I'm considering buying one of these phones at the end of March, but I've been reading the forums about the Z3 and I have a few questions I'd like to ask about the phone to clear up a few issues I'm not sure about.
ANSWERED 1) Unlocked bootloaders -- Which models are able to be unlocked? I'm looking into getting a Z3 D6603, so I can use it on AT&T, and I've seen a few posts with locked D6603's and some with unlocked D6603's. Is there a carrier with D6603's that locks them down? Are the ones being sold as "International Factory Unlocked" referring to the bootloader or for the network (like this one)?
That's the model I need.
ANSWERED 2a) Root, TA, DRM, and Roms -- From what I understand, the phone needs to be rooted with the bootloader locked, the TA/DRM partition backed up, and then custom roms can be flashed while still allowing the DRM partition to be restored and all the stock features working as they should.
2b) Another thing I read was any custom kernel invalidates the DRM. Is it impossible to use a custom stock kernel with a stock rom while having the DRM features?
3) Custom roms, how well do they work in regards to stock? No need to go into low light camera/DRM issues.
ANSWERED 4) Root and Linux -- Can these be rooted from Linux? I don't want to "obtain" Windows to do a root job....though I will if that's what it takes.
Can root from Linux
ANSWERED 5) MHL -- Is it fast or stable enough to play emulated games and watch Netflix over?
Works good.
6) The Longshot -- Anybody ever tested one of these with a Motorola Lapdock? Just curious, I have a Lapdock and it needs a use.
Thanks in advance.
Also, I'm usually a pretty decent member of the community. Just haven't been on XDA in a while because my current phone, an Atrix HD, has some iffy hardware and doesn't like any non-stock tweak or rom. I'm lucky root and Titanium don't mess it up....When my phone started going bad, I pretty much quit compiling roms, kernels, and all of the fun stuff we like to do with our phones because I couldn't afford a new phone and didn't want to risk buying used on Ebay again.
I just happened to come across some money in an account I forgot that I had and figured I'd spend that $569 on a good phone versus the 1 cent from AT&T refurbished phone I've been doing (and can do this month actually; would rather drop AT&T and go prepaid). Would this phone be a decent purchase? My main specs needed are 2G ram, quad core, 1080p, video output, sdcard, & a friendly modding community.
1- All D6603's are unlockable, D6616's are un-unlockable (You can check from *#*#7378423#*#* Service info>Configuration>Bootloader unlock allowed = yes )
2a- Yes you can root with locked bootloader and then backup your DRM keys, all DRM keys are unique to its own device so you cant restore any other device's TA partition
4- You need windows
profprof said:
1- All D6603's are unlockable, D6616's are un-unlockable (You can check from *#*#7378423#*#* Service info>Configuration>Bootloader unlock allowed = yes )
2a- Yes you can root with locked bootloader and then backup your DRM keys, all DRM keys are unique to its own device so you cant restore any other device's TA partition
4- You need windows
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the quick reply.
1 -- Cool, just didn't want to buy a model that I couldn't unlock.
2 -- That's what I thought. Just wanted to make sure I read all that correctly.
4 -- Dang, that sucks. That isn't something I'd want to try with Wine.
Aside from MHL performance which I've seen conflicting posts about, the only things I'm really unsure about now is if it's possible to run Stock + DRM + Custom Stock Kernel or DRM + Stock Kernel + Custom Rom (Like a CM/AOSP port with some Sony apps using the DRM).
I think I read somewhere that custom kernels either wipe the DRM partition or an unlocked bootloader can't use that partition and that it has to be locked back up for the DRM partition to be used (which makes me wonder why CM can't be flashed, the bootloader locked back up, and DRM/Sony apps then used....I was able to unlock and relock my Atrix HD bootloader with no issues....I know, I know, different phones act differently).
Sorry for all the questions, walls of text, and much appreciation to people who answer these questions. I just can't afford to drop $550 on a phone without doing some research first.
If you get from a carrier phone boot loader may not be unlockable just double check.as for mhl its great on mine I use a fosom mhl and its great for video I've used it for remote play and psx emulator no issue.make sure you backup DRM if you unlock but personally I find stock Roms run great
zombiej79 said:
If you get from a carrier phone boot loader may not be unlockable just double check.as for mhl its great on mine I use a fosom mhl and its great for video I've used it for remote play and psx emulator no issue.make sure you backup DRM if you unlock but personally I find stock Roms run great
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Click to collapse
I'm going to be buying it for full price, brand new. No carriers will be involved (until I need a sim for it). Video and PSX emulation were my main concerns. Glad you mentioned PSX emulation, because that's something I'll be doing a lot.
Glad to know Remote Play works even though I don't have a PS4.
Knowing about the DRM and how to deal with it seems to be the biggest issue with these phones in regards to going custom.
Most of my caveats about stock roms are that in the past I was using the AT&T model of the phone, the AT&T stock rom, and dealing with those limitations. It's an almost universal thing that the AT&T/Verizon/Crappy-Carrier versions of phones suck when compared to the rest of the lineup (especially for people who do stupid stuff/things posted on XDA ).
Crap, I forgot one question I meant to put in the OP -- Are the Sony sound enhancements good? I'm a bit of an audiophile and those features are what made me pick this phone over all the others I've been looking at. A post about the loose headphone jack is actually making me nervous about getting this phone...all my phones except for 1 have had the audio jack go out...
Yeah I use the psx and it uses the dualshock 4 if you have one or a dualshock 3 its awesome hook it up and you got a console and with the mods psx games look amazing if you need help with that I can do that.
You can flash a generic ftf to have a clean ROM with no bloat
And the audio is amazing it has dual DAC for audio flac is great or 320 mp3s also sound amazing.
