Database Users

[Q] U.S. GSM Tabs: phone capable?

it's been brought up in other threads, but I'll get right down to the meat of it: Are the US variant tabs capable of sending and receiving cellular voice calls and texts, hardware wise? In other words, is the hardware there and just disabled by software, or are they physically incapable of this function?
Im on Sprint now, but my goal is to switch to T-Mobile or ATT so I can swap sim cards from my phone to a Tab at will. (yes, I know the tab takes a micro sim, but there are adapters). If the cellular radio is left intact, then rooting and flashing new firmware could enable it. Am I right?

thefoss said:
Im on Sprint now, but my goal is to switch to T-Mobile or ATT so I can swap sim cards from my phone to a Tab at will. (yes, I know the tab takes a micro sim, but there are adapters). If the cellular radio is left intact, then rooting and flashing new firmware could enable it. Am I right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think anyone truly knows if the phone functionality can be re-enabled on the US Tab, but are you sure the US Tab uses micro-SIMs, because the European one just uses standard ones?
Regards,
Dave

foxmeister said:
...but are you sure the US Tab uses micro-SIMs, because the European one just uses standard ones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Engadget reported that some T-Mobile US customer have been sent microSIMs recently, which lead to a spate of rumours about the iPhone4 but it was supposedly then confirmed that the microSIMs are to do with the Tab instead.

I spoke with T-Mobile tech support early this morning... the tech said according to the trouble shooting guides that they have to use... the hardware is there, but voice has been disabled due to software restrictions. If you look on the product page on the T-Mobile website, the specs listed have all 4 gsm radio frequencies as well as 2 aws 3g radios. The display pic even shows 4 full bars of cellular reception. The tech said voice was not supported at launch... however if the phone was "hacked" (his words) technically it could be used for voice and data. He also said that the data plan for the tab is the android smartphone plan, so if you do flash a new rom and have the unlimited plan... you should be gravy for voice and data!! I hope that all of this turns out to be true... we shall see in the next 2 days.

thanks for the info, im already a tmobile customer and want to do the same thing, flash cyanogen to the tab. I have a nexus one and this would rule. my only other question is...can i use my full upgrade on the tablet? i spoke to a 2nd lev tech support and he said i might have a problem doing that because its tech. not a phone. the regular rep couldnt help me at all, she had no info until launch....didnt even know launch date. again can i use my tmobile upgrade for the tab....

jdmadonna said:
I spoke with T-Mobile tech support early this morning... the tech said according to the trouble shooting guides that they have to use... the hardware is there, but voice has been disabled due to software restrictions. If you look on the product page on the T-Mobile website, the specs listed have all 4 gsm radio frequencies as well as 2 aws 3g radios. The display pic even shows 4 full bars of cellular reception. The tech said voice was not supported at launch... however if the phone was "hacked" (his words) technically it could be used for voice and data. He also said that the data plan for the tab is the android smartphone plan, so if you do flash a new rom and have the unlimited plan... you should be gravy for voice and data!! I hope that all of this turns out to be true... we shall see in the next 2 days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds good

jdmadonna said:
I spoke with T-Mobile tech support early this morning... the tech said according to the trouble shooting guides that they have to use... the hardware is there, but voice has been disabled due to software restrictions. If you look on the product page on the T-Mobile website, the specs listed have all 4 gsm radio frequencies as well as 2 aws 3g radios. The display pic even shows 4 full bars of cellular reception. The tech said voice was not supported at launch... however if the phone was "hacked" (his words) technically it could be used for voice and data. He also said that the data plan for the tab is the android smartphone plan, so if you do flash a new rom and have the unlimited plan... you should be gravy for voice and data!! I hope that all of this turns out to be true... we shall see in the next 2 days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IF this were true, and the hardware is all the same, then that would also lead us to believe that the EUR version should have 850 3G capabilities too then, should it not?
I find it hard to believe it is a software limitation. I HOPE it is but highly doubt it.....fingers crossed

shollywood said:
IF this were true, and the hardware is all the same, then that would also lead us to believe that the EUR version should have 850 3G capabilities too then, should it not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.
Rumours are that the T-Mobile US model uses a microSIM.
If that's true, then there must be some sort of difference in hardware between it and the EU models.

shollywood said:
IF this were true, and the hardware is all the same, then that would also lead us to believe that the EUR version should have 850 3G capabilities too then, should it not?
I find it hard to believe it is a software limitation. I HOPE it is but highly doubt it.....fingers crossed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not necessarily - the Telus Desire and "regular" Desire are essentially the same but have different radios to support different bands.
Regards,
Dave

Just came back from demoing the Tab at my local tmobile store. It does use a standard sim. However the update is this: in the apps management screen, it seems that the only thing missing is the actual phone apk. The phone utility apk is there and the contacts apk is there. It looks like we just need the phone apk and then possibly the contacts merge apk to get voice enabled. Anyhow, the phone is being released at 11am pst tomorrow in my town, mine is on reserve so I will have it by 11:05am pst. anyone who wants to guide me into activating voice on this baby, send me a message and i will be happy to assist with trying some methods out.
I will need to try the following apk's from the euro version:
phone.apk
contactsmerge.apk
oh, the local reps looked on the computer and said that this device WILL require a webconnect data plan, not the unlimited android. There is a work around though... with voice enabled, you can call tmobile and ask for a tech support supervisor, open a trouble ticket and request an engineer to change your device ip range to that of a smartphone... then data and voice should work together. I had this problem on my aws version of the dell streak and it fixed it using unlimited voice and unlimited android data plans.

