Related
Okay, I was using the camera flash from time to time as a torch and then the VJCandela app came along so I used that too. Usage maybe 2 or 3 times a week for 2-3 mins.
Now I have a very dim camera flash light, it actually looks like there is a black or brown spot in the center of the LED. I am pretty sure it is damaged, now and again it takes on a blue tinge if I test it again.
So I guess its back to O2 for warranty
regards
Vijay555 said:
This program is used to permit control of the flash light on various HTC Phones, to allow it to be used as a torch etc.
Note: this app may will cause permanent damage to your flash led over prolonged periods.
The app will disable itself after prolonged use, but still, use it at your own risk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know this is of little use after the fact, but there is a warning on the site.
This is the sort of thing that HTC should have thought about when including a flash LED on the device. Do they not do QA testing? Do they care that they are getting a lot of gear back for warranty repair?
I blame their close ties with Microsoft for this, after all, MS are the masters of rushing something to market and fixing the problems with it later, are they not?
I actually use VJCandela too, so I'll be back in this thread when my flash breaks to say "ME TOO!!!1!11one!" =)
PReDiToR said:
Do they not do QA testing? Do they care that they are getting a lot of gear back for warranty repair?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I highly agree. I guess having Billions of dollars at their disposal made them forget how hard it is to earn money. It would be nice for them to be poor before they die and experience life at the other end of the spectrum.
Guys, what kind of periods are you using it for? The latest release has a built in timer to switch itself off after 15 seconds, but even then, are you using it for long blasts or just the odd flash?
V
cktlcmd said:
PReDiToR said:
Do they not do QA testing? Do they care that they are getting a lot of gear back for warranty repair?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I highly agree. I guess having Billions of dollars at their disposal made them forget how hard it is to earn money. It would be nice for them to be poor before they die and experience life at the other end of the spectrum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Guys,
No disrespect meant here and really not at all knocking Vijay555, but if the flash is used in a way it was not designed to be used then yes, it'll probably fail! Vijay555 warned of this and you took the risk. And to amazingly come back to knock Microsoft about it..?!
The flash will have rating for continuous use and for pulsed use - if it's used continuously at it's pulsed rating, it will fail.
Again, not knocking anyone, but keep it in perspective guys!
bloney said:
And to amazingly come back to knock Microsoft about it..?!
!
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Click to collapse
I don't have a problem with vijay's app nor my flash as I don't use it that much. But my comment was directed not on the flash of the Universal, but to Microsoft as an entity, seems to me they just want to do what they want rather than consider also what the consumers want.
Same here... I didn't intend to hurt anyone's feelings.
you broke your own toy
My thoughts are with bloney on this one.
You broke your own toy, and now you want to blame someone else for it. The LED wasn't built for continuous illumination, but you ventured forth anyways. if it was actually meant for that, they probably would've included a free app for it anyways. not defending M$ or HTC, but try to use some common sense before you get over-enthusiastic about your expensive toys. It already does alot more than other expensive phones, without the gimmicky hacks, at a relatively good price (for me anyways). and because opportunities for good things to come cheaply for me is valuable, I try to treat it as such. You probably should too, instead of complaining here.
daryl425 - I don't think anyone's blaming anyone else here (I hope ), but IMHO there are two competing ways of looking at VJCandela and similar hacks:
1. They're all unsupported by the Manufacturer and OS designer. There may be a good reason for that, so play it safe, and don't risk your system with unsupported/unofficial products; or
2. Live on the edge, unlock, reflash, use and abuse your hardware to get the most out of it. There will be casualties of war - expect it.
I think most of us are wise enough to use our own common sense and live somewhere between the two extremes. If the Universal had cost me $1000, I wouldn't be using it as a $0.50 flash light, risking my hardware.
I wrote the app, for the fun of writing the app. I don't use my Universal as my main phone, so I can "afford" some minor damage to it in the pursuit of art. But, I strongly advise everyone else to use their own sense, and not sit on the flash for 30 minutes, or do anything else that might risk their precious hardware. Frankly, I hardly use the app at all. However, on the odd occassion that I do, it's come in handy. And it warms my geek heart every time :wink:
So, use caution. But remember, every single piece of software you use that isn't official (and a hell of a lot of those that are) could damage your system. Be careful!
But - don't forget to have fun as well. Think how much innovation has come out of this board and guys prepared to push their systems beyond the limit (ie Buzz et al. I don't consider myself within that heady band. I'm just a tinkling tinkerer).
V
hey guys,
its not such a big deal if you burn your flash! I just went to the local camera store (not the digital ones, the age old film based cams store) and found a flash led with almost the same size and rating. I opened up my device (just once again!), took the "dimmed out" led and replaced it. Of course, i got the connector pin from my previous flash led and used the same one. Now it works fine, and i guess the quality of this led is much better.
cheers,
San
To clear up:
I haven't blown my flash (yet). I rarely use it.
I mentioned MS in a disparaging manner because they have a history of releasing products without actually making sure they are ready to go to market (hence all the ServicePacks and patches), and this seems to be what HTC did with this LED. MS works very closely with HTC and I made a joke about the behaviour pattern being contagious.
Whilst I agree that this unofficial hack is intended to utilise the LED in a way that it was not designed for, which idiot sat in his/her lab at HTC and decided that nobody would ever send their PDA in for a warranty repair because of it? Surely this is the kind of thing that bean counters go nuts over? To put an LED that is a little more reliable would have added a penny to the manufacture, as opposed to spending pounds on postage, labour, parts, time, customer support and so forth.
If it can be done, it will be done. Surely this burning out will happen with normal usage too? How many people use the flash on their mobile to read with in bed, find something in the car, blind their friends as a joke? This is nothing to do with Vijay's app, it is a bad choice of materials, costing HTC money and reputation.
I hope this clears up my thoughts when I posted earlier in the thread, and if not, just put it down to too much Slashdot reading =)
PReDiToR - I entirely agree. Although, should a hypothetical guy on the Clapham Omnibus feel the need to trade in his Universal for a newer one, it might be a convenient way to make a warranty claim...