My headphone jack is solid and haven't read too much so should be fine
I watched 720p mp4s of vigings season one on my 50" and Yamaha 7.1 home theatre and its as good as any settop box for quality and sound
zombiej79 said:
Yeah I use the psx and it uses the dualshock 4 if you have one or a dualshock 3 its awesome hook it up and you got a console and with the mods psx games look amazing if you need help with that I can do that.
You can flash a generic ftf to have a clean ROM with no bloat
And the audio is amazing it has dual DAC for audio flac is great or 320 mp3s also sound amazing.
My headphone jack is solid and haven't read too much so should be fine
I watched 720p mp4s of vigings season one on my 50" and Yamaha 7.1 home theatre and its as good as any settop box for quality and sound
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Click to collapse
That's awesome. I have a DS3 I use with my PC so I'm already good to go on that front.
I've unpacked and mounted so many images to turn a stock fastboot into an unbloated, stock fastboot that having a generic file to flash will be great. I'll end up making my own custom stock rom tweaked to my preferences like I have for every phone I've ever owned.....makes recovering from dumb stuff that much easier.
Dual DAC, solid jack, emulates a lot of consoles, and competes with settop boxes in AV quality.....can't complain about that.
Nice yeah I love mine I use it for remote play with my ps4 from time to time and its flawless seems better then the vita for remote play. There are a couple of sound mods in the Dev section that add to the great audio like Dolby which is nice
zombiej79 said:
Nice yeah I love mine I use it for remote play with my ps4 from time to time and its flawless seems better then the vita for remote play. There are a couple of sound mods in the Dev section that add to the great audio like Dolby which is nice
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Click to collapse
I saw those mods and they peaked my interest. Mods like that really didn't work that well on my current phone. Some of the Xperia sound mod ports did work, most didn't.
I noticed that there aren't a whole lot of roms for this phone yet. Is it because CM isn't all that good as a base for this phone (yet, that can take time) or just because nobody here knows how or cares to take the time to get another rom going from the CM base? If the CM base works, I can get most other roms compiled and working (I just can't program to be of any real development help).
Seems better than Vita for Remote Play? I wasn't expecting that to be posted be anybody. Seems is a standard of measurement that I use as well .
EDIT:
Ignore than 2nd sentence. I hadn't checked out the cross device development area yet. I'm not the biggest fan of these Universal AIO Device Roms that have been being released lately.
Just in case anybody else is reading this Giefroot V3 contains everything necessary to work on Linux, just gotta use install.sh instead of install.bat (and probably run it as root too).
Yeah I use a fee xposed modules on mine all work great.
Lack of Roms is due to everybody waiting for lollipop which should be out soon then we will see some good Roms
I'm a big ps4 gamer and I'm serious about remote play if you have a 5ghz router its butter. I've played through several games using it and only a couple times it kind of lagged out.
Yeah I don't go for AIO Roms too iffy
zombiej79 said:
Yeah I use a fee xposed modules on mine all work great.
Lack of Roms is due to everybody waiting for lollipop which should be out soon then we will see some good Roms
I'm a big ps4 gamer and I'm serious about remote play if you have a 5ghz router its butter. I've played through several games using it and only a couple times it kind of lagged out.
Yeah I don't go for AIO Roms too iffy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depending on the device and rom, Xposed can be great. I've had both good and bad results with it.
I've yet to own a device with official KitKat or Android over version 4.1.2, though I could get unofficial Lollipop if I thought my cruddy Atrix HD's mainboard wouldn't get iffy with it (It hates all my devices non-stock roms...used to run them flawlessly).
I have a dual 2.4/5ghz router. The 2.4 covers everybody else while I have the 5ghz spectrum to myself. As far as I can tell, everybody else in my neighborhood is running 2.4ghz, so the full 5ghz spectrum is available to just me.
On the AIO roms....on one hand I really do applaud the developers for doing that. It allows them to support more devices because all they need is a popular device on a product line and then they're able to just take user reports, logs, etc and use that to hook a lot more people up with roms.
On the other hand, and why I don't like them, is libraries from Device A might work on Device B, but Device B's libraries on Device B run a bit faster or a bit more stable -- it takes power users a good bit of time and effort to determine what needs to be in what Device's vendor repo, what can be universal, what needs to be Device specific.
I think I've decided on getting the Z3 Tablet Compact SGP612/B because it's basically a Z3 D6603 with a crappier camera and an 8" 1080p screen. It was also the recommended one to use on the AT&T forums*. I'll have to use a BT headset and carry a tablet around with me because it'll be doubling up as my phone, but with the right case, that won't be an issue for me. Makes me wonder if I can rig up a system to BT or WIFi connect a phone to the Z3TC to act as my headset for phone calls.....never actually looked into doing that or thought about it until just this post...
Thanks for all the help in answering my questions about this.
*Not going to be using AT&T, but their towers have real good coverage in my area and I'll be using a prepaid carrier that uses the AT&T towers.
Nice I have 5ghz but there are 3 devices connected still get would 45 down 15 up
I'm thinking of getting the z3 tablet too but might wait for the z4 or just get both lol my fiancé gets my old devices so no biggie lol
thread closed as requested by the OP
also thank you for updating your OP with the found information
Related
Hi folks,
I'm thinking of picking up the galaxy s, the samsung vibrant from t-mobile to use on my carrier.
i had a few questions and hope you fellas can help me out.
1st, what would be involved in unlocking it? Would I have any problems getting it unlocked?
Also i'm a total noob to android but i've been reading up. What exactly is "rooting"? will rooting allow me to put a stock 2.2 on it? is that even possible and is it recomended on this phone?
and lastly from people who have been using this phone, do you recommend getting it?
thanks
oh snap! i posted this in the wrong board. it should have been in the "Galaxy S I9000 General"
sorry mods.
Rooting allows you to get access to parts of the phone you otherwise wouldn't have access to. Compare it to having administrator rights on windows, you can access more files, do more stuff. Programs can perform more actions when your phone is rooted.
