Database Info

UPDATE4: Razr to S3 swap worked Got S3. :)

I am asking because I got the 4.0.4 update for my razr and now flash is dead. It just won't work on stock and I don't want to flash a rom on it, because I have had hardware issues with it in the past.
After being on the phone with them for 2-2.5 hours. They said I could get a HTC Rezound, but not a S3. I don't really buy this can't have a S3 just because I got my phone last year crap. They are both 199 2 year and 599 Full Retail. ( That's a rip off for the razr, but I am going to try and use this if I can because I have all ways like samsung better.
If they are willing to give me a Rezound do you think I can/should push for a S3.
I am really not a HTC fan and love my S2, best phone EVER. I would like to know if this can be done or if this more like to end in epic fail trying to swap a razr for a S3.
Note's I have tried:
1) About 4-5 web browsers ( Fire fox, Dolphin, sky fire, stock Browser and Chrome.)
2) Factory reset
3) HTML 5 ( It work's poorly to say the lest when I can find it that is.)
4) Using app's for every thing and it feels like a iphone. ( I did not buy a phone like this so I would need app's that are not as good as the web site.)
Update: Got them to let me do the "impossible" yet again and swap a razr for S3.
I told them I would not take a phone with a lot less battery life and would flat out not take the nexus. I also told them that your online store say's it works with flash still and list ICS on there too. Well after I went into that, they put me on hold for a bit and bam I get a 16GB S3 shipping right to my house with a order # in a text msg to my razr. now waiting for the e-mail.
Update2: Got the shipping e-mail and will now be able to track the phone in till it's on my door step. Oh yea
Update4: Got the phone. OH YEA
Battery still not here yet.

4ktvs said:
I am asking because I got the 4.0.4 update for my razr and now flash is dead. It just won't work on stock and I don't want to flash a rom on it, because I have had hardware issues with it in the past.
After being on the phone with them for 2-2.5 hours. They said I could get a HTC Rezound, but not a S3. I don't really buy this can't have a S3 just because I got my phone last year. They are both 199 2 year and 599 Full Retail. ( That's a rip off for the razr, but I am going to try and use this if I can because I have all ways like samsung better.
So does flash work and if so do you think I should push for a S3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash works on the native browser for the S3.

Ok just wanted to be sure.
Edit: does it come with flash and if not can you download it from the play store or side load it?
thanks

Flash works fine. Flash doesn't work in chrome on any phone. A lot of sites are transitioning to HTML5 but compliance is very spotty, at best.

jsb5388 said:
Flash works on the native browser for the S3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it does.
I get a big kick out of demonstrating this regularly to all the iphone users I work with.......

I know it does not work on chrome, but 3 techs working for verizon told me to try that. +100000000000000000 to the HTML 5 comment. That's why losing flash on my razr sucked so much and that I would not just lie down on this issue. Oh and even when I can find HTML 5.... It does not work/ very "laggy" on my razr. That update has really messed the phone up.

4ktvs said:
I know it does not work on chrome, but 3 techs working for verizon told me to try that. +100000000000000000 to the HTML 5 comment. That's why losing flash on my razr sucked so much and that I would not just lie down on this issue. Oh and even when I can find HTML 5.... It does not work/ very "laggy" on my razr. That update has really messed the phone up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you use Dolphin HD on your phone? I think it supports Flash natively, if I'm not mistaken. Nice browser too.
Sent from my SCH-R530U using Tapatalk 2

That will not work, becuase the Razr OS it's self is the issue. It's doomed because motorola is crap. I with them for about over a hour and verizon for 2-2.5 hours. I tryed Dolphin, fire fox, Chorome. (Becuase they told me too) Then they acted like this was OK. BS verizon, BS. Flash does not end intill JB NOT ICS you ********.
I have to take the HTC or call back and try for a S3.

