Database Users

So whats the deal with Google support ?

or the lack of it.
I see Google employees posting on google forum, but all of them dont even answer the real questions. In fact I've notice that they bump up the threads where people (or maybe the same google employees) write how they love their N1 and how its so much better then iPhone.........
WTF ???

notice the first person who responded
http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/android/thread?tid=0a5521b9ffa4c7a7&hl=en
http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/android/thread?tid=6c7fd11a4225cbb5&hl=en

just go to HTC if your having phone issues, and Tmobile if your having network issues. Think of Google as a retailer. for the most part phone, or warranty issues will be handled by the manufacturer, and network, by the network.

^ +1
Google will likely expand their support if they want to continue selling directly to the public. I think they underestimated mob mentality with the logic that HTC would support the phone, and the carrier would support the services. However, this is like Microsoft selling you a computer directly (via a hardware partner). There's a knowledge base and multiple forums support venue's and while Google lacks a phone number to call, and Microsoft has this, MS will also bill you for your phone support request.
Apple works a bit differently, they build the hardware in house and support it directly. They've also been doing this for years so the structure is in place already. Google doesn't want to build hardware, they just wanted to get phones out without being as reliant on the hardware makers to push updates to the handsets released (combating the stagnation of the current phones).

Wow, someone get's around

bofslime said:
Wow, someone get's around
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A hard reset will probably solve that.

HTC Provides support for the Nexus One. http://www.htc.com/www/support/nexusone/.

kozm0naut said:
HTC Provides support for the Nexus One. http://www.htc.com/www/support/nexusone/.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you take another look at the links on the site you posted, all the help links link to Google's N1 "help" forum. HTC is not providing help for the N1 and from what I've seen, neither is Google. That's why I will flash Cyan's ROM when he releases one and will use XDA for support as I've always done (even when I used WinMo). LOL.

Official update for XOOM WiFi

I've just spoken with Motorola Product Support Specialist Level 3 to solve on of my problem and during conversation I learn how Motorola will make update for XOOM WiFi tablet after it will become available. According to information from Motorola specialist all WiFi user will need to mail their devices to Motorola Depo and they will update you tablet and after send it back to you. So right now don't have information that update will be available over the air. Support engineers confirmed that 3G version will be updated over the air and WiFi version should be mail to Motorola Depo
I try to clarify the reason of that and got answer that size of the update it to big and becuase of WiFi version doesn't have Cell provider it's no possible to push update on the device. He doesn't sure that correct on 100%, but Motorola Product support database shows only that information.
I make request to double check that information and will post his reply here.
I'm planing to return my XOOM WiFi tablet back, because I will leave US soon and I don't need device that could be updated only via mail it somewhere and doesn't have Update over the Air.
You could check that info with Motorola support and if somebody will have another information, please share it with me. I really love my XOOM tablet and don't want to return it back, but.....

the phone reps have been giving bad info since the beginning. This isnt true.

patass said:
the phone reps have been giving bad info since the beginning. This isnt true.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I trusty would like to believe in that, but specialist told me that it was published in their database, so it's not his dreams or ideas. I understand it's stupid because Recovery menu has option to apply update and even XOOM WiFi version has special option in Settings Menu to check updates, but I also trust internal information that use Motorola Level 3 Product Support Specialist to solve customers problems.
I hope that soon they will have another information, but right now it's ugly(((

I dont understand how this would ever be the case...
Any android phone even non-activated gets OTA updates over WiFi if they're connected to a google account and a network connection. I don't know why a stock honeycomb tablet would be any different.
We'll see when it comes but I highly doubt this. I never trust a CS rep to tell me how it works.

martonikaj said:
I dont understand how this would ever be the case...
Any android phone even non-activated gets OTA updates over WiFi if they're connected to a google account and a network connection. I don't know why a stock honeycomb tablet would be any different.
We'll see when it comes but I highly doubt this. I never trust a CS rep to tell me how it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes let's see, I also misunderstand why it, but CS rep told that non-activated tablet and WiFi version tablet should be send back to Motorola Depo. I don't want to create mess, I just trying to find the truth.

