Database Users

Stop killing android carriers

Cnet just put up a review of the Motorola Atrix, one of the most anticipated smart-phones. AT&T has blocked the ability to download 3rd party apps . "You can't install third-party apps" and goes on to say "No change of heart on third-party applications, as that feature is disabled on the Atrix."
Google's(andy rubin) response is to say let me market decide. I truly agree with this statement but when the carriers are in power (two year contracts) it doesn't let the market work. General consumers dont know know the difference between android phones. Consumer assume since they are getting an android phone, all android phones are the same. This blocking of 3rd party apps creates a bad user experience and users will blame android and not the carriers.
( http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/motorola-atrix-4g-at/4505-6452_7-34468396.html?tag=rvwBody )

Moved to Atrix General

babluc said:
when the carriers are in power (two year contracts) it doesn't let the market work.
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Click to collapse
ITA.
Looking on the slighter brighter side, CNET also said this (emphasis added):
Of course, you've also got your obligatory AT&T services--AT&T Navigator, AT&T FamilyMap, and AT&T U-Verse Live TV--on there, but for once, you can actually uninstall any of these apps if you wish.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not enough, but it's a start.

Side loading apps is such a trivial issue on any device, including devices on AT&T. Root not even required. So for the tiny percentage that want to do this (like rooters) the option is there.

No Third party software? No "FREE" bootloader? No reasonable laptop dock price? It really destroyed the purpose of open-sourced software.....I guess AT&T kills the fun of having an Android phone.....I went from "must have one" to "might have one"...sigh.....

My last 3 phones were not purchased from AT&T because of similar issues. AT&T modifies the phone to disable installation of anything not coming from their store.
I've been considering switching to a different provider because I find it very expensive to buy unlocked phones just to get them in their enabled state. I know I would lose the flexibility of using the phone around the world, but I don't travel that much.
Is Verizon doing this same thing on their phones? If not I may consider switching to them. How about Sprint?

sp_1st_timer said:
My last 3 phones were not purchased from AT&T because of similar issues. AT&T modifies the phone to disable installation of anything not coming from their store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T restricts third-party apps, which means you can download only from the Android Market - which is not AT&T's store, btw.
Is Verizon doing this same thing on their phones? If not I may consider switching to them. How about Sprint?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, AT&T is the only one of the 4 major carriers that blocks 3rd-party apps. As previously mentioned, getting around that restriction is extremely simple and does not require rooting the phone. The Sideload Wonder Machine, for one, is very easy to use.

has no one in here heard of the side-load wondermachine come on seriously when theres a will theres a way thats my way around att crap O rama

shadowscreation said:
has no one in here heard of the side-load wondermachine come on seriously when theres a will theres a way thats my way around att crap O rama
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Click to collapse
The point is we shouldn't have to find ways around it, and buying these devices only says that it's OK to at&t.

eallan said:
The point is we shouldn't have to find ways around it, and buying these devices only says that it's OK to at&t.
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Click to collapse
i know what your saying.but considering this is one of atts top o the line phones minus the bs tethering plan for laptop dock(totally ruined that for me by the way). im just hoping that the bootloader isnt crapped up im gonna wait a little bit on buying this till i know theres a way to custom rom the crap out of this phone so ya thats what im waiting on before i decide i want this phone or not if not owell there will be better ones later on this year im sure so guess we will see how this all works out
note to everyone i like grammatical errors and run-on sentences thats what makes life fun

babluc said:
AT&T has blocked the ability to download 3rd party apps
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Click to collapse
Relax... thats what xda is for.

peachpuff said:
Relax... thats what xda is for.
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Click to collapse
No kidding. Do you really need to get your panties in a wad about sideloading? That's like complaining that it doesn't come rooted from the factory.

peachpuff said:
Relax... thats what xda is for.
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Click to collapse
Yes i get that but im talking about common users. Common users will not use XDA or root there phone. Im also not talking just about just this phone. When carriers do stuff like this, it effects how people view android and its ease of use.

babluc said:
Yes i get that but im talking about common users. Common users will not use XDA or root there phone. Im also not talking just about just this phone. When carriers do stuff like this, it effects how people view android and its ease of use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Common users aren't going to be side loading to begin with. If its not in the market they aren't going to care. If they care they can google it and find XDA or the plethora of other sites that detail the simple few step process.
i agree it shouldn't be an issue, it is and its an easy fix so I don't worry about it. Efuse is a bigger issue to development that this. If it does have efuse I won't buy it out of principal and I'll get an inspire.