Updating your phone is supposed to add features, not remove them. WTF is Verizon and Motorola thinking? Why doesn't it support flash anymore? I'm with you.. what a bunch of assholes!

ancashion said:
Updating your phone is supposed to add features, not remove them. WTF is Verizon and Motorola thinking? Why doesn't it support flash anymore? I'm with you.. what a bunch of assholes!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They try real hard to say it's google ICS does not work with flash and that flash did it, but I got them real good one that one( Called them out BIG time on this BS). This ICS has broke more than just flash, call's sound like trash now, youtube APP look's like 240p on HQ and more.
Glad your with me, so are two store reps. I think tomorrow I will call again and tell them I want the S3 and I won't take a phone way less battery life (The HTC phone) or else... court time for braking a feature that I got the phone for. I know flash won't live forever, but this is BS.
I would have called today, but I did not really have the time.

4ktvs said:
They try real hard to say it's google ICS does not work with flash and that flash did it, but I got them real good one that one( Called them out BIG time on this BS). This ICS has broke more than just flash, call's sound like trash now, youtube APP look's like 240p on HQ and more.
Glad your with me, so are two store reps. I think tomorrow I will call again and tell them I want the S3 and I won't take a phone way less battery life (The HTC phone) or else... court time for braking a feature that I got the phone for. I know flash won't live forever, but this is BS.
I would have called today, but I did not really have the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should get some of your fellow RAZR users to file BBB complaints.
Better fire some off to the FCC as well. Seriously.
If we don't stand up to Verizon, soon, it will be too late. That whole "speak now or forever hold your peace" thing.
They take our apps, they take our options and then they want to take more money. **** them.

What is it in the razr's software that is crippling flash. If you have flash player installed and a browser that supports it I don't know why it wouldn't work. Flash worked fine on eclair, froyo, gingerbread, ice cream sandwich and jelly bean on my old evo 4g...It worked fine on froyo &gb my my girlfriends old DROID 2 and it works like a champ on the s3. I just don't see how it can be dependant on anything other than the browser and flash player... Am I missing something?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

They don't seem to give a flying **** and every time some one says any thing all the fan boy's kill it any way they can. My best bet is to force them to give me a S3 vs them fixing a update. I know I am never buying a droid branded phone ever again, that's for sure. You should herd the a-holes, talking like braking crap is ok, becuase flash is ending some time, but NOT now. You lazy BLEEPING crap holes.
P.S I don't know why it does not work too, the OS is a big mess with this update so that's likely why. Yes it is 100% stock by the way
Edit: can any one think of a better tile? thanks

4ktvs said:
I am asking because I got the 4.0.4 update for my razr and now flash is dead. It just won't work on stock and I don't want to flash a rom on it, because I have had hardware issues with it in the past.
After being on the phone with them for 2-2.5 hours. They said I could get a HTC Rezound, but not a S3. I don't really buy this can't have a S3 just because I got my phone last year crap. They are both 199 2 year and 599 Full Retail. ( That's a rip off for the razr, but I am going to try and use this if I can because I have all ways like samsung better.
If they are willing to give me a Rezound do you think I can/should push for a S3.
I am really not a HTC fan and love my S2, best phone EVER. I would like to know if this can be done or if this more like to end in epic fail trying to swap a razr for a S3.
Note's I have tried:
1) About 4-5 web browsers ( Fire fox, Dolphin, sky fire, stock Browser and Chrome.)
2) Factory reset
3) HTML 5 ( It work's poorly to say the lest when I can find it that is.)
4) Using app's for every thing and it feels like a iphone. ( I did not buy a phone like this so I would need app's that are not as good as the web site.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
whichever way you go it wont matter once your device gets to Jelly Bean... Flash is not on Jelly Bean at all unless you force it and even then it may not work.

stevenjcampbell said:
whichever way you go it wont matter once your device gets to Jelly Bean... Flash is not on Jelly Bean at all unless you force it and even then it may not work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which, if all other Motorola's are any indication, won't see JB at all as Verizon will soon EOL the device and its encrypted boot loader, well, need I say more?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

It's their fault you became dissatisfied with the phone through the bull**** updates. Argue for the S3, it's the same price. Back when I cracked the screen on my OG Droid, I argued with Asurion and sure enough they sent me a brand new Droid 2 (due to them not making OG Droids anymore). Then when the Droid 2's power button gave out, I called up VZW and sure enough, after a good amount of hassle they sent me a brand new Droid 2 Global. I've only had my contract for ~2 years, and in that time I have had 4 brand new phones and have only paid for 2 (well, 3 if you count the insurance deductible, even then $90 was less than half of the then-current price for D2Gs).

