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how accurate is this information ?
As feared, Cingular is crippling yet another phone for the US market. The highly anticipated and much drooled over HTC TyTn (Hermes) next generation Windows Mobile device will indeed be arriving stateside this year, but with its front video-eye gouged out and the video-phoning software disabled. Here are the leaked photos of the Yankee bound device thanks to msmobiles.com. While this is still an excellent phone and destined to be a best seller, why is the American market continually forced to deal with delayed, disabled, and walled-off handset releases?
If this is true wouldn't it be reasonable to give up the luxury of carrier warranty and buy the European version of this phone ?
The information appears accurate, but it may be a moot point: At this time, Cingular is not supporting/enabling the videocalling feature on its network.
So, even if you buy the HTC TyTN version of the device (with videocamera), you'll be unable to use that feature on Cingular's UMTS network.
If you travel internationally and want the camera (and can live without the US Carrier subsidy, support & warranty), then it might make good sense for you to buy a version with the camera.
question is will i be able to enable those features myself ?
im a USA t-mobile subscriber and intend to remain so the cingular version and its crippled hermes would not compensate me with carrier warranty.
anyone has an idea when will t-mobile bring the Hermes to the US?
is it worth the wait or i can only expect them to butcher the features as well?
Oct 5 release for the 8525 in the southern US is what I'm hearing btw.
Cingular is replacing the video call feature with PTT instead. Although its not implemented yet, the PTT software installs from an extrom cab and attaches to the former video call button.
As a TyTN owner I might consider working on a bit of engineering that allows for the toggling of it and the TyTN's video calling app depending on what network I'm using. Kind of like a press/hold = video call and short press gets PTT app.
Also in this vein, there are rumors floating around that the 8525 still has the front camera, but it's hidden under the front plate. This makes a certain amount of sense to me. I guess its verification only awaits the debunker having the 'nads to look... :shock:
any news on t-mobile ?
...that would be only way to get the warranty
Hi everyone -
Based on some of the reports out there, such as the Boy Genius review, it sounds like the US (CDMA) version has some improvements over the GSM version, specifically the build quality of the slider and a better keyboard. I'm in the US but want the GSM version (I use AT&T) and am thinking of getting an import.
Given the delay in availablility, my guess is the US/CDMA version was designed and built after the GSM version, so they may have made some production tweaks. Anyone know if those same tweaks are showing up in the GSM model? If not I may just get the CDMA model, even with that stupid attached flappy thing.
Thanks!
Mike
landshark said:
Hi everyone -
Based on some of the reports out there, such as the Boy Genius review, it sounds like the US (CDMA) version has some improvements over the GSM version, specifically the build quality of the slider and a better keyboard. I'm in the US but want the GSM version (I use AT&T) and am thinking of getting an import.
Given the delay in availablility, my guess is the US/CDMA version was designed and built after the GSM version, so they may have made some production tweaks. Anyone know if those same tweaks are showing up in the GSM model? If not I may just get the CDMA model, even with that stupid attached flappy thing.
Thanks!
Mike
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Click to collapse
i suggest u wait because even if they are producing gsm shifts with the new improvments then it will take a while till they trickle down to the shops. plus the wait will also allow the price to go down.
Pawel062 said:
i suggest u wait because even if they are producing gsm shifts with the new improvments then it will take a while till they trickle down to the shops. plus the wait will also allow the price to go down.
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Click to collapse
have you ever seen the price of HTC product lowering down ?
I wish the shift could get the price lowered ... will see !
koala996 said:
have you ever seen the price of HTC product lowering down ?
I wish the shift could get the price lowered ... will see !
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Click to collapse
yes but i ment on the online shops. the touch cruise used to be over 800 new. not its about 700 new. shift will be same. u might see it soon going on ebay for about 1400-1500.
WAIT???? But I want it NOW!!!!
<Credit to Verucia Salt and Charlie and the Chocolate factory>
http://www.lyricsmania.com/lyrics/w...lyrics_68869/i_want_it_now_lyrics_668039.html
Thanks for the replies! Yeah, I know I should wait, but I was hoping someone would say all was well and the changes had already trickled down. If I wait, I'll probably end up with an Asus EEE 900.....<grin>
Mike
Why wait?
If you want one now, just get it.
And get the one you want, the GSM model.
A few weeks ago (at the UMPC Portal meeting after CeBIT) I had a chance to hold and play a little with a UK model (what you'd probably go for).
