Database Users

[Q] New to ThinkPad need some basic help

Hey guys
Now this is going to sounds really stupid but none the less this is the situation:
I happened to get my hands on a Lenovo Thinkpad Australia version through some IT testing I am doing for a company.
It is not locked down and they want my general feedback.
Problem is, I have no idea what they gave me:
If i go to the about tablet this is the info I am provided:
Model: ThinkPad Tablet
Android: 3.1
Baseband: R3B01
Kernel: 2.6.36.3
Build Number: *blahblah*A310_02_*blahblah
*EDIT* removed system serial number
here is the problem, it has no identification to which version it is. I can tell you it requires a sim card.
The problem is i believe it is very out of date, I try and hook it up to my wireless and it does not seem to work..
No idea why, it is a hidden SSID, is it a compatability issue with this? All info is provided correctly and it can see it when it is saved. Simply wont connect.
Further more, searching the lenovo website is near useless as I do not klnow where the hell the serial number is on this thing./ The one number i entered it said it was wrong *gut instinct says it is right*
As such, I want to simply upgrade my version of the lenovo tablet so I can do some real testing with it. As close to stock as possible, I need the bloody wireless to work (work location so cannot unhide the SSID - company protocol).
After some testing I will most likely wipe it and run a *cleaned version* I guess I need to know if there is any major differences between world versions.
Thanks for your help.. Also is there some all-in-guide?
btw, I know these are stupid questions especially as I been on android since 1.6 and have developed with them. Its just not playing ball this tabled.

Shouldn't post your system serial number per Lenovo. Can't help with anything else. Best of luck.
---------- Post added at 02:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:49 AM ----------
BTW the build number is more useful than the SN.

I agree with toenail_flicker - should not post the System Serial Number here.
Anyways, since you posted it, I got a quick check and got the following for your device:
Type: 1838
Model: 2EM
IF you need to check it for yourself, check the following links (input the device type and SN):
Parts look up - http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/product-and-parts/partsLookup.page
Warranty Status Lookup - http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/product-service/warranty-status/default.page?
for Thinkpad tablet guides, you can check this: http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/guides-and-manuals/default.page?

EpsilonTheGreat said:
I agree with toenail_flicker - should not post the System Serial Number here.
Anyways, since you posted it, I got a quick check and got the following for your device:
Type: 1838
Model: 2EM
IF you need to check it for yourself, check the following links (input the device type and SN):
Parts look up - http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/product-and-parts/partsLookup.page
Warranty Status Lookup - http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/product-service/warranty-status/default.page?
for Thinkpad tablet guides, you can check this: http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/guides-and-manuals/default.page?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
diggeles said:
Hey guys
Now this is going to sounds really stupid but none the less this is the situation:
I happened to get my hands on a Lenovo Thinkpad Australia version through some IT testing I am doing for a company.
It is not locked down and they want my general feedback.
Problem is, I have no idea what they gave me:
If i go to the about tablet this is the info I am provided:
Model: ThinkPad Tablet
Android: 3.1
Baseband: R3B01
Kernel: 2.6.36.3
Build Number: *blahblah*A310_02_*blahblah
System Serial Number: MP0397F
here is the problem, it has no identification to which version it is. I can tell you it requires a sim card.
The problem is i believe it is very out of date, I try and hook it up to my wireless and it does not seem to work..
No idea why, it is a hidden SSID, is it a compatability issue with this? All info is provided correctly and it can see it when it is saved. Simply wont connect.
Further more, searching the lenovo website is near useless as I do not klnow where the hell the serial number is on this thing./ The one number i entered it said it was wrong *gut instinct says it is right*
As such, I want to simply upgrade my version of the lenovo tablet so I can do some real testing with it. As close to stock as possible, I need the bloody wireless to work (work location so cannot unhide the SSID - company protocol).
After some testing I will most likely wipe it and run a *cleaned version* I guess I need to know if there is any major differences between world versions.
Thanks for your help.. Also is there some all-in-guide?
btw, I know these are stupid questions especially as I been on android since 1.6 and have developed with them. Its just not playing ball this tabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not quite sure what u mean. Has it been connected to others access points? U mention it needs a sim? For 3g service only? Please explain more so i can offer more accurate advice

rruleford said:
Not quite sure what u mean. Has it been connected to others access points? U mention it needs a sim? For 3g service only? Please explain more so i can offer more accurate advice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You had to quote both posts

