Confirmed critical wifi-connectivity issue - Galaxy S II General

In relation with this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1067473, I have now recieved confirmation of a serious wifi problem from the danish support section at Samsungs.
I think it deserves its own thread (or else I'm sure people will tell me otherwise).
My mail loosely translated:
...
I have bought the GT-I9100 samsung galaxy s2, and I'm convinced that it has a critical wifi issue. When holding it "normally" i.e. covering the lower back part of the phone, it either completely looses connection, or the signal deteriorates significantly. Also called "grib of death".
...
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Click to collapse
Their answer (also loosely translated):
This is a problem that is currently being handled, and we are putting a great effort into fixing it as soon as possible. A official press conference will be held as soon as the final solution has been found. When this happens, you should of course contact your dealer, and continue from there.
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Click to collapse
My post in the other thread describing the problem can be seen here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=14420373&postcount=206
Have anyone else recieved answer from support regarding this issue, or heard anything relating to it?

I just tried death gripping my whole phone (Both hands) in a variety of different ways and couldn't get it to drop from 3 bars :/

Omg holding the phone with 2 fingers boosts the wifi signal by 2 bars... Cant be an software issue right?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App

Hollow.Droid said:
I just tried death gripping my whole phone (Both hands) in a variety of different ways and couldn't get it to drop from 3 bars :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you about the possibility that it doesn't count for all phones? Maybe it's related to certain batches...

This signal drop confirmed. See previous posts.
jje
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App

No offense, but I find what you posted from a support agent hard to believe. If the problem was significant enough to hold a press conference, any information regarding it wouldn't be shared with low-level staff. It also wouldn't be conducted in Denmark, it would be managed by Samsung Corporate PR. And Samsung is known to be extremely protective of communication. Just look at the original Galaxy S GPS issue. If they've found an issue that's good news because it means there will be some type of fix available. But based on what you've posted, I'm skeptical that its going to be some international event involving public communication. Time will tell.

BarryH_GEG said:
No offense, but I find what you posted from a support agent hard to believe. If the problem was significant enough to hold a press conference, any information regarding it wouldn't be shared with low-level staff. It also wouldn't be conducted in Denmark, it would be managed by Samsung Corporate PR. And Samsung is known to be extremely protective of communication. Just look at the original Galaxy S GPS issue. If they've found an issue that's good news because it means there will be some type of fix available. But based on what you've posted, I'm skeptical that its going to be some international event involving public communication. Time will tell.
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I can forward the exact mail to you if you want (though in danish - which you can google translate). I'm just sharing the information. You can do with the information as you please.

BarryH_GEG said:
No offense, but I find what you posted from a support agent hard to believe. If the problem was significant enough to hold a press conference, any information regarding it wouldn't be shared with low-level staff. It also wouldn't be conducted in Denmark, it would be managed by Samsung Corporate PR. And Samsung is known to be extremely protective of communication. Just look at the original Galaxy S GPS issue. If they've found an issue that's good news because it means there will be some type of fix available. But based on what you've posted, I'm skeptical that its going to be some international event involving public communication. Time will tell.
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here comes the voice of reason. I totally agree, an email support person would not be in possession of this info, or would not be allowed to share it.

kreoXDA said:
here comes the voice of reason. I totally agree, an email support person would not be in possession of this info, or would not be allowed to share it.
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Click to collapse
That might very well be, but I still contacted support through the official Samsung website, and that is still the reply I got.
Some quick and dirty documentation (warning: in Danish):

BarryH_GEG said:
No offense, but I find what you posted from a support agent hard to believe. If the problem was significant enough to hold a press conference, any information regarding it wouldn't be shared with low-level staff. It also wouldn't be conducted in Denmark, it would be managed by Samsung Corporate PR. And Samsung is known to be extremely protective of communication. Just look at the original Galaxy S GPS issue. If they've found an issue that's good news because it means there will be some type of fix available. But based on what you've posted, I'm skeptical that its going to be some international event involving public communication. Time will tell.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Btw Barry. I completely agree with every single word that you said. Would you rather I just kept the mail I recieved for my self?

Because a low-level support agent sent you an e-mail, it doesn't mean its true. There were numerous confirmations from Samsung support staff about the imminent arrival of a UK-NFC version of the SGS2 that never materialized. Coincidentally, LG staff in Denmark confirmed a fix for the O2X reboot issues was due out in two weeks. It was six months before it was released. Low-level staff are not typically reliable sources of information.
Regardless, there are quite a few people having Wi-Fi issues based on the number of posts so if Samsung is working on some type of fix that is good news.
There's a multi-page thread on the Sensation forum about the death grip effecting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity that impacts the phone when held horizontally. It's because of the antenna placement. I have no doubt that as we shove more and more crap in to smaller amounts of space in dual-core phones signal is going to continue to be an issue. I don't know where the SGS2's antennas are but if you cover them you're going to lose signal. Short of an antenna you have to carry separately from the phone, where would you suggest manufacturers put the antenna of a small hand held device? No matter where its placed your going to occasionally cover it. Using Wi-Fi Analyzer I can't see a drop when I do what you suggest in your post. It's been posted that the Wi-Fi indicator in the status bar is inaccurate which you can see if you're using something like Wi-Fi analyzer as it reports very different results. So I'd urge people to use a third party app if they want to try to replicate what the OPs reporting.

DevonHartigan said:
Btw Barry. I completely agree with every single word that you said. Would you rather I just kept the mail I recieved for my self?
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Gosh no. The fact that Samsung Denmark acknowledged there's a problem is terrific news that I'm sure is going to make quite a few people happy. When you look at the Wi-Fi posts there's something strange going on with the SGS2. It's odd that some people have no problems and others can barely get a signal. Hopefully, based on what was shared with you, a fix is in the works. Let's all hope its software based which will be a lot faster and easier.

Firstly, I just forwarded the information that I recieved. Do with it as you please. I'm not saying anything about the truth value of it.
Secondly, there was a reason why I asked the question: "Have anyone else recieved answer from support regarding this issue, or heard anything relating to it?". As I wanted to confirm this rather wild reply from their support.
Also, I am not relying solely on the wifi-indicator. I installed two different wifi-tools, testing for many different parameters (trying to take a somewhat scientific approach).
And it is not only the indicator I'm relying on. The reason why I started suspecting a problem, was because my browsing speeds, and the android market loading speeds, varied extremely (and on several different routers). Even loosing connection completely many times.
I urge people to falsify the information I provided.
(but again, anecdotal evidence is always unreliable)

BarryH_GEG said:
... I don't know where the SGS2's antennas are but if you cover them you're going to lose signal. ...
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the manual says the antennas are in the lower 1/5th of the device. MOST smartphone manufacturers place antennas there these days (lower end of the phone), because that place is the farthest away from your brain when you hold the phone to your ear. I am sure you guys know this, I am just repeating a known thing.

kreoXDA said:
the manual says the antennas are in the lower 1/5th of the device. MOST smartphone manufacturers place antennas there these days (lower end of the phone), because that place is the farthest away from your brain when you hold the phone to your ear. I am sure you guys know this, I am just repeating a known thing.
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Not to change the subject, but you'll find this amusing.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1096021#
The Sensation has a crappy signal and users will get tumors. At least we only have a crappy signal

BarryH_GEG said:
Not to change the subject, but you'll find this amusing.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1096021#
The Sensation has a crappy signal and users will get tumors. At least we only have a crappy signal
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Click to collapse
Thanks I find solace in jokes like this, just so I do not feel too pissed about SGS2. My old Captivate used to be more reliable and worked better on AT&T. Probably 50/50 the fault of Samsung (build quality) and AT&T (signal strength). Here is hoping AT&T-customized version comes out soon and I can sell my SGS2. Yes I know it may be limited and restricted, but at least it would have the main functionality optimized and tune: network signal reception.