This was the most solidly built UMPC (actually, the Asus R2E felt similar but is a completely different type) that I had layed hands on yet (and on that day I held quite a few) and I can't imagine that any improvements that they might or might not have made to the CDMA model would really be significant. The sliding mechanism worked very well, although I must admit you needed both hands to close it. To me this is no issue taking the size of the Shift into account. It is not a 3" phone that I'd expect to operate with one hand. With the way I would use the Shift in mind I actually prefer it to be a little "sturdier".
If the sliding mechanism on the CDMA model in the review really was more "loose", this could also point to production variations or some people probably would even interprete this as an (insignificantly) lower build quality oft that version .
If you should be interested in an opinion of the build quality of the German version (released last week), wait another day, I will pick MY Shift up from the post office tomorrow.
By the way, something else to consider: The GSM model does not have the case bolted on. It is really ridiculous that somebody at the FCC thought this would protect users from too much radiation Probably HTC should add a roll of aluminum foil to the package - one can make wonderful hats from that
Completely agree with the last post. My Shift is very sturdy and build quality is superb, sliding action is firm but smooth, just how you'd want it.
landshark said:
Hi everyone -
Based on some of the reports out there, such as the Boy Genius review, it sounds like the US (CDMA) version has some improvements over the GSM version, specifically the build quality of the slider and a better keyboard. I'm in the US but want the GSM version (I use AT&T) and am thinking of getting an import.
Given the delay in availablility, my guess is the US/CDMA version was designed and built after the GSM version, so they may have made some production tweaks. Anyone know if those same tweaks are showing up in the GSM model? If not I may just get the CDMA model, even with that stupid attached flappy thing.
Thanks!
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I talked to tech support today about an wifi issue. I have an import gsm
He told me in May the shift will be in US in both cdma and a unlocked gsm version. He had a unlocked gsm US version himself while on the phone with me.
Also said the US gsm version has an updated ROM than what my import gsm version has and includes telanav on both the cdma and gsm.
will not have a built in gps reciever, will triangulate position off cell towers
Is there some where to find extended details about the cellular radios found in the Epic? I'm looking for technical style details, not the basic info found everywhere.
Basically what are the components, software control, specifications, etc....
https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas...lledFromFrame=N&application_id=566932&fcc_id=
and select "rf exposure info 1"
that may have some info for you. before they get to the tests, they lay out a lot of details regarding the cdma and wimax radios.
I've already read that info. That's more on testing it, not so much about what it is and how it works.
are you looking specifically for the epic radio or cdma radio specs in general? ive got some hard documents concerning the latter but i would have to scan them and upload them somewhere.
Its CDMA radio, how it's controlled, method of frequency generation, ACTUAL frequency capability, etc...
Just about every cell phone is capable of far more frequencies than just those we use in the US. Motorola's phones are capable of all freqs used world wide, but are usually software controlled depending on the region they're in. I'm interested in the CDMA radio, who makes it, what is it, etc....
NoSoMo said:
Its CDMA radio, how it's controlled, method of frequency generation, ACTUAL frequency capability, etc...
Just about every cell phone is capable of far more frequencies than just those we use in the US. Motorola's phones are capable of all freqs used world wide, but are usually software controlled depending on the region they're in. I'm interested in the CDMA radio, who makes it, what is it, etc....
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Click to collapse
Not entirely.
The phones still need front end band pass filters to tune the specific range of frequencies required. The phones aren't true Software Defined Radios. You can't just magically tune to 1300Mhz if you wanted.
When they talk about making separate phones for AT&T and T-Mobile, they really do have to modify the hardware.
The radios in the Epics are made by Qualcomm. They are the hardest company to get documentation for next to Broadcom.
I was hoping to be able to find if they can do CDMA on 806-821MHz and 851-866. I know they work @ 824MHz+
Hi, I have Galaxy s5 g900f and NextRadio installed to receive fm radio but it doesn't work because carrier didn't unlocked it. S5 Sprint version has it. Can someone port Sprint S5 kernel to G900F version? I tried TuneIn radio but I need offline radio.
As dar as I know, it's a hardware limitation
Enviado desde mi SM-G900F
It may just be wishful thinking, but the current consensus is that it's a software (or firmware) limitation:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2661286&page=16#post57373795
The phones with it seem to have the same hardware as those without.
They both share this Broadcom chip which is capable of receiving FM radio signals. Whether or not the sprint version uses this or not I don't know. It is not at all uncommon to find redundant hardware in mobile tech.
It's very unlikely that Samsung would commission a special variant for just one carrier. It really doesn't make business sense. The most likely explanation is that Samsung pays Broadcom a rate depending on which features they use. Sprint have simply foot the extra money for the FM capabilities so Samsung have enabled them.