I've never known LEDs to blow unless wired incorrectly. Of course, as stated, it was only designed for bursts, but even so, as you say, LEDs costs pennies, the Universal doesn't. Hopefully, that won't be our loss, and get them to think about the economics of such components in future.
V
vijay555 said:
PReDiToR - I entirely agree. Although, should a hypothetical guy on the Clapham Omnibus feel the need to trade in his Universal for a newer one, it might be a convenient way to make a warranty claim...
I've never known LEDs to blow unless wired incorrectly. Of course, as stated, it was only designed for bursts, but even so, as you say, LEDs costs pennies, the Universal doesn't. Hopefully, that won't be our loss, and get them to think about the economics of such components in future.
V
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello again Guys,
Not wanting to drag this on or to disagree with you Guys, but I've been looking at some LEDs at work (eg http://www.luxeon.com/pdfs/DS49.pdf) for use in a LED strobe and there's a whole load of LEDs out specifically designed for use as a flash.
So, assuming a purpose built flash LED is used in our HTC devices, it's not a matter of an inferior components being selected, but rather an entirely appropriate component that is designed for a very specific task.
From the data sheet, it states that for flash applications the maximum current (up to 1A) should be used. But for continuous operation 350mA max.
All LEDs have a finite lifetime and trebling the max rated current will obviously cause the component to fail pretty quickly!
Obviously the LED I've looked at probably isn't the one in the HTC units (could be though!), but hopefully shows that HTC might not have just been skimping on the flash!
Having said all that, I most commonly use my flash as a torch, so it's good to know it's replacable!
Hope this is of interest - it isn't meant to be not picking!
Bloney
I certainly wasn't complaining about Vijay's app
I was just pointing out my led is now knackered, lol
Keep up the good work Vijay.
Regards, Simon
No flaming of freeware and shareware
Hi Vijay.
I certainly don't remember a flashlight feature on any adverts for my MDA Pro. Once again, it's good to innovate, but users really can't blame you/HTC/MS/etc. only themselves for this. This is just like the classic CPU overclock situation, you can rev it up, but most people advise to watch out for any burning smoke if you push the pedal too hard
No one here is blaming you or your app, me certainly least of all. My point, just like bloney, is that before someone screams and shouts and cursing out other people, they should really take a look at themselves first. Although most shareware developers usually leave the standard "Use at your own risk" sign on their apps. Something else users should remember.
But then again, if they're screaming and shouting and cursing other people out, they might not be all that good to look at in the first place
Out of interest though??? I know you can leave the flash on whilst using the camera app, I used to use mine this way before. But does the flash timeout on it's own? Also is the flash actually brighter when using Vjcandela as opposed to the camera app? I never noticed it being any different?
Just wondering if I could have done exactly the same thing with just using the camera app over time? After all it does not work like a flash in a traditional sense.
As I said before, keep up the good work Vijay
Regards, Simon
Guys, I think I've said everything that needs to be said on this thread in terms of why we write and use "cutting edge" apps, and risk "bleeding"
Simon: the current version (on my website and XDA forums) has a 15 second timeout I think. This can be overridden, but the override also has a timeout, so it shouldn't be possible to sit on it for toooo long now :idea:
The flash is enabled at normal brightness as used in the Camera app. It can go even brighter, but in the circumstances, it's probably not advisable, eh?!
As bloney says, I think the LED is probably rated differently for burst vs sustained current, so hopefully the camera app wouldn't normally burn out the led. But I suppose we'll find out over time with those using the camera app a lot?
V
Hello all,
I am looking to buy My streak next month and I would like some personal impressions (pro's and con's) from actual users.
I have read the wiki and the FAQ's (great stuff)
I am currently using the Xperia x1 and I love it but its time to upgrade. (im also selling one as I have 2). I live in NYC and of course I have ATT.
I am all but sold, but some personal experience from the highly respected XDA community would be nice.
thank you.
I have a real love hate relationship with mine. I've had it since June, but will be selling it soon to get the upcoming HTC Deisre HD.
PRO
Super screen, quite repsonsive, really bright. HD youtube looks fantastic on it. Really snappy to use. Internet is a joy to use.
\
the CON is as a phone it sucks. It's just too big. It took a while to make up my mind, but if you use your phone to make calls a lot, it may be a little big. I've even dropped it a couple of times due to it's large size. Support seems weak as well.
I got it a couple weeks ago and love. In my opinion its the best android device for At&t so far. The aria is a mid-lower end and the captivate feels cheap so i settled for the streak
When you first get it you will be amazed at how big it is but after using it for a couple weeks it feels normal and other devices (evo and iphone) feel SO small in your hand. One handed use sometimes is a bit hard when on the home screen but theres ways to go around that.
Browsing is awesome, haven't had to many issues due to the lack flash. Games are amazing on the 5" screen, haven't done too much movie watching but do watch the occasional youtube video.
Don't have anything bad to say about it other than its aspect ratio is set to "long" (think widescreen tv) while most android devices out there are "not long" (regular 4:3) so some apps won't look right but i have been seeing updates in the market for added streak support.
One downside though would be the connector/charger which is a PDMI connection. The cable that comes with the device is a tad too short and a spare cable from dell is $19.99!
Overall i'm happy with it and would recommend it if its your cup of tea. Also its a really big attention grabber. You don't understand how many times girls have came up to me and asked what it was and how i just pulled it out of my pocket. Then there is those that hate that say its too big as they play with their little iPhag phone..
I also came from an x1 and streak has been great for me, I can only think of glowing comments.
The obvious question is the size, but really its not that noticeable over any other phone (actually I would argue its less noticeable than the x1). If you want an approximation of the size, put a casio calculator in your pocket, keeping in mind that the streak is significantly thinner than it.
Plus as fone_fantastic mentioned its a real head turner, and seriously not as ridiculous to use as a phone as it seems, its a great device, highly recommended.
Wow, thanx for the responses, keep em coming, I'm a pretty big guy 6'1 210, I dont think I would mind the size and that is what actually interests me most.
