Hello all,
As you all probably know there exists a popular brand in India which manufactures Android devices. It is Micromax Informatics Ltd.
This brand has been consistently rejecting to release kernel sources for any of their android devices which is direct violation of GNU GPL v2. And as a consequence of which we Recognized Contributors have initiated a petition in order to get the sources released so we developers can utilize the full potential of these devices.
I request you all both Indian and Non-Indian members, both Micromax and non-Micromax users to please support us by signing the petition at Change.org
Link to petition:
https://www.change.org/en-IN/petiti...pment-proceed-by-releasing-kernel-source-code
I also request you all please send this letter to Micromax over here
Requester: Enter your name.
ID (E-mail): Enter your email address.
Country: Select your country.
Inquiry Type: Select "Request for Kernel Source Codes".
Model: Enter "Your Phone Model No and name".
Message:
Dear Micromax,
A great device becomes GREAT only when software truly compliments the hardware. We, the development community, are striving very hard to achieve that objective. Many users of Android based Micromax devices want to make the phones released by you truly inspirational and surpass any competition. These powerhouses will achieve its true potential only when the development community get the source code of their kernels
It not only benefits the end user but will also be highly beneficial for Micromax in the long run, as these customers will then get utmost satisfaction with their device and will then help in the word-of-mouth publicity of Micromax products all over the world.
A truly inspirational product is born when it inspires the masses and is able to mesmerize the entire world. With great phones like Micromax A100 and A110, we are witnessing a paradigm shift in the mobile industry and need your little help in making this turning point even more monumental.
Besides this, not releasing the sources is a direct violation of GPLv2. It is mandatory for every brand to release the kernel source code for every device they launch.
We hope we will not be disappointed by a customer centric company like yours. Hoping for a positive response.
Warm regards,
A true Micromax fan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Credits to @zoot1 for the reference letter
News: We crossed 1400 signatures!!
Please tweet this on their twitter page over here
https://twitter.com/Micromax_Mobile
Please post this on their facebook page over here
http://www.facebook.com/micromaxinfo
Reserved for more info
Do I change the petition email to the letter in the first post? Seems like a lot more effective than what I've written as the petition email.
Or maybe because people will be sending them independently via the contact page, I'll just let it be.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
Debadatta said:
Do I change the petition email to the letter in the first post? Seems like a lot more effective than what I've written as the petition email.
Or maybe because people will be sending them independently via the contact page, I'll just let it be.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah let it be
Crossed 100 signatures btw
develpoement would be so easy if they release the sources.. lets wait for a +ve reply from them
sandy.9210580511 said:
develpoement would be so easy if they release the sources.. lets wait for a +ve reply from them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, their reply is important this time. Last time what we did was a little bit wrong as it was not constructive.
Anyways did you sent email and posted and tweeted?
Want! Want! Want!
We Want Kernel Source................
We need participation!
We need development!
We need the kernel source!
Signed, and trying to get others to chip in...
a.cid said:
We need participation!
We need development!
We need the kernel source!
Signed, and trying to get others to chip in...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most of the people are active on facebook group and are aware of my each and every post but on xda they aren't.
I will try to redirect some people here again
And thanks for signing
@varun bro....u can add the link to d thread or the petition to ur signature so tht whoever reads any of ur post in any thread in xda, they can sign it...btw, its just a suggestion
Regards
SR
:good:
great work , we all are with u bro....
signed and mailed too hope we come up with something this time
edit:
it would be ideal to give a link to this thread just to inform them what community power can do
Signed and mailed. GPL violations like this do not sit well with me.
Thank you guys
Please spread the word to every friend of you.
We need source. We should get whats ours :highfive:
I have my hopes up This is going to be huge!!
Signed and flooding posts
they need to get banged
they need to get banged harder.
Yeah We need Source Code for better developments !
already signed and mail sent !
@@@ Varun @@@
400+
400+ good going. we need to spread it more.
Yes we need to
Spread on Google+ and on social networking sites.
If you have a blog write it on it
@all
Please see if you can publish this on your blogs!!
Related
Dear Forums,
As we all know, the key to having a truly customizable device is having the source for their builds, and as we also all know, Viewsonic has not released the source code for their Gtablet.
If we all find the correct email to contact, much like all other companies they will be pressured into releasing the source to the community.
Let's get this done.
LETTER
Dear Viewsonic,
We are aware your company has directed many customers calling for technical support to the gTablet sub-forum of xda-developers
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=841
Please consider listening to what the community as asking for.