Lol,
Well I guess the first problem is the wireless, it is hooked up to another WEP access point, it will not connect to a WPA2 access point (hidden or not).
When i say sim card I mean 3g services. I do not need to use it abroad so wireless is fine for its current purpose.
*removed the system build number* as suggested
I have noticed that the version is quite old and no easy means for updating. Is there an advantage to updating it? i.e. major bug fixes?
At the moment the tablet is useless until I can get it hooked up to a WPA2 access point. Is there a known problem?
So can anyone actually tell me which version of thinkpad I have? I have noticed firware version differences for different locations, is there a way to find out which version the AUD uses?

First time for wifi you may have to hand enter everything - I did. Later if you remove the connection it will recognize it and you just need the password.

diggeles said:
When i say sim card I mean 3g services. I do not need to use it abroad so wireless is fine for its current purpose.
At the moment the tablet is useless until I can get it hooked up to a WPA2 access point. Is there a known problem?
So can anyone actually tell me which version of thinkpad I have? I have noticed firware version differences for different locations, is there a way to find out which version the AUD uses?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check this one out: http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/ThinkPad-slate-tablets/18382EM-Wifi-Problem/td-p/726997
You have the same type and model number as the OP stated, and you definitely would be using the ROW build.
OPs workaround was to reset to factory setting to make WIFI work. And since you will not be using 3G, this should be a temp. solution for you.
But I would still recommend you have it fixed since you are still under warranty.

Factory reset should set u right. after doing the reset make sure u enter wifi info manually. and that its set for wpa2. aftetwards itll slways pick it up. let us know how it goes so we can help firther if need be. second option would be to apply the update from sd card. good luck!

hey
I will try the factory reset tonight..
hopefully that will solve the issue, I will provide an update when feasible.. prob next monday.

[4.3]knox warranty void 0x01 disadvantages

I have a few questions about what I would loose if I rooted 4.3 on my s4 with the new update, the one with the whole knox secured bootloader and what not. I know there isn't a root method out yet or if there is i haven't been following these things for a while since exams are upon me, but i will continue and ask those that know better than me. I'm not looking for specific disadvantages of rooting but more the fact that doing so will void the knox warranty and well i was wondering how bad this really is.
So i proposed a question, if my knox flag has been set to 1 because of said rooting, or other means since knox is so fussy it seems quite a few things trigger this, what features would i loose from the ROM, the new update from Samsung to be specific not any other ROM. This shouldn't be specific to anyone of the versions of the phone, I'm talking in general with respect to all the versions across all releases. I ask as i have read in some forums that one looses some features such as miracast and the knox secure profile (not to sure of the actual name of that so sorry if that's wrong). Are there any other "features" that are disabled because of this flag and is it permanent. Feel the answer for the knox profile is permanent but for other things like miracast is there a way to enable them again? Hoping to get some insight from some who have been taking on 4.3 like champions to find out what its all about and looking forward to the replies.
Just for reference I have the i9500, non rooted south africa, still on 4.2.2. only reason i haven't rooted yet is again exams are keeping me way to busy and before uni work was taking up all my time but soon i will have the time to learn how to do it. My hope is this will also be helpful for beginners to decide whether to take the risk like myself of voiding said knox warranty or to wait it out.