Vorfidus said:
It's their fault you became dissatisfied with the phone through the bull**** updates. Argue for the S3, it's the same price. Back when I cracked the screen on my OG Droid, I argued with Asurion and sure enough they sent me a brand new Droid 2 (due to them not making OG Droids anymore). Then when the Droid 2's power button gave out, I called up VZW and sure enough, after a good amount of hassle they sent me a brand new Droid 2 Global. I've only had my contract for ~2 years, and in that time I have had 4 brand new phones and have only paid for 2 (well, 3 if you count the insurance deductible, even then $90 was less than half of the then-current price for D2Gs).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I think too and I got verizon to see it my way. I got a text with order #, but not the e-mail yet. It was "impossible" due to limited stock and only S3 owner's could get a phone swap. I called bull on that one and would not take a lesser phone for there miss take not mine. This will be my 3rd phone and I have only paid for the first one that messed up and had to be replaced for over heating and data issues.
So now I will soon be joining you guys.

4ktvs said:
That's what I think too and I got verizon to see it my way. I got a text with order #, but not the e-mail yet. It was "impossible" due to limited stock and only S3 owner's could get a phone swap. I called bull on that one and would not take a lesser phone for there miss take not mine. This will be my 3rd phone and I have only paid for the first one that messed up and had to be replaced for over heating and data issues.
So now I will soon be joining you guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you pm more info on how you did this? I have had 15 RAZR/RAZR maxx replacements and they'll give me any phone I want, besides the S3, so if you managed to do it, I want to be able too as well! Any help would be greatly appreciated man!
Sent from my Maxxed Out Razr!

4ktvs said:
That's what I think too and I got verizon to see it my way. I got a text with order #, but not the e-mail yet. It was "impossible" due to limited stock and only S3 owner's could get a phone swap. I called bull on that one and would not take a lesser phone for there miss take not mine. This will be my 3rd phone and I have only paid for the first one that messed up and had to be replaced for over heating and data issues.
So now I will soon be joining you guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:good: Congratulations!
skater95 said:
Can you pm more info on how you did this? I have had 15 RAZR/RAZR maxx replacements and they'll give me any phone I want, besides the S3, so if you managed to do it, I want to be able too as well! Any help would be greatly appreciated man!
Sent from my Maxxed Out Razr!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
**** man.. 15? ****!

ancashion said:
:good: Congratulations!
Thanks
**** man.. 15? ****!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
skater95 said:
Can you pm more info on how you did this? I have had 15 RAZR/RAZR maxx replacements and they'll give me any phone I want, besides the S3, so if you managed to do it, I want to be able too as well! Any help would be greatly appreciated man!
Sent from my Maxxed Out Razr!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well in your case they should let you do it.
You should tell them that you want a S3 and you will not take less due to all of that you have had to deal with. If that does not work then tell them you will go to the BBB and the FCC and why you won't take the phones they want to give you.
I have had some issues with the razr's, but 15 is messed up and I hope you can get it fixed.

bionic Jelly Bean and root newbie

I have never rooted a phone so I am a newbie. I have a bionic and just put Jelly bean and had to to a FDR .. which sucked but at least it works again. So any suggestions or links to do this? I tried one click root and it doesnt have an update yet for jelly bean.
Any help is greatly appreciated,
Mark

Since Dan the man was behind 99% of the Motorola root exploits and has quit, odds are that there will never be a root method for bionic jb. All previous methods will not work.