Even when it has been decided in the past not to provide the update OTA, those companies have still offered the update for downloading from their website so it can used to update manually through a computer. I see no reason why this would not be the case, at the least. I'm definitely calling BS on this one.
Worse case, the update gets leaked here with instructions and I still don't have to send it back. Would prefer not to have to go that route but whatever.

I have a non-activated 3g model and I got the last update just fine. No manufacturer is going to make a device that every time there is a software or firmware update you have to send in your device.

epakrat75 said:
Even when it has been decided in the past not to provide the update OTA, those companies have still offered the update for downloading from their website so it can used to update manually through a computer. I see no reason why this would not be the case, at the least. I'm definitely calling VS on this one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please post here their reply. I will pray that I got stupid CS rep (even level 3) and I could sleep well with my XOOM instead of pillow ))

I don't believe this for one minute. At the very least we should be able to download it on our PC and then sideload it from I would think.

jpricesd said:
I don't believe this for one minute. At the very least we should be able to download it on our PC and then sideload it from I would think.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Call them and check it. I got information the right now only 2 option to update 3G over the air and WiFi and Non-activated via Motorola Depo (((

there's nothing to verify, the guy you talked to just wanted you off the phone so he could get back to getting paid for doing nothing.

no matter what the rep said its impossible that you will have to mail it in. it would be a financial disaster for moto. All updates will be OTA except 4g upgrade.
source: Level 5 common sense.

Kozdoba said:
I've just spoken with Motorola Product Support Specialist Level 3 to solve on of my problem and during conversation I learn how Motorola will make update for XOOM WiFi tablet after it will become available. According to information from Motorola specialist all WiFi user will need to mail their devices to Motorola Depo and they will update you tablet and after send it back to you. So right now don't have information that update will be available over the air. Support engineers confirmed that 3G version will be updated over the air and WiFi version should be mail to Motorola Depo
I try to clarify the reason of that and got answer that size of the update it to big and becuase of WiFi version doesn't have Cell provider it's no possible to push update on the device. He doesn't sure that correct on 100%, but Motorola Product support database shows only that information.
I make request to double check that information and will post his reply here.
I'm planing to return my XOOM WiFi tablet back, because I will leave US soon and I don't need device that could be updated only via mail it somewhere and doesn't have Update over the Air.
You could check that info with Motorola support and if somebody will have another information, please share it with me. I really love my XOOM tablet and don't want to return it back, but.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There seems to be no validity to this claim. The fact of the matter is, if you had to send your device in everytime an update was pushed then you would be sending it in almost every 2 months or so at the expense of Motorola.
Chances are that you got a rep that has no clue what he was talking about. They will find your device, they still have that ability due to the fact that sniffing it out with a unique number should still work. It will update from their servers and your device will boot into recovery just like wiping the device fully does.
Ignore th antics of your rep you spoke with, because even if you HAVE to send it is.... someone will post it online no matter what.

Yea right ... in this world where you can buy gigabyte games online and download them and watch HD movies streamed, Motorola will ask all for the wifi tablet to be returned every time it has a major update. It sounds like it was crafted to give it as much credibility as possible.
The old adage applies:
"Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence"
A post on a blog does not "extraordinary evidence" make

That's such a ridiculous idea.

erzhik said:
no matter what the rep said its impossible that you will have to mail it in. it would be a financial disaster for moto. All updates will be OTA except 4g upgrade.
source: Level 5 common sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree this can't be true...and if somehow wifi version isn't upgradeable via OTA(which I find next to impossible. I am sure that they would rather post it on their site rather then have people send it in...
Also is it the device that doesn't support sd cards or honeycomb? because I thought Google pushed all honeycomb updates.