Aridon said:
Common users aren't going to be side loading to begin with. If its not in the market they aren't going to care. If they care they can google it and find XDA or the plethora of other sites that detail the simple few step process.
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Click to collapse
Agreed. Anyone who wants to sideload can figure it out. Its probably the easiest hack you could possibly do on your Android phone.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

I know I found out about the side-load wonder machine long before I found XDA. But it just wasn't enough for my Captivate lol. Always wanted more.

DumIam said:
I know I found out about the side-load wonder machine long before I found XDA. But it just wasn't enough for my Captivate lol. Always wanted more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And the Cappy always needs more! Here's to hoping the Atrix doesn't.
At least in the performance realm, it doesn't seem too need much help from hacks. Although I'm looking forward to seeing what can be accomplished...

This phone is a powerful machine to begin with. I will be happy once I can root just to delete any bloatware that I can't delete out the box. Sideloading will be nice too..
I just don't like the Motorola interface, launcher pro will be my first install..
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

I have decided pass on the Atrix due to pricing tech concerns. I am looking forward to the samsung i9100.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

Got my Xoom

Yay for my local Verizon dealer, who made good on his promise and sold me 2 Xooms today.
Initial impressions are very good... but with only 7 apps in the Android Market for tablets, the community clearly has a long way to go.
Here's your fun fact so far: there's an LED near the Verizon logo that blinks when you get a notification.

Now, if you wouldnt mind... could you not play with it at all for the next 12 hours and just have it run a video loop while connected to 3g and wifi to guage the battery?
Come on, think of the service that you'll be providing. We'd totally owe you one.

Are you able to download normal apps not made for tablets?
Or are you limited to only applications for tablets in the Market?

alee said:
Yay for my local Verizon dealer, who made good on his promise and sold me 2 Xooms today.
Initial impressions are very good... but with only 7 apps in the Android Market for tablets, the community clearly has a long way to go.
Here's your fun fact so far: there's an LED near the Verizon logo that blinks when you get a notification.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you confirm what we heard that if you purchase through a VZ store no activation is required?

BBalz said:
Are you able to download normal apps not made for tablets?
Or are you limited to only applications for tablets in the Market?
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Click to collapse
For now, you can sideload apps via the browser, but you need to go to Settings > Applications and check off Unknown sources.
For whatever reason, I can see some, but not all the Market apps. Compatibility flag maybe? Went looking for Beejive and it didn't show up. Might need to be updated to use the Honeycomb APIs?

I notice the apple bluetooth keyboard... does that work with it?
I only ask because I have one and sometimes I know apple products can be sort of a b#$^@ when it comes to connecting to off-apple brand items.

TheZuneLune said:
Did you confirm what we heard that if you purchase through a VZ store no activation is required?
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Click to collapse
I was getting contracts for both, so I didn't ask.
Note: neither of my devices are currently activated -- Verizon's systems apparently won't activate any Xooms just yet, so mine will be turned on tomorrow morning. For now it's Wi-Fi, and there was no problem getting it to work without the activation.

It hasn't been released yet, maybe Google has some tweaking to do in their systems overnight before apps show up. 7 apps doesn't sound right..

BBalz said:
I notice the apple bluetooth keyboard... does that work with it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tried it. Pairs and works fine. When you pair, it discovers the keyboard, and asks you to type a 4 digit code + enter on the Apple keyboard. Then all systems go.

parrotheadmjb said:
It hasn't been released yet, maybe Google has some tweaking to do in their systems overnight before apps show up. 7 apps doesn't sound right..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could be. Note that the app store did update itself upon first launch.

Ya feel like prying the back off of one of them and checking on the true size of the battery? Does it say what the size is on the box by chance?

muyoso said:
Ya feel like prying the back off of one of them and checking on the true size of the battery? Does it say what the size is on the box by chance?
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Click to collapse
+1
Thanks

If you go to the new Android Market on PC, you can find a NYTimes Android Application for Tablets. Can you possibly have that downloaded to your Xoom and give it a try?
Here is a link:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.nytimes.android.tablet&feature=search_result
+4 on the battery requests

Alee!
Open up the Xoom and tell us what mAh battery size is inside that sucker? We need to put something to rest.. claim is that it's 3250mAh.. we're hoping this is a mistake and it's actually much larger.

Anyone know how to get to the battery? I see 2 screws at the bottom, but I can't mess with those right now as I'm syncing over a ton of stuff to the tablet.

alee said:
Anyone know how to get to the battery? I see 2 screws at the bottom, but I can't mess with those right now as I'm syncing over a ton of stuff to the tablet.
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Click to collapse
Yeah I saw somewhere, cannot remember where, but you have to remove some screws.