foxmeister said:
Not necessarily - the Telus Desire and "regular" Desire are essentially the same but have different radios to support different bands.
Regards,
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So how are they 'essentially" the same then? Different radios means different hardware....
This is my point, the US versions are not going to contain the same hardware, hence it will not be a simple software fix. I HOPE I'm wrong, but I don't see it happening.

shollywood said:
So how are they 'essentially" the same then? Different radios means different hardware....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because it's one tiny chip that's different, that's all.
The CPU, RAM, camera, display, OS, everything else is the same - hence essentially the same.
shollywood said:
This is my point, the US versions are not going to contain the same hardware, hence it will not be a simple software fix. I HOPE I'm wrong, but I don't see it happening.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As foxmeister has pointed out, most of the hardware will be the same, so if it's as simple as just the 3G chip being different then it's possible that yes it may only require a simple software fix to enable voice calling.
The units don't to be 100% identical for it to just be a software matter.
However, until someone gives it a go there's no way of being sure.

the microsims are for iphone user that have unlocked their phones and port them over to t-mobile (makes it easier then cutting).
as for the plan. webconnect and regualr cellphone plans are two different animals... one customer having a mobile and a data stick will have two accounts. the webconnect plan is actually just data, no voice options. so really the only way for you to use this device as a phone is if you buy it full price and try your android device sim card on there. THEN theoretically it should work.

amdivoff said:
the microsims are for iphone user that have unlocked their phones and port them over to t-mobile (makes it easier then cutting).
as for the plan. webconnect and regualr cellphone plans are two different animals... one customer having a mobile and a data stick will have two accounts. the webconnect plan is actually just data, no voice options. so really the only way for you to use this device as a phone is if you buy it full price and try your android device sim card on there. THEN theoretically it should work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that's the plan. Paying the full price and if possible enable phone capabilities using a regular smartphone plan

Step666 said:
Because it's one tiny chip that's different, that's all.
The CPU, RAM, camera, display, OS, everything else is the same - hence essentially the same.
As foxmeister has pointed out, most of the hardware will be the same, so if it's as simple as just the 3G chip being different then it's possible that yes it may only require a simple software fix to enable voice calling.
The units don't to be 100% identical for it to just be a software matter.
However, until someone gives it a go there's no way of being sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So why wouldn't ANYONE just flash the EUR firmware then and have everything enabled? You don't think they thought of that???

jdmadonna said:
Just came back from demoing the Tab at my local tmobile store. It does use a standard sim. However the update is this: in the apps management screen, it seems that the only thing missing is the actual phone apk. The phone utility apk is there and the contacts apk is there. It looks like we just need the phone apk and then possibly the contacts merge apk to get voice enabled. Anyhow, the phone is being released at 11am pst tomorrow in my town, mine is on reserve so I will have it by 11:05am pst. anyone who wants to guide me into activating voice on this baby, send me a message and i will be happy to assist with trying some methods out.
I will need to try the following apk's from the euro version:
phone.apk
contactsmerge.apk
oh, the local reps looked on the computer and said that this device WILL require a webconnect data plan, not the unlimited android. There is a work around though... with voice enabled, you can call tmobile and ask for a tech support supervisor, open a trouble ticket and request an engineer to change your device ip range to that of a smartphone... then data and voice should work together. I had this problem on my aws version of the dell streak and it fixed it using unlimited voice and unlimited android data plans.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bet we'll know within a week whether it can make calls or not. And if I have to take a bet I'll say... it can

I have never wanted to be more wrong on something...but I'll take that bet.

Step666 said:
Because it's one tiny chip that's different, that's all.
The CPU, RAM, camera, display, OS, everything else is the same - hence essentially the same.
As foxmeister has pointed out, most of the hardware will be the same, so if it's as simple as just the 3G chip being different then it's possible that yes it may only require a simple software fix to enable voice calling.
The units don't to be 100% identical for it to just be a software matter.
However, until someone gives it a go there's no way of being sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting logic....
So the Wave and the Galaxy S are "essentially" the same then....you cannot just throw Android on it and away you go...your logic would say otherwise.
The Wave too has the same CPU, RAM, Camera...etc. as the Galaxy S

Mine is onhold and waiting for me... I have a friend who knows Android tweaks inside and out ready to help me in the morning... hopefully we will know soon.

shollywood said:
So why wouldn't ANYONE just flash the EUR firmware then and have everything enabled? You don't think they thought of that???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The same logic applies to locked and unlocked handsets, quite often it's just software 'so why wouldn't anyone just flash the generic firmware?'
It's a risk, that's why people don't do it.
However, in this case there may be something to be gained from taking that risk.
Unfortunately, we won't know for sure one way or the other until some intrepid soul takes that risk.
But the fact still remains, the vast majority of the hardware (ie basically everything but the radio) will be the same as the EU model and that means there is the possibility that all the T-Mobile US Tab (or perhaps an AT&T one) needs is a re-flash to activate calling.
shollywood said:
Interesting logic....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At least I'm using some.
shollywood said:
So the Wave and the Galaxy S are "essentially" the same then....you cannot just throw Android on it and away you go...your logic would say otherwise.
The Wave too has the same CPU, RAM, Camera...etc. as the Galaxy S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now you're just being absurd.
The two situations are not comparable.
In the case of the Tab we're talking two versions of the same device just with different frequencies supported, both are still the Galaxy Tab, both are still the P1000, it is essentially the same device.
In the situation you have, for reasons unknown, chosen to highlight, they are two different handsets completely - they are different models, they have different model numbers, they just happen to have similar specs.
It would be like saying the Desire and the Trophy are the same just because they have the same CPU, RAM and camera and that you can just 'throw' the OS of one onto the other. It just doesn't work like that.
Or maybe you'd like to lend your expertise to the teams of people around here working tirelessly to port OSs between various handsets? Clearly they've missed a trick with this 'throwing' business you speak of(!)