Nordic Hardware just did a comparison test of Wi-Fi on the SGS2 and the Sensation. A lot of it was focused on the Sensation death grip issue but they ran a slew of comparison tests in a lab environment which should prove interesting. You'll have to use Google Translate to understand it. Here's the link...
http://www.nordichardware.se/testla...are-med-hoeg-upploesning.html?start=8#content

I'm death gripping my buttocks while laughing at this thread.
Weak Wifi signal?... my ar$e!

nobnut said:
I'm death gripping my buttocks while laughing at this thread.
Weak Wifi signal?... my ar$e!
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Stop trolling.

kreoXDA said:
Here is hoping AT&T-customized version comes out soon and I can sell my SGS2. Yes I know it may be limited and restricted, but at least it would have the main functionality optimized and tune: network signal reception.
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Click to collapse
They both should have the same radio so when it comes out maybe we'll see things improve just by copying the APN settings and other tweaks. I came from T-Mobile so I don't know I'm crappy.
One thing I've noticed though. I got the phone a Case-Mate Tough Case which is like a cocoon. I also got a PDAir gel that just arrived. There's a funky cut-out on the upper right corner so I e-mailed them wondering why. They said (in Chinese-English) that it was for reception. My phone definitely downloads faster naked or with the PDAir case than the Case-Mate case. It's anecdotal but it seems the phone definitely doesn't like to be covered.

Related

(new) GPS Poll

I just wanted to start a new poll about the performance of the GPS. This time there's also an option to choose a firmware version (*). For the best results it is adviced to participate in the poll after a few weeks of "real life" usage, so you can form an informed opinion.
I've forgotten to include the JF firmware versions. For this versions please choose one of the options for the JG firmware versions. Unfortunately I can't edit the poll. I don't think that this will be a great shortcoming for the results because the differences between the JF and JG firmware isn't very big.
(*) Because I think too many errors will slip in when one can indicate the firmware and the GPS opinion by multiple choices, the list is a bit long. I tried to keep it as clear as possible
(Mods: In order to make the poll as "objective" as possible, maybe it is possible to make this a sticky and close the thread. I can add a link to a new post where the results/finding can be discussed or I or someone else could place a link to the old poll/gps thread where there's already a discussion going on)
cant vote in your poll as mine is yet to be firmware upgraded, im running JF3, and my gps is currently running fine in google navi (as i siad in the original thread it does jump at times but it is still very usable), however my tracks shows this first statment to be abit wrong. so im still working on it and need to try and sort out the firmware upgrade i cant seem to work it out just yet.
btw i have had tis second working phone for 1 week 3 days now, the first was taken back after a week where it would just simply not get a gps lock at all.
I have original firmware, Android 2.1-update1(have only rooted it), and no have problem with GPS at all, for now.
It fix the signal inside my home, my iphone 3Gs not, not lost the signal and bring me at destination, always.
Regards
No offense, but whenever I see people praising the quality of the GPS by if and how fast they do get a lock indoors, I die a little bit inside... That's not real GPS fix you're getting, that's just aGPS at work.
Could you add JFx options to the poll please ?
I have JF1. GPS works most of the time, but could be better.
demusss said:
Could you add JFx options to the poll please ?
I have JF1. GPS works most of the time, but could be better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I can't edit the poll (maybe a mod could?).. As an alternative I suggest to vote for one of the JG firmware options.
Case_ said:
No offense, but whenever I see people praising the quality of the GPS by if and how fast they do get a lock indoors, I die a little bit inside... That's not real GPS fix you're getting, that's just aGPS at work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it is GPS. I have disable aGPS and removed the APN from data settings, the APN field is blank, because I not have a flat account with my carrier provider(WIND Italy).
And WIFI is OFF. It is only the GPS, sure!
Regards
Can I suggest everyone goes on here -
http://www.facebook.com/#!/SamsungUKmobile
And promotes the GPS issue some more? They obviously are enjoying the positive press...lets see if they like some critical feedback as well.....
Well I've now set up my SGS with Copilot and used it in the same position in my car as I used my Iphone 3G, with Copilot, and I must say that the performance is extremely poor.
I thought the GPS in the Iphone was poor but it beats my SGS hands down.
firmware: I9000ADJF1.
That seems low compared to other posts I've read!
This really has to be the most ridiculous poll yet.
I've had problems in all firmware, although XWJM5 (as opposed to XWJM2) is yielding some hope for a fix. It's looking quite a bit better and is a lot more stable for a lot longer.
XXJF3 was great for a week then died and now it's so intermittent its ridiculous.
XXJG5 was better but had the habit of losing GPS signal and putting you 100 metres off and convinced it had to draw a track between your last known good and where it thought you were.
XXJM2 was better than that in that it took account of your speed and heading and never put you more than a few feet off, but it was still prone to making silly mistakes when it lost GPS signal.
XXJM5 is looking considerably better, but they still need to sort out locking onto Satellites < 20 SnR and more than 8 satellite fixes.
The reason I think for this is because of those things called Urban canyons, buildings, trees, etc, which have an annoying habit of destroying your GPS signal. A lot of other devices will cope. Unless you can see Satellites over virtually overhead, forget all hope.
sjdean said:
This really has to be the most ridiculous poll yet.
I've had problems in all firmware, although XWJM5 (as opposed to XWJM2) is yielding some hope for a fix. It's looking quite a bit better and is a lot more stable for a lot longer.
XXJF3 was great for a week then died and now it's so intermittent its ridiculous.
XXJG5 was better but had the habit of losing GPS signal and putting you 100 metres off and convinced it had to draw a track between your last known good and where it thought you were.
XXJM2 was better than that in that it took account of your speed and heading and never put you more than a few feet off, but it was still prone to making silly mistakes when it lost GPS signal.
XXJM5 is looking considerably better, but they still need to sort out locking onto Satellites < 20 SnR and more than 8 satellite fixes.
The reason I think for this is because of those things called Urban canyons, buildings, trees, etc, which have an annoying habit of destroying your GPS signal. A lot of other devices will cope. Unless you can see Satellites over virtually overhead, forget all hope.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your observations. Unfortunately it isn't possible to poll every single firmware version with the current poll functionality
Just did this track with a brand new SGS 16 GB w/JM1.
It was easy to vote.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...254,0.046434&z=15&iwloc=00048d2c278fbc21e8849
Still, as sjdean mentioned, I suspect that this issue is related to several factors and cannot be singled out that easily. I have to have one in my hands to believe it but now I guess I'll go to the store to get my money back home. Not that I don't believe that Samsung and Broadcom might end up making their magic work... I'll probably not have enough patience to wait.