It is possible that the Broadcom chip requires a specific external oscillator (if it doesn't somehow share the same 2.4GHz one the bluetooth and Wi-FI uses). My poor-man's electrotec instinct is telling me it's impossible to put an accurate oscillator inside an IC. Relatively speaking, these are actually expensive components. Samsung could simply not load the pick'n'place machine with this component and there you go. They've saved money with no design changes whatsoever and we loose our FM This is a visible mod and if we ever get pics of the two mainboards side by side we would be able to tell.
However! It is also possible the Broadcom chip can have features permanently deactivated via an eFuse to satisfy licence requirements. (Nasty right? but it does go on unfortunately It's a lot cheaper than making several different chips)
I think we have a great chance to be honest, but no one has announced they're working on it now.
If like me, you really want this feature, I suggest heading to the post above and pledging a donation for a working hack.
My s5 mini is same.
I'm looking to buy a new phone but don't want/need the latest and greatest. I'm happy with the performance of my HTC One Mini, my work HTC One X/XL and my wife's S4 Active, all AT&T phones used in the U.S. My One Mini just suffered a horrible mountain bike crash which busted the screen up pretty bad, then too, my old eyes are tired of that tiny screen. I've also had bad luck with the built in battery and lack of SD card slot. So I was thinking S4 would be ok by me. Asking on the device forum I've gotten 50-11 answers some of which are conflicting answers. I was thinking the i9505 would be the right phone until someone piped up stating it wouldn't work on LTE here. From all I've seen it looks to me like that senior member don't know what they're talking about. Here's my criteria:
1. 4.5" to 5" screen
2. Unlocked/unlockable and can easily accept custom ROMs
3. Prefer to stick with a Kit Kat Rom as it gets along with my Do Not Disturb app better than Lollipop due to the built-in app on Lollipop
4. Removable battery
5. SD Slot
6. LTE service on AT&T/T-Mobile and Caribbean and South American Countries
7. Custom ROM must allow hotspot w/o AT&T controlling my use (I have unlimited internet on my plan and want to make use of it)
Background: I'm almost green having only installed a custom ROM on my work phone an HTC One X/XL from AT&T. Apparently it's one of the harder phones to unlock the bootloader and permanent Root is impossible I think. I 1st installed CM12.1 on the HTC ONE X and ran into conflicts and buggy operations. After a few weeks of testing I backed it up, wiped it and installed CM11 which I truly like. No experience or much understanding of KNOX, ODIN or ODEX. I only read bits and pieces on those while trying to figure out which S4 variant will fit my need. Lastly, were can I get a new phone off contract? Anybody purchased from www.Cell2Get.com? I was about to buy this phone prior to the member claiming it wouldn't work on AT&T.
http://www.cell2get.com/samsung-galaxy-s4-i9505-16gb-unlocked-gsm-android-cell-phone-p-5122.html
IRBent said:
I'm looking to buy a new phone but don't want/need the latest and greatest. I'm happy with the performance of my HTC One Mini, my work HTC One X/XL and my wife's S4 Active, all AT&T phones used in the U.S. My One Mini just suffered a horrible mountain bike crash which busted the screen up pretty bad, then too, my old eyes are tired of that tiny screen. I've also had bad luck with the built in battery and lack of SD card slot. So I was thinking S4 would be ok by me. Asking on the device forum I've gotten 50-11 answers some of which are conflicting answers. I was thinking the i9505 would be the right phone until someone piped up stating it wouldn't work on LTE here. From all I've seen it looks to me like that senior member don't know what they're talking about. Here's my criteria:
1. 4.5" to 5" screen
2. Unlocked/unlockable and can easily accept custom ROMs
3. Prefer to stick with a Kit Kat Rom as it gets along with my Do Not Disturb app better than Lollipop due to the built-in app on Lollipop
4. Removable battery
5. SD Slot
6. LTE service on AT&T/T-Mobile and Caribbean and South American Countries
7. Custom ROM must allow hotspot w/o AT&T controlling my use (I have unlimited internet on my plan and want to make use of it)
Background: I'm almost green having only installed a custom ROM on my work phone an HTC One X/XL from AT&T. Apparently it's one of the harder phones to unlock the bootloader and permanent Root is impossible I think. I 1st installed CM12.1 on the HTC ONE X and ran into conflicts and buggy operations. After a few weeks of testing I backed it up, wiped it and installed CM11 which I truly like. No experience or much understanding of KNOX, ODIN or ODEX. I only read bits and pieces on those while trying to figure out which S4 variant will fit my need. Lastly, were can I get a new phone off contract? Anybody purchased from www.Cell2Get.com? I was about to buy this phone prior to the member claiming it wouldn't work on AT&T.
http://www.cell2get.com/samsung-galaxy-s4-i9505-16gb-unlocked-gsm-android-cell-phone-p-5122.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- AT&T has it's own variant of the S4. It's called the "SGH-I337".