I'm happy to see some of you love it. unbelievably its not being demoed in any of my nearby att stores, so I havent had any hands on time with it. another draw to it is that I havent seen a single person with one (just like my X1), and I'm a waiter, I see tons of people and tons of phones...but no Streak's I like having the stand out device. just a bit worried about dell's first attempt at a phone
like I said keep em coming please.
strboy said:
Wow, thanx for the responses, keep em coming, I'm a pretty big guy 6'1 210, I dont think I would mind the size and that is what actually interests me most.
I'm happy to see some of you love it. unbelievably its not being demoed in any of my nearby att stores, so I havent had any hands on time with it. another draw to it is that I havent seen a single person with one (just like my X1), and I'm a waiter, I see tons of people and tons of phones...but no Streak's I like having the stand out device. just a bit worried about dell's first attempt at a phone
like I said keep em coming please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol I'm a waiter too, its just as sea of blackberries and iphones. Wish I could just pull out the Streak and show off
Ha! we arent supposed to either, but I will sneak it in and show guests sometimes, (my x1 that is)...I don't get the wow factor I used to but....Streaks a coming.
and Yeah i see tons of Iphones all my co workers have Iphone 4's and BB torch's, I cant wait till I get my streak.
The Streak does everything I could wish and more, if there's one bad thing it's that it is a bit fragile. If you decide to get one make sure you also get a decent protective case.
I don't use mine as a phone (data only contract), but as a MID I think it is great.
The screen size (and quality) is perfect for browsing while remaining truly portable. It is my first Android device and thanks to that is endlessly customisable and has got me tinkering 'under the hood again' which is something I hadn't realised I'd missed.
Build quality wise it isn't bullet proof but given that you take care of it you shouldn't have any problems.
I have a love hate relationship with mine to. I love it totally:
Web browsing: what other smartphone can you visit and read a website with not having to zoom in a scroll left and right to read text on any site?
Ease of use: it's a Android!
Reliability: the HTC HD2 is at this time the closest competition IMO, used to have one but it was so unreliable with it's wifi i soon started to hate the sight of it!
Size: fits in any pocket i have, including trousers.
Don't watch TV, but wait until you veiw youtube on it or start view photo's you'll never wnat a small screen again.
What i hate about it is when others who complain about the size! they new the size before they bought it right, so they obviously worry far to much about what others think of them! that's not the streaks fault it's theirs. If i'm standing at some busy junction and i answer a call, if others start looking then i think they just want one to and they're eyeing it up to see what it is
The galaxy tab will be released next month, but portable it's not! look at the size of the bezel around the screen! that would look strange, holding a netbook up to your ear
I know it's a bit off topic but the Samsung Tab won't be getting voice on the US side.
now back on track
I love the streak, best parts are as said before, screen size, browsing experience (I use dolphin HD, skyfire and regular browser) each one i like for different things, I do browsing mostly on it.
cons. my streak won't charge but it's ok ( I paid half price), besides that, is that it doesn't have froyo which I don't mind at all, the other thing is that there are not many devs for this phone/tablet yet, but nothing to worry. Also the down side is the "PDMI" port, there aren't any third party chargers, cables, docks but I hope they'll come down eventually.
I'm skinny 5'10 and the streak doesn't feel all that big when against my head, no one even notice when I'm on the BIG phone talking to someone, I don't get any weird looks, but when I lay that "flipflop" on the table everyone looks at it and wants to have a go.
I've used the X1 and had several HTC's as you can see on my sig, one thing tho is that you might miss the physical keyboard, but you'll get around it, the screen is so big that the on-screen keyboard are not bad at all, I personally use "multi-touch keyboard" and that does the trick for me.
hope that helps.
Yeah, I think that this device is one of the best things I have ever bought.
the only down side will be in two years time.
Once my contract is up, I don't think I'll be able to go to anything smaller! 5" is the exact maximum size for it to be held comfortably (I definitely wouldn't get a Galaxy tab to use as a phone). But I cannot face going back to a smaller sized screen it ouwld feel like a step back.
And I'm wondering will there be a Streak II ? Or any other phone like it in 2 years time.
I can just envision my self wandering around with a forlorn look on my face muttering "I want 5 inches, I want 5 inches" (and probably get arrested when i walk past a school)
I'm in love with this phone device. The screen is awesome. Very responsive and big enough for me to type fairly accuratly on.
Talking on the phone feels normal. I didn't expect it to, but I've had only minor issues with calling. I have found myself sometimes hunting for the speaker but find that I can hear fine if I just hold the Streak a hair away from head. Basically my fat head was muffling the sound if I had the phone resting against it without having the speaker right over my ear.
I do wish that Dell would answer someone's post about the screen failures. I suspect there was a build quality issue with at least the early Streaks.
I also wish someone would get 2.2 working on a Streak so I can do remote desktop and have full exchange support, oh and Flash.
To add 1 more con, there is no VPN support if you use windows vpn LP2T, but hopefully it'll get sorted on 2.2.
I was starting to panick somewhat after I ordered the Streak & agreed to sell my current HD2 to a friend soon as it arrives, and then came across some negative reviews and discovered many people were having problems on this forum with the firmware issues related to upgrade to Android 2.1 & the limitations of stock Android 1.6. (which version are u positive guys using?).
Now having read this thread, you guys have got me optimistic & excited again!
Can't wait for it arrive next week. Hopefully I will once again feel "...this is the best phone I have ever owned", just like I did when I got my HD2, and the HTC HD before that. I don't think I could bear the disappointment of feeling I have taken a step back in the eternal quest for the ultimate personal communication device which I embarked on about 15 years ago with the Nokia 2110, followed by a variety of iPaq (HTC-made) PDA's, Ipaq phones & various HTC-branded devices.
Thanks guys for sharing your impressions.
THJahar said:
Yeah, I think that this device is one of the best things I have ever bought.
the only down side will be in two years time.
Once my contract is up, I don't think I'll be able to go to anything smaller! 5" is the exact maximum size for it to be held comfortably (I definitely wouldn't get a Galaxy tab to use as a phone). But I cannot face going back to a smaller sized screen it ouwld feel like a step back.