Beowulf_pt said:
Just did this track with a brand new SGS 16 GB w/JM1.
It was easy to vote.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...254,0.046434&z=15&iwloc=00048d2c278fbc21e8849
....
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Click to collapse
lol, as if a child tried to draw a route on a map. That's not good at all
Bynar010 said:
Can I suggest everyone goes on here -
http://www.facebook.com/#!/SamsungUKmobile
And promotes the GPS issue some more? They obviously are enjoying the positive press...lets see if they like some critical feedback as well.....
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Click to collapse
just incase it gets deleted, here is my comments on the facebook page
Ghosty like all the others here im happy with most of the phone but i had to take the first one back as it would never get a lock on any gps satalite, the second one however is a little better as a least this one can be used to navigate, but in my tracks it is all over the show, please can you at least issuse a statment about... what the fault actually is weather it be hardware or software/firmware, as the most annoying part of it all is not knowing what is wrong, as if its software/fimeware related im sure people will hangonto the phone waiting for the fix, if however it turns out to be hardware related then there is gonna be alot of upset customers, wanting exchanges. i think you just need to clarify exactly what the issue is, saying we are working on a fix just anit good enough, especially when you are locked into a 2yr contract with a phone that only half works.
come on samsung sort it out, and give the general public some idea of what is actually gonna be done about this.
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as you can see i have not held back
ghosty_uk said:
just incase it gets deleted, here is my comments on the facebook page
Ghosty like all the others here im happy with most of the phone but i had to take the first one back as it would never get a lock on any gps satalite, the second one however is a little better as a least this one can be used to navigate, but in my tracks it is all over the show, please can you at least issuse a statment about... what the fault actually is weather it be hardware or software/firmware, as the most annoying part of it all is not knowing what is wrong, as if its software/fimeware related im sure people will hangonto the phone waiting for the fix, if however it turns out to be hardware related then there is gonna be alot of upset customers, wanting exchanges. i think you just need to clarify exactly what the issue is, saying we are working on a fix just anit good enough, especially when you are locked into a 2yr contract with a phone that only half works.
come on samsung sort it out, and give the general public some idea of what is actually gonna be done about this.
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as you can see i have not held back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have some severe problems with the GPS most of the time. ( I still can't reproduce the artistic trackings though I see all over this forum - although I never used mytracks, but always use another program for this). Nevertheless, I still want my GPS to be very reliable and the reports I read makes me a bit uncomfortable. I use it a lot for "offroad walking" and I depend for 100% on my GPS for this. I need the thing to be accurate. I need to trust on it. So yes, I'm also waiting for Samsung to come out and make a statement about this.
ghosty_uk said:
just incase it gets deleted, here is my comments on the facebook page
Ghosty like all the others here im happy with most of the phone but i had to take the first one back as it would never get a lock on any gps satalite, the second one however is a little better as a least this one can be used to navigate, but in my tracks it is all over the show, please can you at least issuse a statment about... what the fault actually is weather it be hardware or software/firmware, as the most annoying part of it all is not knowing what is wrong, as if its software/fimeware related im sure people will hangonto the phone waiting for the fix, if however it turns out to be hardware related then there is gonna be alot of upset customers, wanting exchanges. i think you just need to clarify exactly what the issue is, saying we are working on a fix just anit good enough, especially when you are locked into a 2yr contract with a phone that only half works.
come on samsung sort it out, and give the general public some idea of what is actually gonna be done about this.
See more
2 seconds ago · Comment · LikeUnlike · Report
as you can see i have not held back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I left a slight 'snotty' comment on there about the issues a couple of weeks ago, to be fair, they didn't delete the comment but they never replied either!
ghosty_uk said:
just incase it gets deleted, here is my comments on the facebook page
Ghosty like all the others here im happy with most of the phone but i had to take the first one back as it would never get a lock on any gps satalite, the second one however is a little better as a least this one can be used to navigate, but in my tracks it is all over the show, please can you at least issuse a statment about... what the fault actually is weather it be hardware or software/firmware, as the most annoying part of it all is not knowing what is wrong, as if its software/fimeware related im sure people will hangonto the phone waiting for the fix, if however it turns out to be hardware related then there is gonna be alot of upset customers, wanting exchanges. i think you just need to clarify exactly what the issue is, saying we are working on a fix just anit good enough, especially when you are locked into a 2yr contract with a phone that only half works.
come on samsung sort it out, and give the general public some idea of what is actually gonna be done about this.
See more
2 seconds ago · Comment · LikeUnlike · Report
as you can see i have not held back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for those of you that remember my post on the samsung page, here is the official response from them:
Samsung UK Mobile Hi, thanks for getting in touch. Head Office is currently working on a solution to the GPS problem and we hope to have a solution very soon. Rest assured, this is a high priority task for us.
maybe we are getting through to them after all.
Yeah they seem to have put that on all the GPS complaint comments on their facebook page..except mine....perhaps I was too *****y!!
The GPS on my JM2 is just useless... no matter where I am, in my appartment or at the very centre of the city, its just unable to locate me.
Hi all,
I have used my GPS with sygic maps mobile 10 for 1387 Km and it works well!
Yes, when I entry in a tunnel it not immediately switch the screen from night and day light, it switch after about 50meter when already was inside the tunnel. This mean it is not 100% accurate but work well. Consider which has travel a street named "street of tunnel". In the same travel, the GPS of the my Iphone3gs with tomtom lost the signal always and employ many more time for take the signal again.
In city, have used POI features on the Galaxy S, and work well!
I'm "sorry", but cannot say "have a problem with GPS", because not have any problem with this GPS, for now. Some day ago has a problem with alarm clock, always have a problem with copy/paste from gmail and yahoo e-mail, but not with GPS.
For who interested, have the original rom, android 2.1-update1, only rooted.
Regards
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