This is not true at all, ALL 3G NON ACTIVATED xooms got the 3.01 update Via wifi meaning all wifi models will get the update just the same.

total BS. A Rep told me that you would get an update when connected. And she also mentioned that she was an alien from outerspace.

man can u imagine if everyone did have to send there xoom in to get it updated? They would have to have a hole frign factory the size of 4 football fields designated just to updating these xooms. Itd have to be easyer just to ota it. I may be exaggerating a lil about the football field but you know what I meen. Sounds like a big fluster cluck to me hard telling when or if you would get it back.

I agree that this idea completely stupid and ridicules. I also try to argue with CS rep, but he stay on his point. That coming update will be like i describe in OP based on the information that he could see in Moto data base.
Again I hope that my CS rep was stupid and wrong.

The HTC seems not to unlock the hboot .v.

here!!
(In Traditional Chinese)
Only HTC doesn't seem to unlock the hboot now!!

For those wondering here is a google translate version of the text on the page - that is why it is in bad english
Sony Ericsson last month promotional offer for mobile phone unlocking Bootloader, as it were the entire mobile phone industry has some new territory like. Samsung announced soon also Twitter 『If Google does not oppose, they will also unlock the phone Bootloader』. Motorola has been silent today audible.
Motorola promised by the end of this year's Android device for its offer unlocking services, users can own brush from a ROM.
Now even unlock a Motorola also provides that only four brands in the Android HTC did not respond due to the unknown when it said it will adhere or surrender it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Sounds like HTC made no commnet
So I would say this article is one way or another. Plus maybe something is lost in that translation a little.
HTC, to this point, seems pretty good with being unlocked. I've had my Evolution now since it came out and its fully customized. The new Evolution after it also looks that way. I really thing, aside from Motorola, that the carriers may start being he ones to ask to lock or unlock he bootloaders. ISPs in the US finally out caps on bandwidth last year, I would see locked bootloaders being next. Really time will only tell, but hopefully we get to keep our freedoms. The FCC approved a device is ours when we buy it, therefore we should be able to do what we want. Hopefully companies keep that in mind instead of trying to lock stuff down.
The big business rreason is that an unlocked device lets a user stay with that device longer, as it can be customized wig the latest software features. Unlocked devices really force companies to invest in research to give us better hardware now, costing them more money. As anyway can really developed the software that goes into the phones.
My thoughts anyway...
~Max
√ This Message Sent From CM7 Nightlies HTC-Evo4G ™

Who dictates when we get updates/bootloader? apparently not motorola

Who's to blame for delays on updates like gingerbread or bootloader? lawsuit reveals that google has a lot of control over moto and has final say as to when, how and if things get released. Check out the article below and give your opinions please. I personally refuse to let them keep getting data off of me for free and making money off of me, without atleast paying part of my data fees on my bill or giving me a discount. IMO droidwall/disable there data gathering and just use good old fashioned a-gps(like back on windows mobile) if you need to get a lock on your gps.
t h i s i s m y n e x t . c o m /2011/05/12/google-android-skyhook-lawsuit-motorola-samsung/

aerojoe420 said:
Who's to blame for delays on updates like gingerbread or bootloader? lawsuit reveals that google has a lot of control over moto and has final say as to when, how and if things get released. Check out the article below and give your opinions please. I personally refuse to let them keep getting data off of me for free and making money off of me, without atleast paying part of my data fees on my bill or giving me a discount. IMO droidwall/disable there data gathering and just use good old fashioned a-gps(like back on windows mobile) if you need to get a lock on your gps.
t h i s i s m y n e x t . c o m /2011/05/12/google-android-skyhook-lawsuit-motorola-samsung/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google is not who dictates it generally goes in this order
Carriers
Manufacturers
Google
If you read about Google I/O this week then you know that google is creating a plan to allow phones to get updated for 1.5 years after release. Google encourages updates it is carriers that don't.