Putting 2.2 on it is completely seperate from that and at this moment is not possible. However, Samsung already stated that the first 2.2 update will be somewhere in august (not for euro/usa regions though) so perhaps withing the month after that it will also be available for other regions. Samsung has officially announced that it WILL be updated though, so no need to worry about that.
Without the 2.2 update it's already pretty damn fast though (with some tweaks its faster then the Nexus one WITH 2.2) so I would certainly already recommend it.
This is my first android phone (after symbian, windows mobile and more) and it's really easy to get used to and works just great. The screen is beautiful (good colors, vibrant although reading text on it is a less great experience) and it's very fast. Also feels light, in a good way, great screen, etc. I can totally recommend it.
ps. No idea what the status on unlocking is, mine was unlocked already so never looked into it.
you might want to make sure the frequency bands of the one you acquire will work on the carrier you want to use it on
if not, it may not work at all, or may not give you 3G data svc
personally i didnt think any phones are locked down anymore, at least not in the UK?
you should buy the phone, its the best ive owned, not saying its the best on the market but id like to hear of an arguement for why it isnt.
rooting was done on this device even before release, and with already 300k sales in south korea alone it looks like its going to have some great support and updates in the future
Yes, there is one post that follows the process that I used for my SK17i Mini Pro a couple months ago.
I'm new to Android. Yup a Noob. I don't mind saying as we all have to start to learn somewhere and somehow.
Long story short. I've damaged my Very well liked SK17i. Physical is what I mean here.
I rooted it according to some instructions along the lines of:
1. upgrade to firmware xxx.
2. grab image xxx. etc.
3. use the tool to root it.
I diverged... I just installed Doomloards Custom Kernel after step 2 or so and installed it as it was already rooted! It has overclocking though I didn't use it and of course it had Boot recovery. Plenty of other useful tools aready in the .img.
I basically want the same thing for my Pro.
My whole purpose of rooting is for the rights root grants, and to use aps2sd. Sufficient for my functions. (CM mod etc, will have to be a lot more stable for me to consider them which is going to be some time down the road for this device.)
I kept everything else stock. I don't do custom roms etc. This is a daily phone and I need it to function and work for communication.
bboof posted something like what I'd prefer to do. I'm waiting for a reply as to whether his kernel will support aps2sd. (I do mean the XDAversion not anything from Android apps store unless there has been something wonderfully new there in the last 2 months since I bought my Mini Pro.)
I was fighting the Internet here and a machine with HDD problems making for a serious dog dog slow experience here. I'm in CHINA. Censorship and random sites blocked for the fun of it.
I have searched and searched. I have broken out my little 10in Computer here cause it's at least not so mind numbingly painfully slow. (haha Now just fighting the internet. At the moment XDA is not blocked! Started out that way earlier? Had to use a proxy.)
I have been at this for several hours. About 7 so far.
I have FOUND no info on a Custom Kernel for the Xperia Pro MK16i? SO other than bboofs, is there none? Yet I've found comments in others that there are? Even that doomlord has made one. I can find no link? I found such a comment in his one step guide and someone said, why? We already have kernels with root available to be flashed to the device? (Please I want this kernel? how to find it?)
I've googled any number of search parameters i could think of. I can't find.
If there's a Doomlord kernel, just like with my SK17i, I would guess specific firmware is needed? Please tell me which and where to get it... Thank you to any and all who can shed some light here. I live in a different time zone and if I can get an answer that enables me to do what I want... I might be able to order this MK16i tomorrow.It seems a great piece of kit with some nice 'upgrades' compared to my SK17i. (It was not available in Oct.)
What I have found so far. CM7 or was it 9? There's a custom kernel that seems to be required to be installed before trying the CM7 ROM.
So anyone with more experience in Android. Can I use that CM7 Kernel for MK16i? What does it support? (I read back with my SK17i some problems with CM and aps2sd. Something about scripts clashing and all that.) I will not install CM Rom. I will keep stock ROM and I am guessing there may be some conflicts? Yes, no? Maybe?
As I'm asking about using custom kernels... WE all know that the Neo and Pro are the same unit. Just like the Mini and Mini pro were. With the physical difference of a keyboard.
Anyone have a clue or has anyone even TRIED! (Someone adventurous perhaps?) the Kernels for the Xperia Neo on the Xperia Pro? I am a noob, and I do use linux 98% of the time. I don't really work in Windows anymore. However, I'm not a coder or script writer. Also Android for lack of a better term has a few mods.
More or less, in Android, from my simple understanding and yes, correct me if I'm totally wrong or even partially, so I can gain understanding, the ROM is basically where all your program functions and such are. SO when we're talking about the keyboard for example. Parameters and such I would guess are in the ROM?
If all else being equal, I should be able to use a Neo Custom Kernel on my SK16i to achieve my simple result? Or do I have it confused?
What I understand is at least with aps2sd, a ramdisk mod is needed? Does the bboof kernel not only offer root but the modded ramdisk to support other features with everything else being stock? (Actually I'm guessing it should because of mods that should still have been made to allow for the recovery. Though everything else is 'stock'. Of course totally not sure or I wouldn't be here asking.)
Anyone know? I'm more or less sitting here spinning my wheels. I want to order the replacement and at the price difference, it seems silly not to buy the MK16i. (However basically want to be 100% certain I can manage my same little basic setup.)
Also, if anyone with more experience has some idea, I'll be happy to use another tool to gain the ability to put aps on my SD card and not take up the limited space on the device. So please recommend a tool that isn't too complicated.
How about link2sd? Does it also require a modded ramdisk space?
I just want to keep it simple. I don't often need so far, any great mods on my devices. Just root so being in CHINA I can actually use the appstore.