By using the Linux Kernel in your device you are required by the Free Software Foundation's General Public License (GPLv2) to release the source code for the kernel. If there is any proprietary software involved in said code, then you have the right to protect your investment, and not include that with the source release.
We are entitled to the source to change our tablets in the way we see fit with the full understanding that when we modify our tablets software we remove ourselves from any sort of warranty you may offer.
Furthermore, we would like an open dialog between with your developers concerning the software which is shipped with the gTablet. It well known among the community that the return rate for the gTablet is unnaturally high. The version of Android developed by Tap n Tap does not provide a positive user experience for the average user. By this time you should be aware of such feedback coming from the main distributors of the gTablet, Sears and Staples. This situation will only continue to get worse as detailed professional reviews of this product begin to circulate around the Internet. One such review I am referring to will be posted to Anandtech.com in the next few days.
http://www.anandtech.com/show/4054/first-look-viewsonic-gtablet-and-tegra-2-performance-preview
Barnes and Noble has released a Software Development Kit as well as source code to enable the community to make the Nook Color the best product it can be.
http://www.barnesandnobleinc.com/press_releases/2010_oct_26_nook_developer.html
Please follow their example. By working together we can make the gTablet a real competitor in the burgeoning tablet marketplace.
Sincerely,
The gTablet Community from xda-developers.com
I'll second that. Not sure what we can do, but they should be reminded.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
Viewsonic's main website has a support tab that you can send inquiries. Do you think it would get to the right place if we used that?
The email avenue did not work for me
xmr405o said:
Viewsonic's main website has a support tab that you can send inquiries. Do you think it would get to the right place if we used that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried using the email tech support method for the web site; got this response back:
Dear Mr. Walker,
Thank you for contacting ViewSonic Technical Support.
I apologize but as much as I wanted to assist you with it, the product that you are inquiring about is handled by a different technical department.
You may contact them by calling 1-866-501-6405 between 8am-5pm PST, Monday through Friday.
If you have other technical concerns, feel free to contact us again. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to assist you.
Sincerely,
Josef
ViewSonic Technical Support
(800) 688-6688 (USA)
(866) 463-4775(Canada)
[email protected] said:
I tried using the email tech support method for the web site; got this response back:
Dear Mr. Walker,
Thank you for contacting ViewSonic Technical Support.
I apologize but as much as I wanted to assist you with it, the product that you are inquiring about is handled by a different technical department.
You may contact them by calling 1-866-501-6405 between 8am-5pm PST, Monday through Friday.
If you have other technical concerns, feel free to contact us again. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to assist you.
Sincerely,
Josef
ViewSonic Technical Support
(800) 688-6688 (USA)
(866) 463-4775(Canada)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go for it. it has to drop sooner or later. the more pressure from the community, the better. I'll drop them a line as well.
I get the feeling that instead of taking the time to lock the device down like is done with phones and other android devices, they decided they will just not release the code and hope to stall out mods that way.
TheMongol said:
I get the feeling that instead of taking the time to lock the device down like is done with phones and other android devices, they decided they will just not release the code and hope to stall out mods that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That'd work, except for the fact that it's against the GPL, and that'd be breaking the law. They have to make it available, it's just a matter of pressuring them into doing so sooner than later.
just sent off my second email to viewsonic regarding the gtablet (along with a note telling them to fwd the email accordingly). i will let you guys know if i get a response.
Just called in. They are taking people's contact info that say they are android developers (they started doing that today) and they said they are not doing it to track us or anything like that, but to contact us...like say...when the source is released.
Everybody, call. Emailing isn't going to get you anywhere.
I informed them that they will legally have to release source under GPL, he said he will be passing that up to the developers. It sounds like we may be getting somewhere, but we need to call...the more the merrier. It sounds like they have a small call center so its not how many times you call, but how many different people call at this point.
myndwire said:
That'd work, except for the fact that it's against the GPL, and that'd be breaking the law. They have to make it available, it's just a matter of pressuring them into doing so sooner than later.
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Click to collapse
Oh yes indeed. But that doesn't mean people won't try to get away with things from time to time. Perhaps they are not even aware. I know I am going to call and ask soon even though I just started developing on android.
I called them today, as well - good bunch of people over there and a pleasure to talk with them.
I'm serious - in a world of reps in third world countries speaking broken english and working off a script, the VS reps are a breath of fresh air and Viewsonic should be commended for that alone. I put in my usual request to please release the source and I was told that they will pass it onto the development team.