aerojoe420 said:
Who's to blame for delays on updates like gingerbread or bootloader? lawsuit reveals that google has a lot of control over moto and has final say as to when, how and if things get released. Check out the article below and give your opinions please. I personally refuse to let them keep getting data off of me for free and making money off of me, without atleast paying part of my data fees on my bill or giving me a discount. IMO droidwall/disable there data gathering and just use good old fashioned a-gps(like back on windows mobile) if you need to get a lock on your gps.
t h i s i s m y n e x t . c o m /2011/05/12/google-android-skyhook-lawsuit-motorola-samsung/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you might want to read the article a few times to make sure you understand it. google is not telling moto to not release gingerbread and to lock the bootloader

I may have misread it from what I gathered, they delay some updates because they tell moto/samsung that they need to pass the approval process if they want the google suite on them. they didn't approve the phones delaying there release because they had skyhook instead of googles data gathering stuff on it?
"Motorola wrote back to Skyhook, explaining that Motorola’s license to use Google’s apps requires those apps to collect location data, and that Motorola’s carrier contracts require Google’s Android apps be installed on its phones. If using XPS put Motorola out of compliance with Android and thus unable to license the Google apps, it would violate its carrier contracts.”
I'm not saying I'd rather have skyhook gathering data from me. It just seems to me that we'll never get the bootloader unlocked because of contractual agreements between carrier/moto/google and they all have there own agendas, in googles case they want you to have there data gathering software.

ATT has final say over bootloader issue. Moto has already said they will release it late this year, but with the disclaimer it would be up to the carriers to allow it for "their" phones. Will not happen through those channels. If the Dev's don't get it, then we don't.
It should be expected that almost every phone in the near future will be like this. The carriers are using this to protect what they consider to be their property. The bootloader is a direct and intentional way to stop "us" from doing all the hacks we do that circumvent things they either charge for, or capabilities they have crippled for whatever reason. Themes and apk files that allow personalization is all they want done. Yes they are watching, and looking for things they need to lock in future releases. They ain't playin no more.

I'd like to see accountability from all parties. There is far too much accepted complacency and slothfulness amongst all of the accused.
I don't want to hop on board with the Google devices just to get the latest updates. There may be other phones with certain specs or strong homebrew development communities that I'd like to participate in. It shouldn't take too much for OEMs to mangle the firmware with their "skins" and for carriers to lace these updates with bloatware.
As long as they can all hurry it up, I'll be happy. Right now I'm discontent and frustrated. And I'm sure I'm not alone with these sentiments... ugh...

benefits of a bootloader we could hack are??

you mean like opening the radio for the full functionality that has been crippled? They increased it to about half its capabilities on the last update. Or loading diff drivers at boot to fix problems some folks are having. Maybe loading a different version Droid. Need to do the whole rom, not just packages. Look at threads in Dev section to see the things we can't mod because some or all of the stuff needed is hidden inside. And the things that are hacked (webtop,tethering, etc.), might see them locked by the bootloader in the future. If they make or can make or save money by keeping it from dev's, this is going to be their path to lock it down.
The new sensation just released is "locked" also. part of the new world order,,lol.

Porting S Voice to other device. Is this Illegal??