My SK17i does work despite the damage. SO I have ROMmanager the back up program. I haven't really used it yet. (Unable to pay for paid version again other limitations of CHINA. Including an inability to pay for VPN at the moment to stop fighting with the internet. Last time to work with my SK17i took me about 5 days! Coz every link to download the files was blocked!! It only took me about 3min following the instructions to actually update firmware. unlock bootloader, add Doomlords custom kernel. ) Hoping I can use Rom Manager to back up just my programs and shift them right over to the MK16i. Can I do that? Anyone with a bit more experience using the program and does this work with the unpaid version?
Hoping to do the same here... if there's no custom kernels or such available. Please tell me. If there are, links where to download etc.
All those who use various ways to put aps on your SDcard please let me know what works well and stable. Also the real way, not like some of the app store aps. I'll make a ext partition, that kind of approach, on my SD card.
THis is likely by far an advance question... what about running debian or some linux image in chroot on Android and obviously an Xperia. In particular the pro but has anyone tried with anything else? I saw a few links about it a few months ago and even someone has an app in appstore supposed to automate it. (Uh not so important as the primary. Getting root in a kernel and aps2sd support.)
Sorry if this post is long. I'm trying to save you guys wondering what I want, and having to ask me more questions.
In case it's important. I am buying a sim unlocked non carrier specific unit. I buy from Expansys. I live in China so buy from HK. Their products are good and stuff not made for CHINA! Which is the absolute must to avoid. Unless you like fiddling and trying to bypass the limitations they put on their products. Android units sold in CHINA of course are locked by carrier. of course remove Android app store!
Not even going into the necessity to have root so I can 'pretend' I'm in some other country to reach apps that google censors from China anyway.
I hope I've been detailed enough and someone can point me in the right direction.
I've got flashtool and other tools from when I did my SK17i back in October. (Fortunately. I dread to think of the internet fight if I had to try to get them all over again. I'll only need the files specific to MK16i and links to them.)
Please use the Q&A Forum for questions Thanks
Moving to Q&A
Okay, so I know this phone doesn't exactly win the spec war, but it's awesome and would make a fantastic rooted phone. Unfortunately there isn't a forum here on XDA for the device (either because it's too new or there isn't a demand for it)
Do you guys think a forum will be made for this device? It'd be nice to at least have a place to say what root methods DON'T work (I've tried a few)
Thanks for the help, XDA rules!
I second this. I am planning on buying a new phone and after researching numerous phones out there based on my tastes and constraints, I think this phone works very well (another is Samsung Galaxy Exhibit 2). One flaw that I heard is the amount of storage in this phone is around 4gb. Without a way to put apps on an external SD card (which I believe would require a custom ROM), the storage would probably fill up pretty quickly. So it'll be great if XDA opened a forum for this phone.
As a side note if anyone can point to other devices that fit my needs I would be grateful:
- Less than 4.2" screen (preferably 4").
- Android only
I don't have any financial constraints or any favorite companies.
Thanks!
What root method did you find worked? Did you try framaroot? Also have you found any Roms?
Sent from my SPH-D710VMUB using Tapatalk 2
bbradf44 said:
What root method did you find worked? Did you try framaroot? Also have you found any Roms?
Sent from my SPH-D710VMUB using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used Motochopper, worked like a charm. make sure you have the LG Optimus f3 drivers on your computer.(found on LG website)
habitforming said:
I used Motochopper, worked like a charm. make sure you have the LG Optimus f3 drivers on your computer.(found on LG website)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ratified. Motochopper worked flawlessly for me as well.
richardpwnsner said:
Ratified. Motochopper worked flawlessly for me as well.[/QUOT
Anyone find a tethering ap that works?
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Click to collapse
wolfu11 said:
richardpwnsner said:
Ratified. Motochopper worked flawlessly for me as well.[/QUOT
Anyone find a tethering ap that works?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do tethering apps need to be phone specific? I don't have data, but I'll let you know if I come across one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bad news
I have created the recovery tree, and have created a recovery.img for this phone. ok now heres the bad news OUR lg optimus f3 has a stock 3.4 kernel with a locked bootloader. Even worse news is that 3.4 "locking" features a sha5 hash system for its image/partitions (recovery, boot, and bootloader). Even worse news there is no known (or atleast what i know or have heard) way to get around this. The phone will be forever locked until lg updates or allows said lock to be removed. I have flashed the recovery and have had no damage to my device but it just sticks at "unsecure recovery" and does a hard reset (factory restore) every time i try to play with it which is a huge flaw if you ask me.
I have hexedited the bootloader and found that there is indeed "juicy" strings within that may tell to a future unlock these strings being
-Device UnLock!, so Boot Success!!
-oem unlock
-ERROR: Could not do normal boot. Reverting to fastboot mode
Also these strings could just be defualt with all lg bootloaders meaning....there is no hope.
My phone is without a soul and I will never be buy lg again.
If anyone is able to get into fastboot
1. PM ME
2. run : fastboot oem unlock
Again root for this phone works great as long as you dont touch recovery, bootloader, or boot partitions
inyourface09 said:
I have created the recovery tree, and have created a recovery.img for this phone. ok now heres the bad news OUR lg optimus f3 has a stock 3.4 kernel with a locked bootloader. Even worse news is that 3.4 "locking" features a sha5 hash system for its image/partitions (recovery, boot, and bootloader). Even worse news there is no known (or atleast what i know or have heard) way to get around this. The phone will be forever locked until lg updates or allows said lock to be removed. I have flashed the recovery and have had no damage to my device but it just sticks at "unsecure recovery" and does a hard reset (factory restore) every time i try to play with it which is a huge flaw if you ask me.
I have hexedited the bootloader and found that there is indeed "juicy" strings within that may tell to a future unlock these strings being
-Device UnLock!, so Boot Success!!
-oem unlock
-ERROR: Could not do normal boot. Reverting to fastboot mode
Also these strings could just be defualt with all lg bootloaders meaning....there is no hope.
My phone is without a soul and I will never be buy lg again.