MikeSaya said:
Since Dan the man was behind 99% of the Motorola root exploits and has quit, odds are that there will never be a root method for bionic jb. All previous methods will not work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uggg go figure. I really want to use Titanium back up as every time I upgrade I have to do a FDR which is the reason I want to root. Well I may get a new phone then come June.

skister77 said:
Uggg go figure. I really want to use Titanium back up as every time I upgrade I have to do a FDR which is the reason I want to root. Well I may get a new phone then come June.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat as you are. I plan on getting a phone that can be unlocked. Then will never have this problem again.

MikeSaya said:
I'm in the same boat as you are. I plan on getting a phone that can be unlocked. Then will never have this problem again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So now that brings up a thought that I need to know the new phones (got to wait until June) that can be unlocked. Is there a master list kept somewhere?

skister77 said:
So now that brings up a thought that I need to know the new phones (got to wait until June) that can be unlocked. Is there a master list kept somewhere?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know. Motorola has a list of phones that can be unlocked on their website. I would suggest doing a google search for whatever model phone your interested in. I'm not waiting until my contract ends. If I upgrade, I will lose my unlimited data and that's not going to happen. I'm getting the Motorola Rzr HD on Ebay, should get it next week and its unlockable.

MikeSaya said:
Don't know. Motorola has a list of phones that can be unlocked on their website. I would suggest doing a google search for whatever model phone your interested in. I'm not waiting until my contract ends. If I upgrade, I will lose my unlimited data and that's not going to happen. I'm getting the Motorola Rzr HD on Ebay, should get it next week and its unlockable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh good point as I am on Verzion still on the unlimited Alltel plan. I may get the Razr myself as I have heard good things about it and I do perfer motorla over samsung phones. Thanks for the tip.

[Q] Razr Maxx HD Radio and Freezing

Hello, I am one of the IT Techs at Snow Summit in Big Bear Ca. and I manage the cell phone accounts and distribution. I have one user that I got a Verizon Razr Maxx HD and we have had nothing but problems and even had it replaced once. The phone freezes all the time with either a blank or active display misses calls and texts and has poor radio reception. We are long past the warranty return point so I am wondering if anyone has ever discovered what causes the freezing issue and can the radio be tweaked up somehow? I am pretty close to taking a gun to the phone and getting him a new G S4.
TIA
Mike

DMikeM said:
Hello, I am one of the IT Techs at Snow Summit in Big Bear Ca. and I manage the cell phone accounts and distribution. I have one user that I got a Verizon Razr Maxx HD and we have had nothing but problems and even had it replaced once. The phone freezes all the time with either a blank or active display misses calls and texts and has poor radio reception. We are long past the warranty return point so I am wondering if anyone has ever discovered what causes the freezing issue and can the radio be tweaked up somehow? I am pretty close to taking a gun to the phone and getting him a new G S4.
TIA
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the phone just received an update which contains a newer radio. how could the phone not be under warranty? it was released in october of 2012, less than one year ago?
i would advise a factory data reset, freeze all the apps that arent used (a google search will provide a list of what you can disable). This really should be a great device for him/her with awesome battery life.
Is the phone unlocked and rooted? If its not you can definitely get some great troubleshooting over at the motorola owners lounge https://forums.motorola.com/hives/c531700a0f/summary

jfriend33 said:
the phone just received an update which contains a newer radio. how could the phone not be under warranty? it was released in october of 2012, less than one year ago?
i would advise a factory data reset, freeze all the apps that arent used (a google search will provide a list of what you can disable). This really should be a great device for him/her with awesome battery life.
Is the phone unlocked and rooted? If its not you can definitely get some great troubleshooting over at the motorola owners lounge
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We tried running it in safe mode for 2 days and it still froze and rebooted. We did a full factory reset and it still acted up. We have checked for the update repeatedly and it has not been available. It is stock not rooted. I just ordered a Galaxy S4 for him. I will take the phone and sell it or use it as a back up. I still don't really think it is the phone I think the user wants an S4 or has done something that is contrary to the device working properly as this is the 4rth phone that has given him issues.