Stuff that relies on HDCP no longer works with 0x1: Miracast, MHL > HDMI adapter, etc.

mcduck1 said:
Stuff that relies on HDCP no longer works with 0x1: Miracast, MHL > HDMI adapter, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why is that at all related?
How would it be enforced on a non-TouchWiz ROM where the only thing tat remains with KNOX in it would be the bootloader?

mcduck1 said:
Stuff that relies on HDCP no longer works with 0x1: Miracast, MHL > HDMI adapter, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that all? mmm doesnt seem like I'll be missing much, so things like OTA and other sammy features like air view and the rest will work fine? Want to soft mod with 4.3 with xposed when I get it, this is specifically why i'm asking. Also this is permanently disabled right? Has anyone found a workaround, would like the option if its there.

Gnarfoz said:
Why is that at all related?
How would it be enforced on a non-TouchWiz ROM where the only thing tat remains with KNOX in it would be the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't work to begin with on a non-TW ROM.

AndreiLux said:
It doesn't work to begin with on a non-TW ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, wasn't aware of that.
So Samsung has reduced the feature set of my phone with no means of recourse?
I wonder how the legal aspects of that are in Germany.

mcduck1 said:
Stuff that relies on HDCP no longer works with 0x1: Miracast, MHL > HDMI adapter, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Source?
AFAIK, the only apps that would benefit from an untouched KNOX state are the ones that require a KNOX vault, so they can be run in a sandbox. So far, I haven't run into any of these apps.
OTA will NOT work anymore once the knox flag has been set, no matter what ROM you're in. That also doesn't bother me, since I can always download and install a new ROM.
like I mentioned in antoher thread, my phones KNOX flag has been set to 0x1. I haven't been able to use it to interact with my Samsung SmartTV (Smart Remote, media sharing, etc). I have no idea if that's because of KNOX or because my TV is an older, now incompatible model (40" LED D5500).

If someone with 4.3 would be so kind to check Knox version. It can be done in application manager. I am on 4.2.2 and have Knox v 1.0. I want to see if there is a difference between Knox on 4.2.2 and 4.3. Thanks!

jjnhl68 said:
If someone with 4.3 would be so kind to check Knox version. It can be done in application manager. I am on 4.2.2 and have Knox v 1.0. I want to see if there is a difference between Knox on 4.2.2 and 4.3. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the German 4.3 you have the choice of installing or not the KNOX app. I chose not to.
All there is is a link to download the app, not the app itself.

Simonetti2011 said:
Source?
AFAIK, the only apps that would benefit from an untouched KNOX state are the ones that require a KNOX vault, so they can be run in a sandbox. So far, I haven't run into any of these apps.
OTA will NOT work anymore once the knox flag has been set, no matter what ROM you're in. That also doesn't bother me, since I can always download and install a new ROM.
like I mentioned in antoher thread, my phones KNOX flag has been set to 0x1. I haven't been able to use it to interact with my Samsung SmartTV (Smart Remote, media sharing, etc). I have no idea if that's because of KNOX or because my TV is an older, now incompatible model (40" LED D5500).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there, I have the GT-i9505 and I don't think that's strictly true regarding OTA updates. My Knox flag is 0x1 and Kies shows it as "The latest firmware", and when I do a check on the phone it states that the latest updates have been installed. Having said that, I've turned off automatic updates. I don't want Samsung getting anywhere next nor near my phone again with their s****y restrictive updates. Hopefully at some stage the professionals on here will be able to find around the locks, but I'm damned if I'm allowing Samsung to plug any holes if there are any. Suppose the clue is in the name though (Knox) - i.e. easier to get into Fort Knox...
Philip

