. I'd say go for it if a custom ROM is your thing, I gave up on that crap long ago - pure stock with some mods (to get it rooted and use Xposed) are all I care about anymore for my MAXX.

br0adband said:
Sunshine is pretty much the only method as there was no Droid Ultra/MAXX/Mini "developer edition" so Motorola (because Verizon says so) won't allow for bootloader unlocking even on these now 2+ year old devices, sadly. Realistically they could, it's just a damned code that every phone is capable of working with but Motorola just won't do it.
Sunshine is your only hope if you wish to use custom ROMs without hassles. It's just $25, I mean really, the cost of a good case for some other device, and then it would be open and you could do pretty much anything you want with it.
Consider yourself lucky you have one that can be unlocked, they're pretty rare these days. I'd say go for it if a custom ROM is your thing, I gave up on that crap long ago - pure stock with some mods (to get it rooted and use Xposed) are all I care about anymore for my MAXX.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh I've been doing really good with stock firmware sms xposed. Bought the phone new and still on jb, but phone runs flawlessly compared to what I've been hearing from those that took the updates.
However, I need lollipop now because I have android auto in my car. I'm debating between paying to unlock it out getting a new phone, maybe the nexus.
It would be an easier decision if there was a stock lollipop update for the maxx.

mistermojorizin said:
It would be an easier decision if there was a stock lollipop update for the maxx.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, hang on to that MAXX and see what happens, the rumor mill is hopping about a potential release of Lollipop for the Ultra/MAXX/Mini at some point, you never know what Verizon will do I suppose.
It's $25 for Sunshine so either fork it over and have some fun trying out stuff on the unlocked device or sell it and get something you can make use of now as required I suppose.

br0adband said:
So, hang on to that MAXX and see what happens, the rumor mill is hopping about a potential release of Lollipop for the Ultra/MAXX/Mini at some point, you never know what Verizon will do I suppose.
It's $25 for Sunshine so either fork it over and have some fun trying out stuff on the unlocked device or sell it and get something you can make use of now as required I suppose.
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i bought sunshine. thanks for the advice

Help needed

I first unlocked my google pixel (Verizon) bootloader, i then went on to try to root it. This went on to go into a boot loop. Me being dumb, forgot that you can just flash the stock firmware. I locked the bootloader. Now im stuck, when i try to boot it gives me the "Your device is corrupt" screen and it goes to the white battery display. I try to reinstall stock firmware and it says i need an unlocked bootloader. In order for me to unlock the bootloader i need usb debugging enabled. I can't get into the phone to enable it so im at a stuck point... I really would appreciate some help. I have extended warranty if Verizon can do anything with that.

Unfortunately, the instructions were pretty clear to not relock the bootloader unless the phone was 100% stock. From what I've seen, you are stuck. Haven't heard anyone recovering from relocking the bootloader with a bad install.
You made the decision to void your warranty when you unlocked the bootloader, so Verizon owes you nothing (extended warranty or not). That being said, they may replace it if you "played dumb" and said it happened during an update, but that poses an ethical quandary. So it's up to you how to proceed.

thanks for the reply
stranula said:
Unfortunately, the instructions were pretty clear to not relock the bootloader unless the phone was 100% stock. From what I've seen, you are stuck. Haven't heard anyone recovering from relocking the bootloader with a bad install.
You made the decision to void your warranty when you unlocked the bootloader, so Verizon owes you nothing (extended warranty or not). That being said, they may replace it if you "played dumb" and said it happened during an update, but that poses an ethical quandary. So it's up to you how to proceed.
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Thanks a ton, yeah gonna try that "playing dumb" tactic today, was thinking the same thing... lets hope it works.

This is why providers lock bootloaders. Passing the cost to them instead of owning up to your screw up. Im sorry you bricked your device but that cost should be on you not verizon.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

jbjancuski said:
Thanks a ton, yeah gonna try that "playing dumb" tactic today, was thinking the same thing... lets hope it works.
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Click to collapse
For your sake, I hope it works. But, as I said, this is ethically questionable (on a personal level) and wrong on a grander level. You took responsibility when you unlocked the bootloader. If you are fortunate and Verizon gives you a new one. Either leave it stock, or read more thoroughly before making changes to your phone.
maulich said:
This is why providers lock bootloaders. Passing the cost to them instead of owning up to your screw up. Im sorry you bricked your device but that cost should be on you not verizon.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Unfortunately, this is absolutely the case. When we make the decision to do things to our phones that operators don't want us doing, we are accepting responsibility for the phone, and if we brick it we should deal with that consequence. But of course, some people aren't really prepared for this reality, and want someone else to get them out of it.

Agreed.......i have had to pay the piper before for my screw ups. Even a brand new device of my wifes that i was trying to get twrp on. Phone was less than 6 hours old and rendered a paper weight. Expensive lessons are a part of life.........The sad thing is verizon will get a ton of these returned for this very thing, and it will only force them to lock down the bootloader even better hurting the individuals who want a little freedom for a better price.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Verizon bootloader?

Is there any way to unlock Verizon bootloader's? My z4 isn't using Verizon for service but it is a Verizon phone. I tried the normal method of unlocking and I'm told by the Moto website that I can't. Is there any work around or service that can do it?

Forget it, forget it forever.

Unfortunately, that's extremely unlikely. If it's a Verizon version - of most, if not all phones - then bootloader/root is out of the question.
On top of that, doesn't seem like there's much attention from devs for the Moto Z line as a whole, so an unofficial unlock is also extremely unlikely.
Only options are wait for Verizon to stop being jerks, wait for someone to come up with a way to unlock their version, or return it and get the unlocked version.

wraith1932 said:
Unfortunately, that's extremely unlikely. If it's a Verizon version - of most, if not all phones - then bootloader/root is out of the question.
On top of that, doesn't seem like there's much attention from devs for the Moto Z line as a whole, so an unofficial unlock is also extremely unlikely.
Only options are wait for Verizon to stop being jerks, wait for someone to come up with a way to unlock their version, or return it and get the unlocked version.
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Click to collapse
.
Well I doubt Verizon will stop being jerks, nobody is ****in with it as far as devs so that's not happenin and I bought it from an individual so there goes returning it.

always6s said:
.
Well I doubt Verizon will stop being jerks, nobody is ****in with it as far as devs so that's not happenin and I bought it from an individual so there goes returning it.
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aren't there ways of root without unlocking??
Just read my system info and everything has been tailored so to speak.

Give it time . Verizon sucks for that. But they did add older Moto z devices to official Moto bootloader unlock. It may be next year if they do.

always6s said:
Is there any way to unlock Verizon bootloader's? My z4 isn't using Verizon for service but it is a Verizon phone. I tried the normal method of unlocking and I'm told by the Moto website that I can't. Is there any work around or service that can do it?
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Click to collapse
I dunno if this is trustworthy, but i found something on myphoneupdate,com/unlock-bootloader-motorola-moto-z4/