I have been a fan of XDA and appreciate the development and support the devs provide. But last few days a thought is bugging me continuously. We saw a lot of posts about S Voice and other apps being ported to other devices. Specially for S Voice, I believe that it's illegal as this could potentially cause Samsung to lose sales. My views:
1] We know that this is re-designed vlingo. vlingo is available in market, S Voice is NOT. Clear indication that they (as in Samsung) don't want the app to be used with other devices and they are not willing to sell it separately. Using vlingo from market is NOT same as using S Voice.
2] Did Samsung give us the permission to use/modify and distribute the app?
3] There is some infrastructure costs associated with running the services. It costs money to install and maintain servers and network. I work in enterprise storage management, so I am aware of costs associated with such massive infrastructure. Who pays for the non-SGS3 devices using the services?
4] Did Samsung every promise that SGS2/Nexus or other phones will get S Voice? So, why should we assume that other Samsung-device owners have the divine right to use a feature meant for SGS3?
5] It is one of the main USP for SGS3. Check here. This is listed as the top-most feature in the SGS3 product page. Hacking this app to be used with other phones is going to harm the phone sale. Is that not clear enough?
6] When Samsung started blocking connections from other devices - was that not an indication that they want the service exclusive for SGS3?
7] How is this different from movie piracy? The uploader never gains anything, but the studios/producers lose money.
8] What if Samsung starts locking their device in future with locked bootloaders/DRM/encryption because of such activities? Can we then blame Samsung for locking the devices?
9] Android is open source - but why assume that every feature in any Android is also open source? If someone can show me that S Voice is open source software, I will retract my statement.
It's sad that most people here equate freedom with piracy. Freedom and piracy are not same thing. Such act in the name of open source and community-feeling does not make it right. Maybe Samsung won't do anything about it -- but it does NOT make this act any better. It will just prove that Samsung considers this to be a petty nuisance (I am not using the word crime as I know nobody is doing this for any monetary gain).
Though I support open initiative with regards to Android, but I can't support such act.
Last check this statement from Samsung in VERGE
An initial test version of S Voice which was found online has been blocked as Samsung Electronics does not want consumers to judge the quality of the voice feature based on a test version. When the product is launched, users of GALAXY S III will be able to fully experience S Voice.

Exactly my thoughts. Though I am not sure what can be done to stop it.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

rd_nest said:
I have been a fan of XDA and appreciate the development and support the devs provide. But last few days a thought is bugging me continuously. We saw a lot of posts about S Voice and other apps being ported to other devices. Specially for S Voice, I believe that it's illegal as this could potentially cause Samsung to lose sales. My views:
1] We know that this is re-designed vlingo. vlingo is available in market, S Voice is NOT. Clear indication that they (as in Samsung) don't want the app to be used with other devices and they are not willing to sell it separately. Using vlingo from market is NOT same as using S Voice.
2] Did Samsung give us the permission to use/modify and distribute the app?
3] There is some infrastructure costs associated with running the services. It costs money to install and maintain servers and network. I work in enterprise storage management, so I am aware of costs associated with such massive infrastructure. Who pays for the non-SGS3 devices using the services?
4] Did Samsung every promise that SGS2/Nexus or other phones will get S Voice? So, why should we assume that other Samsung-device owners have the divine right to use a feature meant for SGS3?
5] It is one of the main USP for SGS3. Check here. This is listed as the top-most feature in the SGS3 product page. Hacking this app to be used with other phones is going to harm the phone sale. Is that not clear enough?
6] When Samsung started blocking connections from other devices - was that not an indication that they want the service exclusive for SGS3?
7] How is this different from movie piracy? The uploader never gains anything, but the studios/producers lose money.
8] What if Samsung starts locking their device in future with locked bootloaders/DRM/encryption because of such activities? Can we then blame Samsung for locking the devices?
9] Android is open source - but why assume that every feature in any Android is also open source? If someone can show me that S Voice is open source software, I will retract my statement.
It's sad that most people here equate freedom with piracy. Freedom and piracy are not same thing. Such act in the name of open source and community-feeling does not make it right. Maybe Samsung won't do anything about it -- but it does NOT make this act any better. It will just prove that Samsung considers this to be a petty nuisance (I am not using the word crime as I know nobody is doing this for any monetary gain).
Though I support open initiative with regards to Android, but I can't support such act.
Last check this statement from Samsung in VERGE
An initial test version of S Voice which was found online has been blocked as Samsung Electronics does not want consumers to judge the quality of the voice feature based on a test version. When the product is launched, users of GALAXY S III will be able to fully experience S Voice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung will have known about this,
If they explicitly didnt want it to be shared with other android phones they could have prevented this easy in one of 2 ways,
1. integrate it into touchwiz framework
2. link the phones imei or unique identifier to the app and set up a database on the servers, similar to siri's protection.
Samsung wanted this app to be freely available as they have done nothing to protect its redistribution. I dont think they mind this because they have NO competitor in the Android market and are far superior to any other OEM that produces android phones.
PS. The Android OS is open source but there are many applications that have closed source to protect their business. Touchwiz source is never fully open sourced and neither is Sense.
I remember a year ago with the CM team asking for help from Samsung for little bits of protected code to get the camera fully functioning on the stock android rom (CM7 ROM).
JD