philip2000 said:
Hi there, I have the GT-i9505 and I don't think that's strictly true regarding OTA updates. My Knox flag is 0x1 and Kies shows it as "The latest firmware", and when I do a check on the phone it states that the latest updates have been installed. Having said that, I've turned off automatic updates. I don't want Samsung getting anywhere next nor near my phone again with their s****y restrictive updates. Hopefully at some stage the professionals on here will be able to find around the locks, but I'm damned if I'm allowing Samsung to plug any holes if there are any. Suppose the clue is in the name though (Knox) - i.e. easier to get into Fort Knox...
Philip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wasn't meaning KIES. I don't even use KIES, because it gets in the way of Odin3 and ADT. What I meant was the phone's own software update system, found in System Settings -> More -> About Device -> Software update -> Update.
That's where it says my phone has been modified.
If yours doesn't give you any "device modified" message in that procedure, then we are observing an erratic behaviour of the KNOX flag.
You're are right about the source of the name "KNOX". That was exactly the reference Samsung was aiming at. That is also why the sandboxes that Knox creates are called VAULTS, rather than sandbox. After all, the real Fort Knox is one huge vault.

mcduck1 said:
Stuff that relies on HDCP no longer works with 0x1: Miracast, MHL > HDMI adapter, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has the MHL > HDMI adapter no longer working with knox warranty void 0x01 been confirmed?

mcduck1 said:
Stuff that relies on HDCP no longer works with 0x1: Miracast, MHL > HDMI adapter, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Miracast works just fine here with knox status 0x1 on the German stock 4.3. For more info about knox just read http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2470635

mcduck1 said:
Stuff that relies on HDCP no longer works with 0x1: Miracast, MHL > HDMI adapter, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
0mega007 said:
Has the MHL > HDMI adapter no longer working with knox warranty void 0x01 been confirmed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually MHL works on my Galaxy Tab S rooted and knox 0x1

5GHz wi-fi DFS?

Since it's 2015, I was just wondering: Does this Nexus FINALLY support 5GHz wi-fi DFS channels?
For anybody who might be confused: the question means whether it supports more than the four basic 5GHz channels. If yes, then: me = :victory:
Thanks! :highfive:
(hope smbd. knows the answer to this as it hasn't been asked yet... might need to bump this up to the top a couple of times otherwise)

has anybody been able to test this yet?

Haggster66 said:
has anybody been able to test this yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, no one has it yet.

According to iFixit, the Nexus 6P contains the broadcom BCM4358 chip which does support up to 80mhz channelization according to the info at the links below.
https://www.broadcom.com/press/release.php?id=s868805
http://www.digchip.com/datasheets/8767095-bcm4358-broadcom-combo-chip.html
I am currently testing a new wireless deployment and the Nexus 6P is one of my client test devices. I will try to report back once testing is complete.

Sorry to revive an old thread, but any news on this?

My 6P connected to DFS channels fine.

wroking
I just tested and it's working fine. NEXUS 6P 6.0 android
Haggster66 said:
Since it's 2015, I was just wondering: Does this Nexus FINALLY support 5GHz wi-fi DFS channels?
For anybody who might be confused: the question means whether it supports more than the four basic 5GHz channels. If yes, then: me = :victory:
Thanks! :highfive:
(hope smbd. knows the answer to this as it hasn't been asked yet... might need to bump this up to the top a couple of times otherwise)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

After upgrading to 7.0 or above. Nexus 6P has major issues with respect to WiFi services:
1) Intermittent connect drop
2) Unable to find/connect 5Ghz band services on the mobile device.
As per multiple fourms if someone says, WiFi is working in safe mode or reconnect/re-configure the WiFi services. All those bunch, do not have a solution to this issue.
I neither wish to step on to some other device/make, nor I think this issue could not get fixed. This is an amazing phone with a black spot (WiFi bug) on it. I would really appreciate, if google overcome this issue so that we can enjoy using the device and Google services.