And I'm wondering will there be a Streak II ? Or any other phone like it in 2 years time.
I can just envision my self wandering around with a forlorn look on my face muttering "I want 5 inches, I want 5 inches" (and probably get arrested when i walk past a school)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LMao...I'll look for you in the papers two years from now
SAman1 said:
I was starting to panick somewhat after I ordered the Streak & agreed to sell my current HD2 to a friend soon as it arrives, and then came across some negative reviews and discovered many people were having problems on this forum with the firmware issues related to upgrade to Android 2.1 & the limitations of stock Android 1.6. (which version are u positive guys using?).
Now having read this thread, you guys have got me optimistic & excited again!
Can't wait for it arrive next week. Hopefully I will once again feel "...this is the best phone I have ever owned", just like I did when I got my HD2, and the HTC HD before that. I don't think I could bear the disappointment of feeling I have taken a step back in the eternal quest for the ultimate personal communication device which I embarked on about 15 years ago with the Nokia 2110, followed by a variety of iPaq (HTC-made) PDA's, Ipaq phones & various HTC-branded devices.
Thanks guys for sharing your impressions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My sentiments exactly,
Question regarding the size, with my X1 I rarely ever hold it to my face I always use the Stereo headset that came with it, does the streak have on also (bundled) is it any good?
another ex-X1 user here. Love the streak and can't think of another device I could replace it with currently. In fact it's hard to leave it alone and the battery gets quite a hammering
Yes you get a stereo headset with the streak and it's not bad at all really. I don't use it myself (got some Ultimate Ears 'phones which sound incredible and I only use handsfree over BT in the car) but it should be fine...
I've kept the X1 for when i'm doing "rough stuff", like photographing 4x4 events - can just shove it in a pocket out of the way whereas the Streak would probably get damaged. For everything else though (especially in the car for satnav, music etc) it's one hell of a good device.
I really hope 2.2 makes it over cos that last little piece of the jigsaw - embedded flash in the browser - will make it a stunner. Keep an eye on the thread about USB hosting as well. If that can be actioned there are a lot of possibilities there too. For example I want to be able to download the occasional shot from my camera to check on the Streak's fairly well calibrated screen. I can also resize and send if necessary and POSSIBLY even back up the camera's memory card! (IF it works of course!!)
Everything works better than it did on the X1. BT streaming, web browsing, emulation (PSX for example), graphics, user interface (and i was using a custom WAD desktop on my X1), call quality, you name it
Up until I got the Streak I thought the X1 was the best phone I'd had but this is a whole other level!!
triondave said:
I really hope 2.2 makes it over cos that last little piece of the jigsaw - embedded flash in the browser - will make it a stunner. Keep an eye on the thread about USB hosting as well. If that can be actioned there are a lot of possibilities there too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been following that thread, with the hope that one could maybe use the USB port with a serial port adaptor to connect to Cisco routers and maybe run an Android equivalent to Windows Hyperterminal app to configure Cisco routers? I guess that's a bit far-fetched since no Android drivers would be available ...but as you mentioned, there are many other possibilities to this USB Host functionality which are likely to work.
Which version of Android are you currently running tho? Is it stock or modified?
Can you get a full 12hrs availability from the battery daily with say, 2 hrs voicecalls, & 2 hrs HSDPA internet plus a few sms's?
Also wondering if you know what the USB connector on the Streak is called? Can't see myself unplugging the cable back & forth between my bedroom, the car & the office every day. Should be easy to make up the USB host cable as well as a few spare charging cables while I'm at it if I can source the connector somewhere.
Hi - running stock O2 2.1 build 8105
I generally have to charge by about 3pm after starting at 7am BUT the screen is pretty much constantly on during that time and as far as I can see from my use the screen hammers the battery more than anything else (it's surprisingly good on wifi at home if the screen gets turned off regularly). At home it'll go all day with occasional use and usually MSN Talk running in the background.
Not entirely sure what you mean by what the USB connector is called. Do you mean the PDMI one that attaches to the phone? Well, I say PDMI but it's not 100% proved yet is it, as far as I can see from what I've read. It does seem almost certain that it is though. If you find a source let us all know!!
triondave said:
Hi - running stock O2 2.1 build 8105
I generally have to charge by about 3pm after starting at 7am BUT the screen is pretty much constantly on during that time and as far as I can see from my use the screen hammers the battery more than anything else (it's surprisingly good on wifi at home if the screen gets turned off regularly). At home it'll go all day with occasional use and usually MSN Talk running in the background.
Not entirely sure what you mean by what the USB connector is called. Do you mean the PDMI one that attaches to the phone? Well, I say PDMI but it's not 100% proved yet is it, as far as I can see from what I've read. It does seem almost certain that it is though. If you find a source let us all know!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you use the Streak like a PC - screen on & in use almost continuously? Based on that it would probably be safe to say it would last me all day with less than 4 hrs screen on time (screen is mostly off during phonecalls I guess due to proximity sensor) & fairly typical/light mobilephone use. That's great to know, thanks.
Indeed, perhaps the name PDMI will help me find it somewhere in Asia, but probably best to have a closeup picture of it. As long as someone makes a connector that fits the slot and we can find out Dell's pinouts, should be ok. When my unit arrives next week I'll at least have the USB cable to check the connector for myself .
Anyways, my apologies to the OP for having gone a bit off topic there.
I'm convinced now I'll be happy with the Streak, despite some minor challenges no doubt. Besides, if it turned out to be perfect, how would we find a worthy upgrade in another year from now....
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Please do no not ask how to check firmware?, what is the problem?, ect. For such questions visit thread mentioned below.
This thread is for people who know what is wrong.
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I decided to write this thread to sum up in short form all the most important informations regarding camera modules in Samsung Galaxy S II. Long version of thread where you can find various information is here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1098834&highlight=upgrade.
This thread is the try to make more pressure on Samsung about fixing their problem regarding camera modules.