JupiterdroidXDA said:
Samsung will have known about this,
If they explicitly didnt want it to be shared with other android phones they could have prevented this easy in one of 2 ways,
1. integrate it into touchwiz framework
2. link the phones imei or unique identifier to the app and set up a database on the servers, similar to siri's protection.
Samsung wanted this app to be freely available as they have done nothing to protect its redistribution. I dont think they mind this because they have NO competitor in the Android market and are far superior to any other OEM that produces android phones.
PS. The Android OS is open source but there are many applications that have closed source to protect their business. Touchwiz source is never fully open sourced and neither is Sense.
I remember a year ago with the CM team asking for help from Samsung for little bits of protected code to get the camera fully functioning on the stock android rom (CM7 ROM).
JD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My view is that we took the application and made it compatible with other devices, Samsung never explicitly gave the permission.
Maybe they thought it would be easier to upgrade the app if it's not integrated into the TW. But I fear such activity may force them to become less dev-friendly in future.
It's a different story if in future they make the code available for CM9 or other projects separately. I just hope not, but the way it's being spread over the internet, I fear they will react in some way. Also throws a bad light over XDA.

JupiterdroidXDA said:
Samsung wanted this app to be freely available as they have done nothing to protect its redistribution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They obviously didn't want it to be freely available because they have blocked it now.
Anyway, I don't get this mentality that if something is not impossible to take, it's ok to take it.

I will ask about the validity of ripping/porting the samsung apps and post back to this thread. If there is anything illegal about it (and im not sure there is unless the apps have been licensed specifically to the Galaxy S3) then any links on xda will be taken down.
I cant do anything about the rest of the internet though lol.
Mark.

mskip said:
I will ask about the validity of ripping/porting the samsung apps and post back to this thread. If there is anything illegal about it (and im not sure there is unless the apps have been licensed specifically to the Galaxy S3) then any links on xda will be taken down.
I cant do anything about the rest of the internet though lol.
Mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Much appreciated. I wanted this to be brought to the notice of MODs. Nobody wants XDA to be in bad light for such a petty affair.
As for the apps (specially S Voice) being exclusive to SGS3, I think so. That's what I infer from Samsung's statement in Verge:
http://www.theverge.com/2012/5/22/3037943/samsung-blocking-s-voice-app-leak
But please do verify with relevant authorities and take appropriate actions (if required).

Mac OS X doesn't require a product key, but that doesn't mean my friend can just use my installation DVD legally, it all depends on the T&C's
The fact Samsung have blocked it for other devices should give an indication of their decision towards people using this software on another device. They may not send the FBI to kick down your door and arrest you, but cracking it to spoof a SGSIII for example would probably get a DMCA take-down notice pretty quickly. They almost certainly won't want all and sundry freely enjoying one of the big features of their new flagship device.

I have e-mailed Samsung PR dept on their views about this issue. Not sure if they check their Inbox

Unless we hear otherwise from Samsung, we will follow the normal site policy. In this case (though it is an edge case) for the moment we're allowing it.

If this is the case, then all devs who port roms from other models are in breach also.
Is this thread trying to stop dev work, and has the OP loaded the program, if he has shame on him for going against his beliefs, now let us and the devs get on with it.:what:
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Edit: phone model is Arc, now why did I change the prop build?

OP - Care to share how this is any different from all of the Sense ports to other devices? It's not.
I also like how you thanked Mark for checking into this - and that you were waiting to hear.... And then not even an hour later you go and contact Samsung PR? It sounds to me like you have an ax to grind.

I think everything that needs to be covered has been