If anyone is able to get into fastboot
1. PM ME
2. run : fastboot oem unlock
Again root for this phone works great as long as you dont touch recovery, bootloader, or boot partitions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ugh. Thanks for the work. This is bad news indeed. I'll keep poking around and let you know if I find anything.
richardpwnsner said:
Ugh. Thanks for the work. This is bad news indeed. I'll keep poking around and let you know if I find anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Out of curiosity, any chance Loki would work? I'd be willing to give it a go if there's a decent chance—still within the 14 day exchange window .
Will motochopper work on any carrier version of this phone? Thanks!
jjfad said:
Will motochopper work on any carrier version of this phone? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen confirmations on three carriers (can't remember which ones off the top of my head, sorry [edit-well, T-Mobile and Virgin Mobile come to mind now]), so I'd assume the answer is yes. Regardless, I have yet to see anyone complain about adverse affects, so no reason not to try (though, grain of salt—I'm brand new to android).
For anyone that has this, how are the antennas on this phone?
I just ordered one from tmo and am hoping to get better reception at my house than from my Samsung or HTC.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Steve5400 said:
For anyone that has this, how are the antennas on this phone?
I just ordered one from tmo and am hoping to get better reception at my house than from my Samsung or HTC.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
They seem better and with WIFI calling built in the phone hasn't skipped a beat.
Check my way!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2420178&highlight=rooting+lg+optimus+f3
I failed rooting my phone with Windows system, maybe cause I'm not familiar with the process or I was just to lazy, but it does work if you use motochopper. Try looking it up youtube. You could try my method, it should work on Jellybean 4.1.2!
richardpwnsner said:
Out of curiosity, any chance Loki would work? I'd be willing to give it a go if there's a decent chance—still within the 14 day exchange window .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BAHAHA me to man i think im down to 10 days. Im trying to get some attention but i need someone who knows little endian, and their way around bootloaders. Id be willing to donate to someone who can help me out, also to support the other 3 variants (if the aboot differs).
I have a recovery created also and a device tree (needs gpio support for kernel).
And to awnser your question, yes loki will work IF i can get the needed values so that when recovery/boot is read into memory that it overwrites the security check feature in aboot. If the wrong values are give you may end up with a brick (very slim chance)
My return window just closed . If it helps, you can pull the open source from LG's website and merge it with the android source. I also discovered an even easier solution: set up the LG Sync application, and select the "upgrade recovery option". Then, when it begins downloading, remove your phone, set Windows (or your relevant OS) to show hidden files and folders, and go the the Program Data folder. There should be something like "PHONEAX" under the LG Electronics folder that will contain the full stock kdz file when the download is complete.
It's really kind of surprising that there's absolutely no dev love out there for the F3. I suppose it's because the phone is entry level, but it's really not that bad but for the storage. I got it as a gift, so no complaints here—of course, if anyone wants to donate a Note or Galaxy gratis, I suppose I'd be willing to switch .
I had a Galaxy S4 from Verizon. I switched to T-Mobile Because believe it or not the network is stronger where I work. Also, there pricing on plans cannot be beat. But, I digress. The Galaxy S4 being a Verizon device never really functioned the way it was supposed to on T-Mobiles network. It was unlocked however was still useless for 4G LTE and while I could do better than edge in some places, those places were few and far between. I started to assess what it is I actually used my phone for these days. I'm not into modding with custom ROMS and kernels anymore and I'm not much of a multi-tasker either so I decided that I did not need the super power device anymore. The specs on this phone are perfect for what I need my phone to do. Its been a long time since I have gone beyond rooting to remove bloat and tether. I agree that the storage on this sucks. I don't understand why there are any devices anymore that come with less than 32gb internal. storage is the cheapest thing that can be added to a device and its not as though it uses much physical space. other than the storage I will say that I am impressed with the quality of this device and I don't know that I would even put this as low as "entry level device." I would say its more of a mid-grade device. I am also happy with the reception on this device and its nice to have a compact phone again that actually fits comfortably in my hand and on my belt.
yutzyscott said:
I had a Galaxy S4 from Verizon. I switched to T-Mobile Because believe it or not the network is stronger where I work. Also, there pricing on plans cannot be beat. But, I digress. The Galaxy S4 being a Verizon device never really functioned the way it was supposed to on T-Mobiles network. It was unlocked however was still useless for 4G LTE and while I could do better than edge in some places, those places were few and far between. I started to assess what it is I actually used my phone for these days. I'm not into modding with custom ROMS and kernels anymore and I'm not much of a multi-tasker either so I decided that I did not need the super power device anymore. The specs on this phone are perfect for what I need my phone to do. Its been a long time since I have gone beyond rooting to remove bloat and tether. I agree that the storage on this sucks. I don't understand why there are any devices anymore that come with less than 32gb internal. storage is the cheapest thing that can be added to a device and its not as though it uses much physical space. other than the storage I will say that I am impressed with the quality of this device and I don't know that I would even put this as low as "entry level device." I would say its more of a mid-grade device. I am also happy with the reception on this device and its nice to have a compact phone again that actually fits comfortably in my hand and on my belt.
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Click to collapse
No argument here. I like it well enough, but I'm (1) a closet geek; and (2) a heavy multitasker, so given the option I'd prefer something with more screen space (I just graduated from law school, so I do a lot of reading on the go). As a phone, however, you really couldn't ask for more—the size otherwise pretty much perfect, it's relatively snappy with most applications, and once debloated the stock launcher is pretty good.
That being said, the second I see a safe way to deal with the bootloader pop up, I'm diving in, no question .
Decided to share my home screens.
Sent from my LG-P659 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I am new to dealing with DRM keys and Sony's TA partition and I ask for a little understanding with my dumb questions.
