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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.
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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.
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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 ??
Click to expand...
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!
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
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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...
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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!!
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?
Click to expand...
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:
I know its so painfully obvious, but has anyone actually tried to contact samsung to get the development resources we need? Drivers and the such.
Beyond a doubt they left this phone to sink a long time ago, but the sidekick community is die-hard and all we want is the phone we thought we were getting. And we can have that phone, with no added work by Sasung - we have the devs and the will! We only need the way.
It would not be too difficult to draft a polite but demanding business letter/ petition and have all of us send it in. Shoot, if we got the story to the XDA mods we could probably get support site-wide for "dedicated sidekick/android enthusiasts want freedom for their phone - device never allowed upgrade from froyo". You guys might see this as stretching it, but a majority of people on XDA have samsung devices and would hate to see their own development halted by the company.
Strength in numbers. Not to mention, this kind of outcry would show samsung that the sidekick (keyboard devices) are still sought after and will be fought for. Somewhere in our petition should say the resources are just to hold us over until they release the next model which will NOT get treated like the red-headed stepchild the 4G did.
You'd be surprised what a small, vocal group can get done. If anyone has any background on this type of thing, say so. if nobody else steps up I will write it tuesday-Thursday and post it for any revisions, then we can each take a copy and send it. Even a simple facebook page or cheap website would add so much to this cause.
Sent from my SGH-T839 using xda app-developers app
Tsloble said:
I know its so painfully obvious, but has anyone actually tried to contact samsung to get the development resources we need? Drivers and the such.
Beyond a doubt they left this phone to sink a long time ago, but the sidekick community is die-hard and all we want is the phone we thought we were getting. And we can have that phone, with no added work by Sasung - we have the devs and the will! We only need the way.
It would not be too difficult to draft a polite but demanding business letter/ petition and have all of us send it in. Shoot, if we got the story to the XDA mods we could probably get support site-wide for "dedicated sidekick/android enthusiasts want freedom for their phone - device never allowed upgrade from froyo". You guys might see this as stretching it, but a majority of people on XDA have samsung devices and would hate to see their own development halted by the company.
Strength in numbers. Not to mention, this kind of outcry would show samsung that the sidekick (keyboard devices) are still sought after and will be fought for. Somewhere in our petition should say the resources are just to hold us over until they release the next model which will NOT get treated like the red-headed stepchild the 4G did.
You'd be surprised what a small, vocal group can get done. If anyone has any background on this type of thing, say so. if nobody else steps up I will write it tuesday-Thursday and post it for any revisions, then we can each take a copy and send it. Even a simple facebook page or cheap website would add so much to this cause.
Sent from my SGH-T839 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm for it. I think it's a great idea to sign a petition requesting to Samsung at least a test build of Gingerbread. :good:
Agreed broda's we have to do this.:thumbup:
Sent from my SGH-T839 using xda app-developers app
I like the idea! I'm not a dev so I wouldn't be able to write the letter, but I can help edit.
I will write up a draft tomorrow after my studies, leaving the appropriate "technical" spots easily editable so that we can get exactly what we need from Samsung per the Devs instruction.
Thank you guys for your support on this, I truly believe good can come of this!
Maybe we can direct them to our sidekick wishlist thread while we're at it ;D
Sent from my SGH-T839 using xda app-developers app
I would definitely help to, but English is not my main language. So i would try to help with the petition!
If samsung releases the driver source code I can make a stable CM6 and a BETA CM7 for this community. Butttttttt.....I don't see it happening.
Im up for it, count me in. Sure never doubt the power and determination of an online community especially an open source one like xda
I doubt anything would happen for sk4g. We did similar things in the sgs4g community. Samsung is more like honey badger...
Of course we should try, but i'm not sure that Samsung will help us after 2 years of doing nothing....
I'll post it up within the half hour - this week was busier than expected. And unless Samsung completely destroyed everything relating to our device, it should be as simple as a developers release right?
Sent from my SGH-T839 using xda app-developers app
Tsloble said:
I'll post it up within the half hour - this week was busier than expected. And unless Samsung completely destroyed everything relating to our device, it should be as simple as a developers release right?
Sent from my SGH-T839 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup
Here is draft one. Feel free to download the doc and make adjustments. Let's just be sure that the majority of our community agree on the final product and then we can take action. I will be sending out the story to Gizmodo/Engadget and stuff too... If this isn't an underdog tech story I don't know what is. You guys might think that's over the top, but it's just not right for a company to abandon their customer and it is never too late to make amends.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a formal petition regarding the Samsung SGH-T839 device (T-Mobile Sidekick 4G).