Surprised that Engadget or another site hasn't tore the Xoom apart to see all the bits and pieces and see what everything is already.
Sort of odd. Then again those no real reviews from sites either... just a wirefly guy unboxing it and talking too much about things he seems to know little about.

Question; How much did you spend out of the door total ($960-$970)?

All the major sites have posted their reviews and all concur that battery life is awesome. So who cares about the size as long as you get the life?
Its all about the power consumption and not about the battery size
Sent from my TMO custom Tab

aodpoe said:
Question; How much did you spend out of the door total ($960-$970)?
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Click to collapse
$800 each + tax. So I didn't get the Verizon price for contract but totally worth it to get it a day early.

No Movies for Rooted XOOMs?? Devs unite!

Being that this dev community is the absolute best, I have to bring this to light.
Google Movie Support has just informed me that Google Movies will not work for rooted XOOMs. This just won't fly.
Is there anyone out there working on a fix or workaround for this?
I'd love root. I love movies. We shouldn't have to choose between the two.

gdogmcstyles said:
Being that this dev community is the absolute best, I have to bring this to light.
Google Movie Support has just informed me that Google Movies will not work for rooted XOOMs. This just won't fly.
Is there anyone out there working on a fix or workaround for this?
I'd love root. I love movies. We shouldn't have to choose between the two.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel ya bro, and I'm pretty sure the devs are already looking into it. Since it is a DRM authorization issue, it is probably going to be a pretty good hack to get around it.

I'm confused by 2 things on this topic:
1) why does it matter if its rooted or not?
I would assume the answers is because root would allow us some magical privledge of copying a cache and possibly extracting video and then redistributing.
2) how the frig can it tell?
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App

that is why i cannot watch green hornet. i rented it to see how it would look on the xoom and it will not play

Kcarpenter said:
2) how the frig can it tell?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My guess is either one of: (1) checking for the ro.secure property being set, or (2) doing something "rootable", like being able to read a certain file/directory, etc.
If in the former case, I don't have an idea of what to do that wouldn't require the HC source, but in the case of the latter, it'd be relatively easy to ... wait- don't let me help El Goog out. It's not rocket science (think rootkit, but in reverse).

Well instead of listening I tried it as well with The Green Hornet and couldn't download it. Kept getting error but these developers will come up with the answers they have been nothing short of amazing when it comes to the Moto Xoom
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

kcrudup said:
My guess is either one of: (1) checking for the ro.secure property being set, or (2) doing something "rootable", like being able to read a certain file/directory, etc.
If in the former case, I don't have an idea of what to do that wouldn't require the HC source, but in the case of the latter, it'd be relatively easy to ... wait- don't let me help El Goog out. It's not rocket science (think rootkit, but in reverse).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Assuming scenario 2, wouldn't Super User prompt for permissions? I would think its likely.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App

This is the same with the blockbuster app on the Atrix. I can set SU to block requests from the app, but as long as I'm running rooted, it refuses to play (and tells you when you launch the app).
I don't understand the difference between this and running Itunes or Netflix on a "rooted" (admin capable) PC. Why is the phone different?

This is not development. Moved to general.

theimpaler747 said:
This is not development. Moved to general.
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Click to collapse
Your forum, you run it your way, just a question.
With all due respect, couldn't OP remain if modified to [REQUEST] since it's a dev request? General is so filled with crap I think this may get lost. :/

bishop72 said:
that is why i cannot watch green hornet. i rented it to see how it would look on the xoom and it will not play
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Click to collapse
So did you still get charged for it? The wifi version won't even get the movies for awhile. I don't know why Google doesn't have it ready for both.

It isn't very surprising to hear. None of the major studios will allow media to be downloaded without some form of restrictive DRM and root access probably violates their policies.

rebill said:
So did you still get charged for it? The wifi version won't even get the movies for awhile. I don't know why Google doesn't have it ready for both.
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Click to collapse
? I saw the movie link in Web version of Market.

Yeah, you can order/get charged for it but it won't work. Need to contact customer service to get a refund. They told me they'll consider putting in a warning in the future before you buy it.

cur8or said:
Yeah, you can order/get charged for it but it won't work. Need to contact customer service to get a refund. They told me they'll consider putting in a warning in the future before you buy it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would make more sense for it to check if you're rooted before the transaction goes through.

Nice Google, what a great way to pit the development community against you, even though Android would be nothing without us. Sellout.

Strange, I have unlocked and rooted Nexus One and could play any Netflix video in official Netflix app, so DRM works on rooted system. So may be it's problem with something else?

If you order thru your web browser by going to the web based android market and play it thru your web browser it works.