I bought a white Z3 Dual (D6633) for my wife and immediately unlocked bootloader and rooted the phone. She is super happy with it since speed of the phone and camera quality is a big upgrade from HTC Sensations we both own and used until now.
Reading all this stuff about camera issues after unlocking bootloader + other things that stop working makes me really concerned that I have inadvertently and significantly crippled her phone... On the other hand having a root is absolutely critical for me and so far all phones in our household ended up with custom ROM eventually since manufacturers don't support phones with the new software forewer.
To be honest, I think I've missed saving TA partition option completely while following root guide at http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3/development/root-stock-kernel-twrp-v01-test-28-09-t2889794 and I've began to wonder if it would be possible to transplant DRM keys from other Z3 with locked bootloader? I am assuming that each phone has an unique set of keys but if I were to move them from one device to a second identical one and therefore there would be no two phones using same keys, would it work or are they locked to the specific IMEI? Although Z3 Dual has 2 IMEIs and only one was asked for while unlocking bootloader.
What I plan to do is to get a second Z3 Dual for myself now but with copper finish and transplant ALL software to my wife's phone. I am quite sure that she will be fine with stock ROM forever but I tend to mess with hardware I own a lot and reflash ROMs very often and I am willing to give up a little bit for these reasons, although while learning how much one needs to give up with Sony, essentially significantly crippling the phone in the process I begin to question if I should give Sony any more of my money...
I am really hoping that some developer will be able to create a ROM restoring most of those lost features in the process.
czguy said:
I am new to dealing with DRM keys and Sony's TA partition and I ask for a little understanding with my dumb questions.
I bought a white Z3 Dual (D6633) for my wife and immediately unlocked bootloader and rooted the phone. She is super happy with it since speed of the phone and camera quality is a big upgrade from HTC Sensations we both own and used until now.
Reading all this stuff about camera issues after unlocking bootloader + other things that stop working makes me really concerned that I have inadvertently and significantly crippled her phone... On the other hand having a root is absolutely critical for me and so far all phones in our household ended up with custom ROM eventually since manufacturers don't support phones with the new software forewer.
To be honest, I think I've missed saving TA partition option completely while following root guide at http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3/development/root-stock-kernel-twrp-v01-test-28-09-t2889794 and I've began to wonder if it would be possible to transplant DRM keys from other Z3 with locked bootloader? I am assuming that each phone has an unique set of keys but if I were to move them from one device to a second identical one and therefore there would be no two phones using same keys, would it work or are they locked to the specific IMEI? Although Z3 Dual has 2 IMEIs and only one was asked for while unlocking bootloader.
What I plan to do is to get a second Z3 Dual for myself now but with copper finish and transplant ALL software to my wife's phone. I am quite sure that she will be fine with stock ROM forever but I tend to mess with hardware I own a lot and reflash ROMs very often and I am willing to give up a little bit for these reasons, although while learning how much one needs to give up with Sony, essentially significantly crippling the phone in the process I begin to question if I should give Sony any more of my money...
I am really hoping that some developer will be able to create a ROM restoring most of those lost features in the process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have read enough, you will know that taking other's TA to restore will result a HARD BRICK of your wife's phone.
Anyhow, I am also interested to know if there's another way out to restore those lost functions. Do update if you found any alternative method
The best thing you can do now is to give her your Z3 and take hers instead. She might not be happy when she finds out you accidentally crippled her phone.
There is no way, and there will not be way to restore DRM keys which you didn't backup.
Even if you send it to Sony.
We had fight with this since xperia arc (me personal) and without hope.
Just give up, change your new phone with her and learn something from this.
Wait couple of months for proper root.
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Free mobile app
I may give up on Sony
Well, it seems that there is nothing I can do now. As I've mentioned I've never dealt with DRM (I get clean content only - years of ripping CDs/DVDs, etc.) and that's one of the reasons I would never buy Apple products for example.
I don't think my wife will ever realize that she is missing anything because I gave her modified phone already, therefor she has no way to compare and as I've mentioned she is super happy with it as it is.
As far I am concerned, I think I will have to seriously reconsider buying another Sony product ever again. I could not care less about DRM and no access to Sony store, however, inadvertently crippling unrelated functionality by unlocking the phone so I can truly own hardware I've paid for is not acceptable.
As it has been said, it is a lesson for me. It's really disappointing because I have believed that I have finally found a truly flagship product with dual SIM functionality...
Well, I can only point out that Sony do tell you this
http://developer.sonymobile.com/unlockbootloader/unlock-yourboot-loader/
I get that from a first hit of a google search on "Sony unlock bootloader"
I understand your frustration, but I have been with Sony for years and I was aware of this potential problem. If I ever change OEMs I will ensure I treat myself as a noob again and do all the legwork and research I should do before diving in.
I know this does not help you, but I am just trying to get across that the information is out there.
If she doesn't know then what's the issue? Crippling means that the user is hampered by a loss. Her phone isn't crippled by any stretch of the imagination. Now if she tries to use miracast and it doesn't work, then you can say it was crippled, but if she never uses the feature then she's no worse off.
As far as restoring the TA partition, that's null and double null. The keys are encrypted using the hardware of the phone (likely the IMEI) so other signed items will not work. Your best bet is Android L. A completely rewritten Camera stack will be introduced where devs have complete control over the camera's hardware. So some enterprising dev might be able to write a camera app that exceeds the stock camera anyways. As far as anything else, that can be added via opensource alternatives that work fine.
You should be able to return it to the store and swap it for another.
czguy said:
Well, it seems that there is nothing I can do now. As I've mentioned I've never dealt with DRM (I get clean content only - years of ripping CDs/DVDs, etc.) and that's one of the reasons I would never buy Apple products for example.
I don't think my wife will ever realize that she is missing anything because I gave her modified phone already, therefor she has no way to compare and as I've mentioned she is super happy with it as it is.