DMikeM said:
We tried running it in safe mode for 2 days and it still froze and rebooted. We did a full factory reset and it still acted up. We have checked for the update repeatedly and it has not been available. It is stock not rooted. I just ordered a Galaxy S4 for him. I will take the phone and sell it or use it as a back up. I still don't really think it is the phone I think the user wants an S4 or has done something that is contrary to the device working properly as this is the 4rth phone that has given him issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you done any troubleshooting with motorola? The phone has a 1 year warranty. I would have told him the s4 wasn't available and seen what his reaction was LOL. Heck you still should do that even though you have it ordered. I would say you possibly got a defective refurbished replacement and still should get it replaced once more before the s4 gets activated....

jfriend33 said:
Have you done any troubleshooting with motorola? The phone has a 1 year warranty. I would have told him the s4 wasn't available and seen what his reaction was LOL. Heck you still should do that even though you have it ordered. I would say you possibly got a defective refurbished replacement and still should get it replaced once more before the s4 gets activated....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope never called Motorola. Maybe I will after I have it in my hands and don't need to deal with the user.

Sounds terrible and a waste of money. I think you should call Verizon right away to make sure that they replace the phone. With the s4 coming they may not cover it.
Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD

jfriend33 said:
Sounds terrible and a waste of money. I think you should call Verizon right away to make sure that they replace the phone. With the s4 coming they may not cover it.
Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used my own company upgrade for the replacement. I will take the phone for me as a BU phone. The user is a Director and budgeted for the replacement so it was just a do it situation. I like the Moto Phones if my own G S4 continues to be a PITA maybe I will get this Razr sorted out and switch over. then again I might be able to have it replaced by Motorola then sell it. I have a couple older Droid phones I am going to put up for sale soon maybe I can buy a couple months of dog food with the cash. <GRIN>

Ahh gotcha. Make sure you use coupons for the dog food. Target has great deals on iams fyi.
What issues are you having with your s4?
Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD

jfriend33 said:
Ahh gotcha. Make sure you use coupons for the dog food. Target has great deals on iams fyi.
What issues are you having with your s4?
Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Coupons? My dogs eat meat not kibble lol.
The S4 for the past 2 days the battery went down way too fast. By 8:00PM I had to get it on the charger. Also the thing keeps asking if I want to go into global mode and now there is an update and I want to stay rooted.

Well I'm sure if you look, that voodoo root keeper would let you update and keep root.
Post a screen shot of your battery stats. Might have a bad app or your device isn't sleeping properly.
Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD

DMikeM said:
Coupons? My dogs eat meat not kibble lol.
The S4 for the past 2 days the battery went down way too fast. By 8:00PM I had to get it on the charger. Also the thing keeps asking if I want to go into global mode and now there is an update and I want to stay rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DO NOT UPDATE your s4 you will loose root

shane1 said:
DO NOT UPDATE your s4 you will loose root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, I read all that. Froze the Updater for now.
Thanks
DMM

You might find this interesting. You can now root the s4 latest update with a SD card.
http://www.droid-life.com/2013/07/27/verizon-galaxy-s4-has-been-rooted-again-running-build-vruame7/
Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD

jfriend33 said:
You might find this interesting. You can now root the s4 latest update with a SD card.
http://www.droid-life.com/2013/07/27/verizon-galaxy-s4-has-been-rooted-again-running-build-vruame7/
Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, thanks for sharing that.

[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...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
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.

Upgrade from S3?

I have an S3 right now, that has an unlocked bootloader, and is rooted. I'm getting tired of the S3, and would like to get an upgrade. The S5 is totally locked down, so that's not an option, since I want an unlocked bootloader. From what I've read, I can unlock and root the M8, but will I be happy with the phone coming from a Samsung?