- The I9505 will not work with LTE on the AT&T network. It support different bands. So the member was correct. You can see it here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_S4#Model_variants
- The "SGH-I337" has a locked bootloader and cannot be unlocked. Only some old devices will have an unlocked bootloader because they never upgraded their software. Thus you cannot use custom roms like CM.
Lennyz1988 said:
- AT&T has it's own variant of the S4. It's called the "SGH-I337".
- The I9505 will not work with LTE on the AT&T network. It support different bands. So the member was correct. You can see it here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_S4#Model_variants
- The "SGH-I337" has a locked bootloader and cannot be unlocked. Only some old devices will have an unlocked bootloader because they never upgraded their software. Thus you cannot use custom roms like CM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So is the GT-I9505G the preferred phone to have and to mod and if so, can I buy new one without getting a fake?
"Google Play Edition
At the Google I/O 2013 keynote, Samsung and Google revealed that an edition of the U.S. S4 would be released on June 26, 2013 through Google Play, initially featuring stock Android 4.2.2, later updated to 4.4.4, with Samsung provided updates; it has an unlockable bootloader (similar to Nexus devices) and supports LTE on AT&T and T-Mobile's networks. The model number is GT-I9505G."
I'm likely "that member", because I have an I9505 (not I9505G) running on Straight Talk, which is a US MVNO that rents bandwidth from all the major US carriers. The I9505 will not work on LTE here in the US because the LTE frequencies used worldwide (1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20) are not the frequencies used by the carriers here in the US. The I9505G is a different story. It has the LTE frequencies needed to work here in the US, and does not have Touchwiz as it uses stock Android.
You can't purchase one new because they've been discontinued for some time now. You may want to check out Swappa (link at the top of the page) and see if they have a used one you can purchase.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
I'm likely "that member", because I have an I9505 (not I9505G) running on Straight Talk, which is a US MVNO that rents bandwidth from all the major US carriers. The I9505 will not work on LTE here in the US because the LTE frequencies used worldwide (1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20) are not the frequencies used by the carriers here in the US. The I9505G is a different story. It has the LTE frequencies needed to work here in the US, and does not have Touchwiz as it uses stock Android.
You can't purchase one new because they've been discontinued for some time now. You may want to check out Swappa (link at the top of the page) and see if they have a used one you can purchase.
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Click to collapse
Really good and interesting reply. Being new to this stuff and having not kept up with cellphone technology, some of the things you guys just know, I'm having to try to understand. At first I assumed all 9505's were the same, but apparently I was wrong there. Then I also thought that since most cellphone review sites showed a plethora of Freq. and bands, with at least on or two being those that AT&T and most other North American GSM carriers use, I assume that meant I could get that model of phone. little did I know that those two lines of freqs and bands were for different versions of that same model, one for here and being a carrier locked phone and the other line being and international phone without the proper band for use here. So now after learning that difference it appears to me that there may be now way possible to purchase a new S4 and turn it into a custom ROM phone. So if I understand you and the carrier stuff correctly, you're using a plain 9505 and piggybacking off AT&T by way of StraightTalk like so many of us do. However since your phone is an international version you don't have LTE, is that right? One last thing I've yet to read or learn about but saw when I was putting CM11 and 12.1 on my HTC One X/XL (AT&T), I kept seeing stuff about "the radio". The way it read made me think they were NOT talking about an FM radio for music, but the freqs the phone itself uses. I think I recall them flashing "radios" which I assume they meant they were able to change the original freqs/bands that the model came with to one more useful here. Is that something that truly exists and can be done even on an S4 variant? My assumption is that it CANNOT be done or else you'd have done so already on your i9505.
IRBent said:
So if I understand you and the carrier stuff correctly, you're using a plain 9505 and piggybacking off AT&T by way of StraightTalk like so many of us do. However since your phone is an international version you don't have LTE, is that right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct.
IRBent said:
My assumption is that it CANNOT be done or else you'd have done so already on your i9505.
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Click to collapse
Again correct. With Samsung, their firmware loading software, Odin, actually checks and makes sure the parts of the firmware match the model of the S4 connected to the PC. If they don't match, Odin will instantly fail. The only way to try and enable LTE on the I9505 is to delve into the low-level firmware for the LTE chip and attempt to rewrite it so it can see the added frequencies. However, I don't recommend it. Not only is it a very intricate process compared to something like rooting, it's also quite possible that you could render the LTE chip non-functional. I tried it, and nearly lost the ability to use my phone at all due to having my phone's SIM lock restored.