As far I am concerned, I think I will have to seriously reconsider buying another Sony product ever again. I could not care less about DRM and no access to Sony store, however, inadvertently crippling unrelated functionality by unlocking the phone so I can truly own hardware I've paid for is not acceptable.
As it has been said, it is a lesson for me. It's really disappointing because I have believed that I have finally found a truly flagship product with dual SIM functionality...
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Click to collapse
This is not a personal attack but I'm getting a little bit fed up with reading all these posts about how it's Sony's fault that people f****d up. They clearly advise against unlocking and state that features will be lost. Ok they don't list exactly which but you accepted the risk when choosing to unlock.
I have had a Z3 since release day and I haven't unlocked the bootloader because I read up on it and found that the loss of DRM keys breaks too many things. I had no more information available than you so don't blame Sony for your lack of caution.
I always used Nexus devices before so, like you, I normally unlock and root straight away BUT I exercise due diligence when I get a new device and look into any potential problems first.
This is not Sony's fault, it is yours. Chalk it up to experience.
While we're on that subject, you really ought to give your phone (assuming it's still locked) to your wife. Leaving her a device you have degraded on the basis that she probably won't realise is pretty lousy thing to do.
Thank you guys for your responses. I must admit that I have neglected in-depth research about this issue beforehand. I never cared about loosing access to a specific OEM store and giving up guaranty. After years of unlocking phones and messing with custom ROMs I became overconfident and did not consider degrading so much functionality while keeping stock ROM... Obviously putting a custom ROM on it would be an entirely different story.
I guess this thread may serve as cautionary tale for others
In any case, coming from HTC phones where ROM cookers managed to shoehorn Bravia engine and also some Sony audio enhancements in to it, I really have a high hopes that some custom ROM will restore most of the features...
3Shirts said:
While we're on that subject, you really ought to give your phone (assuming it's still locked) to your wife. Leaving her a device you have degraded on the basis that she probably won't realise is pretty lousy thing to do.
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Click to collapse
This is a bit personal, however, it really depends how you look at it and I don't feel that it was a lousy thing to do. Her having zero technical inclination or understanding and using phone mainly to chat and post some pictures on Facebook, I don't think there was any great harm done. Besides, while wasting too much time with Facebook she has many other exceptional qualities
I am the person who deals with anything electronics related in our home and by messing with phones we own I have managed to extend their functionality far beyond OEMs contribution. And as I have mentioned before, I do hope to continue to do so when Sony stops releasing a new software for this particular model.
This is a definitely a good lesson for me, it was a rush job, I've got her this phone for her birthday and it was delivered the same day I gave it to her. I needed to to obtain the root ASAP as she uses the specific software that does not work without root access.
Yeah, that bit was personal, lol!
I just meant that if you still have a locked one, it would be the chivalrous thing to do to give her that and root it with later when an exploit is found that doesn't kill the low light camera performance. If she's happy though, no harm down I suppose.
3Shirts said:
Yeah, that bit was personal, lol!
I just meant that if you still have a locked one, it would be the chivalrous thing to do to give her that and root it with later when an exploit is found that doesn't kill the low light camera performance. If she's happy though, no harm down I suppose.
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Click to collapse
I am currently really reconsidering if I should go with Sony for my personal phone as well. I am still a big HTC believer (not a fan anymore, they sucked for a few years) and I may stick with HTC Sensation for a little bit longer. By flashing a custom ROM on it, it does everything I need it to do and easily compares with features to todays phones while being 3-4 years old model (antique).
There is a bit more being affected by unlocking bootloader than just low light performance.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/general/loss-drm-keys-t2890936
It's more than I would expect: Bravia Engine (X-Reality, Super Vivid), S-Force Front Surround...
What attracted me to Sony was definitely dual SIM capability (there are practically no other phones with this feature that would work with North American frequencies), waterproofing and having quite impressive guts. HTC has some catching up to do still.
Well, there is still hope. On the Z1 focus on the camera was lost when unlocking the boot on 4.2 with no way to get it back if you had not backed up the TA.
However, once 4.3 came along that fixed the issue for people unlocking and for those who had previously unlocked and lost the ability for the camera to focus.
So, in a future update Sony may fix this issue, or they may not. But hope is not lost
gregbradley said:
Well, there is still hope. On the Z1 focus on the camera was lost when unlocking the boot on 4.2 with no way to get it back if you had not backed up the TA.
However, once 4.3 came along that fixed the issue for people unlocking and for those who had previously unlocked and lost the ability for the camera to focus.
So, in a future update Sony may fix this issue, or they may not. But hope is not lost
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Click to collapse
That was an actual bug though, so they fixed it. This is due to loss of DRM keys so is by design. They might do something but it's unlikely, the DRM keys are there to protect their algorithms
3Shirts said:
That was an actual bug though, so they fixed it. This is due to loss of DRM keys so is by design. They might do something but it's unlikely, the DRM keys are there to protect their algorithms
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Click to collapse
Still weird if you ask me, one reason I am in trouble is because I have never experienced and never expected reduced functionality with other OEMs.
If you unlock HTC you loose hardly anything except guaranty...
Morning all,
I have recently received my CAT S60 and I have to say, I am extremely pleased with the device out of the box. It is solid, extremely well built, battery life is amazing and camera quality is far better than the reviews led me to believe. Call quality is also the best I have ever had on any handset.
Unfortunately, I have never before owned a device without root. I have rooted most of my phones + installed a custom rom within a couple of days of opening the box. Sadly, this time round I've bought a less-popular device which is quite new and there is no existing support.
I am able to do most of the root-requiring functions with this phone (flashlight via button from locked, skip tracks with volume etc) using software workarounds, but I am already butting up against things that are pissing me off because I don't have system access, and I am so used to having it.
I've read horror stories about the lockdown function Qualcomm have applied to the 617 chips, but I now see that some phones with this chip have already been rooted (Motorola) so I am wondering, what are the chances that I will see root or a root exploit for this phone in the near future?