Thanks for the tip on the browser market thing it works
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

nbajwill55 said:
Nice Google, what a great way to pit the development community against you, even though Android would be nothing without us. Sellout.
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Click to collapse
Lol you're an idiot. It isn't googles fault they had to do this. If you were selling movies and wanted to make some money, would you want them to be distributed for free without your permission? I think not...

UPDATE: Root for [Sprint, CDMA] Tab w/ Gingerbread 2.3.4 + Extras

Update:
Looks like they've got root running over here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1161033
Flash using ODIN, super easy!
GTALK with Video! See this post! Super easy install!:
http://android.modaco.com/content/software/339390/r1-12-may-google-video-talk-installer/#entry0
If anybody knows of a way to get the crt animation going that they seemed to have removed for the tab, please post or pm! Thanks!
-----------------------------------------------------------
Don't see a post for this, maybe this is dumb, but good to have this information east at hand for others. Please inform me if I'm wrong of if any progress is made (hopefully soon!)
There is currently no exploit out to root the Sprint Tab on 2.3.4
Super One Click Root will not work, even with GingerBreak, nor will z4root
Looking forward to some sweet progress tho!
If only I were a dev...

The phone call function is even more important for me, but seems no replacement of original phone*.apk from other devices is available now.

theamazingaustin said:
Don't see a post for this, maybe this is dumb, but good to have this information east at hand for others. Please inform me if I'm wrong of if any progress is made (hopefully soon!)
There is currently no exploit out to root the Sprint Tab on 2.3.4
Super One Click Root will not work, even with GingerBreak, nor will z4root
Looking forward to some sweet progress tho!
If only I were a dev...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read this.

TheATHEiST said:
Read this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know were in general right?
Sent from my SPH-P100 using Tapatalk

akmzero said:
You know were in general right?
Sent from my SPH-P100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because the topic has been moved

The only thing I was using root for was to remove the annoying startup and shutdown videos. There aren't any great ROMs for the Sprint Tab, and the OEM build is pretty solid, so I don't think root access is a big deal for many users at the moment.

etvaugha said:
I don't think root access is a big deal for many users at the moment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish people would stop passing their own opinions as that of "many users".
Titanium backup, Google Talk with video, AdFree Android, Chainfire3D, drocap2... Shall I go on listing awesome and invaluable apps that require root access?

Has anyone else seen this.
http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/how-to-root-samsung-galaxy-tab-on-android-2-3-3-gingerbread/
I have not tried it just came accross it. I only got Gingerbread running a few minutes ago.\
Edit: This is for Android 2.3.3 and NOT the current Sprint update of 2.3.4.

I'm hoping for a custom kernel with root and CWM soon, and I'd help expedite the process if someone needs a tester. Or even someone to do all the work (as long as there's some direction, i know i could manage to piece things together and compile it, i just suck with actual pure coding)
missing my Ti Backup and others as Chahk mentioned.

Next time use search before you post a question.
It was on the front page of general:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1157064

I think it doesn't help that sprint's tab isn't very popular and doesn't have the developers like the GSM does. I know nothing about it but I would guess that even though people are developing roms, that finding a root exploit is a completely different animal. I'm guessing since 2.3.4 isn't on a lot of phones yet doesn't help.

Chahk said:
I wish people would stop passing their own opinions as that of "many users".
Titanium backup, Google Talk with video, AdFree Android, Chainfire3D, drocap2... Shall I go on listing awesome and invaluable apps that require root access?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry...I didn't mean to bother you. I've been reading some of the GB threads over the past couple days and it seemed to me that most people weren't that bummed about losing root for the time being, myself included. I could definitely be wrong, which is why I said "I don't think". Again, sorry if I bothered you with the post.

The biggest thing I miss is tethering from the phone.

Chahk said:
I wish people would stop passing their own opinions as that of "many users".
Titanium backup, Google Talk with video, AdFree Android, Chainfire3D, drocap2... Shall I go on listing awesome and invaluable apps that require root access?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If youre on Gingerbread, root access isnt that important to you.
Sent from my SPH-P100 using XDA App

I'm going back to 2.2 until root is achieved for 2.3.4. I mainly got the tab so I could tether on the go. Having to find wifi while out and about when you want to get online is difficult sometimes. If you're lucky to find open and free, many times they have ports blocked. You can only 80 or 8080. I've got wd live and roku and boxee for Netflix and crap.

im definately frustrated i dont have root. i want to put some apks in system/app and cant through crippled file explorers. also, i want to start pushing out some themes. the SGT has gotten little love and that needs to change. i was holding out on FROYO cause i knew it wouldnt be long till everyone was on GB. ive been talking with DRockstar about getting a cwm put together specifically for the SGT and that should get things rolling.
please give me your feedback.