1. Problem overview
1.1 General overview:
Samsung Galaxy S II has been released in many forms with different camera modules. So far the most problematic module is Samsung's sensor, identified as example:
SLSI_S5K3H2YX_M5MOLSwith firmware marked as SCEF02. (It needs to be told - Fujitsu is overall name of module, particular camera we identify via codes, SC, OM ect - then we can exactly say example Fujitsu\Samsung LSI (Samsung's sensor combined with Fujitsu [additional parts like firmware it is believed]), or Sony sensor). It is complicated way, this is why sometimes you can find some inaccuracies in detailed technical - but general overview is true).
Problematic issues haven't been revealed just now - the Community and users know these issues for long time. So does Samsung.
1.2 Technical overview
Problems with camera modules can be abbreviated to few things:
AutoFocus issues - as we know AutoFocus can greatly improve movies. It is nice feature which unfortunately doesn't work in SGS II as it should. Problems are related to the situations, where:
Often in daily situations AutoFocus works without any need of it. Video is already sharp, but AutoFocus tries to make it better. It just worsen the movie making unnecessary blurs;
In darker areas, nights or moving from dark to bright ground AutoFocus loses stability or even worse completely blurs the movie. Making movie then is completely useless.
AutoFocus is slow. Compared to other phones it is just slower, sometimes really slow - often you can forget making movie of fast moving objects like birds, planes and so on.
FPS issues - these problems are related to the general FPS of movies. SLSI_S5K3H2YX_M5MOLS records slower than it should be. It happens either day or night, depending on the conditions. These conditions are, example:
Moving camera from darker to brighter area and vice versa.
Recording at night.
Red pink spot - this problem makes the pictures and movies having pink, light circle. It happens when you take a photo on the solid grayish, white and other colors area.
Few words are need to be written - it is very interesting that phones equipped by Sony OMEF01 (IMX105) have less problems. Their FPS and general smoothness are better than in S5K3H2YX SCEF02 firmware. But this is not the end - some users in act of desperation and completely lack of Samsung's support loaded Camera firmware (SIEG03) from the other phone - Samsung i997 - which partially fixed problems regarding low frame rates!
These two examples may lead to the conclusion the problem is the only firmware which since phone release, hasn't been fixed for Samsung's module users.
2. Examples of problems
Many users recorded camera behaviour and uploaded it on YouTube. I post few movies to show what Samsung screwed up and didn't want to fix it.
Comparison of SLSI_S5K3H2YX_M5MOLS SCEF02 and Sony (IMX105) OMEF01.
SCEF02
OMEF01
AutoFocus at night with low FPS - is it the way as it should be? For Samsung yes.
Comparison of default system camera (camcorder) and the commercial app.
Here one word to be posted - please notice that the comparison of system application and lgCamera was made at SCEF02 firmware.
Even with such limits like camera firmware which is the bridge for hardware and user's camera software, the lgCamera amateur programmer (with all respect to its Author) could fix few problems and improve the camera!
Samsung is not able to fix it since months!
Also please notice lgCamera has much more functions than stock application - example snow, fall scenes for video mode. If lgCamera author could add working camera modes, what is stopping Samsung doing the same? Laziness.
3. Samsung's behaviour
Unfortunately Samsung Galaxy S II users can't say Samsung is the company which tries to care about customers. Many users have reported such issues long time ago, including myself where I've had replies which mostly were restricted to few laconically sounded sentences. In my case I've contacted Samsung Hotline, Samsung Main Service Center, Local Service Center department and Samsung LSI.
In all cases except Samsung LSI, where I was able to send only 1 mail (my next messages weren't delivered) I informed about issues regarding problems of SGS II. In all cases replies can be shortened, I present their answers:
"I think that you are mistaking us (Samsung Electro-Mechanics) for Fujitsu.,because you are complaining to Fujitsu (it had to be S5K3H2YX). I'd like to recommend that you enter the Fujitsu's website." - Well it is like pong game where everybody bounces the problem elsewhere. Who mounted Fujitsu (It had to be S5K3H2YX) module in the Galaxy? Who wrote the firmware? Samsung! I bought the phone from the Samsung, not Fujitsu, goddammit!
"In case of problems return phone to the service, and if we detect issues, we will replace or repair damaged part." - They are like robots. Everytime say such thing. This will NOT fix the problem because Samsung will just replace S5K3H2YX to another S5K3H2YX. Problem is not in the few users' phones. Problem exist either in ready to mount modules equipped with bad firmware which are delivered to the service centers or just alone firmware!
"We cannot mount the desired module in the phone. We replace things randomly. We're delivered by Samsung boxes with parts and they're not signed they're either Fujitsu (it had to be S5K3H2YX) or Sony." - This was an answer for my question about demand of Sony module replacement instead of faulty S5K3H2YX. Pity.
"All camera modules come to us and pass the Samsung requirements." - This can be reasonable. Technically S5K3H2YX module can be OK. But Samsung put to S5K3H2YX bad firmware which makes problems mentioned earlier!
Overall often I must have waited two weeks for any response. I am still waiting (1.5 month) for response from official Samsung department for my technical question.
Answers from the Main Service Center came to me after 7 days and only because I reminded them about my question and said their competences end at connecting charger to the phone.
It is to be mentioned Samsung released Camera Firmware Upgrade few times. But it didn't fix anything - completely nothing, null, zero. The last update marked at December 02 of 2011 also didn't bring anything.
Samsung just ignores the customers!
4. Possible solution and conclusions
I think more likely problems exist only in bad firmware. The answer ("All camera modules come to us and pass the Samsung requirements.") from the service center gives me to think so, which is reasonable, especially when we know after changing firmware to other problems are partially gone.
Samsung must understand:
What it has been screwed up, needs to be fixed.
Customers shouldn't be abandoned with problems for many long months. Samsung even didn't say a word about.
The longer they do this, the more likely people will turn back to other brands.
If they promoted SGS II as one of the best camera phones, they just lied. At least in current situation.
Such thread wouldn't have been created if Samsung had answered for many amount of complains about Camera work in SGS II.
ATTENTION - For anyone who wants to buy non-shutterning camera module for your own, you can do it. Look at this thread for info: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=28697558
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I hope now it will be easier to spread information about Samsung and its bad customers treat.