I don't expect anything to come from it, but they do know who I am and who we are, so I'm hoping that VS management throws us a bone once they realize what a mistake it was adding that TnT layer.
roebeet said:
I called them today, as well - good bunch of people over there and a pleasure to talk with them.
I'm serious - in a world of reps in third world countries speaking broken english and working off a script, the VS reps are a breath of fresh air and Viewsonic should be commented for that alone. I put in my usual request to please release the source and I was told that they will pass it onto the development team.
I don't expect anything to come from it, but they do know who I am and who we are, so I'm hoping that VS management throws us a bone once they realize what a mistake it was adding that TnT layer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. The guy I talked to was pretty cool. He also said that the developers are being very persistent about keeping TnT in place. Very nice to talk to someone that can actually speak English
scsione889 said:
I agree. The guy I talked to was pretty cool, and even he came out and said xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. He also said that the developers are being very persistent about keeping TnT in place. Very nice to talk to someone that can actually speak English
Click to expand...
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Watch out, they read these forums, don't want to get the poor guy fired!
jacindc said:
Watch out, they read these forums, don't want to get the poor guy fired!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
x2 on that! Rule of thumb - if you write something here about a conversation with CS, assume that their management might read it and how that would look.
Just spoke with Mike @ Viewsonic gtablet support. First, they are very nice! Second, Mike said that they are working on a release, but no date yet. Finally, Mike said that they would be posting it to viewsonic.com/gtablet website (and to also check xda-developers.com for other updates).
They also took my e-mail address - hopefully to send out a blast when they are finally able to post it.
BTW, Mike - thanks!
I also have to echo others who have posted here - Thank you, Viewsonic, for having people who can speak English!!
I figured I would do my part as well. I called & spoke to a tech who said they were not releasing it & have no plans to do so. I said its linux based & the GPL says they have to release the source by law. He said they dont support changing the operating system. I said Android is linux based & falls under the GPL. He then transfered me to a senior tech who said:
Tap n tap is proprietary & therefore it doesn’t fall in the GPL. He said the TNT is also horrendous & they want to protect the tap n tap ‘investment’ which is why the source wont be released. They did not ask for my information aside from my first name for the conversation we had. He basically said they were not going to release the source regardless of how many people called. The only way to get it is to sue the company & force them to do so. Obviously, I am not looking to spend more money just to get the source. He knows that, the company knows that & until someone bucks up & hires an attorney, viewsonic doesn’t care.
He did say that they did get a number of calls, he feels for me, he said others have rooted it but tough titties (my summary).
RichTJ99 said:
He basically said they were not going to release the source regardless of how many people called. The only way to get it is to sue the company & force them to do so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Boy, did my blood pressure just skyrocket.
RichTJ99 said:
I figured I would do my part as well. I called & spoke to a tech who said they were not releasing it & have no plans to do so. I said its linux based & the GPL says they have to release the source by law. He said they dont support changing the operating system. I said Android is linux based & falls under the GPL. He then transfered me to a senior tech who said:
Tap n tap is proprietary & therefore it doesn’t fall in the GPL. He said the TNT is also horrendous & they want to protect the tap n tap ‘investment’ which is why the source wont be released. They did not ask for my information aside from my first name for the conversation we had. He basically said they were not going to release the source regardless of how many people called. The only way to get it is to sue the company & force them to do so. Obviously, I am not looking to spend more money just to get the source. He knows that, the company knows that & until someone bucks up & hires an attorney, viewsonic doesn’t care.
He did say that they did get a number of calls, he feels for me, he said others have rooted it but tough titties (my summary).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info.
What I don't understand is why is it that HTC is bound to GPL in that it must release source for its devices even though the majority of HTC devices has the proprietary software, Sense?
I don't think having proprietary software on a device exempts a company from conforming to GPL.
i think they must be new to linux or HTC is very used to dealing with Linux.
The senior tech was sympathetic but was firm in repeating the company plans. Heck their twitter page sais the same exact thing.
It makes me wonder if I should return it.
RichTJ99 said:
i think they must be new to linux or HTC is very used to dealing with Linux.
The senior tech was sympathetic but was firm in repeating the company plans. Heck their twitter page sais the same exact thing.
It makes me wonder if I should return it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree- without source, the gtab won't be able to experience its full potential especially if Viewsonic thinks anyone likes tapntap. Makes me wonder if I should return mine even though (outside of a few annoyances) I really like the device.
Viewsonic has to release source. Their device is Linux based with a proprietary software user interface just like HTC devices. This is ridiculous.