lennie paz said:
I have an S3 right now, that has an unlocked bootloader, and is rooted. I'm getting tired of the S3, and would like to get an upgrade. The S5 is totally locked down, so that's not an option, since I want an unlocked bootloader. From what I've read, I can unlock and root the M8, but will I be happy with the phone coming from a Samsung?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love the M8, but there is a root method for the S5.
http://m.ibtimes.com/geohot-towelroot-exploit-roots-galaxy-s5-devices-att-verizon-1602368

brholt6 said:
I love the M8, but there is a root method for the S5.
http://m.ibtimes.com/geohot-towelroot-exploit-roots-galaxy-s5-devices-att-verizon-1602368
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root yes, unlocked bootloader, no.

lennie paz said:
Root yes, unlocked bootloader, no.
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Yep, thats why I only mentioned root. I didn't know if you were aware that you could at least get root access. That would make me assume they're looking for another exploit, though. Anyways, the M8 is a great phone. Sense is a lot less cartoonish than Touchwiz in my opinion.

lennie paz said:
I have an S3 right now, that has an unlocked bootloader, and is rooted. I'm getting tired of the S3, and would like to get an upgrade. The S5 is totally locked down, so that's not an option, since I want an unlocked bootloader. From what I've read, I can unlock and root the M8, but will I be happy with the phone coming from a Samsung?
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It's quite a change coming from TouchWiz to Sense at first, you might even at the first look of it think you made a mistake as I thought I did but I ended up loving mine after using it for an hour. First time I played a song with this phone my mind was blown and it was sold to me LOL, absolutely stunning! & if you don't like Sense you can just flash an AOSP ROM which is as far as I know, normal non themed Android. I highly expect you to like it after a bit of use though, I tried an AOSP ROM few days ago and couldn't stand the lack of double tap to wake or some of the other Sense features I had gotten used to and came to love. But yeah anyways I came from an S4 and switched because the bootloader was locked and I'm very satisfied with my M8, maybe just because my bootloader was once locked for an eternity but still, great phone and one hell of a blast!

S1L3nTShaDoWz said:
It's quite a change coming from TouchWiz to Sense at first, you might even at the first look of it think you made a mistake as I thought I did but I ended up loving mine after using it for an hour. First time I played a song with this phone my mind was blown and it was sold to me LOL, absolutely stunning! & if you don't like Sense you can just flash an AOSP ROM which is as far as I know, normal non themed Android. I highly expect you to like it after a bit of use though, I tried an AOSP ROM few days ago and couldn't stand the lack of double tap to wake or some of the other Sense features I had gotten used to and came to love. But yeah anyways I came from an S4 and switched because the bootloader was locked and I'm very satisfied with my M8, maybe just because my bootloader was once locked for an eternity but still, great phone and one hell of a blast!
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I had a Droid Incredible 2 back in the day, and I was fine with Sense, so that shouldn't be an issue. I thought I had an upgrade available, but one if my kids must have used it. Our next upgrade isn't until Nov, so I guess I have to wait.

I just did the swap today. Not going to look back to Samsung for a while. This phone is sweet!

My girlfriend has the S5 and I have the M8. They are both great phones and there are things about the S5 I wished the M8 had but I am more than happy with my M8. I don't like the touchwiz UI. That's for sure.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using XDA Free mobile app