Chahk said:
I wish people would stop passing their own opinions as that of "many users".
Titanium backup, Google Talk with video, AdFree Android, Chainfire3D, drocap2... Shall I go on listing awesome and invaluable apps that require root access?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All those, plus I really miss Root Explorer. Guess we're just being picky, by what some are concluding here...

toonvox said:
All those, plus I really miss Root Explorer. Guess we're just being picky, by what some are concluding here...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not at all. Those are great tools and I will be running them again on my Tab once an exploit is discovered. But for the time being, not having those tools doesn't really affect my day to day use of the device much. That includes listening to Slacker, using Facebook, email, browsing, Qik video chat, Netflix, etc. There are a lot of people like me who like the power that comes with root, but not having it for a few weeks or even months isn't going to kill them.

etvaugha said:
Not at all. Those are great tools and I will be running them again on my Tab once an exploit is discovered. But for the time being, not having those tools doesn't really affect my day to day use of the device much. That includes listening to Slacker, using Facebook, email, browsing, Qik video chat, Netflix, etc. There are a lot of people like me who like the power that comes with root, but not having it for a few weeks or even months isn't going to kill them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so you are using netflix now?

etvaugha said:
Not at all. Those are great tools and I will be running them again on my Tab once an exploit is discovered. But for the time being, not having those tools doesn't really affect my day to day use of the device much. That includes listening to Slacker, using Facebook, email, browsing, Qik video chat, Netflix, etc. There are a lot of people like me who like the power that comes with root, but not having it for a few weeks or even months isn't going to kill them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One of the first things I did with root was adjust the pixel density in the build.prop file so the icons didn't look so cartoonish. If the GB update breaks that and I can't fix it, then it might kills me. With the larger icons, the Zeam launcher doesn't even look right at all.

Rooted,Bootloader,Etc.

What can i do with my NEW X play?
What is Rooted? o.o
and other things,
why should i root my phone?
im very new to android phones, just got my X play 2 days ago
some PRO there! noob needs help

Jahy420 said:
What can i do with my NEW X play?
What is Rooted? o.o
and other things,
why should i root my phone?
im very new to android phones, just got my X play 2 days ago
some PRO there! noob needs help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
to better answer your question we need to know the exact model of the Xperia you have?
Mine is the verizon model and it is R800x
there are also R800a, R800i, R800at, and a few others I think, so if you could please provide us with some more information we would be happy to try and help you.

Mine is R800i X play !

Jahy420 said:
Mine is R800i X play !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that version is Rooted, though I am not 100% cause all I ever look for are things for the R800x. Anyway Rooting the phone ends up giving you complete Super User access to the phone. The biggest advantages that you can get from rooting you phone is the ability to WiFi Tether from the phone without the Wireless Network knowing about it, the ability to delete bloatware off the phone and move apps to the SD card that were once not able to be transferred, as well as the ability to over clock your phones processor to make it faster. Also gain some other small abilities like the ability to Print Screen the phone.

Jahy420 said:
What is Rooted? o.o
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting gives you admins rights the same as you would get on a pc. Some apps need to have root access to work e.g. Titanium Backup, Ad free etc.
Jahy420 said:
why should i root my phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well as JasonKnight has said you can remove unwanted system apps. Making the phone boot up faster and generally run smoother. You can also backup your apps and data with titanium backup. Install custom themes e.t.c.
The list goes on but the main reason people root is to uninstall/freeze crap that comes on the phone that you normally cannot remove without root access. Which then gains you more ram and internal memory .
See here for a guide on rooting your phone. If you plan on rooting at any point do it now, since it will wipe your phone clean.
See here for apps that are safe to remove after rooting.
Jahy420 said:
What can i do with my NEW X play?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, Again the list is endless. For a start
Get yongzhs emulators from slideme here. They are still free atm. This will let you play thousands of old games with proper controls
Get AdFree Android it will remove adverts when browsing the net on your phone it also removes the ads in free games such as angry birds e.t.c. You need to be rooted to use this app.
Get another keyboard since the stock one is pants. I use Swype. Takes a bit of getting used too but once you do its awesome. If you dont like swyping it is alot better than the stock keyboard for just normal typing
Other than that just read around all the sections of this fourm and see what other people are doing.

JasonKnight said:
I think that version is Rooted,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so how can i know if its already Rooted?

yep want to know also since my is r800i..
thanks

Jahy420 said:
so how can i know if its already Rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you just bought it, then it isn't rooted yet. You have to go through the steps to get root yourself. If you can follow directions, it shouldn't be a problem for you.