Database Users

Taking my Universal to Japan...

...or at least I hope that this is possible. I really don't want to take the old advice which says "buy a Japanese cellphone and stop worrying" as the MDA is hard to replace and after "teaching" it how to read and write Japanese there's nothing I'd really miss just keeping it. Against the myth you can get standard SIM cards in Japan, too and the only critical point would be the wireless standard used in Japan. The Phone tab say that it supports WCDMA, but I read before that this is not true for every Japanese provider. Softbank (Vodafone) is said to be compatible to the European UMTS standard. Can anybody here validate this? It would safe me a lot of money getting a decent Japanese cellphone as my "brick" still has a year or two of life in it

Yes the Universal works in Japan. At least in most places... it seems to lose the signal in the middle of a subway tunnel but gets it back quickly at the station ;P

I think our 'bricks' will be around a lot longer than that as they don't seem to be giving us a direct replacement :¬D

That's great news, but which provider do you use eksekki? Softbank? Or maybe it doesn't really matter after all? And we're not talking about the Japanese Universal here, right? And about the direct replacement: Is the 'Omni' really vaporware? I always had my hopes up for that one...

SB/Vodafone + Universal works. As for any other operator, if you can get a SIM card that fits into Universal I really don't see any reason why it wouldn't work(*). Hardware wise, I use (UK) Xda Exec brand but all the HTC Universal models are the same and there is no "Japanese universal" right (just ROM maybe)? No problems with different (English) ROM versions including WM6 - hence the "universal" =) There's just no replacement for this brick!
* edit: as long as they have a 2100 MHz WCDMA network :|

Any etra work needed?
I'm just calling back this thread from the ghosts to ask whether any extra steps are needed to use my Universal in Japan. I've seen a patch for the Hermes to use the Softbank AP, but I wonder: Shouldn't the Universal work straight out of the box if I pop in the Softbank card? Is it just because the AP password is hardcoded into the Japanese ROM? Speaking of which: What is the latest native Japanese (Softbank) WM5 ROM? The search didn't reveal anything. What kind of services will I miss if I just leave a Japanese enabled English WM5 ROM on the device? Would be great if someone could enlighten me a bit.

Changing language and running updates

One problem I always had with my X1 was selecting a different language. I live in France but do not read French. I flashed my ROM with the generic UK and kept my hard keyboard in French. However, I have never been able to run an update as a result. My phone has always worked great, but after a year of no updates it has gotten a little buggy here and there.
I am sure there is a work around but seriously, don't we have better things to do with our time than compensate for SE lack of service?
My question is two fold. First with the x10 will I be able to change the language and keyboard layout of the phone to English? I don't mean flash the ROM either. I mean can I simply go into setting and change the language of the phone? Or will I be forced to flash it in order to have my purchase the way that I need it?
Second, and this is in regards to flashing the firmware. As a long time SE customer (p900,p910,X1) I am well aware of how mad SE will drive you waiting for their site to actually post updates that work (does over promise and under deliver sound familiar?) If I flash the phone will I still be able to run an update via SE update service, or will I have to keep hanging out on this site with you lot? Not that I don't love you all
Finally, if I do decide to un-brand my phone (which I more than likely will want to,, eventually), is there an easy way to find a complete list of the lastest neseccary updates?
Thank you in advance

Unlike the windows powered thing before it, the X10 has international support. Therefore your not required to re-flash the rom for a localized version.
Updates on the X10 can be carried out on the handset, itself! Doesn't need a standalone PC anymore!!

Great News!
Neo, that is great news. I read a few things that eluded to that but nothing better than having a direct answer. So thank you.
I see that everyone and their brothers are flashing anyway. Usually related to d-branding their phone. Do you know if I decide to d-brand my phone will this auto update still work? Or will I get the same error message I get with my X1 (that it has been altered). Does anyone know, has anyone tried this?

fm1776 said:
Neo, that is great news. I read a few things that eluded to that but nothing better than having a direct answer. So thank you.
I see that everyone and their brothers are flashing anyway. Usually related to d-branding their phone. Do you know if I decide to d-brand my phone will this auto update still work? Or will I get the same error message I get with my X1 (that it has been altered). Does anyone know, has anyone tried this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having absolutely no experience in this field, therefore I can only tell you what I know. From my knowledge most handsets on the market haven't been branded by it's providers (at least not on Vodafone UK) since they come with the standard, if not ugly blue wavy theme.
There's a huge thread on here entitled Debranding X10, maybe you can find more info there?...