We, the loyal consumers (and other), request through this petition that you kindly release development information & resources regarding the SGH-T839. This request is being made due to the absolute lack of support and development for this device since its launch April 20th, 2011. Please note that this device shipped with Android Operating System (Android from this point) Version 2.2 “Froyo” which was released May 20th, 2010. This is despite the fact that the SGH-T839 launch date was over four months after the release of Android Version 2.3 “Gingerbread” (released December 6th, 2010).
Not only was the device shipped with an outdated operating system, but a Kies / Over the Air Update to Gingerbread was never released. This came as a shock to all loyal consumers of the SGH-T839 as Samsung continued to update other devices to the new Android version and release new devices with Gingerbread already installed. In addition to the lack of support, the SGH-T839 had many bugs such as a keystroke logger within the system, the keyboard software missed keystrokes, and frequent Force-Close of applications.
These problems, amongst others, have been thoroughly logged by the XDA Developers Community (www.xda-developers.com). Amazingly, there is a large community of SGH-T839 users that are dedicated to the device and have managed to correct many of the software-related defects that were shipped with the device. This petition requests that Samsung release the following development items to the XDA Development Community, that the loyal consumer of their product may be able to enjoy everything that the SGH-T839 is capable of:
We urge you not to overlook this petition, as it is being circulated amongst several online communities that are dedicated to the Android Open Source Project for support. The influence of these communities over Samsung’s broader handheld-device customer base runs very deep; the XDA Developers Community alone has over 4.7 million registered users. We, the loyal consumer (and other), anticipate a prompt response to this matter. We also look forward to increased involvement from Samsung pertaining to the Android Open Source Project and hopefully a future device with similar form-factor of the SGH-T839.
Sincerely,
Edit 2: Was just thinking maybe "Release source to XDA community should be create developers release pack or something?
Tsloble said:
Here is draft one. Feel free to download the doc and make adjustments. Let's just be sure that the majority of our community agree on the final product and then we can take action. I will be sending out the story to Gizmodo/Engadget and stuff too... If this isn't an underdog tech story I don't know what is. You guys might think that's over the top, but it's just not right for a company to abandon their customer and it is never too late to make amends.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a formal petition regarding the Samsung SGH-T839 device (T-Mobile Sidekick 4G).
We, the loyal consumers (and other), request through this petition that you kindly release development information & resources regarding the SGH-T839. This request is being made due to the absolute lack of support and development for this device since its launch April 20th, 2011. Please note that this device shipped with Android Operating System (Android from this point) Version 2.2 “Froyo” which was released May 20th, 2010. This is despite the fact that the SGH-T839 launch date was over four months after the release of Android Version 2.3 “Gingerbread” (released December 6th, 2010).
Not only was the device shipped with an outdated operating system, but a Kies / Over the Air Update to Gingerbread was never released. This came as a shock to all loyal consumers of the SGH-T839 as Samsung continued to update other devices to the new Android version and release new devices with Gingerbread already installed. In addition to the lack of support, the SGH-T839 had many bugs such as a keystroke logger within the system, the keyboard software missed keystrokes, and frequent Force-Close of applications.
These problems, amongst others, have been thoroughly logged by the XDA Developers Community (www.xda-developers.com). Amazingly, there is a large community of SGH-T839 users that are dedicated to the device and have managed to correct many of the software-related defects that were shipped with the device. This petition requests that Samsung release the following development items to the XDA Development Community, that the loyal consumer of their product may be able to enjoy everything that the SGH-T839 is capable of:
We urge you not to overlook this petition, as it is being circulated amongst several online communities that are dedicated to the Android Open Source Project for support. The influence of these communities over Samsung’s broader handheld-device customer base runs very deep; the XDA Developers Community alone has over 4.7 million registered users. We, the loyal consumer (and other), anticipate a prompt response to this matter. We also look forward to increased involvement from Samsung pertaining to the Android Open Source Project and hopefully a future device with similar form-factor of the SGH-T839.
Sincerely,
Edit 2: Was just thinking maybe "Release source to XDA community should be create developers release pack or something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think we should ask for the release source for devoleping
I do not believe any of the official ROMs had the keystroke print statements enabled... someone can correct me if I'm wrong.
I'm not sure if I understand what you are asking Samsung for. Any partially complete work toward GB they might have laying around? Not to curse our chances, but I think they are not likely to release source for proprietary drivers.
Be very clear about what you're asking for. They might seriously consider one such request, if it is well reasoned, and within their power to grant.
One other thing to consider is sending this petition to T-Mobile as well. They can exert considerably more pressure on Samsung.