Le Pan Tablet is a awesome and cheap tablet. But after talking with my fellow group members over at Le Pan Group, we've hit a stone. We need the source code. Now we've had insiders who tried too obtain the source code, too no avail.
Now let's take an offensive turn, and start requesting it in the hundreds.
Step 1. E-mail the two address attached.
Step 2. Don't let them blow it off.
Step 3. Please put in your discussion in quote on here.
Keep Pressuring!
Jasmine
[email protected]
Shawn
[email protected]
Rules
1. Don't be offensive; We won't get anywhere.
2. Quote what's happening on your e-mail
3. Good luck.
If you're looking too create a template or find one. Visit Le Pan Group
Case #1133
Kleine eightynine XDA on 12/11/2011 12:44:31 AM
Hey, l am a developer looking too work with the Le Pan Tablet some more. But ran into problems with propriety. Im wondering, are you going too release it? Or has it been released? Can some information be released?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will post more updates when they're available.
Kleine89,
I really admire what you guys are trying to accomplish here. I completely understand and I'm on the same side; unfortunately this isn't the way to do it.
Customer service and technical support is currently run by me training a small team. In fact, I think I just replied to one of your cases lol. We are already swamped with phone calls and cases so this would just increase our workload.
The thing is that we don't have the source code; if I personally had it myself I would probably quietly give it to one of the developers here. It's all up to the software team overseas to release it or not. I've already sent emails to them asking about it and they are discussing it. Seems like they are worried about some copyright issue.
Really sorry to pop your bubble here but please do not flood the support emails with cases regarding the source code. What you could do however, is email these two people asking for it:
Jasmine
[email protected]
Shawn
[email protected]
They are higher up and have direct communication to the software team. As always, please stay professional and respectable.
I'm completely on your side guys; lets get that source code.
Good luck!
nehinbin said:
Kleine89,
I really admire what you guys are trying to accomplish here. I completely understand and I'm on the same side; unfortunately this isn't the way to do it.
Customer service and technical support is currently run by me training a small team. In fact, I think I just replied to one of your cases lol. We are already swamped with phone calls and cases so this would just increase our workload.
The thing is that we don't have the source code; if I personally had it myself I would probably quietly give it to one of the developers here. It's all up to the software team overseas to release it or not. I've already sent emails to them asking about it and they are discussing it. Seems like they are worried about some copyright issue.
Really sorry to pop your bubble here but please do not flood the support emails with cases regarding the source code. What you could do however, is email these two people asking for it:
Jasmine
[email protected]
Shawn
[email protected]
They are higher up and have direct communication to the software team. As always, please stay professional and respectable.
I'm completely on your side guys; lets get that source code.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds good nehinbin - I'll shoot both of them an e-mail.
Honestly it's bull**** because they are using open-source software. Technically it's illegal to keep it hidden away like that. I'm not good on all the legalize and crap but XDA TV and devs here have explained it very well for other companies that tried to do this and they ended up cracking with enough pressure. Hopefully we can get them to the same.
Don't worry though, I'll be totally professional in e-mailing them and won't state where I got the addresses from as I think anyone else who helps with this cause should as well.
Thanks for all your help!
nehinbin said:
Kleine89,
I really admire what you guys are trying to accomplish here. I completely understand and I'm on the same side; unfortunately this isn't the way to do it.
Customer service and technical support is currently run by me training a small team. In fact, I think I just replied to one of your cases lol. We are already swamped with phone calls and cases so this would just increase our workload.
The thing is that we don't have the source code; if I personally had it myself I would probably quietly give it to one of the developers here. It's all up to the software team overseas to release it or not. I've already sent emails to them asking about it and they are discussing it. Seems like they are worried about some copyright issue.
Really sorry to pop your bubble here but please do not flood the support emails with cases regarding the source code. What you could do however, is email these two people asking for it:
Jasmine
[email protected]
Shawn
[email protected]
They are higher up and have direct communication to the software team. As always, please stay professional and respectable.
I'm completely on your side guys; lets get that source code.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your response. Will do. l've changed the guide line now. Sounded like you did. By the way, you've never offended me once, you've been a great help!
Thank you all for respecting my request.
The source code is indeed something that they are legally required to release.
Feel free to send multiple emails on different email accounts. The more pressure they receive, the more they will realize how important it is for them to release it. While you at it, you can also request the ADB drivers and other things.