[Q] HELP | Google Nexus 4 Middle East Users / Owners

I have searched and searched all over the internet and here, so multiple threads, at the end, none of them solved my problem, so please read in full...
First: This thread is for all developers/engineers specially from the Northern African countries such as Egypt and the Middle East, UAE, KSA, ...etc.
Subject: Google Nexus 4 [ Manufacturer Date: May 2013 ]
Shipped Straight from Google, Inc. in California and loaded with:
Stock Rom: Jelly Bean 4.2.2
Build: JDQ39
Baseband: xxx.1700.48
I have purchased my phone directly from Google on May 28th 2013. Back then I was in the USA. I received the brand new and factory sealed my new Nexus 4. Wanted to try it, but I didn't have a Micro Sim to try, also my flight to UAE was on May 30th. So I decided to wait and get my new SIM from Dubai/UAE. I got a new Micro SIM from Etisalat [UAE Carrier].
Now to make the story short, this is what happened:
I installed the new SIM, turned on my Nexus 4, went through the first time boot setup, I saw the new SIM title and full signal as well as H next to the my signal bar [HSUPA] means i have data!
I went through some customization as far as the background, ringtone, setup my gmail account and did the default apps update.
Now I want to try my phone, made a call, NO CALL AUDIO!... Asked my friends to call me back, the phone rings and when I pick up, NO CALL AUDIO!
The phone it self as far as mic and speak is working fine tho! The media plays, I can record voice and play it back, lock screen sound plays when it locks or unlock it self, tried Bluetooth head sets, regular headsets, everything works but NOT for the Incoming / Outgoing Audio!!!
I went to Egypt and tried a different SIM from a different Carrier! Still the same problem! Everything is working on the phone EXCEPT the Inbound/Outbound Audio!!!
I got bored and called Google! Google simply told me, yes we have heard of multiple issues and several complains about this. Please send us your device and we will be more than happy to exchange it for you! WTF!
Of course I ain't sending my device from Egypt to the USA for the same price I paid for! So I tried several ways/options from the internet and here is what I tried:
1- I tried the Audio Sensor Beak thread here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2147194 [DID NOT WORK]
2- I tried all of the Mako Modem Collection here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2087227 [DID NOT WORK]
3-I tried to Flash the original Stock Rom 4.2.2 and even downgraded to 4.1.2 from here: http://www.randomphantasmagoria.com/firmware/nexus-4/occam/ [DID NOT WORK]
4- Finally I tried the T-Mobile Fix on this link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2233319&nocache=1 [DID NOT WORK]
Guys!! I am really tired trying all the fixes and threads out there, and my question is:
Is it really a Software/Firmware/Baseband issue??? Or is it a hardware issue?? Please help and advise what shall I do? Shall I toss it in my garbage?
Hope to hear back from you guys and thank for your time.
Regards,
NATTARIOUS

It is obviously a hardware fault.
Your options are:
1) RMA the device for return
2) Disassemble phone and attempt repair
You have a BRAND NEW phone. Why would you want to void the warranty on it? Yes I appreciate it may be a pain to send it back to the U.S but you have no idea what could be wrong. It could be the speaker, it could be the audio amp IC or preamp (if fitted. I`m not sure)
RMA it. Or maybe take it to a professional repairer. But you shouldn`t have to do this with a new device.

N10AP said:
It is obviously a hardware fault.
Your options are:
1) RMA the device for return
2) Disassemble phone and attempt repair
You have a BRAND NEW phone. Why would you want to void the warranty on it? Yes I appreciate it may be a pain to send it back to the U.S but you have no idea what could be wrong. It could be the speaker, it could be the audio amp IC or preamp (if fitted. I`m not sure)
RMA it. Or maybe take it to a professional repairer. But you shouldn`t have to do this with a new device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello there and thank you for the respond...
I don't think it is a hardware issue tho, neither any of the speakers and/or audio amp [eEPROM ICs], because the device is 100% functioning!
Another test to prove my points against the hardware issues:
1- Tested on Carriers Network [Viber, Skype and GroveIP] was able to send/receive calls from the head speaker and the external speaker as well. Other party was able to hear my voice clear >> meanings: my mic is working!
2- Tested on Local WiFi Network [Viber, Skype and GroveIP] I was able to get the same results mentioned earlier in No. 1
Does that make sense? Or still could be a hardware issue?
Now the reason I don't want to do RMA >>> I am a regular returning customer and reseller of Google, Inc. this is not the issue in fact its a good sign and when I spoke to the tech rep on the phone, they didn't actually questioned me, all they said if you say it is bad, means its bad and we will exchange it for you!!!
The problem is: This device is a US$ 349.00 and Google for the 16GB one. Google and any US Based Corporation do not ship overseas! And as I mentioned, currently I am in Egypt / North Africa! To ship it bad safely will cost me around $250 and $250 to get it back from one of my relatives to Egypt!
Its not worth it! I would break it and throw it away would be cheaper! You know what I mean?
So what do you think? Please let me know
Thanks in advance for your your help and support
NATTARIOUS

this may sound silly but you can keep your Nexus4 and buy a very cheap phone only for phone calls... like a nokia
i have the nexus4 and i don't seem to have any issues with it what so ever ... i hope i helped