Notes:
1. This thread tries to sum up all the most important things related to problem and this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1098834&highlight=upgrade .
2. If you have comments, propositions what I missed, or should add please post it yourself or write what I should add in my post (to save cleanness).
3. I hope we'll get what we have right to.
4. Instead of Fujistu we think about S5K3H2YX which is correct name of Samsung's faulty sensors it seems to.
same issue here and samsung sucks !
I have the same issues. This camera sucks a lot, just like Samsung.
RE
Now that they are creating firmw. Android 4.0. they got time to fix all this if not then they are just fking stupid
Epic comment. Agree with every point. Very disappointed that Samsung let this amazing phone come with such poor video autofocus. Didn't their testers notice this? Someone somewhere in SGS2 development brushed this issue under the carpet. Very shady.
Apple wouldn't have let this happen...
---------- Post added at 11:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:19 PM ----------
blizzari said:
Now that they are creating firmw. Android 4.0. they got time to fix all this if not then they are just fking stupid
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But...but...if they fixed it then nobody would buy the SGS3....
Honestly? They've had nearly a year to fix an issue they knew about. My hopes aren't high on an ICS fix
how ever much i love the sgs 2 i have to agree with this
666fff said:
But...but...if they fixed it then nobody would buy the SGS3....
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Click to collapse
lets say thet have sold 20million devices and like 10 000 have problems with, I dont think they are gonna fix it. I guess it's is easier for them to RMA them than work on the problem which is unfortunate for the affected users
Are you sure an RMA would fix this?
Thx guys, I wouldn't write this without motivation of others in the thread. Together we can try to do something. At least we have better chances than complaining lonely. I'd be nice to interest some GSM portals. If few of them picked up topic, perhaps it would make more pressure. It is customer right to have that he paid for.
NoOneCanHelpMe said:
lets say thet have sold 20million devices and like 10 000 have problems with, I dont think they are gonna fix it. I guess it's is easier for them to RMA them than work on the problem which is unfortunate for the affected users
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Click to collapse
Unfortunately not all users of Fujitsu will complain - because many of them will think it is as it should be. User'd think it is just the phone and it is common. Some of them will not bother also because will buy next phone. I think Samsung counts on it as well.
I am sure every firmware for Fujitsu is one big failure - so I guess there are much more wrong phones than example 10 000. I guess they sold few millions in Europe, at least few hundreds of thousands has such bad firmware.
Well done. Thorough research. But...
You obviously know your stuff, but I would say that the vast majority of users - myself included - do not possess your depth of knowledge, and - myself included again - are happy enough with the camera.
In spite of repeated attempts (well, about four) I cannot reproduce the infamous pink spot. Stuff I film isn't reliant on autofocus so much (does homemade pron count?). As a happy-snapper-point-and-shoot device, this camera is good enough for me.
I won't claim that I speak for the masses, but I'll surmise that the camera quality is not at the top of most users' priority list with regards to this phone. You've certainly convinced me it could be better but unfortunately it's Samsung you need to convince, and that doesn't seem to be going so well...
I have equally strong feelings re the SQ for music - I'm not a genius/supercurio (metaphors AFAIC), but I do know my stuff there, and it still frustrates the squits out of me that Samsung decided that a worse chip than the SGS was the way forward (reason #1 for not buying the Note).
I wish you all the best - maintain the rage!
I had scef02 ehich makes mine fujitsu. Just did an update snd now i have SCEE09
PHONE FW TBEC28. does this help?
Edit: just got it that i actually downgraded my camera. Reverting SCEF02
Sent from outter space using a Gremlin for delivery!
So is SBEF02 affected by the same issue?
well on ics 4.0.3 camera managed to get white balance, better,
it's not perfect, but at least i dont get too orange pictures inside my house
samsung sucks
just do it like me and never ever buy a samsung phone...
mblaus said:
just do it like me and never ever buy a samsung phone...
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then what is your business here? trolling? go at iphone section or where ever you need to be. we like our Samsung phones.
People should be alerted about camera issues before buying the phone, hope this thread brings solutions.
Yup, this should be sticky!
Alert the people, make them ask Samsung - possibly drop sales a little - make Samsung react -
- admit the problem
- send service procedures and parts to service centers
- in case of customer complaint invite to service center for solution: firmware flash/module change
So easy.
Samsung made billions of dollars on these devices and yet it cant spare few bucks for such programme. Pitty.
500$+ device with broken camera, no ICS (because samsung takes its time breaking it with TW)
I would go Apple way if I knew that.
(joke..)
truly disappointed...if I knew the video recording had this problem I wouldn't have bought the phone
the problem is that they marketed it as the "perfect" phone that has everything unmatched; perfect camera, perfect web browsing, perfect gaming,...etc
also we must note that most (if not all) reviews sites which r the main reference for many people (myself included) before buying a phone NEVER said a word about any camera problem
it's true that not all the phones have the defected module/firmware, but not at least one review site got it?
or is it that samsung sends review units equipped with the perfect stuff and sell the ****ty ones to the masses??????????!!!!!!!!!!!!
to be honest I feel like I fell in a dirty trap made by samsung which is probably laughing its ass off pointing at me right now, which is something I don't like
if samsung doesn't fix the problem with ICS (or any other kind of fix) I'll probably sell the phone and never come back to this company again. not because I can't live without video recording (actually I rarely use it) but because I ABSOLUTELY HATE these marketing methods
The SGS2 is advertised on samsung's website as "Recording & Playback [email protected]" while the SCEF02 firmwares (And other firmwares for the Fujitsu camera module) struggle to record at 30fps, can't something be done about false advertisement?
B3311 said:
Well done. Thorough research. But...
You obviously know your stuff, but I would say that the vast majority of users - myself included - do not possess your depth of knowledge, and - myself included again - are happy enough with the camera.
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Click to collapse
Yes I am really aware of it. For many people it is just the way it is, and they're OK with it, Samsung counts on this too as well
In spite of repeated attempts (well, about four) I cannot reproduce the infamous pink spot. Stuff I film isn't reliant on autofocus so much (does homemade pron count?). As a happy-snapper-point-and-shoot device, this camera is good enough for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm it should happen when you turn camera on the wall, or white paper example. Light conditions are also important.