I left the "specific request" blank. It goes at the end of the 2nd to last paragraph after the colon. That's why it looks like I didn't ask for anything. If someone with the knowledge wants to give that list, it can be added and the other revisions can be made.
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Good first draft. Keep in mind your audience, though. We're unlikely to get Samsung to help us by insulting them. For example, "due to the absolute lack of support and development for this device" should be replaced with a different reason. You attract more flies with honey than vinegar. Maybe something about how the device has great potential, especially with the physical keyboard, but has been limited by its operating system. Speaking of keyboards, didn't pretty much all or most ROMs at the time come with the so-called key-logger? Also, keep in mind that Samsung and T-Mobile have no interest in supporting the Sidekick because they don't make any more money off it. They make money by getting people to upgrade to new phones. So whatever we ask them has to be easy for them, like just releasing to developers whatever they have lying around that isn't proprietary. Lastly, it's a bit misleading to say there are X million XDA members. The vast majority of them couldn't care less about the SK; I'm sure the SK community is rather small. Maybe highlight this fact: there are a few of us developers who love the SK as a development machine but our hands are tied because we don't have the code, etc. etc.
marathonjon said:
Good first draft. Keep in mind your audience, though. We're unlikely to get Samsung to help us by insulting them. For example, "due to the absolute lack of support and development for this device" should be replaced with a different reason. You attract more flies with honey than vinegar. Maybe something about how the device has great potential, especially with the physical keyboard, but has been limited by its operating system. Speaking of keyboards, didn't pretty much all or most ROMs at the time come with the so-called key-logger? Also, keep in mind that Samsung and T-Mobile have no interest in supporting the Sidekick because they don't make any more money off it. They make money by getting people to upgrade to new phones. So whatever we ask them has to be easy for them, like just releasing to developers whatever they have lying around that isn't proprietary. Lastly, it's a bit misleading to say there are X million XDA members. The vast majority of them couldn't care less about the SK; I'm sure the SK community is rather small. Maybe highlight this fact: there are a few of us developers who love the SK as a development machine but our hands are tied because we don't have the code, etc. etc.
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Totally agree with this.
T-Mobile knows that they have everything because of loyal customers, not to mention how many of the hundreds of thousands of people who owned Sidekicks. Samsung understands this which is obviously why they decided to pick up the device two years ago.
Play this to our advantage. Tug on their heartstrings, so to speak.
Yeah, I agree. Haha I guess this letter wasn't the place to let my frustrations out ;P
Sent from my SGH-T839 using xda app-developers app
Even after many petitions, complaints at various forums, Micromax Pvt. Ltd is not planning to release any GPL Sources for their Android handsets
I am calling in all those interested in filing a lawsuit against Micromax for not releasing the kernel code.
If you are interested to do this, PM Me. The more users we have the more impact we can make. I believe they should not be allowed to get away with monetizing other people's work without respecting the licensing terms behind this.
With a good lawyer, its even possible to make them stop selling the product. May be that would wake them up.
Cheers!
All their crap comes from China, zelendel said something about this not being possible in one of the earlier threads.
roofrider said:
All their crap comes from China, zelendel said something about this not being possible in one of the earlier threads.
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I know that they import Chinese handsets and re brand them. But this fact will not protect them, as they are listed as a manufacturer and not a supplier. I believe we can give them a good shake down with enough people behind this.
sarath.er said:
I know that they import Chinese handsets and re brand them. But this fact will not protect them, as they are listed as a manufacturer and not a supplier. I believe we can give them a good shake down with enough people behind this.
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Sry to have called your phone as crap. Worth a try, but i doubt if you'll find many supporters as there are only a few who use micromax and only a small portion of them are on xda i believe. cmiiw. But that doesn't matter,can get people to sign the petition irrespective of that .
Comeon man i am with you we want kernel source codes
roofrider said:
All their crap comes from China, zelendel said something about this not being possible in one of the earlier threads.
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roofrider said:
Sry to have called your phone as crap. Worth a try, but i doubt if you'll find many supporters as there are only a few who use micromax and only a small portion of them are on xda i believe. cmiiw. But that doesn't matter,can get people to sign the petition irrespective of that .
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Infact, I don't own any micromax phones. I am doing this just for the community. But before I get the lawyers ready, I will buy some ****ty phone of theirs so that I will be a customer and they will be bound to the GPL.
sarath.er said:
Infact, I don't own any micromax phones. I am doing this just for the community. But before I get the lawyers ready, I will buy some ****ty phone of theirs so that I will be a customer and they will be bound to the GPL.
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That's good! Cheers!! I'm a no0b when it comes to this. Are we talking about consumer court?