It really does sound like you have a defective earpiece or defective hardware leading to the earpiece.
The sound comes out of a separate speaker from the back and there are two mics on the N4 as far as I know.
Maybe, just maybe, couldn`t you find out if you could send the device cheaper if you sent it back to another country that Google ships to?
For example, would it be any cheaper to send it to the UK and let Google have it back from there? Then they could send you another from the UK (Or Ireland I think distributes them for Google). Does it HAVE to be USA?
Couldn`t you speak to them and ask them?
If so, maybe a kind soul on these forums would exchange it for you if you sent it (for much less cost) to their country and RMA the device from there?
Hope I`m making sense...

N10AP said:
It really does sound like you have a defective earpiece or defective hardware leading to the earpiece.
The sound comes out of a separate speaker from the back and there are two mics on the N4 as far as I know.
Maybe, just maybe, couldn`t you find out if you could send the device cheaper if you sent it back to another country that Google ships to?
For example, would it be any cheaper to send it to the UK and let Google have it back from there? Then they could send you another from the UK (Or Ireland I think distributes them for Google). Does it HAVE to be USA?
Couldn`t you speak to them and ask them?
If so, maybe a kind soul on these forums would exchange it for you if you sent it (for much less cost) to their country and RMA the device from there?
Hope I`m making sense...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the reply... As far as I know the N4 has only one mic and yes the speakers are 2.
The External from the back [Loud] speaker and the front head/ear speaker.... I spoke to Google my self twice and they are really a good corporation, as I stated earlier.. They have no issues to replace it at all! Even they gave me the option of choosing either the Black or White version with the new Android Latest Release! But like I said, It has to be shipped back to the US and the RMA process has to be done from there.. I am not sure if it will work from the UK, I can give it a try.
They also gave me the local dealer in Cairo and they said, that they will send them an email to accept my device, but there will be some charges, which I really don't care for since it will never be a $500 back and forth, you know what I mean?
Now what really concerns me is: All Voip apps and services works perfect!! Either on the WiFi or the Local Carrier's Network!! I can accept/send listen/hear and speak.
Its only the GSM Inbound/Outbound calls! They are using the same MIC and Speaker, either the head one or the external one. I also know that my device is an 4G and LTE enabled by default and the local carrier's do not support it [at least for now] could that be the problem since the SIM card uses the actual installed baseband/radio???
To me it doesn't make any sense! Its 2:02am local time and I will visit the local dealer at 10:00am in the morning and lets see what they will say about it.
I will keep this post updated to let you guys know..
Thank you again and hope you enjoyed your weekend
NATTARIOUS

[Q] Got a Note 3 N9005 from US in India, have queries!

Hi All,
I just got my hands on a Note 3 N9005 which I ordered from http://mygsmstore.com/242-samsung-n9005-galaxy-note-3-lte-32gb-black.html, in US, and delivered via a friend here.
Now, the box has the SIM Lock EU sticker in french (so am guessing this is a France N9005). But as per the link and my talks, this is factory unlocked (yes, I asked this again from the guys @ gsmstore).
Please bear as I am yet to go ahead with the initialisation and configuration, but am asking my queries first.
My queries follow -
1. Although I am yet to check this, will I get the KitKat etc updates OTA here in India on this device?
2. And these will be the French/EU ROM, then?
3. Will I need to make any configurations / settings for GPRS / 3G here in Delhi?
If anyone has any idea or steps which I can follow, I would be obliged.
But please keep it simple, I am a techie but a new one in Android.
(Mods: I have posted this at the Indian thread too for any help, please let me know if that's an issue, thanks.)
Thanks all.
Chetan

ckhurana said:
Hi All,
I just got my hands on a Note 3 N9005 which I ordered from http://mygsmstore.com/242-samsung-n9...2gb-black.html, in US, and delivered via a friend here.
Now, the box has the SIM Lock EU sticker in french (so am guessing this is a France N9005). But as per the link and my talks, this is factory unlocked (yes, I asked this again from the guys @ gsmstore).
Please bear as I am yet to go ahead with the initialisation and configuration, but am asking my queries first.
My queries follow -
1. Although I am yet to check this, will I get the KitKat etc updates OTA here in India on this device?
2. And these will be the French/EU ROM, then?
3. Will I need to make any configurations / settings for GPRS / 3G here in Delhi?
If anyone has any idea or steps which I can follow, I would be obliged.
But please keep it simple, I am a techie but a new one in Android.
(Mods: I have posted this at the Indian thread too for any help, please let me know if that's an issue, thanks.)
Thanks all.
Chetan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It'll be EU region locked. You can try CF's region away and see if that fixes it, if not then you'll have to use a custom ROM.
Yeah you'll have to configure the 3G but it's usually just adding your carriers APN settings.