I won't claim that I speak for the masses, but I'll surmise that the camera quality is not at the top of most users' priority list with regards to this phone. You've certainly convinced me it could be better but unfortunately it's Samsung you need to convince, and that doesn't seem to be going so well...
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Camera generally is not completely bad. It is not good either. It can be improved adding new functions like it is in lgCamera. But definitely it should have been fixed long time ago to be as advertises say.
suzaku said:
truly disappointed...if I knew the video recording had this problem I wouldn't have bought the phone
the problem is that they marketed it as the "perfect" phone that has everything unmatched; perfect camera, perfect web browsing, perfect gaming,...etc
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Click to collapse
Well camera adverts were in my case quite strong impulse to buy this phone. Most reviews were also "oh ah, orgasm" and it was hard to find any very deep review.
Everything else is OK, but this part is not as to be expected according to the ads and just human understanding.
also we must note that most (if not all) reviews sites which r the main reference for many people (myself included) before buying a phone NEVER said a word about any camera problem
it's true that not all the phones have the defected module/firmware, but not at least one review site got it?
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Click to collapse
There is really hard to find long, deep review. I am not surprised. To write it you'd have spent quite long time with the phone, than few days. Reviewers often don't have enough time to do it. Sometimes they are just non-technicians, when they see picture and they liked it, it meant camera was OK
or is it that samsung sends review units equipped with the perfect stuff and sell the ****ty ones to the masses??????????!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Click to collapse
I do not want to generalize and I do not know about SGS II reviews behind-the-scenes actions, but it is quite often practice. It is the same as reviewing other stuff, kitchen hardware, ect. This is why much more often you will get true opinions from real users who say their own impressions. If you were a producer you'd like to send the best what you have to get great rate, when reality can differ. Unfortunately sometimes it is bad for customers.
D3_ said:
The SGS2 is advertised on samsung's website as "Recording & Playback [email protected]" while the SCEF02 firmwares (And other firmwares for the Fujitsu camera module) struggle to record at 30fps, can't something be done about false advertisement?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the only way is to send requests to GSM portals to incentive them looking at such problem. Also Facebook comments and so on. Then we could have had better chances, than now where we know Samsung via hotline doesn't care about anything.
I am going to write within few days to local GSM webs, maybe I'll be lucky.... or not
1) Google Glass: possibilities of advertisement; basing adverstisement of what you see and geographically enable, taking advantage of streetview and visually as to what the user is seeing on the UI. For example, if a user walks by and views a McDonalds, a Google Goggles application will identify the image and instantly rely an advertisement to you.
Mel Salas
Follow my thoughts.
https://plus.google.com/u/0/106893142706073706302/posts
New render of the future.
https://plus.google.com/photos/106893142706073706302/albums/posts/5759630835259475650
I see where you are coming from and i agree. It would also be great for museums and what not to give you the information on the artwork without having to read a tile and what not.
It's a neat product for sure.
More thoughts are welcome. Discussion and relative views are encouraged!
I think it'll be used for those reality TV shows a lot.
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk 2
Oh my, OP, Google isnt just all about ads, They do other stuff too.
2) I think most people don't realize this yet. There are some very neat things that can be done with Google Glass for the visually impaired. It could be used as a tool that will assist by using a combination of Google Goggles, and GPS to guide the visually impaired in ways that nothing else has really done...
glass
i think this tech is great...but i'm afraid it will kill our social life..i watch from youtube about project glass advertisement..that person a wearing glass make a date without her girlfreind and at the book store he is looking for ?? section..he didn't ask from a lady at counter..its look like a film WALL-E..just sit at chair..everything in front your eye and you are not noticed who are between of you.. this is only my 2cent opinion..sorry for my bad english..
saifulsaijue said:
i think this tech is great...but i'm afraid it will kill our social life..i watch from youtube about project glass advertisement..that person a wearing glass make a date without her girlfreind and at the book store he is looking for ?? section..he didn't ask from a lady at counter..its look like a film WALL-E..just sit at chair..everything in front your eye and you are not noticed who are between of you.. this is only my 2cent opinion..sorry for my bad english..
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Click to collapse
Good point. We've already reached some of that. As in people looking down at their smartphone most of the time rather than socializing.
I don't know how you're supposed to be driving and wearing this thing at the same time. Will the DOT allow this on public roads? I mean... Imagine you're driving down I-95 S while wearing it and something pops up on the ride of the glasses. At the same time, a truck is trying to merge into your lane from the right. You didn't see it coming because your glasses prevented you from seeing that truck in your right-side mirror...
Imagine they make real time translation lang to lang in text or voice mod...
I hope thant when i walk or drive, I haven't my eyes full of advertising!!! Or i collise with other people or wall xD
Random thoughts
The idea is not new, but being a big and supposedly not evil company behind it may success.
- The official video can create a lot of hype. But. You won't be able to perform most things they do there. It is expensive.
Will this eventually get better? Who knows. I guess this is an experiment, it may success or not.
- Btw, does exist already any kind indoor GPS like in the video?
- Could this eventually kill the phone as we know it (with the help of tablets)?
- Is it only for one eye? and no way to remove reality background? Not good for watching movies then.
- Input interfaces: I don't think voice commands can work when surround by crowd in the street. As someone said, work by blinking eyes? by moving head? by moving eyes? have a couple of buttons?
- Presbyopia. When we get older we have trouble watching our small phone screens. These glasses will naturally overcome this.
- Casual public social networking: See what radom people around you is thinking realtime (like Google Plus' "near you" but better), see their avatars. Have your GPS on 24/7 and drain your battery too, or use NFC if it helps. May a new p2p GPS network emerge, or ground GPS, who knows.
- Easy and fast NFC sharing is required, as you cannot just show your screen to your friend like you can do with phones.
I tried to say a few things as I thought them, probably all of the have been worked out already elsewhere.
Well, i believe and Google also says it at some places that it'll cause accidents.