I have absolutely no gps issues!!

IF YOU HAVE A GPS ISSUE... I DO NOT CARE. THIS THREAD IS NOT FOR YOU. THIS THREAD IS FOR PEOPLE TO POST WHO DO NOT HAVE AN ISSUE. BELIEVE IT OR NOT, THERE ARE SOME OF US OUT THERE!
I guess androidmonkey ran with my idea and made a poll (shocker, guess who is leading at the time I posted this, those with no issues...)
I'm so freaking tired of post after post about the same people having a GPS issue. It makes the phone look poor and you guys are certainly greasing the wheel well enough. Who is the minority here?
So I thought a thread of those reporting no issues would be a welcome site.
*I am not stating anything about the compass, frankly, not sure I have ever even noticed it... *
Instead of creating a boasting thread, as part of the Samsung Defense Force, why don't you post helpful information that could help every other owner of this phone?
For example: Manufacture date, ship date, actual statistics / proof of your GPS performance and so forth.
^ post helpful information? Are you serious... all I do on here is help answer questions and write guides.
I am rooted/stock. There is nothing special done, no fixes, no tweaks.... I don't feel the need to make a video of my phone as proof of this, lol.
My gps works good enough to get me somewhere ... that's all I need it for..
I agree. There's some slight downers here...
Go for it! I think a rah-rah thread might have value. It helps beat the drum to drown out the critics and all those annoying tests and facts. That way, if a GPS fix does not materialize and I have to resell my Vibrant used as a lemon, there will be better demand in the open market.
Caveat emptor. Carpe diem.
s15274n said:
^ post helpful information? Are you serious... all I do on here is help answer questions and write guides.
I am rooted/stock. There is nothing special done, no fixes, no tweaks.... I don't feel the need to make a video of my phone as proof of this, lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^ Cool story, Bro.
So, I post a reasonable request, and you respond by being a douchebag. Way to help people all the time.
How long does your your gps take to lock? If its a few seconds, then i would like to know what's different with your phone
Gps is a HUGE issue. My gps is still taking minutes to lock which is basically useless and I've turned mine off.
s15274n said:
I'm so freaking tired of post after post about the same people having a GPS issue. It makes the phone look poor and you guys are certainly greasing the wheel well enough. Who is the minority here?
So I thought a thread of those reporting no issues would be a welcome site.
*I am not stating anything about the compass, frankly, not sure I have ever even noticed it... *
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hate trolls as much as the next guy but the Samsung Galaxy S series has MAJOR issues with GPS. This is not BS, *****ing, whining, etc, its a REAL issue. I sent a link to my location to a friend the other day and the GPS said I was 30 miles away. Sometime though the GPS is spot on, im talking about within 10 feet. Other times its miles off. I know 3 people with this phone and all have the same issues. Not to mention the hundreds of people on this forum.
Please tell us your firmware version, kernel version, baseband version, manufactured date, etc.
androidmonkey said:
Please tell us your firmware version, kernel version, baseband version, manufactured date, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FW: 2.1 update 1
Base: T959UVJFD
Kernel: 2.6.29
MD, I do not have my box with me.... I got it on 7/15/10.
JonC... 1/2 of your posts are whining about GPS. I'm not spending the time to make a video for you dude.
How bout people quit making NEW threads about gps?! There is already a thread with a fix, if someone has something to say about gps issues post there and stop clogging the forum with the same ****!
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
s15274n said:
I'm so freaking tired of post after post about the same people having a GPS issue. It makes the phone look poor and you guys are certainly greasing the wheel well enough. Who is the minority here?
So I thought a thread of those reporting no issues would be a welcome site.
*I am not stating anything about the compass, frankly, not sure I have ever even noticed it... *
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude you read my mind! GREAT POST. I'm all for it. Heck, why be anti something when you can be pro something right?
I hate seeing all these posts about the gps issue as well. It does make the Vibrant look bad....so to them gps minorities, keep your problems to one thread instead having multiple threads that just spreads bad vibes across the boards...
For the record, I have ZERO problems with my GSP. It locks on pretty fast and works like a charm...
Two thumbs up for this post...
s15274n said:
FW: 2.1 update 1
Base: T959UVJFD
Kernel: 2.6.29
MD, I do not have my box with me.... I got it on 7/15/10.
JonC... 1/2 of your posts are whining about GPS. I'm not spending the time to make a video for you dude.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then go make it for the hundreds of other people experiencing the issue with the exact same device, on the exact same baseband and kernel version. Out them as the HTC sleep cells that they all are.
Also, just to get serious for a second here:
Nobody ever said that the Galaxy S wasn't a sweet device. It's simply disappointing that Locational Services are severely busted, and we worry about having to trust Samsung on their word.
You know: their word.
So, it apparently works perfectly for you. That's neat. Congratulations. Unfortunately, it doesn't work for the majority of us here. Instead of showing us how this is an isolated incident (with your seemingly 'perfect' phone), you've chosen to boast on an internet forum. This provides us with less hope than actual evidence that it could be our individual phones that are defective (which would point to hardware).
Not really sure how that helps anyone, sport.
^ blagh blagh blagh... more posts about GPS... this thread is not intended for you, you are the reason I made it.
^ Cool story, bro!
Man what dissapointment I thought someone had finally received a phone with a working GPS
The Vibrant is a great phone but let's face it, the GPS software just plain sucks and I'm sure that goes for everyone. My G1 could lock on 8 sats in my house where the Vibrant can't find a single one. Outdoors I may get 3 after 5 minutes and even then the map program is not that accurate.
I guess you started a thread to make yourself feel good but get ready to be flamed
^ Flame away. Or, wait for others with no issues to post. Either way, I'm tired of the GPS whining threads.
I too have been wondering what all the fuss is about. I would like to know a repeatable symptom that makes people think there is a problem. If it's just time to lock, well there are so many variables to consider. Sometimes my phone locks on in seconds, usually if I have used the GPS recently. If it has been longer (like days or weeks), then it takes my phone longer (five minutes???). It also depends on the weather, and if you are moving while trying to get a lock. I have owned several stand-alone GPS devices, and have used military GPS receivers too. They ALL have these same issues.
Now if the complaint is something other than lock time, then that would be a different story.
I really don't see the GPS in this phone operating any better or worse than any other GPS that I have ever used.
I got my phone the day it came out, and my serial number ends with 10.07, and using stock FW (rooted of course). No lag fix applied either (I have heard of a lot of people having issues with g maps and lag fixes).
I guess this thread backfired on the fanboy OP.
Not sent from my Vibrant using XDA App 'cause I returned it.
MrGibbage said:
I too have been wondering what all the fuss is about. I would like to know a repeatable symptom that makes people think there is a problem. If it's just time to lock, well there are so many variables to consider. Sometimes my phone locks on in seconds, usually if I have used the GPS recently. If it has been longer (like days or weeks), then it takes my phone longer (five minutes???). It also depends on the weather, and if you are moving while trying to get a lock. I have owned several stand-alone GPS devices, and have used military GPS receivers too. They ALL have these same issues.
Now if the complaint is something other than lock time, then that would be a different story.
I really don't see the GPS in this phone operating any better or worse than any other GPS that I have ever used.
I got my phone the day it came out, and my serial number ends with 10.07, and using stock FW (rooted of course). No lag fix applied either (I have heard of a lot of people having issues with g maps and lag fixes).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't comment on the past phones or gps units you may have used but I can comment on mine. Using the programs GPS Status or GPS Test:
My G1 within seconds can lock on 6-8 sats sitting in my livingroom - this phone cannot locate one that's a (hopefully) software problem.
Outdoors my G1 locks on 8-10 sats in seconds - the Vibrant barely finds 3 (I have had 4 but the signal was so weak I don't count it), again software problem. Now even with 3 sats locked, using maps it will at times show me off the road that I'm on (example, travelling on the FL Turnpike and it shows me on a parallel service road, or I exit and map shows me passing the exit before it begins to show the turn.
There is a problem with the GPS and Samsung has acknowleged it and is working on a fix (again hopefully). I certainly don't think the software on the G1 should be so far superior to the one on the Vibrant don't you?
smashpunks said:
My gps works good enough to get me somewhere ... that's all I need it for..
I agree. There's some slight downers here...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think people are being downers for wanting a major feature of their phone to work PROPERLY. Just good enough, is not good enough.
It's like saying well, while they put a nice transmission in my car, it doesn't include reverse...but that's ok because I mostly drive forward.
This "works good enough" or "I don't really use it that much" attitude isn't helping with the fact that this portion of the phone is not working as it should. No complaints for folks like that makes it easy for Samsung to drag their feet on a solution. I am on my THIRD Vibrant (switched out for reason other than the GPS, since that IS broken right now) and the GPS has not performed well enough for me to get any practical use out of it on any of them. Three different Vibrants with different manufacture dates.
There is a problem, a prevalent one. A few people experiencing the problem on just one version of the phone would be one thing, but it affects all models. How Samsung hasn't been taken to task like Apple was is beyond me.