Nexus 7 2013 4G LTE no way to manage Data plans

Google seems to not care about rest of the world with their devices, only the USA I guess.
I got myself a Nexus 7 2013 4G LTE from the USA to use here in Egypt and I've read numerous posts about it not supporting normal GSM phone calls with a lousy reason that it is a tablet not a phone. YEAH SURE, then why Samsung, Asus (own devices) and many others offer the functionality ?!
Anyways I said ok, I will use it only for Internet Data the realized even that is a pain to do.
Here in Egypt we use pre-paid SIM cards and that requires USSD functionality which Nexus 7 4G LTE lacks so every time I need to renew or charge my Data plan, I have to take the Nexus 7 out of the case, pop out the SIM card, pop it in my iPhone, renew/recharge, pop it out of phone and back into the Nexus 7. How convenient! .
Any way to fix that ?

I don't know about Egypt, but here in Australia, just about all PrePaid services can be recharged online. Instead of taking the SIM out, why not just use the one already in your iPhone, and recharge using the iPhone's browser?

r9800pro said:
Google seems to not care about rest of the world with their devices, only the USA I guess.
I got myself a Nexus 7 2013 4G LTE from the USA to use here in Egypt and I've read numerous posts about it not supporting normal GSM phone calls with a lousy reason that it is a tablet not a phone. YEAH SURE, then why Samsung, Asus (own devices) and many others offer the functionality ?!
Anyways I said ok, I will use it only for Internet Data the realized even that is a pain to do.
Here in Egypt we use pre-paid SIM cards and that requires USSD functionality which Nexus 7 4G LTE lacks so every time I need to renew or charge my Data plan, I have to take the Nexus 7 out of the case, pop out the SIM card, pop it in my iPhone, renew/recharge, pop it out of phone and back into the Nexus 7. How convenient! .
Any way to fix that ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. It's a tablet....not a phablet. It's not meant to be a phone intentionally. Other devices are... Because they intentionally make them that way.
2. It's sold as a USA device. This has nothing to do with Google not caring about anyone outside the USA. The model doesn't currently have all the support for international use. That's why it's currently only sold in the USA.
Yes it does stink. But I believe Google made it clear the limitations I would have outside the USA. Maybe an update will be released that will add some functionality that will help your situation.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

sola fide said:
1. It's a tablet....not a phablet. It's not meant to be a phone intentionally. Other devices are... Because they intentionally make them that way.
2. It's sold as a USA device. This has nothing to do with Google not caring about anyone outside the USA. The model doesn't currently have all the support for international use. That's why it's currently only sold in the USA.
Yes it does stink. But I believe Google made it clear the limitations I would have outside the USA. Maybe an update will be released that will add some functionality that will help your situation.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, all variants of the Nexus sold on the Australian Play Store as well as through various retailers. It's not a US exclusive.

iPWNtehNOOB said:
I don't know about Egypt, but here in Australia, just about all PrePaid services can be recharged online. Instead of taking the SIM out, why not just use the one already in your iPhone, and recharge using the iPhone's browser?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried charging online but for some reason when the SIM is in the Nexus 7, it won't work so I have to put the SIM in my iPhone first for either online or USSD charging. I think it has something to do with some network requests that is blocked or can't function on the Nexus 7
sola fide said:
1. It's a tablet....not a phablet. It's not meant to be a phone intentionally. Other devices are... Because they intentionally make them that way.
2. It's sold as a USA device. This has nothing to do with Google not caring about anyone outside the USA. The model doesn't currently have all the support for international use. That's why it's currently only sold in the USA.
Yes it does stink. But I believe Google made it clear the limitations I would have outside the USA. Maybe an update will be released that will add some functionality that will help your situation.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1-As I mentioned, I am ok with it not having a phone functionality but at least they should've made it fully functional with mobile data
2-Actually I've also tried Nexus 7 LTE EU model (from the UK) and it has the exact same issue and the only difference is 4G LTE frequencies that are a little bit different but it is not a problem because we still don't have 4G LTE coverage here and H+ is fast enough for me.
Many people complain about the same thing in Google forums but no official response yet