G900P rooting

G'Day All
Am living in Australia and I have a G900P which works but is not overly happy.
The gps is beyond useless and it generally runs rather slow.
Has been suggested that I root the thing and put different firmware on.
I used to use cyanogenmod on the s3.
Is this still a good rooting or what do people recommend?
Am I better off trying just a stock firmware?
I'm not crash hot at this thing so the simpler the better.
Cheers
Nich

gwalch said:
G'Day All. Am living in Australia and I have a G900P which works but is not overly happy. The gps is beyond useless and it generally runs rather slow. Has been suggested that I root the thing and put different firmware on. I used to use cyanogenmod on the s3. Is this still a good rooting or what do people recommend? Am I better off trying just a stock firmware? I'm not crash hot at this thing so the simpler the better. Cheers, Nich
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your best bet is to post this question within the following thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2700073
Good Luck!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT PROVIDE SUPPORT VIA PM UNLESS ASKED/REQUESTED BY MYSELF.
PLEASE KEEP IT IN THE THREADS WHERE EVERYONE CAN SHARE

Thanks muchly.
I'll give it a go.
Cheers

gwalch said:
G'Day All
Am living in Australia and I have a G900P which works but is not overly happy.
The gps is beyond useless and it generally runs rather slow.
Has been suggested that I root the thing and put different firmware on.
I used to use cyanogenmod on the s3.
Is this still a good rooting or what do people recommend?
Am I better off trying just a stock firmware?
I'm not crash hot at this thing so the simpler the better.
Cheers
Nich
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Just wondering why are you using Sprint/USA version of s5 in Australia instead of SM-G900I version. As far as I know SM-G900P version works outside USA but might cause some issues with 4G/LTE or mobile data.
Anyway, if you want to stick to SM-G900P in Australia then:
1. "GPS useless" - why? doesn't work? Slow positioning?
Try updating A-GPS (Assisted GPS) data for accurate and faster positioning:
- install from Google Play the "GPS test" app
- enable "Location" in your phone
- open the app -> open three-point symbol menu in the top right -> AGPS -> Clear and update.
2. Phone "runs rather slow":
Enable Safe mode (Safe mode can help you to track down the causes of problems you may be having with your smartphone - it will temporarily disable all third-party apps which you installed) and see if your phone performs better. If yes, try to find out what app is causing your problem. If not, try fresh install of the latest stock firmware with full wipe before playing with any custom firmware.
Regards

Many40 said:
Hi,
Just wondering why are you using Sprint/USA version of s5 in Australia instead of SM-G900I version. As far as I know SM-G900P version works outside USA but might cause some issues with 4G/LTE or mobile data.
Anyway, if you want to stick to SM-G900P in Australia then:
1. "GPS useless" - why? doesn't work? Slow positioning?
Try updating A-GPS (Assisted GPS) data for accurate and faster positioning:
- install from Google Play the "GPS test" app
- enable "Location" in your phone
- open the app -> open three-point symbol menu in the top right -> AGPS -> Clear and update.
2. Phone "runs rather slow":
Enable Safe mode (Safe mode can help you to track down the causes of problems you may be having with your smartphone - it will temporarily disable all third-party apps which you installed) and see if your phone performs better. If yes, try to find out what app is causing your problem. If not, try fresh install of the latest stock firmware with full wipe before playing with any custom firmware.
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
G'Day!!!
I am running a Sprint model because I made a bad ebay purchase and I am hoping to save face and $$$ by getting the bugger to work.
I wasn't aware of the different models at the time of purchase and as I bought it from a person here in Aus I just assumed that it would be ok.
The 4G / mobile data side of the phone is great.. no worries at all.
I have just arrived home from a road trip interstate (1500kms) and had no issues at all with reception and internet.
As for the GPS issues.. I have tried all of your suggestions wit no joy.
The main issue I have is that it can take up to 15 minutes to get a lock.. if at all.. and then the best accuracy I have ever seen is 11M.
I can stick my wifes S5 g900I beside mine out in the open.. clear A-GPS etc on both and hit the go button at the same time and hers will get a lock with 3M accuracy within 15-30 seconds.. and mine will just chug away beside hers for minutes on end.
In regards to the slow issues.. I have had a quick play with safe mode and there is noticeable difference so I will get out the knife and chop out some of the apps.
I would like to try a full wipe and latest stock firmware but honestly don't know which one to install.. XAS, BST, XAR, SPR (CDMA), or VMU
Any help on that selection would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Nich