final solution to gps problem

So my second replacement of this galaxy s still got the ass-paining GPS problem. I had to phone orange again complaining the problem. Orange refused to exchange a different phone for me and told me to go find samsung. But I insisted that the phone was a part of the service they provided, if I was not satisfied I would have to go to them. they finally agreed to give me a third replacement to see what's going on. I'm now waiting at home for the phone to come. Although I doubt I would see any difference on this one, let's say according to law I now have right to return this phone if it's still got the GPS issue.
After I spoke to Orange, I sent an email to samsung mobile uk to tell them the problem. Today I received an email reply:
"Thank you for contacting Samsung Electronics.
Regarding your case, kindly note that the phone needs to be taken to the nearest Samsung authorized service centre to be checked by an engineer as this may be a software issue.
You can follow the link below to locate the nearest Samsung authorized service centre based on your postal code. Kindly make sure that you have selected “Mobile phones” from the drop down menu.
http://www.samsung.com/uk/support/location/supportServiceLocation.do?page=SERVICE.LOCATION
Please note that if this turns outto be a hardware issue, the phone might have to be sent in for repair.
Our manufacturer warranty covers damage caused due to a manufacturer fault and excludes any damage caused by misuse. Please make sure that your phone has not been dropped or exposed to water."
Now I have 2 options. after I receive this final replacement, if it's still got the GPS issue, I can either ask Orange to return the phone and exchange,which I think would be quite tricky,but a good chance to succeed; or I can go to local samsung service and ask them to check and repair the phone for me.
I checked samsung service location, basically it's on every carphonewarehouse store, not difficult to find one near you. I think people with gps issue should really go to ask for repair.
I will keep update this thread until either the phone's got fully functioning GPS or the phone's been returned.
UPDATE: NO 6th replacement has been proved having GPS problem as well. Contacted orange again and they told me they will start an investigation on what's with this phone. Next monday they will call me back to provide a solution, either fix the phone's GPS or exchange me a different phone.
Today I went out on highway, tested gps on both galaxy s and orange san francisco, within 30 mins driving the orange san francisco worked like a charm, no delay, no flaw; galaxy s on the other hand, lost signal for more than 6 times, showed me driving out of the highway...really upset and thought it only fair if gps performance should be better on galaxy s due to much much higher price. Well it's opposite... I would be glad if monday they exchange me a different phone and put an end to the terrible experience i had with this phone...
I am on my fourth handset at the moment and it’s just as bad as my first. I have tried every combination of firmware and fixes but have seen little improvement.
I am now waiting for Vodafone to release their Froyo build officially and when flashed to this it’s going back permanently. Its blatant false advertising and misrepresentation to claim the i9000 is capable of running satnav apps properly. And yes I’m talking about full satnav not just Google apps.
Such a shame as I was so looking forward to CM6 on this handset.
Not exactly relevant, but "final solutions" aren't always successful
Someone needs to amend the title of this thread, as once again its very misleading!
SkinBobUk said:
Someone needs to amend the title of this thread, as once again its very misleading!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm not sure what's misleading? the solution is to send it back for repair or replace. no one can fix it on his own. you think you can come out a better solution than mine? welcome to try!
I had similar problems with Samsung galaxy S Unlocked sim free.
This is now a distant memory since the official upgrade to Android 2.2.
GPS works excellent.
Check in Samsung Kies, if your phone is ready for an upgrade.
ehe12 said:
i'm not sure what's misleading? the solution is to send it back for repair or replace. no one can fix it on his own. you think you can come out a better solution than mine? welcome to try!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't you think that if the solution was to simply exchange the phone for another that people would of done this allready, let alone the number of people on handset #4,5,6 and still their gps is not as expected.
Your title reads "Final solution", what you gonna do if samsung cant fix it? Do you have any evidence they can?
I dont wanna start an argument or cause any offence but the first thing people will think when they see that title is that contained in this thread is a solution to their gps problems. Instead all they will find is a post from you explaining what samsung and orange have advised.
Also you made another thread stating that the gps problems cannot be fixed by software, and yet in your first post in this thread you've put samsung think its a software problem.
You seem to be believing whoever u talk too and then posting it up for us.
If and when you do finally get a working gps then post away, but there is no need for misleeding posts, etc.
Have you guys tried this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=728611 ? It worked for me.
SkinBobUk said:
Don't you think that if the solution was to simply exchange the phone for another that people would of done this allready, let alone the number of people on handset #4,5,6 and still their gps is not as expected.
Your title reads "Final solution", what you gonna do if samsung cant fix it? Do you have any evidence they can?
I dont wanna start an argument or cause any offence but the first thing people will think when they see that title is that contained in this thread is a solution to their gps problems. Instead all they will find is a post from you explaining what samsung and orange have advised.
Also you made another thread stating that the gps problems cannot be fixed by software, and yet in your first post in this thread you've put samsung think its a software problem.
You seem to be believing whoever u talk too and then posting it up for us.
If and when you do finally get a working gps then post away, but there is no need for misleeding posts, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not believing anything ok? I did quote the whole email from samsung service, but I didn't believe the "software" part. What I'm trying to say is get your device back to samsung as soon as possible to have it fixed. If samsung cannot fix it? law says you can return it!
again as I'm saying, the quote from samsung service is just to remind people, contact their local samsung service to check the phone! why are you focusing on the mentioned "software problem"? OK even yes it's software problem, can you fix it? you obviously can't! then what? live with it? hell not for me! contact your local samsung service to get it fixed! that's the final solution to this GPS problem! all I'm saying is if you can't fix it, you have to send it to samsung service, and that's the only final solution!
also as you might be interested, the Orange staff I spoke to told me the following thing: when I sent my phone back, they didn't just accept everything I said, they did test the phone. According to their technician, there's something wrong with the integrated GPS.
can you fix the GPS? no you can't. I can't either. my solution will be send it to samsung so that they can repair it for me. why are you calling it misleading? my solution has a great chance to get the gps fixed!!!and if not, you've proved it's not fixable and you can return or exchange your phone!
We seem to have differant understandings of the world solution.
Fair enough samsung might be able to fix it. But i doubt it as everybody else would have done the same thing or samsung would have released some sort of press release.
And yes if they cant then you should be entitled to a refund/exchange, etc. But that aint a final solution in any sense of the word.
so youre exchanging the phone over and over and hope to have a better gps? did not realized by now that they all have fhe same gps and they all work the same so still exchanging? is the world going nuts?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
SkinBobUk said:
We seem to have differant understandings of the world solution.
Fair enough samsung might be able to fix it. But i doubt it as everybody else would have done the same thing or samsung would have released some sort of press release.
And yes if they cant then you should be entitled to a refund/exchange, etc. But that aint a final solution in any sense of the word.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well in my opinion, I paid for a fully functional phone, if even the manufacturer cannot fix it, there is no way I can accept it and return/exchange it is the only solution for me.
maybe you think this is not a solution, but it does solve my problem.
so far I don't know how many have sent their phones back, but I think it might be a huge number.
bilboa1 said:
so youre exchanging the phone over and over and hope to have a better gps? did not realized by now that they all have fhe same gps and they all work the same so still exchanging? is the world going nuts?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as there are many people claiming that their GPS work flawlessly, also someone claimed manufacturing dates may decide the quality of the phones, I am trying to prove either of them. even these aren't true, at least I prove that this issue won't be fixed by exchanging phones and I get my legal right to force the phone company to exchange/refund the phone for me. Also if many people do the same thing, the number of returned phones would become so large that samsung might finally have to admit this and file a recall.
this is harmless to all consumers, why not?
So why do several people have a good GPS in their SGSes. If it were hardware problem, how does it come that some people can change phone for 4 times and not get any better results and others have good GPSes from the start? I start to lean towards the idea that the SGS GPS is not great but normal. People have the idea that the phone should have an equally good GPS as for example the screen witch is superb. Well they start to test the GPS and depending on several parameters (not the weather as seems to be a common misunderstanding) the GPS breaks down or they could not get an instant position within 1-2 meters (which is impossible with a cold or semi cold start if you do not have a cruise missile handy). They start fiddling around and mess up the GPS so it do not work at all.
The urban canyon problem that many refers to is a problem that even the high end dedicated GPSes have (look for reviews on the net). They are of course better then the SGS but heck you bought a phone not a GPS.
I do not say that there are no faulty SGSes out there. But so what there have been 7 million sold and there must be some. I also think that the SGS may be hiding the full potential somewhere deep in the hardware and it can be unlocked by some low level upgrade of the GPS. However I am content with the normal function of the GPS and of course I hope that future upgrades can make it better.
However there are evidently some trolls in these GPS forums which you can see if you reading all the mails. However there are not many, but they are rather irritating, in the sense that they will not listen to arguments and even if you show them a good track (which have been posted several times) they will deny it and accuse the user of incompetence instead of trying to find out why there phone is broken.
milsjg said:
So why do several people have a good GPS in their SGSes. If it were hardware problem, how does it come that some people can change phone for 4 times and not get any better results and others have good GPSes from the start? I start to lean towards the idea that the SGS GPS is not great but normal. People have the idea that the phone should have an equally good GPS as for example the screen witch is superb. Well they start to test the GPS and depending on several parameters (not the weather as seems to be a common misunderstanding) the GPS breaks down or they could not get an instant position within 1-2 meters (which is impossible with a cold or semi cold start if you do not have a cruise missile handy). They start fiddling around and mess up the GPS so it do not work at all.
The urban canyon problem that many refers to is a problem that even the high end dedicated GPSes have (look for reviews on the net). They are of course better then the SGS but heck you bought a phone not a GPS.
I do not say that there are no faulty SGSes out there. But so what there have been 7 million sold and there must be some. I also think that the SGS may be hiding the full potential somewhere deep in the hardware and it can be unlocked by some low level upgrade of the GPS. However I am content with the normal function of the GPS and of course I hope that future upgrades can make it better.
However there are evidently some trolls in these GPS forums which you can see if you reading all the mails. However there are not many, but they are rather irritating, in the sense that they will not listen to arguments and even if you show them a good track (which have been posted several times) they will deny it and accuse the user of incompetence instead of trying to find out why there phone is broken.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did GPS test fairly and equally. I have another coupla phones, san francisco, hero and touch diamond. I use them all at the same time. SGS is the only one has problem. Clear?
the 4 SGS I got all have the same issue, in the mean time my other models (san francisco, hero, touch diamond) all work great. Does this make sense to you how bad GPS on SGS is? So I replace it 3 times, so what? I just need it to be as good as my other phones. is it too much to ask?
milsjg, we dont expect sgs gps to be better than a dedicated gps device such as tomtom.We just want it to be as gps of some other phones, even some 2 years old nokia phones are much better on that. Thats the problem
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk
ehe12 said:
I did GPS test fairly and equally. I have another coupla phones, san francisco, hero and touch diamond. I use them all at the same time. SGS is the only one has problem. Clear?
the 4 SGS I got all have the same issue, in the mean time my other models (san francisco, hero, touch diamond) all work great. Does this make sense to you how bad GPS on SGS is? So I replace it 3 times, so what? I just need it to be as good as my other phones. is it too much to ask?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But why do lots of people have fairly good GPSes? You have to try to answer that question before you are pursing your answer. I have a fairly good (not exceptional missile good) GPS and I have posted several good tracks using different programs.
I also not an idiot and VERY familiar with GPS and programming. I do not mean to insult you if you are not trolling but just telling everybody that all SGS has a faulty GPS because you have had bad experience is not special good idea if you want to keep out of the trolling zone. I just searched for Iphone "GPS problem" on the net and found several links to GPS problems on the iPhone. So recommending from your experience to buy for example iPhone or any other phone in order to be happy with the GPS is very dangerouse.
The Htc Hero link below may clarify my point. Read if you dear because you have a faulty GPS on your Hero according to the link and there plenty more of that on the net. Get the drift?
http://community.sprint.com/baw/thread/27731;jsessionid=B0162F04F9DF9DCFFFC245A792A481BA.app2jive1
milsjg said:
But why do lots of people have fairly good GPSes? You have to try to answer that question before you are pursing your answer. I have a fairly good (not exceptional missile good) GPS and I have posted several good tracks using different programs.
I also not an idiot and VERY familiar with GPS and programming. I do not mean to insult you if you are not trolling but just telling everybody that all SGS has a faulty GPS because you have had bad experience is not special good idea if you want to keep out of the trolling zone. I just searched for Iphone "GPS problem" on the net and found several links to GPS problems on the iPhone. So recommending from your experience to buy for example iPhone or any other phone in order to be happy with the GPS is very dangerouse.
The Htc Hero link below may clarify my point. Read if you dear because you have a faulty GPS on your Hero according to the link and there plenty more of that on the net. Get the drift?
http://community.sprint.com/baw/thread/27731;jsessionid=B0162F04F9DF9DCFFFC245A792A481BA.app2jive1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know to be fair. That's why I keep asking my contract provider to replace it for me. I thought if that's something about luck, replacing it as many times as I can could finally get me a working one. But... so far I have 4 in a row all bad GPS. Guess I'm just not lucky at all...
Other than replacing it, I don't know what else I can do to solve this problem. I like this phone and not until final stage will I return it. So far I'm just trying so hard to get one with good GPS. If you have any positive idea please let me know. I only care about this phone's GPS, the link you posted has nothing to do with my GPS issue.
milsjg said:
But why do lots of people have fairly good GPSes? You have to try to answer that question before you are pursing your answer. I have a fairly good (not exceptional missile good) GPS and I have posted several good tracks using different programs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
also where are you? I'm really curious how good your phone's GPS is. If you live in UK, would you mind come over to my place and show me?
I live in Manchester. If anyone has a SGS with fully functioning GPS, could you contact me and let me see how good your GPS is? I'm really interested to know if "Good GPS" really exists.
Sorry Sweden, However try to get hold of a phone with a different operator. Did not htc have a specific problem with Telestra (I do not know
If I spelled it right)
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