I have tried them a few time already. The answer I have got is that they don't release source code. What I have got now is I have found the serial port on the 30 pin connecter. Omap3 uses xloader and uboot and will try to boot from external sd card first. I will build my own xloader and uboot and try it out.
Sent from my LG-C900k using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
Hey OP. Might want to remove this thread before we anger nehinbin. He's been pretty good about getting out what he can. If he gets more, I'm sure he'll filter it out to us. When this thread expands over time, some may not read those "important" pleas made earlier.
I'll do what I can.
Since I'm all but a lawyer, as well as a professional writer, I'd be happy to draw up a template, or something more formal, requesting such release, if I am provided, by others here within the ascribed forum, with the background documentation, or links thereto, related to this non-conforming company's obligation to do so.
You get the idea.
you guys mentioned the LePan Group a couple of times. How do I join?
I own a TC970 and would be happy to help. I have experience testing and reporting about roms on my Motorola Droid 1.
Just visit my signature or the link. That's the group. Join and done.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
The real designer company is Innocomm, from Taiwan. Maybe we should put some pressure on them.
cas_xp said:
The real designer company is Innocomm, from Taiwan. Maybe we should put some pressure on them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That'll be tough too crack though.. Damn..
I think the key is to not give up, hopefully with enough pressure and TC979 coming out soon, they'll release the source for the TC970 since they aren't manufacturing anymore from what I understand.
Keep the pressure on everyone.
Not just kernel source, but also Uboot(iboot) and x-loader(iloader) source, even they rename it.
Here is the link for violation GPL:
http://http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-violation.html
http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-violation.html
Fix of broken link. One too many http's.
Kleine89 said:
Just visit my signature or the link. That's the group. Join and done.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried accessing the group from several threads already and keep getting an invalid social group page. Am I doing anything wrong?
cas_xp said:
Not just kernel source, but also Uboot(iboot) and x-loader(iloader) source, even they rename it.
Here is the link for violation GPL:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Farscaper said:
Fix of broken link. One too many http's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought android was released under the Apache license. So the advice for gnu violations may not apply. It may be better if there were some similar but Apache specific directions on how to deal with violations.
Edit: sorry I'm a new user so I can't be trusted to post links, even in quotes
Android is under Apache license, but it is based on Linux kernel, which is under GPL
sockbot said:
I thought android was released under the Apache license. So the advice for gnu violations may not apply. It may be better if there were some similar but Apache specific directions on how to deal with violations.
Edit: sorry I'm a new user so I can't be trusted to post links, even in quotes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my TC970 (Wi-Fi) using XDA App
I gave it a try with both emails and mentioned the possible GNU violation.
If any luck I will post back here.
So I've been attempting to get HTC to comply with the GPL license and release the source code for the One S (one x needs it too), and I got the standard 90-120 day response. However, this isn't acceptable, as that's 90-120 violations of the GPL license, which requires that they provide it to you upon request, not "in 90-120 days".
I've responded to them again, reminding them of their duty to lawfully abide by the terms. I urge each of you to do the same, and in a calm, collected manner.
I'm not sure where your open source community requirements came from, but with all due respect, 90 to 120 days is not acceptable. I think it's important that I point out to you HTC's lawful obligation to abide by the terms of the General Public License (GPL) v2, as the Linux kernel that HTC uses for its Android phones requires that HTC release its source code immediately. As this device has now been released in at least 2 countries, HTC must follow that obligation, and in a timely manner. 90 to 120 days is in no way a timely manner, and accounts for a significant percentage of the device's realistic life as a current HTC product.
If you'll note in the GPL v2 License, there is no 90-120 day grace period for releasing source code. If HTC has provided the Linux kernel binary to any single customer (in this case, it has been delivered via many HTC One S's), then HTC is obligated to provide a copy, upon request, of that specific source code (in this case, the T-Mobile USA HTC One S). Section 3 of TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR COPYING, DISTRIBUTION AND MODIFICATION makes clear note of these terms.
HTCdev.com has been a definite improvement on HTC's stance regarding source code distribution and openness, but there is much work that is needed to be done. In particular, the timeliness of providing source code is still troubling. HTC makes great phones, but still has a duty to the open source community. There is certainly something to gain by abiding by these terms and distributing the source code to the community. Many technology enthusiasts and developers are eager to get their hands on the code and make their own improvements. The HTC One V model, which has been released alongside the One S and One X, already has its source code posted on the HTCdev website. However, the One S and One X (all variants) are STILL lacking, and each day that HTC delays is a willful violation of the GPL.