well first of all if you haven't put a simcard in your phone then read what regions are mentioned in that sticker on the box and try to arrange for a sim from that region, because you'll have to insert it one time in the beginnning for the device to release region lock, then operate with whatever sim you want
i don't think there will be any such thing as french rom, even if there is the difference will be very minimal, so no worries there, and yes you can still get the ota updates as well
lastly, no you don't have any special settings for 3g;although you will get a message from carrier it self regarding gprs settings as soon as you switch your phone on after inserting the sim and then you can set them as default(although the phone it do it automatically)
let me know about the region lock though.
cheers.

rahman3412 said:
well first of all if you haven't put a simcard in your phone then read what regions are mentioned in that sticker on the box and try to arrange for a sim from that region, because you'll have to insert it one time in the beginnning for the device to release region lock, then operate with whatever sim you want
i don't think there will be any such thing as french rom, even if there is the difference will be very minimal, so no worries there, and yes you can still get the ota updates as well
lastly, no you don't have any special settings for 3g;although you will get a message from carrier it self regarding gprs settings as soon as you switch your phone on after inserting the sim and then you can set them as default(although the phone it do it automatically)
let me know about the region lock though.
cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi radicalisto & rahman3,
Thanks for the replies guys! An update, i put in the Delhi Vodafone SIM in, Calls / GPRS are up! Not sure about the 3G though, will need to check that,
Now, need to check how the updates happen. And I also need to check the apps which I should have before I start using this...
Also, please advice on taking backups? Via APP, Via KIES? How should i do these?
Let me know guys, I am an Android starter, so will need some start tips, although will surely pick up fast!
Thanks again!

ckhurana said:
Hi All,
I just got my hands on a Note 3 N9005 which I ordered from http://mygsmstore.com/242-samsung-n9005-galaxy-note-3-lte-32gb-black.html, in US, and delivered via a friend here.
Now, the box has the SIM Lock EU sticker in french (so am guessing this is a France N9005). But as per the link and my talks, this is factory unlocked (yes, I asked this again from the guys @ gsmstore).
Please bear as I am yet to go ahead with the initialisation and configuration, but am asking my queries first.
My queries follow -
1. Although I am yet to check this, will I get the KitKat etc updates OTA here in India on this device?
2. And these will be the French/EU ROM, then?
3. Will I need to make any configurations / settings for GPRS / 3G here in Delhi?
If anyone has any idea or steps which I can follow, I would be obliged.
But please keep it simple, I am a techie but a new one in Android.
(Mods: I have posted this at the Indian thread too for any help, please let me know if that's an issue, thanks.)
Thanks all.
Chetan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey bro. i need a favour from you. i am also planning to get the n9005 in india, so please help me out. firstly, is the phone working perfectly? what taxes we have to pay for delivering it to india straight away from the site as i dont have any friend or relative in us. and did you pay octroi.
please do relpy bro. first time on xda!!
thanks

Hi buddy
I went ahead and got this beast from g s m store - arena the link is as below -
http://mygsmstore.com/242-samsung-n9005-galaxy-note-3-lte-32gb-black.html
i got this delivered in the us which was brought back by a friend. If you want it to be delivered in india the cost is a bit more for shipping but i am not sure about the taxes octroi or custom duty
The device is unlocked and working fine on Vodafone Delhi
Only thing to keep in mind is that there is no warranty in india.
As for the taxes for local delivery it may vary as totally depends on the custom officer
Let me know if you need more help
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app

V20 F800S Got Stuck. Please Help

I recently got back from Shenzhen China, and bought a V20 from the Market in Hua Qiang Bei area.
After using it in China, when I got back to my country, and connecting to Wifi, then this menu appears. I don't know any Korean LAnguage, but I suspect it's reported stolen ? or Security ? or other things ?
Anybody can help ? Thanks a lot.

sing2x said:
I recently got back from Shenzhen China, and bought a V20 from the Market in Hua Qiang Bei area.
After using it in China, when I got back to my country, and connecting to Wifi, then this menu appears. I don't know any Korean LAnguage, but I suspect it's reported stolen ? or Security ? or other things ?
Anybody can help ? Thanks a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should at least attempt a online translation.
I did.
Yes, OP, your phone is stolen.
first line - find the owner
second - unlock
third - emergency call
Did you have even the slightest thought that purchasing a electronic device in a foreign country may lead to this very situation? Because if you did, you should have listened.
I imagine this device is on an international blacklist now. It is now mostly useless.
Edit - grammar