sola fide said:
1. It's a tablet....not a phablet. It's not meant to be a phone intentionally. Other devices are... Because they intentionally make them that way.
2. It's sold as a USA device. This has nothing to do with Google not caring about anyone outside the USA. The model doesn't currently have all the support for international use. That's why it's currently only sold in the USA.
Yes it does stink. But I believe Google made it clear the limitations I would have outside the USA. Maybe an update will be released that will add some functionality that will help your situation.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to challenge (1).
The fact is that the chip they use for mobile data IS a full phone chip. You can use it for voice calls or data. Similarly, it can support up to 7 bands in LTE and HSPA+. So this isn't a choice not to include - it's a choice to BLOCK a feature. This is the same with SMS. Worse, the LTE bands for Canada are 4 and 7 but we don't get the EU model - which supports those - we get the US model which only supports 4. Worse, the US model only uses 6 of the 7 bands. They *could* have include 4 & 7 on the US model, but didn't. So Canada kind of got the worst of both worlds.
If Google simply didn't include a phone app and left it up to you to find one, I'd be ok with this. Like you say - it's a tablet and Goog wasn't marketing it AS a phone, so no foul. But they went further and not only removed the API in the OS to support phone service, they blocked the chip. That's going somewhat farther than 'we didn't intend for this to be used to as a phone' to 'we're not going let you use this as a phone in any way, ever.' they actually had to put in EFFORT to prevent you from using it as a phone.
Something similar happened with SMS. In 4.3, you can use SMS, it's just poorly supported. They chose not to include the Messaging app and only put in minimal SMS receiving software. Kind of stupid because a lot of PAYG services let you top up using a text message. Still, as we found out - if you get the Messaging app from the Nexus 5, bingo - you get send and receive SMS.
But in 4.4 - they actually *removed* API to make this trick not work. That's not a casual thing. It's intentional.
It's one thing not to put in a feature that's not required when it takes effort to *add* it - it's quite a different thing to *block* a feature that would be there if you did nothing.
The whole idea of the Nexus line was 'pure Android'. These are supposed to be the 'hero' models that show what you CAN do with pure Android and let developers do what they want. Yet clearly, Google is intentionally blocking certain functions that would be there otherwise.
And some of us (myself included) think that kinda sucks.
As a non-American, I'm also going to challenge (2) just a bit...
Google makes money from everyone... not just Americans. They intentionally sell their products around the world and collect data from non-Americans to use to generate revenue. Europe alone has almost 500M people - more than the US. China and India together is almost 1.5B people. Those are rather large markets.
Yet consistently, Google suffers from the same 'country blindness' that other US companies have. If you're going to sell a product outside the US, you have to be aware of, and take into consideration the differences. What makes this ironic is that OUTSIDE the US, there's a lot of standardisation. For example, all of Europe uses GSM and has 2100MHz as their primary HSPA+ frequency. This means phones work everywhere. They use DVB-T for digital TV everywhere. The US (and sadly, Canada since we get dragged along for the ride) insists on using different tech. So the biggest carrier uses the antiquated CDMA system and other carriers use the incompatible TDMA system in order to prevent customers moving between carriers. You use ATSC for digital TV which almost no one else uses.
Google Glass is US only. So is Wallet. And Voice. What makes Wallet so odd is that the US is actually way behind the curve with chip and pin and NFC based payment systems. If they actually skipped the US and focused on Europe and Canada, they'd get further faster and might even help encourage US retailers to accept the technology. What makes Voice so odd is that other US companies that don't have their heads up their.. ahems... can provide World-Wide VoIP at nearly free cost NOW. I use MagicJack on my Android tablet (you know - to make phone calls that you're not supposed to do because it's not a phone), yet while my American friends can call ME for free - I can't call them (well not using Google Voice anyway).
Are there alternative? Yep. But that doesn't justify or rationalise away Google's bizarre choices. That's like suggesting that it's ok that the main bridge in your city collapsed because there's another bridge on the west side of the city.

[RESOLVED] Kyocera Torque - Does It Support GSM Networks?

Ever since my Samsung Rugby Smart... broke (don't ask how)... I have been on the hunt for a different rugged Android that comes with a relatively low price tag that supports T-Mobile either natively or through carrier unlocking. Recently the Kyocera Torque caught my eye at a Sprint store. The specifications of the phone were pleasing to me, and I saw listed on sites like eBay that a used condition Torque would be going for around 70-80 bucks. While talking to a Spint representative, pretending I was actually going to buy the phone and/or a Sprint plan, I asked him if the Torque had a SIM card slot and if it was compatible with GSM networks, such as T-Mobile (my actual carrier). He confidently gave a YES to both of my questions (he also said that in order for the phone to become unlocked, I'd need to use Sprint for 2 years and then cancel the plan and request phone unlock-age through them. No way I am getting Sprint for 2 years just for a Torque to be unlocked. Besides, there are unlocking websites which claim they will unlock this phone. Also, he probably assumed I was going to buy the phone from Sprint themselves. No way I'd ever do that! XD )
Here's where the confusion comes in. When I look online at phone specification websites like GSMArena, it states that the phone is NOT COMPATIBLE with GSM networks, and has a NON-REMOVABLE SIM card.
I am getting two different answers and I don't know which one to believe. If anyone knows the TRUE answer to this SIM card slot and GSM network compatibility conundrum, I would appreciate that they share the answer. I am excited about this phone, and if it really does support USA domestic GSM networks and all that, then I'd be buying this phone very soon.
Oh, and one more thing. Besides compatibility with GSM Networks, if this phone does support GSM, I'd also like to know if it supports high-speed data such as GPRS, HSPA, or anything like that. I have an HTC Rezound right now, and while it does support GSM Networks, it only gets 2G (EDGE) through T-Mobile. So support of 3G, and possibly beyond that, is another main factor that I would like to know about the Kyocera Torque, as it is actually one of the main reasons why I'm looking for an upgrade.

interesting

I talked to the Sprint guy again, and he took the phone apart and showed me the SIM slot. It was a Micro SIM I believe (the size right below Mini). The guy said it would work on international GSM networks, but if it was fitted with a SIM card for a United States GSM network, it would just say the phone is network-locked.
I guess the question is now this: is there a hack to "allow" or "force" the Torque to work with US GSM networks, similar to the hack for the Motorola Photon 4G (another phone I am looking into buying) that allows it to do just that?
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA Free mobile app

jasonmerc said:
I guess the question is now this: is there a hack to "allow" or "force" the Torque to work with US GSM networks, similar to the hack for the Motorola Photon 4G (another phone I am looking into buying) that allows it to do just that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope. and best to just avoid kyocera phones completely. kyocera is a turd of a company. they lock down the bootloader and never issue major updates. for example, the torque won't ever see kitkat. and since they lock the bootloader, you can't install a custom recovery, or a 3rd party rom.