I respectfully request that you release the source code for my device in a timely manner. It would be in the best interests of both HTC and the open source software community, and can only serve to strengthen HTC's relationship with the community.
Thank you kindly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, looks like they're eager to play ball, and I don't mean that in a good way. Any of you EU folks care to remind them that the device has been out over a month over there across the pond? The more pressure the better.
Dear Nick,
I appreciate your input concerning the availability of the kernel source codes for our Android devices. I realize that you are eager to get the source code for your device; but this device is a recent release in the US market. I would recommend you keep an eye on the HTC Developer website for further source code release information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well written that !!
Mind if i copy and paste it ? and re send it to them ?
Sure, my letter is "open-sourced" . Feel free to modify and make any improvements. They're trying to use the excuse that it's a recent release, yet you EU guys have had it for several weeks now, so I'm interested to see how they'll respond to you. Make sure you use your EU model in your letter.
The thing that kills me is that they think that 90-120 days is acceptable. That's 3-4 months. In 3-4 months, HTC will already be over 50% complete with some sort of new phone, and the One S will no longer be in its youthful stages. When a phone lasts you 2 yrs on average, 90-120 days is a significant period of time. One of the things that attracts developers to a phone community is the availability of the source code. Until then, interest will continue to remain what it is now.
Oh man, my first post here. Coming from a Legend, stuff's new
So, I guess I'll translate that WoT and write it to the german HTC Support, let's see their response!
bump.
bump. maybe we could get this stickied until they release the code? Its currently a major development issue.
How long does HTC usually need to respond? Sent my request yesterday, let's hope they'll get the code to the devs as fast as possible ._.
I received a response in about 2 days.
phin586 said:
I received a response in about 2 days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Telling you to please wait 90-120 days? If so, respond back, remind them every single day is a willful violation of the GPL license. If they've distributed the kernel in binary form to ANY SINGLE CUSTOMER (as it is on the phone), then they're obligated to provide the source code for that specific binary. And we've got plenty of binaries out in the wild, in both the EU and US, and under multiple versions.
HTC is playing games once again, and their approach to developers is once again becoming a joke. I don't understand what's so difficult about following the rules.
Sometimes they'll even play the "it's not in a readable format" card. Only problem there is -- if it's not readable, then how on Earth did they develop it? It's gotta be readable in order to make it in the first place.
Let's see what the german support has to say about this
I'd love to see my One S being S-Off. I want that stock ICS
@nickmv, Of course I did. Hopefully it helps.
---------- Post added at 11:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:26 PM ----------
Oh. I also reported the violation to gnu.org
I suggest you all do the same.
http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-violation.html
bump.
Keep hammering them, folks.
nickmv said:
bump.
Keep hammering them, folks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Someone needs to link this thread in the one X forum
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA
Once I get my hands on my very own One S tomorrrow I will contact the Dutch HTC. Even though I dont dislike sense at all development is in everyones best interest!
Sent from my GT-S5660 using XDA
Ah, my generic reply...
Thank you for your reply. I understand your concerns with the situation John, but rest assured that we will release the kernel source within 90 to 120 days John. We thank you for your patience while awaiting the sources to be posted, and thank you for being a part of the HTC community.
If this answers your comment or question, please click here to complete the process.
To submit another comment, please click here.
Sincerely,
The HTCDev Team
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Click to collapse
Ok so i emailed them yesterday and this is their reply
Thanks for contacting HTC.
Reagrding your email about One X kernel source code, HTC are currently in the process of providing the HTC One X and One S Kernel Source Codes via the HTCDev website.
We have already uploaded the One V code and hope to provide the One X and One S very soon. Please keep checking the HTCDev site, http://htcdev.com, over the coming weeks for the source codes you are after.
I hope this information meets with your approval, please don't hesitate to reply if you require further assistance.
Let me know if I have successfully answered your question, please click here to complete this.
To send a reply to this message, please click here.
Sincerely,
Jason
HTC
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Click to collapse
I have replied to that above message with this.
Thanks for the quick reply, However i do not understand why it is taking HTC so long to release this, The One S has been available for several weeks now, It was released before the One V and yet the Kernel source code for that phone is available.. The android community is open source, And with HTC delaying the release of the source code is breaching the conditions mentioned in the GPL. You have the code otherwise the phone wouldn't have been released, So why cant you just release it immediately? Why are you delaying it ? The longer HTC hold it, The slower development for this device is, Which is not fair on people like me who want to speed development up for this device. Telling me that the codes will be released 'in a few weeks' is barbaric I would like an estimated time frame. The main thing i want to know is why you haven't released it already. Thank you
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Click to collapse
EDIT: Their reply to the above is:
Dear aaron maher,
Thansk for your reply.