Major Galaxy S II issue that needs to be brought to light!

Hey everyone, I know this is going to be a lengthy post but do please read on and feel free to post your thoughts.
Here's the story... I have had my Galaxy S II for 4 weeks now and every phone call I have made & received has been problematic. Everybody I spoke to was complaining about poor quality, an echo to be more specific, they reported their own voice was being echoed back but the call is always fine on my end. What this means is the call is almost impossible to hear for the other person and they end up calling me back on another phone, its driving me mad and it really is a big issue so I decided to get it exchanged with the company I got it from (Dial-A-Phone). I only arranged the exchange today so I have to wait 3 - 5 days for the bag to arrive to post it back in.
In the meantime I was looking online to see if anyone else had this problem and I can across a thread on AndroidForums (Can't post a link here because im a new user). So it looks like it's not just me its actually a lot of people and seems like it's most Galaxy S II's! Reading the posts on the thread its clear to see that the problem only exists when a case is on the phone and that is exactly what I have been finding (I have a CaseMate Gelli).
So this is now making me think exchanging it will be pointless as the new unit will most likely be exactly the same... I did some more looking around and was pretty shocked to find how many people have this issue. I simply searched Google for "Samsung Galaxy S2 call echo" and there are a lot of results, they are all the same issue just on different forums and posted by many different people.
So my options are as follows: Not use a case which I don't want to do because I want to protect this expensive phone, take it out of the case everytime I get a phone call but that is not practical in any way! people have also said to turn off Noise Reduction when a call connects but again I don't want to have to hit "Menu" > "NR" everytime I answer or place a call! Other people say that putting tape over the Noise Reduction mic and cutting bigger mic holes in the cases makes the problem better... But once again I should NOT have to do this! I should be able to use the phone with all functions normally with a case as protection, especially as this is one of the best phones of the year, costs about £500 and none of the other brands such as HTC have problems like this!
A friend of mine who also has this issue showed me an Amazon.co.uk case review entitled "The FACTS about the Galaxy S2 echo problem & the Case-Mate Tough Case" (Again; Can't post a link) but another person who has had the issue and Samsung even tried to cover it up by discontinuing their own case because it was uncovering a problem with their flagship phone.
Anyway that's probably enough on the subject but I just thought this needs to be brought to people's attention and I am also stuck on what to do, As I said I should not have to do any silly workarounds or not use a case, and exchanging it is 99% certain to be pointless... All I can think of is get the replacement phone brand new, don't open it and sell it on eBay brand new then buy a different phone like a Galaxy Nexus for example. But it does annoy me because I love the Galaxy S II, it's a great phone in every way, its just this that ruins it.
Finally, what do you guys think I should do?
Thanks for reading this and feel free to contribute, I just think this needs to be brought to light instead of just secluded in various forums, afterall, its a phone and if the phone calls are useless it's not going to be very good for many people.
You really should search the SGS2 threads before posting. This issue is old news and if you search you will find tweaks to solve the problem.
Edit: But if you reply you will get your post count up a bit
I never had this problem since i bought it, but it's a scary thought since i am doing a lot of calling with it.
I just talked to my G.F. she said my voice comes threw like butter, no problems on any end.
But i do use a plastic casing for my Sgs2, maybe the metal case that you use is the problem my friend, why not try the plastic one's?.
Can't speak for anyone else, but I've had absolutely no issues with call quality either on my end or the person I've been speaking to. None of my friends who have a SII have complained about it either.
Now it may seem like a lot of people are complaining on forums, but Samsung have reportedly sold 10 million units according to an article on Cnet in October. How many complaints have been made in comparison to that number? I doubt it will be as high as 0.1%. So to claim that it "seems like it's most Galaxy S II's!" is a bit over dramatic. Have you really seen about 8 million (that to me would roughly equate to most), different users on one forum? Keeping in mind that it probably the same people moaning on the different forums.
Personally I'd say go for the replacement, the SII is by far the best phone I've ever had. Yes like any electronics there's going to be issues, but I'd be willing to bet the call echo issue is for a small minority of handsets.
I use the samsung official case, vented back cover, not the best protection but i never mess with noise reduction, volume on my end is normally set half way (otherwise the whole world can hear both ends of my conversation) and it has worked perfectly fine, clear as crystal since day 1.
After getting a drink spilled on mine, and subsequently replacing the charge port PCB which also houses the microphone and speaker connectors, i can tell you that there are clear variations in hardware, although minor, still significant enough to potentially be a problem.
It may be totally unrelated but if you search general for "charge port problem" you can see the discussion on different hardware revisions.
Failing that, the easy test is to try this without your case on, also try lowering speaker volume during call and try even blocking the NR mix hole, if nothing fixes it, then its clearly a hw problem and so should really be replaced by Dial A Phone or Sammy.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
ajh94 said:
So it looks like it's not just me its actually a lot of people and seems like it's most Galaxy S II's!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, i agree. Quite cleary most GS2s are faulty because some people have mentioned it on a forum. Nevermind the other 10 million people that havent. Lets generalise anyway
As mentionned, old news. Workaround posted on multiple threads. Alot of people just deactivated noise reduction in the dialer... Next caller please!
skimminstones said:
Yep, i agree. Quite cleary most GS2s are faulty because some people have mentioned it on a forum. Nevermind the other 10 million people that havent. Lets generalise anyway
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^^^^
This.
And I've had my SGS2 since May and also use the Case-Mate Tough Case. But thanks for bringing this major issue to light that appears to effect you and maybe three other people.
BarryH_GEG said:
^^^^
This.
And I've had my SGS2 since May and also use the Case-Mate Tough Case. But thanks for bringing this major issue to light that appears to effect you and maybe three other people.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL! Yeah dude, I've been using the phone for 7 months now, no issues of this sort at all. Had a hard case, moved to a soft case a few months later (it was a gift) and all my calls have been fine
ajh94,
So you have eliminated the possible issues originated from the network operators?
No problem here, too.
Yeah I have the same problem but seem to have mostly fixed it.
I removed the rubber housing the microphone as it seemed to be blocking the hole and made the microphone hole larger by wedging a small screwdriver in it.
But I agree with some of the other posts, there are ship loads if threads on this topic. I have posted specifics of my fix on one of them.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Wasn't aware of this problem at all.
Had mine since May, been using a Casemate "Barely There" since September, no problems at all here.
OMG.... my SGS-II must be faulty as I didn´t receive any complaints from my callers since I got my SGS-II in May
skimminstones said:
Yep, i agree. Quite cleary most GS2s are faulty because some people have mentioned it on a forum. Nevermind the other 10 million people that havent. Lets generalise anyway
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not being funny but do you think everyone who owns phone looks at forums reports problems or even notice them. Example nice lady where i work thought her sII was perfect, I looked at it showed her pink spot and yellow tint on screen she hadent noticed and wasent that bothered tbh but point being it was there yes its wrong to generalise but arent you doing the same ?
tonnytech said:
not being funny but do you think everyone who owns phone looks at forums reports problems or even notice them. Example nice lady where i work thought her sII was perfect, I looked at it showed her pink spot and yellow tint on screen she hadent noticed and wasent that bothered tbh but point being it was there yes its wrong to generalise but arent you doing the same ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So a nice lady showed you her new phone to you and your natural reaction was to show her "faults" with the phone that she hadn't even noticed?
Let's make sure we eliminate the network operator before creating such bold statements as "major issue". I know tons of people that own this phone at not any of them have reported this issue. Trust me, I'd here about it if there was one.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
So is there a fix for this? Because my phone does the same thing when i receive and make calls. I know someone said to lower to noise.reduction on the dailer. But no clue where to find or how to do that. Thanks.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Solutions:
- Send it to the service center, they should replace the mic with a newer revision.
- Disable Noise Reduction. It's only available during a call and cannot be disabled permanently (Unless phone is rooted, see below), so you have to manually disable on each call.
- You can disable it permanently if your phone is rooted, by using VillianTweaks 1.3.1. There is a fix by LeoMar that supposedly work.
- Use a cover that doesn't cover the top and bottom sides. I've heard that the Case-Mate Barely There cases work, haven't tried it though.
Check this thread for more details.
I have the same problem and my phone is currently at the Samsung service center, though they seemed clueless about the problem so I'm not holding my breath.
tonnytech said:
not being funny but do you think everyone who owns phone looks at forums reports problems or even notice them. Example nice lady where i work thought her sII was perfect, I looked at it showed her pink spot and yellow tint on screen she hadent noticed and wasent that bothered tbh but point being it was there yes its wrong to generalise but arent you doing the same ?
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Thats my point. Do you think of the 10million GS2s sold that they all have a "major fault" because of a few people mentioning it on a forum?
The vast majority of mobile phone users dont use forums to either report a fault or not to. Using a forum as proof of anything is ridiculous.
If there was a "major issue" do you not think it would be all over the news with 10million units sold? How many of the new nexus phones were sold before the volume bug was reported everywhere?