[Duplicate post. Sorry about that...]

x000x said:
nope. and best to just avoid kyocera phones completely. kyocera is a turd of a company. they lock down the bootloader and never issue major updates. for example, the torque won't ever see kitkat. and since they lock the bootloader, you can't install a custom recovery, or a 3rd party rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the heads up about Kyocera being a locked bootloader turd of a company XD. Now I'll be sure to avoid them in the future. No longer interested in the Hydro Life anyway, got an LG L90 for $48 and have CM11 on it already
Sent from my LG-D415 using XDA Free mobile app

Interesting thing about the torque, it is one of sprints few water resistant phones, and also has the loudest speaker phone they make in my opinion. I just bought one as a spare phone for $50. Great to keep by the pool.

cfclay said:
Interesting thing about the torque, it is one of sprints few water resistant phones, and also has the loudest speaker phone they make in my opinion. I just bought one as a spare phone for $50. Great to keep by the pool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, it is a nice phone... except for their stubbornness about completely locking the device down. if they would actually make an effort to keep their phones updated i would not complain about it too much. but the fact that they lock it down AND never keep the phone updated beyond minor things is inexcusable.

FYI - Nvidia Shield Tablet LTE Phone Calling IS supported...

UPDATE - I was able to track down the following link for the modem that is supposed to be used in the LTE version. This would give credit to the information that tech support gave me. If this is correct, the modem is completely accessible at the software level. HELL YEAH! Now here is the link.
http://www.nvidia.com/object/i500-cellular-modems-products.html
I originally called Nvidia tech support back on July 17th, 2014 to see if the LTE version would support GSM voice calling seeing as how it is factory unlocked and compatible with both AT&T and T-Mobile. They would not tell me if the phone restriction in the US was locked down by hardware or software at that time and that I would have to call back once the tablet officially hit the market.
I called today and was AMAZED when the tech told me very honestly that the restriction was at the software level. I then asked, if I were to root the device without unlocking the bootloader, and then use a different framework to expose the dialer and phone settings, would I be able to achieve making phone calls over a GSM connection....................... HE SAID YES!!!!!!
Again, being very forthcoming and stating exactly what I wanted to do, he assured me that this can be done by altering JUST the software, it is not locked down at a hardware level like the uh...cough, cough... Nexus 7 LTE. As usual, rooting MAY void the warranty....BUT he said that doing something like this would be looked at on a case by case basis for determining if these actions would indeed void the warranty. Encouraging, as he did not flat out say, if you mess something up...enjoy your new paperweight!
Praise the lord... I know not everyone needs or wants a tablet that can make calls, but if I can kill 2 birds with 1 stone, and have a way to make the 30 minutes of calls that I do per month through BLUETOOTH (don't start the whole holding a tablet to your head is stupid argument) while only carrying an awesome performing tablet, than that is fine for me.
Now to just wait for the LTE model to arrive to market and then see if any BADASS DEVELOPER can share with me how to modify the framework to expose that dialer!
Mods... just realized that I posted this to Q&A instead of General, please move if necessary.

jdmadonna said:
I originally called Nvidia tech support back on July 17th, 2014 to see if the LTE version would support GSM voice calling seeing as how it is factory unlocked and compatible with both AT&T and T-Mobile. They would not tell me if the phone restriction in the US was locked down by hardware or software at that time and that I would have to call back once the tablet officially hit the market.
I called today and was AMAZED when the tech told me very honestly that the restriction was at the software level. I then asked, if I were to root the device without unlocking the bootloader, and then use a different framework to expose the dialer and phone settings, would I be able to achieve making phone calls over a GSM connection....................... HE SAID YES!!!!!!
Again, being very forthcoming and stating exactly what I wanted to do, he assured me that this can be done by altering JUST the software, it is not locked down at a hardware level like the uh...cough, cough... Nexus 7 LTE. As usual, rooting MAY void the warranty....BUT he said that doing something like this would be looked at on a case by case basis for determining if these actions would indeed void the warranty. Encouraging, as he did not flat out say, if you mess something up...enjoy your new paperweight!
Praise the lord... I know not everyone needs or wants a tablet that can make calls, but if I can kill 2 birds with 1 stone, and have a way to make the 30 minutes of calls that I do per month through BLUETOOTH (don't start the whole holding a tablet to your head is stupid argument) while only carrying an awesome performing tablet, than that is fine for me.
Now to just wait for the LTE model to arrive to market and then see if any BADASS DEVELOPER can share with me how to modify the framework to expose that dialer!
Mods... just realized that I posted this to Q&A instead of General, please move if necessary.
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That is very good news. I really like this tablet, but I will upgrade for the larger storage size and the ability to make a few changes and be able to use it as a phone when needed as well.

Speaking of the lte version, does anyone have confirmation its is T-Mobile and attack ONLY as I was looking at the listed cell bands and it does list the bands that others carriers use as being compatible though I saw no mention of what the actual radio chip set is (so its feasible that it isn't gsm only hardware wise)
Sent from my SHIELD using Tapatalk

See my updated op. You might like what you find.