I do appreciate your need for this data, but am not permitted to enter into speculation or personal discussion.
We have to wait for the Dev teams to upload it to the website, I can only apologise this is causing you frustration.
Please be assured, it is something there working towards and will be avaiable there soon.
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Click to collapse
I find that extremely rude ! dont you ??
azzledazzle said:
Ok so i emailed them yesterday and this is their reply
I have replied to that above message with this.
EDIT: Their reply to the above is:
I find that extremely rude ! dont you ??
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Click to collapse
Absolutely. Gotta remember, half of this is complete bull****. At least they're not going overboard and pulling the "it's not in readable format" crap.
azzledazzle said:
Ok so i emailed them yesterday and this is their reply
I have replied to that above message with this.
EDIT: Their reply to the above is:
I find that extremely rude ! dont you ??
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Click to collapse
Yes, quite rude, I assume this person is the Jason who replied your first email. He must have not been trained properly regarding what customer satisfaction means nor how to reply in a professional language without copy/paste existing answers.
However, just don't piss off because of this, I have had the "honour" to visit one call centre (not HTC) and chatted to the senior manager in CS department and the front line support staff. It is a common problem that the front line customer service staff most of time do not know exactly what they are talking about nor have enough knowledge to answer non-standard question. I assume the team replying email is the same. So basically unless they ask their manager your question, you won't get satisfied answer. However, they won't because it will show that they are lack of knowledge and directly affect their appraisal.
Shame... but do send email to them so they will eventually understand how to satisfy this question.
Keep hammering at them guys!
Dear all members,
As you all probably know about a popular brand in India which manufactures Android devices. It is Karbonn Mobiles.Inspired by the petition signed against MICROMAX i also thought to do the same.
This brand has been consistently rejecting to release kernel sources for any of their android devices which is direct violation of GNU GPL v2. And as a consequence of which we senior members have initiated a petition in order to get the sources released so we members/developers can utilize the full potential of these devices.
I request all the persons to sign this petition whether they are Karbonn or NON-Karbonn users to please support us by signing the petition at Change.org
Link to petition:
Sign this important petition(as this your benefit only)
I also request you all please send this letter to Karbonn over HERE
Requester: Enter your name.
ID (E-mail): Enter your email address.
Country: Select your country.
Inquiry Type: Select "Request for Kernel Source Codes".
Model: Enter "Your Phone Model No and name".
Message:
Dear Karbonn,
We, the development community, are striving very hard to achieve that objective. Many users of Android based Karbonn devices want to make the phones released by you truly inspirational and surpass any competition. These powerhouses will achieve its true potential only when the development community get the source code of their kernels
It not only benefits the end user but will also be highly beneficial for Karbonn in the long run, as these customers will then get utmost satisfaction with their device and will then help in the word-of-mouth publicity of Karbonn products all over the world.
A truly inspirational product is born when it inspires the masses and is able to mesmerize the entire world. With great phones like Karbonn A21 and A9+, we are witnessing a paradigm shift in the mobile industry and need your little help in making this turning point even more monumental.
Besides this, not releasing the sources is a direct violation of GPLv2. It is mandatory for every brand to release the kernel source code for every device they launch.
We hope we will not be disappointed by a customer centric company like yours. Hoping for a positive response.
Warm regards,
A true Karbonn fan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Signed and email send.
Signed!
Signed! Hopefully they will release the source code!
Reply from Karbonn
I got a reply from Karbonn Mobile
Code:
Dear Customer,
Thank you for contacting Karbonn Customer Care.
With reference to your query regarding Request for Kernel Source Codes,
we would like to inform you that please share your contact number.
So, that we can contact you to resolve your query.
We hope the information provided above is up to your satisfaction so we request
you to provide your valuable feedback in order to improve our customer service.
For any assistance please feel free to call us at 18001024660, our Customer
Care toll-free number from Monday to Saturday (10am to 6PM).
Thanks & Regards
Atul Gupta
Customer Support
Karbonn Mobile
arunmcops said:
I got a reply from Karbonn Mobile
Code:
Dear Customer,
Thank you for contacting Karbonn Customer Care.
With reference to your query regarding Request for Kernel Source Codes,
we would like to inform you that please share your contact number.
So, that we can contact you to resolve your query.
We hope the information provided above is up to your satisfaction so we request
you to provide your valuable feedback in order to improve our customer service.