"Mobile Device Privacy Act" would prevent secret smartphone monitoring

Ars said:
Recent controversy sparked by the installation of monitoring software [k0: CIQ] on millions of smartphones has led US Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA) to propose a requirement that carriers and phone makers inform consumers about the presence of monitoring software and gain their "express consent" before collecting and transmitting information from phones.
The controversy started a couple months back [k0: almost a year ago] when a developer [k0: hi TrevE] publicized the widespread use of Carrier IQ software, which phone manufacturers and carriers use to monitor what happens on a smartphone. While Apple, Samsung, HTC, AT&T and others all said the software is used only as a diagnostics tool to improve network and service performance, congressmen started denouncing the use of Carrier IQ, and class-action lawsuits were filed.
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http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...ould-prevent-secret-smartphone-monitoring.ars
Discuss.
To me the whole CIQ debacle smelled of FUD and never really concerned me. It seemed obvious to that my carrier already has access to any data I transmit across their network, with or without any additional software installed on my device. Sure CIQ enabled the carrier to potentially (key word) access more sensitive data that I was not necessarily transmitting across their network. However I'm more concerned that I'll lose my phone and some random stranger will get access to all the naked pics of me on it... Not really because I don't store sensitive data like that on an insecure device like my phone. This feels a lot like the "Warning: Hot coffee is hot!" labels.
machx0r said:
This feels a lot like the "Warning: Hot coffee is hot!" labels.
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Not commenting on the rest, the whole "hot coffee" lawsuit has an untold story that most people have never seen. I suggest you - and everyone reading - watch the documentary (from HBO, find it whereever you stream/download things from) Hot Coffee. I can guarantee it'll change you view on that case and the idea of "frivolous lawsuits" forever.
machx0r said:
However I'm more concerned that I'll lose my phone and some random stranger will get access to all the naked pics of me on it... .
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That's awesome. Lol. I've said the same thing. They can monitor any message or call sent across the network anyways. I never understood what the big deal with a software, that was set to be inactive anyways, was. Malintent is the only thing to be scared of, and this never reeked of anything malicious, IMHO.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
azyouthinkeyeiz said:
that was set to be inactive anyways
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http://phandroid.com/2011/12/16/carrier-iq-by-the-numbers-26-million-sprint-handsets-900000-for-att/
Inactive... except for those 26 million.
And 1.3 million at any one time actively reporting.
k0nane said:
Not commenting on the rest, the whole "hot coffee" lawsuit has an untold story that most people have never seen. I suggest you - and everyone reading - watch the documentary (from HBO, find it whereever you stream/download things from) Hot Coffee. I can guarantee it'll change you view on that case and the idea of "frivolous lawsuits" forever.
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I respect you immensely k0, but frivolous lawsuits should not be in quotations nor a matter to take lightly. Of course there is a reality of using certain cases to further the tort reform movement, but this is just as shameless as any publicity stunt or "shock" image.
To dismiss all claims of frivolity because of mainstream examples, however, is naive. Such cases have almost single handedly driven the cost up and quality down of healthcare to where it stands today. And this is but one arena affected by the greed of humans. Hot coffee aside, it is a reality that should not be dismissed.
Neither here nor there, though. Way off topic. I support this bill.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
squshy 7 said:
To dismiss all claims of frivolity because of mainstream examples, however, is naive. Such cases have almost single handedly driven the cost up and quality down of healthcare to where it stands today. And this is but one arena affected by the greed of humans. Hot coffee aside, it is a reality that should not be dismissed.
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I generally agree. Yes, it's off-topic, but I'll clarify a little bit before letting it go - I think that claims of frivolity are often overblown. It is an absolute fact that there are greedy ambulance-chasing lawyers, rent-seeking plantiffs, and idiots who would award them large sums of money for nothing. I agree that this often contributes to the rising costs of health care. My point was that not all of what's deemed 'frivolous' by the mainstream media and the anti-consumer lobby actually is frivolous, and that some of the more-known cases like the hot coffee suit are vastly misreported and misunderstood. That's why I recommend(ed) further research - do your own homework, and watch the doc. Then do more homework. I didn't expect to come out with a different perspective... but I did.
I could be wrong, but I think that this is a non-issue.
Why?? Well I am glad you asked.
You know that two year contract we committed to when we purchased the phone? I am 99.999999999% sure that in there it says that they may monitor our usage for QC already in there. So if this passed, the providers would just say it is part of the contract that no one ever reads, but you accepted when you got the phone (which I believe it already is to date).
Unfortunately I don't ever foresee them making this an option that can be shut off. Basically it will say we do it, and if you don't like it go to another provider. Problem is all of the other providers will say the same exact thing.
Just my .02
Milkman00 said:
I am 99.999999999% sure that in there it says that they may monitor our usage for QC already in there.
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Absolutely nothing related to CIQ is mentioned anywhere in the Sprint terms of service nor any device-specific terms of service.
I checked. Thoroughly.
Tinfoil hats, anyone? Ill pass them out for free!
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
austin420 said:
Tinfoil hats, anyone? Ill pass them out for free!
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I want three!
austin420 said:
Tinfoil hats, anyone? Ill pass them out for free!
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the rights activist thread, I think you misclicked. You must have thought this was the paranoia thread, common misconception.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
I see we've got some intelligent, I-can-think-for-myself types in here. Let's agree to just figuratively hide in here and discuss XDA-related matters: I've about had it with wading through all the bull**** in the other threads!
On topic: while I did get the impression that CIQ-gate got wildly blown out of proportion, I also like the general idea of this piece of legislation. Thanks for the link, k0nane.
k0nane said:
Absolutely nothing related to CIQ is mentioned anywhere in the Sprint terms of service nor any device-specific terms of service.
I checked. Thoroughly.
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Nothing related to CIQ specifically??? That I wouldn't doubt. Are you saying though that there is nothing in the contract that says (something to the effect) that they may use tools to check tower strength and QC??
If it isn't in there, to comply with this new law they will just add it in there (as will all the carriers), and we will probably be right back to square one anyway.
Milkman00 said:
Nothing related to CIQ specifically??? That I wouldn't doubt. Are you saying though that there is nothing in the contract that says (something to the effect) that they may use tools to check tower strength and QC?
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Nothing related to CIQ's functions (claimed and real). Nothing even remotely close.
k0nane said:
Nothing related to CIQ's functions (claimed and real). Nothing even remotely close.
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you must notve read the privacy policy mentioned several times in the terms and conditions...
http://www.sprint.com/legal/privacy.html
We collect personal information about you in various ways. We may also get information from other sources and may combine it with information we collect about you.
Information that we automatically collect.
We automatically receive certain types of information whenever you use our Services. We may collect information about your device, your computer, and online activities. For example, we collect your device's and computer's IP address, the date and time of your access and the type of browser you use. We also collect information about your device's and computer's operating system, your location, and the Web site from which you came and then went and Web sites you visit on your device. We may link information we automatically collect with personal information, such as information you give us at registration or check out.
Information we collect when we provide you with Services includes when your wireless device is turned on, how your device is functioning, device signal strength, where it is located, what device you are using, what you have purchased with your device, how you are using it, and what sites you visit
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this goes on for pages.
austin420 said:
this goes on for pages.
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I did read it.
"We will aggressively log and transmit dialer keys pressed and detailed records of apps installed and used" (see here) is never mentioned. "What you have purchased with your device" does not cover that in any way, and "how you use your device" is so vague that any competent lawyer could knock it down instantly. Everything specifically listed can be collected by existing network services without CIQ.
This debate has been hashed out many, many times already. I created this thread just to link to current news.
i dont know about aggresivly, (your word i guess?) but why does it hurt for them to log keystrokes (in the dialer only) when they already have access to that info?
ciq is just a network metrics tool. it helps them improve the network (witch until lately was badly in need of improvments).
austin420 said:
i dont know about aggresivly, (your word i guess?) but why does it hurt for them to log keystrokes (in the dialer only) when they already have access to that info?
ciq is just a network metrics tool. if it helps them improve the network (witch until lately was badly in need of improvments).
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They don't have access to keystrokes pressed. They have access to calls made - big difference. Dialer codes are used for more than just phone numbers, as you know.
CIQ had its legitimate uses. It was designed as a network metrics tool, and it may have helped improve the network. I don't debate that. Its functions, though, go beyond - tracking the apps I install and use is NOT legitimate. It implementation and use was done very poorly. If all had been done differently from the beginning, I would have had less of a problem with it. But it wasn't. And hey, look, now it's gone.
k0nane said:
They don't have access to keystrokes pressed. They have access to calls made - big difference. Dialer codes are used for more than just phone numbers, as you know.
CIQ had its legitimate uses. It was designed as a network metrics tool, and it may have helped improve the network. I don't debate that. Its functions, though, go beyond - tracking the apps I install and use is NOT legitimate. It implementation and use was done very poorly. If all had been done differently from the beginning, I would have had less of a problem with it. But it wasn't. And hey, look, now it's gone.
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Click to collapse
all good points, i still think it all fell well within the t&cs and privacy policy, but hey, now its gone! thanks ko!

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