I'm not sure that I would sell the device over not being able to gain root, but it is really really annoying me.
I would be interested too. I couldnt even figure out how to set the s60 to downloadmode (If there is such a mode at all) to flash a custom recovery like twrp. Recoverymode is the usual volume up before poweron.
heinzherbert said:
I would be interested too. I couldnt even figure out how to set the s60 to downloadmode (If there is such a mode at all) to flash a custom recovery like twrp. Recoverymode is the usual volume up before poweron.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Recovery mode is volume up and power button together for 3 to 4 seconds
There is a switch in developer options to allow bootloader to be unlocked. Maybe this, combined with factory recovery menu will set us free? Flash a modified factory rom with root enabled? The stock ROM is very clean.
bandario said:
There is a switch in developer options to allow bootloader to be unlocked. Maybe this, combined with factory recovery menu will set us free? Flash a modified factory rom with root enabled? The stock ROM is very clean.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is an option to unlock bootloader. It's called OEM unlocking
So, flicking this switch should unlock the bootloader???
That gives me a bit of hope for some development on this handset. None of the previous cat phones have seen any real development.
bandario said:
So, flicking this switch should unlock the bootloader???
That gives me a bit of hope for some development on this handset. None of the previous cat phones have seen any real development.
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To be honest flicking that switch does nothing for me. I am unsure how to unlock the bootloader
On S60 bootloader is locked.
No fastboot, but you will be able to select recovery mode.
bump. I'd like to see this phone rooted.
Any progress on this or has anyone tried yet?
My SONY Z1C died on me the other day and I'd need to know if there's at least a chance to root this one.
I'm considering getting the S60 but only if I'm able to root it. An unrooted phone is barely usable to me...
Greetz and thanks in advance,
Unr3aL67
haven't tried rooting mine yet. Not felt the need to yet TBH
Mine is working pretty good without root. Only reason I'd want root honestly is to make backups, and perhaps uninstall a couple apps, but the bloatware is minimal.
Sent from my S60 using Tapatalk
Since the original question was "Is this rootable?" and lately answers have come in the form of "I haven't tried rooting mine" .... which doesn't seem much like an answer at all, to be honest .... I want to join the OP in asking this question. For those of us who have grown accustomed to the freedom and flexibility of having root access to our devices, it would be really nice to know (before making a decision to purchase) whether it is possible to obtain root on the CAT S60.
Does anyone know where to get a zip of the ROM?
After the Arstechnica review this may be my next phone. However, I really require a way to root it so that I can use iptables.
Anyone had any luck?
In response to your query we regret to inform you that we do not offer any assistance or tools to root our devices.
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I tried contacting support about help to root, got the above back. It's a work phone so maybe it's better that I don't mess with it.
If anyone is going to root or make a custom recovery, it'll need to be without any support from the manufacturer. I mostly miss Xposed Framework for adblocking, less frequent notifications and the ability to longpress the back key to enable/disable screen rotation, the ROM itself is 99% "stock" otherwise and I have no complaints on that front.
In response to your query we regret to inform you that we do not offer any assistance or tools to root our devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is, of course, their right, and buyer beware if you wanted a rootable phone. Still, I can't keep from being annoyed at this attitude; if I'm paying them good money for my devices, I want the freedom to do with it everything that I want, including modifying it and knowingly voiding my warranty, or even breaking it outright, if that's what makes me happy. Especially now that rooting/jailbreaking is a thing. Wanting to keep on controlling and limiting how people are able to use your product after you've sold it to them always sticks in my craw.
I guess I'll be passing on what otherwise looks like a perfect phone for me, unless some shining hero (or heroine) manages to figure out how to root a CAT S60 anyway, despite what the manufacturer might wish.
Tangib1e said:
This is, of course, their right, and buyer beware if you wanted a rootable phone. Still, I can't keep from being annoyed at this attitude; if I'm paying them good money for my devices, I want the freedom to do with it everything that I want, including modifying it and knowingly voiding my warranty, or even breaking it outright, if that's what makes me happy. Especially now that rooting/jailbreaking is a thing. Wanting to keep on controlling and limiting how people are able to use your product after you've sold it to them always sticks in my craw.
I guess I'll be passing on what otherwise looks like a perfect phone for me, unless some shining hero (or heroine) manages to figure out how to root a CAT S60 anyway, despite what the manufacturer might wish.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is indeed a great phone, but the camera is sub-par. The focus takes an age compared to my Z5 Compact. I would wait for the second-generation version unless you critically need FLIR as a feature.
I've done a bit of poking around. I suspect that the bootloader could be unlocked with the commands "adb reboot bootloader" followed by "fastboot oem unlock-go".
I'm not going to do that at this point because without a custom ROM to flash there is no point in me voiding my warranty, but I believe it should be possible with USB debugging enabled, and the bootloader confirmed as unlockable.
I think this is how root will arrive on this device: by way of modifying a flashable ROM and flashing it to the device using QFIL as you would any other Qualcomm device.
The tools are all there in front of us, we just need someone with the knowledge to create that modified rom file....at this point I can't even find a factory rom to flash.
Given the recent speed and quality enhancements made available through the stock camera app, I also suspect that doing this will send us backwards to a much ****tier camera as has been the case with many sony handsets in the past.
bandario said:
There is a switch in developer options to allow bootloader to be unlocked. Maybe this, combined with factory recovery menu will set us free? Flash a modified factory rom with root enabled? The stock ROM is very clean.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chuggers said:
There is an option to unlock bootloader. It's called OEM unlocking
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bandario said:
So, flicking this switch should unlock the bootloader???
That gives me a bit of hope for some development on this handset. None of the previous cat phones have seen any real development.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That switch is available in a lot of devices and does nothing on a lot of them
Sent from my Lenovo A7010a48 using XDA Labs