For any assistance please feel free to call us at 18001024660, our Customer
Care toll-free number from Monday to Saturday (10am to 6PM).
Thanks & Regards
Atul Gupta
Customer Support
Karbonn Mobile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
give them ur contact no. and try that if you get any response
Is the kernel source enough for custom ROM development? Why not the entire device tree(excluding proprietary stuff) like Samsung does? (correct me if I'm wrong)
I also sent an email to karbonn and signed d petition...
Sent from my A9 using Tapatalk 2
Shark- said:
Is the kernel source enough for custom ROM development? Why not the entire device tree(excluding proprietary stuff) like Samsung does? (correct me if I'm wrong)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that they will never gonna release because they dont have the copyrights.
The Droid Master said:
that they will never gonna release because they dont have the copyrights.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't get it, where does copyright come into picture?
Signed and email sent to Karbonn:good:
Shark- said:
I don't get it, where does copyright come into picture?
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Click to collapse
according to the GPL license2 the company who holds the copyright has to release its kernel code source but karbonn don't holds that.There may be some chinese company who holds this.
HMMM....i want everybody to spread this then only we can get positive results..:highfive:
Signed...............................:good:
signed!
Signed.
signed
Sent from my S100 using xda premium
I am from Iran ! i bought A9+ when i was there as a tourist ! It's powerful and cheap , better than many other that are more expensive ! but without source code , I'm sure that karbonn won't go to international markets ! we the buyers and Developers must have codes to test , try and then offer others to buy this !
I Singed and hope they response to people !
signed and sent mail.... LONG LIVE OPEN SOURCISM AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Signed and emailed. I m no big developer but I'd love to flash some custom rooms on my phone.
Sent from my A15 using Tapatalk 2
Just 18 more signatures needed to reach 1500 signature mark guys spread this petion over every where and try to spread through every medium as we have thousands of Karbonn users.:victory::victory:
Dear all members,
As you all probably know about a popular brand in India which manufactures Android devices. It is SpiceMobiles.Inspired by the petition signed against Karbonn Mobiles Petition i also thought to do the same.
This brand has been consistently rejecting to release kernel sources for any of their android devices which is direct violation of GNU GPL v2. And as a consequence of which we senior members have initiated a petition in order to get the sources released so we members/developers can utilize the full potential of these devices.
I request all the persons to sign this petition whether they are Spice or NON-Spice users to please support us by signing the petition at Change.org
Link to petition:
Please Sign This Petition
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also request you all please send this letter to Spice over HERE
Requester: Enter your name.
ID (E-mail): Enter your email address.
Country: Select your country.
Inquiry Type: Select "Request for Kernel Source Codes".
Model: Enter "Your Phone Model No and name".
Message:
Dear Spice,
We, the development community, are striving very hard to achieve that objective. Many users of Android based Spice devices want to make the phones released by you truly inspirational and surpass any competition. These powerhouses will achieve its true potential only when the development community get the source code of their kernels
It not only benefits the end user but will also be highly beneficial for Spice in the long run, as these customers will then get utmost satisfaction with their device and will then help in the word-of-mouth publicity of Spice products all over the world.
A truly inspirational product is born when it inspires the masses and is able to mesmerize the entire world. With great phones like Spice Horizon and , we are witnessing a paradigm shift in the mobile industry and need your little help in making this turning point even more monumental.
Besides this, not releasing the sources is a direct violation of GPLv2. It is mandatory for every brand to release the kernel source code for every device they launch.
We hope we will not be disappointed by a customer centric company like yours. Hoping for a positive response.
Warm regards,
A true Spice fan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any reason why it would be in their favor to withhold the sources? I'd like to hope they're doing it for a rational reason.
alpha-niner64 said:
Any reason why it would be in their favor to withhold the sources? I'd like to hope they're doing it for a rational reason.
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Click to collapse
if they will release their sources then more devs will come for their devices and bcoz of that more people will buy their products
Plz guys sign that petition as me and the droid master give our time to make it and without ur help it is impossible to make spice to give source.. . It will only take ur 2 min.
Sent from my iOS 5 using xda premium
Changelog..
We have reached 8.. need more..
now 11..
On the way now 15..
Now 28 keep going
Where to sign dude tell
Sent from my Spice Mi-530 using xda app-developers app
orphansmith said:
Where to sign dude tell
Sent from my Spice Mi-530 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well go to this link
https://www.change.org/en-IN/petiti...ment-proceed-by-releasing-kernel-source-code#