According to the Nvidia Shield Tablet FAQ, there are 3 versions of the LTE tablet, only one of which supports voice. Unfortunately, the LTE bands that model supports do not appear to be the ones T-Mobile or AT&T use in the U.S.A.
Hopefully the lack of voice support on the other models will be a software restriction that can be fixed by the developer community here.
From http://shield.nvidia.com/tablet-faq
>>
WHAT CELLULAR NETWORKS DOES THE SHIELD TABLET LTE SUPPORT?There are three versions of SHIELD tablet LTE. There is a North American version that works on AT&T, T-Mobile and Rogers on LTE bands 2, 4, 5, 7, and 17 and HSPA bands 1, 2, 4, 5.​There is a second International version that works on popular European and Asian networks. It supports LTE bands 3, 7, 20 and HSPA+ bands 1, 2, 5, 8. ​The third version also works on popular International carriers, in addition to including voice support on compatible networks. It supports LTE bands 1, 3, 7, 20 and HSPA+ bands 1, 2, 5, 8. ​Check with your favorite carrier to verify coverage in your area.​DOES THE SHIELD TABLET LTE SUPPORT VOICE?There is a version of the international SKU that supports voice on compatible networks, available for purchase in select regions.​<<

i want to upgrade my phone and i intend to do exactly as you did .but i'd like to know does the shield tablet have an inner top speaker ? meaning if i want to put it on my ear directly to make a phone call . wouldn't everyone surrounding me hear what the other party on the end of the line is saying to me ?
what would you do about that ? i really need an answer about this matter because it's the only thing stopping me from getting this tablet

Thanks for the great news and just what I had been waiting to have clarified. Presently I am using the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 P6800 which has phone capabilities.
My telephone use is very light, texting gets more usage, and I have no interest in carrying two devices. Generally I make phone calls using the speakerphone but if I ever have to take a call in a public place then I hold the tablet to my ear. Just for the record and for those who are paranoid self obsessed, nobody ever notices that my phone is 7.7", let alone point fingers at me
My brother is a heavy mobile phone user and he has a Tab 7.7" also and he will never revert to a small screen phone either.
The UK release date for the LTE version is 2nd September which is close to my birthday so I wonder what Santa will bring
This is an excellent move by Nvidia, they deserve to have outstanding success with the Shield Tablet.
In the meantime I am watching the WiFi and cracked casing threads to see how Nvidia are responding, I wouldn't be surprised if the release date is delayed while those issues are addressed.

Same situation as rebski/ I got a tab 7.7 too...
But unfortunately the shield tablet looks quite heavy, 390 grams with 8"... And doesn't have a notification led/ or an amoled screen ( on my tab 7.7, I use NoLed)
But all the ports are very useful.... Quite a dilemma with the tab Style 8.4 (290 grams)

Pre-order or wait?
So I'm looking to replace my nexus 5 with an nvidia shield... This will be my first time using a tablet as a phone. I'm rather nervous about dropping the extra hundo (100$) on a tablet when there is a chance that I wouldn't be able to use it as a replacement for my phone, sure its the best looking tablet on the US market right now and lets be honest, i'd happily drop 300$ on the none LTE version but I don't want to drop the extra money if this wont work. What do you guys think are the probability of being able to use this as a phone replacement and even if it is not capable of LTE voice in the US market is there a reasonable workaround the can be done to be able to use the tablet as a phone?

What do you guys think are the probability of being able to use this as a phone replacement and even if it is not capable of LTE voice in the US market is there a reasonable workaround the can be done to be able to use the tablet as a phone?
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It seems like it should be possible but much may depend on location and carrier technology. But I supect that we may have to expend some cash and time in order to get it to work even in those areas where the capability seems certain. In short it probably won't make calls straight out of the box but we shall know more once the LTE models are shipped.
http://shield.nvidia.co.uk/tablet-faq/
"DOES THE SHIELD TABLET LTE SUPPORT VOICE?
There is a version of the international SKU that supports voice on compatible networks, available for purchase in select regions."
Sorry if my opinion is so vague but Nvidia themselves are not at all clear on the point.The next couple of weeks should bring some clarification and answers.
I am assuming that many people will buy the 32Gb version regardless but I will only buy it if it makes phone calls.

rebski said:
It seems like it should be possible but much may depend on location and carrier technology. But I supect that we may have to expend some cash and time in order to get it to work even in those areas where the capability seems certain. In short it probably won't make calls straight out of the box but we shall know more once the LTE models are shipped.
"DOES THE SHIELD TABLET LTE SUPPORT VOICE?
There is a version of the international SKU that supports voice on compatible networks, available for purchase in select regions."
Sorry if my opinion is so vague but Nvidia themselves are not at all clear on the point.The next couple of weeks should bring some clarification and answers.
I am assuming that many people will buy the 32Gb version regardless but I will only buy it if it makes phone calls.
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I got mine LTE the other day and the msg that pops up is "Calls are not supported" when using a dialer.
Live in Sweden btw