If you do decide to get an S4, an I9505G is likely your best bet. Not only does it have the AT&T frequencies, it's also got an unlocked bootloader (unlike the AT&T model) and is also carrier unlocked right out of the box. That last means you can use it on T-Mobile and carriers which use GSM SIM cards. Other choices would be the T-Mobile S4 (SGH-M919) or the North American S4 (SGH-I337M). All these phones include the AT&T frequencies and also have an unlocked bootloader so customization is easier.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
If you do decide to get an S4, an I9505G is likely your best bet. Not only does it have the AT&T frequencies, it's also got an unlocked bootloader (unlike the AT&T model) and is also carrier unlocked right out of the box. That last means you can use it on T-Mobile and carriers which use GSM SIM cards. Other choices would be the T-Mobile S4 (SGH-M919) or the North American S4 (SGH-I337M). All these phones include the AT&T frequencies and also have an unlocked bootloader so customization is easier.
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Click to collapse
I thank you so much sir. This answer is direct and explains exactly what I wanted to know. I only wish it were possible to purchase one of those models new so I could ensure years of use void of glitches due to possible abuse by the previous owner. If I can't find one of the above models I will probably be looking for some other make/model, preferably a new phone not used. Do you know if it's possible to get a new phone that meets the criteria below?
1. Unlocked bootloader or one that can be unlocked
2. Removable battery
3. 4.7" - 5" screen
4. SD card
5. Capable of being used as a hotspot ( I have unlimited internet but need to thwart AT&T from controlling my use)
6. Rootable and custom ROM capable
7. Can be used in U.S, South America and Caribbean (I think most of those places all use the same freqs/bands as U.S.)
That is why on Swappa you search for the ones labeled Mint or New. My device was Mint off Swappa, and the main reasons were that it was always in a case, and had a tempered glass screen protector installed.
For a current flagship-level device, looking at your laundry list, I believe you need to adjust your expectations. Not because of the software, but because of the hardware. LG is perhaps the only manufacturer still offering both removable batteries and MicroSD card slots, but their flagship device has a larger screen than you want. Motorola doesn't have removable batteries. Google provides neither, just like Samsung. Sony is an unknown, but their devices are not common here in the US.
Your best option is to go with a larger screen size and get an LG G4. If you absolutely MUST have the smaller screen, then you want a used Galaxy S4 or S5, so long as they aren't AT&T devices.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
For a current flagship-level device, looking at your laundry list, I believe you need to adjust your expectations. Not because of the software, but because of the hardware. LG is perhaps the only manufacturer still offering both removable batteries and MicroSD card slots, but their flagship device has a larger screen than you want. Motorola doesn't have removable batteries. Google provides neither, just like Samsung. Sony is an unknown, but their devices are not common here in the US.
Your best option is to go with a larger screen size and get an LG G4. If you absolutely MUST have the smaller screen, then you want a used Galaxy S4 or S5, so long as they aren't AT&T devices.
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Click to collapse
I guess I should have made it clear too that flagships, latest and greatest wasn't necessary. I'm happy with the speeds my older HTC ONE X and HTC ONE Mini supply. But closing in on 50 years old, my eyes and the Mini's screen don't get along so well anymore.
If you have bad eyesight, a bigger screen can be a godsend.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
If you have bad eyesight, a bigger screen can be a godsend.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. I need a bigger screen but a smaller phone because my hands can't reach around my HTC ONE Mini. Sometimes it sucks being 5'4". LOL
IRBent said:
Exactly. I need a bigger screen but a smaller phone because my hands can't reach around my HTC ONE Mini. Sometimes it sucks being 5'4". LOL
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Click to collapse
I would not recommend someone buying the S4 anymore. It was and still is a great phone, but newer models are just way better. The battery life is to short with the standard battery.
Based on your preferences I would recommend one of the following:
- LG Nexus 5
- Oneplus one
- Motorola X Play
But then again, maybe they are to big for you. The LG is the smallest but doesn't have a sd slot.
Lennyz1988 said:
Based on your preferences I would recommend one of the following:
- LG Nexus 5
- Oneplus one
- Motorola X Play
But then again, maybe they are to big for you. The LG is the smallest but doesn't have a sd slot.
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Amazing discovery by me just now. Yes, I've seen folks here talk about the brand OnePlus but I didn't know who or what OnePlus was until just now. I used to keep up with all things electronics related, reading review sites and forums like this. 10 years ago or so a DVD manufacturer named OPPO was the talk. Excellent brand but unheard of. I just learned that OnePlus is a company started by an OPPO founder. I'm so out of the loop.