Definitely you won't be using it while driving a car or walking across the street therefore it won't be local mostly professionals will be using it like sky divers, astronauts etc ..
LatinSuD said:
The idea is not new, but being a big and supposedly not evil company behind it may success.
- The official video can create a lot of hype. But. You won't be able to perform most things they do there. It is expensive.
Will this eventually get better? Who knows. I guess this is an experiment, it may success or not.
- Btw, does exist already any kind indoor GPS like in the video?
- Could this eventually kill the phone as we know it (with the help of tablets)?
- Is it only for one eye? and no way to remove reality background? Not good for watching movies then.
- Input interfaces: I don't think voice commands can work when surround by crowd in the street. As someone said, work by blinking eyes? by moving head? by moving eyes? have a couple of buttons?
- Presbyopia. When we get older we have trouble watching our small phone screens. These glasses will naturally overcome this.
- Casual public social networking: See what radom people around you is thinking realtime (like Google Plus' "near you" but better), see their avatars. Have your GPS on 24/7 and drain your battery too, or use NFC if it helps. May a new p2p GPS network emerge, or ground GPS, who knows.
- Easy and fast NFC sharing is required, as you cannot just show your screen to your friend like you can do with phones.
I tried to say a few things as I thought them, probably all of the have been worked out already elsewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome points made there. This really makes you think.
Sounds Cool!
I happen to use a lot of coupons. Normally I'll look up the coupons at home for businesses I'll be around during the next day.
It would be fairly handy if eventually an app could be made for google glass that would pop up coupons/sales for places as I travel past them.
Luckily you'll be able to get a driverless car so that you don't crash while using your glasses
please everything except advertising, i wont wanna pay $1500 for adverts to be directly beamed into my face:silly:
Google will release their project glass...then get sued by Apple because apple just patented Google's invention. :banghead:
Adsense for Google Glass.. that's funny!
Got mine today from 3 (UK) and have to say, thus far, best Android phone ever........
Simple stuff, it's set up with M$ exchange and tasks (a must for me) and the seamless integration with Google+,Facebook and Twitter is brilliant (missed this with every other Android phone).....
Loving the Blink feed.....
Haven't used the camera much yet, however the TV Remote app (Watch) or whatever its called.....easy set up on both TV and SKY and it's a genuine brilliant feature.
So far, well happy and nothing Sammy can throw at their (SG3s)comes close to this....
Dai
dai_griff said:
Got mine today from 3 (UK) and have to say, thus far, best Android phone ever........
Simple stuff, it's set up with M$ exchange and tasks (a must for me) and the seamless integration with Google+,Facebook and Twitter is brilliant (missed this with every other Android phone).....
Loving the Blink feed.....
Haven't used the camera much yet, however the TV Remote app (Watch) or whatever its called.....easy set up on both TV and SKY and it's a genuine brilliant feature.
So far, well happy and nothing Sammy can throw at their (SG3s)comes close to this....
Dai
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Better than stock?!
Very nice. Good hearing positive things about blinkfeed. Let us know any other interesting things you find out about.
coming from the og one x
Silver or Black?
I got my silvet one on 3 today.To start with it's the best android smartphone I ever used. Design is awasome and the phone sits very pleasant in my hand. Damn it HTC worked very well on aesthetic of UI.it's so refined detail driven and tuned I am having good times just staring at it.I am detail driven person thats part of my work and I have appreciation and eye for things like this. Battery was around 80% when I got phone it lastet around 9hours on 50% brightness 3g and WiFi combined.Email YouTube browsing music listening an so on. I believe camera softaware could be tweakened more... sometimes highlight details gets overexposed and wide angle lens tends to distort image on the sides the latter I am not sure if possible to correct on the phone but the editing program. Having said that low light shoots are my favourite. Camera does really good job and keeps colour very close to natural. Another good thing is your photos are only a little over 1MB .what a compact size. Dual Speakers are in they own league it sounds stereo and is clrar. Phone is smooth and fast. I like blinkfeed and I think it does a job for me.At the moment I have my FB telling me all new stories. Screen is crisp and clear with natural colour and good viewing angles. Coming from sgs2 I didn't have a problem to navigate through the phone I think it's quiet intuitive.So far so good. I don't regret for a single second I got this phone. If I had a second chance to choose the phone without a doubt I would pick The One.....Enjoy your new phone HTC fellows!
hope all of you that got it today die in a fire :laugh:
snorkle said:
hope all of you that got it today die in a fire :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's okay, their phones would be fine.
Whats the melting point of the aluminium used I wonder?
Plastic would just melt! :laugh:
Nokiacrazi said:
It's okay, their phones would be fine.
Whats the melting point of the aluminium used I wonder?
Plastic would just melt! :laugh:
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Not only would it melt, it would melt in an unusable gooey blob and look like **** + the fumes would mess up your brain (maybe thats why samsung users like their devices ..)
The One however will be a nice piece of aluminum, that can be remelted and recycled and reborn as a new one
voltron2k11 said:
Not only would it melt, it would melt in an unusable gooey blob and look like **** + the fumes would mess up your brain (maybe thats why samsung users like their devices ..)
The One however will be a nice piece of aluminum, that can be remelted and recycled and reborn as a new one
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Click to collapse
I lol'd, you may have a point, how hot do thsoe phones get? slow burn so you dont realize it? causing brain damage, is the only way someone would want to buy those phones again..
Seeing as I did play with the phone in shops many times, nothing about the experience of this phone comes as a surprise. Its fast, smooth (no lag what so ever), UI is fantastic infact just simply the best, camera is fantastic have only taking one pic, but i took many when I used it in shops, same as video, dual speakers and in headset audio second to none!!! i dont even care about the features of the s3s which is a very good phone btw but certainly not on the Ones level!!! this is just the best phone ever made!!!! forget good job HTC, excellent job HTC, next year just add a memory card slot and much bigger battery to please all those who complain about battery and memory. I was confused as to why they called it the one and orginally thought M7 was better but now having it as my own phone rather than a shop model - it deserves the name ONE!!! coz its number ONE!!