Congratulations on getting the device. That is disappointing not to have voice calls straightaway. I have been looking closely at the photos on some recent LTE reviews and they don't have the phone icon. So what is this SKU that is supposed to be available for purchase I wonder? No doubt we will find out shortly. In the meantime enjoy your tablet.
Sent from my GT-P6800 using Tapatalk

rebski said:
Congratulations on getting the device. That is disappointing not to have voice calls straightaway. I have been looking closely at the photos on some recent LTE reviews and they don't have the phone icon. So what is this SKU that is supposed to be available for purchase I wonder? No doubt we will find out shortly. In the meantime enjoy your tablet.
Sent from my GT-P6800 using Tapatalk
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Got this reply from Support today.
Thank you for the update.
I checked this case further & the current Shield tablet you have purchased with the P/N 940-81761-2505-200 is for “SHIELD tablet LTE Europe (EU / UK Adaptor)” which is data only and no Voice feature supported.
For voice you would need to go for SHIELD tablet Voice (E.U. Adaptor) - which is not yet released. Hope this helps.
Best Regards
NVIDIA Customer Care
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Thanks for the information. Nvidia is making this harder that it seemingly need be. They should have clarified this from the outset . I think that the sum total of the issues with this device means that I shall look to the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact Tablet as my likely next device.
I hope that you were not completely counting on making phone calls, if so then this is a bummer bombshell for you.
Sent from my GT-P6800 using Tapatalk

rebski said:
In the meantime I am watching the WiFi and cracked casing threads to see how Nvidia are responding, I wouldn't be surprised if the release date is delayed while those issues are addressed.
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I bought the Wifi version and had to return it due to the Wifi issue. It's widely known and posted in Geo Force forum (NVidia own forum site) and no response from NVidia.
As much as I like the Shield Tablet, if NVidia won't fix it, I won't buy it.

I completely share your views. When this device was first announced I couldn't wait to buy one, so it is despondent to watch the enthusiasm evaporate. Also disappointing as I had expected much more from Nvidia. Isn't there a 64 bit version on the drawing board? Perhaps with the Shield Mark II they will get it right.
Sent from my GT-P6800 using Tapatalk

rebski said:
Thanks for the information. Nvidia is making this harder that it seemingly need be. They should have clarified this from the outset . I think that the sum total of the issues with this device means that I shall look to the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact Tablet as my likely next device.
I hope that you were not completely counting on making phone calls, if so then this is a bummer bombshell for you.
Sent from my GT-P6800 using Tapatalk
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The idea was to replace my phone so yeah i was, started the process to return the device until i can grab one knowing i can make phone calls.
Other than this i havnt had any issues with either battery, wifi or cracked edges even the buttons feels different compared to 16gb version.
I simply love the tablet but doesnt help if i can only text people lol
Ill stick to my old broken phone until they get this sorted and get a new tablet then

Email from nvidia
Today I had the following response from nvidia support:
"Thank you for your patience, please note The LTE comes in 2 types DATA only and DATA + Voice. Unfortunately the DATA + Voice is not yet released."
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...followed by:
"I certainly understand that many of user are looking for the NVIDIA Shield DATA + Voice version. Unfortunately we do not have any update yet, however, we suggest you to keep in touch with NVIDIA/GeForce.com website for latest updates regarding new upcoming."
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AnyOldName said:
Today I had the following response from nvidia support:
...followed by:
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Well that leaves 2 options then, Return it and wait for the voice version or keep it and wait for their adapter

I recently had a conversation with Nvidia regarding voice support on LTE devices in the United States. Here is what they had to say (names removed to protect privacy)...
Hello ----,
Thank you for contacting NVIDIA Customer Care.
My name is ----- and I will be assisting with your query.
From your e-mail, I understand that you would like to know, if the SHIELD Tablet LTE (USA/International) version supports voice.
I would like to inform you that the North American version of the SHIELD Tablet LTE doesn't support voice calls.
There are 2 International versions of SHIELD tablet LTE :
1. International version that works on popular European and Asian networks. It supports LTE bands 3, 7, 20 and HSPA+ bands 1, 2, 5, 8.
2. This also works on popular International carriers, in addition to including voice support on compatible networks. It supports LTE bands 1, 3, 7, 20 and HSPA+ bands 1, 2, 5, 8.
Hence, there is no International version that supports voice calls on LTE band 4 and/or HSPA band 4.
Please let me know, if this information was helpful. In case, if you have any further questions, please reply to this e-mail, so that I can assist you further.
Looking forward for your update.
Best Regards,
-----
NVIDIA Customer Care
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General reviews missing main problem.......

Guys
I am a bit disappointed with the reviews on line.
Lots of people wrote lots of reviews, specs, etc….
Everyone failed to mentioned that the S-7 edge CANNOT do data and voice at the same time using Sprint network.
What am I missing? How come this was overlooked by everyone or failed to mentioned.
I belie eths is a very important performance issue for people thinking to upgrade (downgrade) their current phones.
I have a note 3 and I can be on WAZE, talk on the phone and get text simultaneously with the same sprint plan as my S7 edge which cannot do that.
I spoke to Samsung tech department and Sprint tech department in a nut shell they both agree that the S7 cannot do that.
I thought you guys should know.
The S7 is a downgrade in functionality to many older phones like a note 3
PS Note 7 has the same problem and possibly many others phones relying on the LTE network with sprint provider.

Tungsten c said:
Guys
I am a bit disappointed with the reviews on line.
Lots of people wrote lots of reviews, specs, etc….
Everyone failed to mentioned that the S-7 edge CANNOT do data and voice at the same time using Sprint network.
What am I missing? How come this was overlooked by everyone or failed to mentioned.
I belie eths is a very important performance issue for people thinking to upgrade (downgrade) their current phones.
I have a note 3 and I can be on WAZE, talk on the phone and get text simultaneously with the same sprint plan as my S7 edge which cannot do that.
I spoke to Samsung tech department and Sprint tech department in a nut shell they both agree that the S7 cannot do that.
I thought you guys should know.
The S7 is a downgrade in functionality to many older phones like a note 3
PS Note 7 has the same problem and possibly many others phones relying on the LTE network with sprint provider.
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Yeah, this has been an issue since the days of the newer model S4's. The problem is that the newer Sprint phones (probably in the last 3 years) don't have two separate radios like your note 3 or my old S3 and allowed for data and voice simultaneously. This is an issue with CDMA carriers mostly. Verizon allows both voice and data simultaneously over VoLTE, but there is a catch. If you are in a non-LTE area (3g/1x) you lose the function. Additionally, if you are on a call and leave a LTE area and transition to a 3g/1x area, you lose the call completely. Sprint hasn't turn on VoLTE because the hand off technology doesn't prevent this yet. I can't remember 100%, but I believe you only hand voice and data together on older phones if you were in an LTE area because of the different antennas...might be wrong on this one.
GSM carriers are a different story...no issues there.
Hope this helps...but this has been an ongoing issue. I can use google maps and talk at the same time...strange that Waze can't do that.