I came from the S3. I do not like Samsung, but the S3 was okay. It just had a bad radio. Samsung only let US Cellular upgrade so many, and US Cellular basically decided which accounts they could afford to lose, and replaced those accounts' S3s. Mine was one they decided they could lose. And they did. Now I have an M8.
First thing you're gonna notice, it's a taller phone. The screen is not noticeably bigger, but the body is taller. The speakers, front camera, and the HTC vanity bar all add to the height. No Home button in front (this isn't a second-rate iPhone clone, LOL) and the Power button is on the TOP. Yeah, have fun with that if you don't have large hands.
Second, it's slippery. Metal comes with a price, and your phone sliding out of your hand is your price. Once you've wooed all your friends with your shiny new metal phone, put a case on it. Or at least a wrap. You WILL need a case if you want to use a FlyGrip with it. Not many do but I do, so I thought I'd point that out. I like the kickstand aspect. My M8 is standing next to my keyboard. Looks amazing on my desk. Also holding it with the FlyGrip (which should be positioned below the HTC logo, and above the bottom strip—no more Verizon 4G LTE logo!) the top button is easier to hit.
No more removable battery. You can break the connection to the battery by holding all three buttons (Volume up, volume down, and power) for 10-15 seconds. I've had to do this a few times.
The M8 can be rooted, but there are extra steps. HTC uses a feature called S-On to protect the bootloader (HBOOT). So you need to temp root (via an app called weaksauce), gain S-Off, flash a recovery, flash SuperSU, then remove weaksauce. Don't follow my instructions; instead look for the thread on it. And on top of all that HTC locks the system directory. The stock/rooted ROM takes care of that for you, but it can be an annoyance. Like you can't use AdAway because it wants to write to system, and AdAway won't mount system as r/w. One solution I have found is, install Xposed, and that mounts system as r/w. When Xposed wants to reboot, switch to AdAway and let it do its thing. It will succeed. THEN reboot. But only the stock ROM you root yourself has this problem. There's a stock rooted ROM that has this dealt with. And then there's CleanROM which I haven't tried yet, but it's basically, as I understand it, the stock/rooted ROM but with a lot of the crap taken out.
TouchWiz is... okay, "If you can't say something nice don't say anything at all." So I will just say it is not a nice OS. Sense is very elegant, but limited. BlinkFeed is cool if you like the news feed thing. I personally don't. I'd rather just go to the sites I read in my browser. I don't need a feed built into my launcher. But at this point, I actually prefer Sense to the AOSP-alike ROMs. Sense works. The AOSP-alike ROMs, at this point... don't. They have various issues that you may or may not want to live with. But I'm not knocking any developer—I am sure they are all working hard to give you the best experience. Just keep in mind that this is a 3-month old device. Right now everything is wild, wild west in terms of development. The best ROMs are Sense-based because that's what's stable. That said, we do have a GPE (Google Play Edition) port and that's what I'm running now. I opted for stock everything in the Aroma installer and it's not 100% stock (the original is made by a team called SkyDragon, and they put some of their branding in it) but for the most part it's turned my M8 into a Nexus phone. And stock Android is really cool. But it's not without its faults. For example it handed over the audio from Poweramp to a call, but when the call was done, it crashed and I needed to three-finger-salute it back to life. That's not uncommon.
I think the Galaxy S3 was more stable on the software side, but then again I did not own one until ~11 months after release. And then waited a month to get into custom ROMs. When this phone's development community gets strong, I think we'll have it real, real good.
Oh, and about the speakers, yes they are as awesome as you think, but they won't blow your mind like a car stereo or boom box. Maybe a $30 Walmart CD player. But for a phone, that's impressive. Just my opinion, but polyphonic ringtones still sound the best. Search Zedge for "8 bit" and see what comes up. I have the Game of Thrones intro rendered in MIDI for my ringtone. There are two I've heard. I'm using the good one. For my wife, I'm using a MIDI render of the Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan) theme. It's really good. Sounds amazing with these speakers. But I'm old school, I think a ringtone should be a ringtone and not a part of a song. I don't think any small speakers have the range to appreciate music. But maybe I'm just a snob. I want to watch a movie on mine, and see what that is like.
Anyway, the S3 is a 2 year old phone now. If you get good signal on yours, you don't really need to trade up. It runs KitKat just fine. It's gonna get L, at least unofficially if not officially. But if you want the new shiny, in my opinion the M8 is the best Android smartphone on the market right now. The 3GB G3 might beat it, but I think that QHD screen will work against it in terms of battery life. The M8, by the way, has excellent battery life.