lvpre said:
Yeah, this has been an issue since the days of the newer model S4's. The problem is that the newer Sprint phones (probably in the last 3 years) don't have two separate radios like your note 3 or my old S3 and allowed for data and voice simultaneously. This is an issue with CDMA carriers mostly. Verizon allows both voice and data simultaneously over VoLTE, but there is a catch. If you are in a non-LTE area (3g/1x) you lose the function. Additionally, if you are on a call and leave a LTE area and transition to a 3g/1x area, you lose the call completely. Sprint hasn't turn on VoLTE because the hand off technology doesn't prevent this yet. I can't remember 100%, but I believe you only hand voice and data together on older phones if you were in an LTE area because of the different antennas...might be wrong on this one.
GSM carriers are a different story...no issues there.
Hope this helps...but this has been an ongoing issue. I can use google maps and talk at the same time...strange that Waze can't do that.
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That is news to me I am used to my note 3 and I can basically do anything I want text data waze etc never had to think about it. I returned my first S7 edge (I ws within my 14 days) because I thought it was deffective go figure. I just got yesterday the replacement and I.have not open it yet. Dont know what to do. Are there any new phones out there that can still so that ?
PS I noticed first time when I was driving with waze and talking on the phone and tried to alert people of a policemen the phone told me no internet service thats how I find out never before with my note 3 had that issue .
Thanks

Guys i am so upset and in disbelieve that everyone using sprint is fine with the fact that the phone only single task. Its basically BS big time. I guess I will run my note 3 to the ground. Its beyond my normal understanding why the consumers will purchase something with less capabilities than the one before. My fellows friends enjoy the S7 I just can't justify it.
Sent from my SM-N900P using XDA-Developers mobile app

Tungsten c said:
That is news to me I am used to my note 3 and I can basically do anything I want text data waze etc never had to think about it. I returned my first S7 edge (I ws within my 14 days) because I thought it was deffective go figure. I just got yesterday the replacement and I.have not open it yet. Dont know what to do. Are there any new phones out there that can still so that ?
PS I noticed first time when I was driving with waze and talking on the phone and tried to alert people of a policemen the phone told me no internet service thats how I find out never before with my note 3 had that issue .
Thanks
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So you were driving, talking on the phone, and trying to play around with the waze app at the same time? Maybe the lack of simultaneous data and voice is what you need

Maybe but many times I am out on a site and a customer calls with a questiion and during the phone call I text my field engineer the location in question and also the customer sent a plan sheet via email and that my friend its how I pay for my toys. With the S7 I have to hang up. With a phone 3 generations back I don't (Note 3).
Industry uses the term upgrade very loosely.
Why should I/you pay over 700 dollars for a device that provides less . Maybe I just don't understand the word upgrade.
But at the very least this forum and manny other forum should note that fact on the reviews.
And don't forget nonroot on top of that.
Please understand I had a Note 3 for a long time I never would have thought that multitasking was going to be an issue. In fact stupid of me I returned my first S7 edge within the 14 days because I thought it was defective. I read lots of reviews but no warning.
Go Note 3.
PS while I am messing around with this just got an email from the client.... you can't

This issue affects pretty much all the handsets released through Sprint in the past couple of years. It is not limited to the S7.
Until such time as Sprint implements VoLTE on its network this will continue to be an issue. Sprint is the only one of the four major carriers not to have implemented VoLTE yet.

myphone12345 said:
This issue affects pretty much all the handsets released through Sprint in the past couple of years. It is not limited to the S7.
Until such time as Sprint implements VoLTE on its network this will continue to be an issue. Sprint is the only one of the four major carriers not to have implemented VoLTE yet.
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Does anyone know why the remove the cdma antenna from all phones? It seems to me that even when VoLTE its implemented we will have to pay for the service. Now its included. Also are there any recent phones being made with the dual antenna?
Thanks

Tungsten c said:
Does anyone know why the remove the cdma antenna from all phones? It seems to me that even when VoLTE its implemented we will have to pay for the service. Now its included. Also are there any recent phones being made with the dual antenna?
Thanks
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They did remove any antennas. They are no longer putting secondary transceivers to support the phone being connected to two different networks at the same time. The main reason this was done is due to the large number of bands phones have to support nowadays.
When VoLTE is implemented there will not be an additional cost.

myphone12345 said:
They did remove any antennas. They are no longer putting secondary transceivers to support the phone being connected to two different networks at the same time. The main reason this was done is due to the large number of bands phones have to support nowadays.
When VoLTE is implemented there will not be an additional cost.
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You know what it is amazing to me...we loose service and no one cares and yet the consumer its willing to pay top price for hardwarw that provides less services regardless of the reason. I have a note 3 with super connectivity which in my opinion it's the main reason to have a mobile device.