So..just before I pull the trigger on the m8. Would you guys say I'd be making a wise choice staying with Verizon if they'll give me the 6gb deal for coming off unlimited data. I don't need unlimited. WiFi is fine for me. It's either that deal or I jump ship and try another carrier with a nexus 5. I'm leaning towards the m8. Is there a chance that Verizon will lock it down like they did the s3? I have had the s3 since released and its unlocked and everything but my power button is wonky now. Opinions please!
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silver04v said:
So..just before I pull the trigger on the m8. Would you guys say I'd be making a wise choice staying with Verizon if they'll give me the 6gb deal for coming off unlimited data. I don't need unlimited. WiFi is fine for me. It's either that deal or I jump ship and try another carrier with a nexus 5. I'm leaning towards the m8. Is there a chance that Verizon will lock it down like they did the s3? I have had the s3 since released and its unlocked and everything but my power button is wonky now. Opinions please!
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
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Actually I think the Firewater exploit was fixed on the newer M8's...not sure but I think so? Ask around and confirm whether I'm right or wrong before you buy it though. Got that information from 2 separate places and multiple people who have brand new ones saying it's not working.

S1L3nTShaDoWz said:
Actually I think the Firewater exploit was fixed on the newer M8's...not sure but I think so? Ask around and confirm whether I'm right or wrong before you buy it though. Got that information from 2 separate places and multiple people who have brand new ones saying it's not working.
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You might be right. I got my red one a week and a half ago and was able to use weaksauce and firewater. It's on the latest firmware too. I haven't updated it at all.
Edit: I'm on hboot version 3.16 which should have been what the phone came on.

So what does that mean exactly? I wouldn't be able to unlock it or root?
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silver04v said:
So what does that mean exactly? I wouldn't be able to unlock it or root?
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You should be able to. S-off, unlock and root.

brholt6 said:
You should be able to. S-off, unlock and root.
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so confused now. haha at first he said I might not be able to cause of a new boot loader. but you're saying I should be ok? I seen there's a new thing called sunshine?
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silver04v said:
so confused now. haha at first he said I might not be able to cause of a new boot loader. but you're saying I should be ok? I seen there's a new thing called sunshine?
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I just got mine a week an a half ago. I used Weaksauce and Firewater to s-off and unlock. I don't see why it wouldn't work for you unless there's a new hboot I don't know about. But one from Verizon probably wouldn't be updated

Ok. Think I'm going for it. Looks like there's a purchasable apk sunshine for soff on the new one if I'm reading right..idk this will be my first HTC device. Its a bit different than im used to.
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---------- Post added at 02:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:56 AM ----------
brholt6 said:
I just got mine a week an a half ago. I used Weaksauce and Firewater to s-off and unlock. I don't see why it wouldn't work for you unless there's a new hboot I don't know about. But one from Verizon probably wouldn't be updated
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how can I know if it has the boot loader that is unlockable with the weak sauce and firewater?
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silver04v said:
So..just before I pull the trigger on the m8. Would you guys say I'd be making a wise choice staying with Verizon if they'll give me the 6gb deal for coming off unlimited data. I don't need unlimited. WiFi is fine for me. It's either that deal or I jump ship and try another carrier with a nexus 5. I'm leaning towards the m8. Is there a chance that Verizon will lock it down like they did the s3? I have had the s3 since released and its unlocked and everything but my power button is wonky now. Opinions please!
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
I had the s3 since the day it came out and loved it. I decided to switch mainly for the updated modem. It made a huge difference I went from getting on average 15 down and 10 up to averaging 35 ish down and 20 ish up it changes day to day but never goes below 25 now. Outside of metropolis il close to were I live I hit 58 down and 32 up. The pping however didn't change and it holds at 70 most days for that reason alone it was worth it for me to make the switch. Granted I live in a low population area so that makes a big difference. The buttons take a lot of getting used to. I do like the double tap to wake up it makes up for having to hit the top of the phone to wake the screen. I don't really care for the BlinkFeed myself but I have nothing go wrong with it. My battery life lasts about 12 hours but I am always on my phone if I'm not on my phone I have my hotspot on for my laptop. As for upgrading with Verizon I skipped it all together and just bought the phone outright to keep my unlimited contract. It is well worth doing in my opinion. But like I said I use my phone a lot and there has been moths that I go over 6 gigs. Over all I like the m8 a lot better than the gs3. After a week of having it you get used to the button layout....Although I still have problems trying to hit the spacebar and hitting the home button instead.