gwalch said:
G'Day!!!
I am running a Sprint model because I made a bad ebay purchase and I am hoping to save face and $$$ by getting the bugger to work.
I wasn't aware of the different models at the time of purchase and as I bought it from a person here in Aus I just assumed that it would be ok.
The 4G / mobile data side of the phone is great.. no worries at all.
I have just arrived home from a road trip interstate (1500kms) and had no issues at all with reception and internet.
As for the GPS issues.. I have tried all of your suggestions wit no joy.
The main issue I have is that it can take up to 15 minutes to get a lock.. if at all.. and then the best accuracy I have ever seen is 11M.
I can stick my wifes S5 g900I beside mine out in the open.. clear A-GPS etc on both and hit the go button at the same time and hers will get a lock with 3M accuracy within 15-30 seconds.. and mine will just chug away beside hers for minutes on end.
In regards to the slow issues.. I have had a quick play with safe mode and there is noticeable difference so I will get out the knife and chop out some of the apps.
I would like to try a full wipe and latest stock firmware but honestly don't know which one to install.. XAS, BST, XAR, SPR (CDMA), or VMU
Any help on that selection would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Nich
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
After reading this:
https://www.frequencycheck.com/comp...00p-galaxy-s5-lte-a-samsung-pacific/australia
I am positively surprised that you are not having any issues with LTE/4G.
Concerning latest stock firmware it is quite tricky thing - should be compatible with the phone model and also work on your Australian carrier.
Could you tell me two things:
1. What firmware do you have currently installed (PDA/Baseband/CSC)?
2. What is your carrier in Australia?

Many40 said:
Hi,
After reading this:
https://www.frequencycheck.com/comp...00p-galaxy-s5-lte-a-samsung-pacific/australia
I am positively surprised that you are not having any issues with LTE/4G.
Concerning latest stock firmware it is quite tricky thing - should be compatible with the phone model and also work on your Australian carrier.
Could you tell me two things:
1. What firmware do you have currently installed (PDA/Baseband/CSC)?
2. What is your carrier in Australia?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The carrier I am using is Aldi (which uses the Telstra 4G network)
https://www.frequencycheck.com/carr...xy-s5-lte-a-samsung-pacific/telstra-australia
Apparently I am only working 4 out of the 7 bands.. but honestly I have no problems with the data or phone connections.
Firmware:
Baseband: G900PVPU3BOG1
AP: G900PVPU1BOA6
CP: G900PVPU3BOG1
CSC: G900PSPT1BOA6
Cheers

gwalch said:
The carrier I am using is Aldi (which uses the Telstra 4G network)
https://www.frequencycheck.com/carr...xy-s5-lte-a-samsung-pacific/telstra-australia
Apparently I am only working 4 out of the 7 bands.. but honestly I have no problems with the data or phone connections.
Firmware:
Baseband: G900PVPU3BOG1
AP: G900PVPU1BOA6
CP: G900PVPU3BOG1
CSC: G900PSPT1BOA6
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So my concerns were correct - you are not getting LTE as Telstra LTE bands are not supported by the phone. So I assume HSPA+ works for you.
Regarding your firmware it is strange a little: you have android 5.0 installed but seems your baseband comes from a little bit newer release of the android 5.0 firmware - official stock G900PVPU1BOA6 (PDA) firmware should contain G900PVPU1BOA6 baseband/modem. It looks like somebody flashed newer modem after flashing firmware - is your flash counter/KNOX triggered already?
Anyway if you want to try fresh installation of the stock firmware try latest available one from sammobile.com compatible with your phone. To be honest I have no experience with this phone (my is SM-G900F) and even less with using it in Australia so do it at your own risk

Many40 said:
So my concerns were correct - you are not getting LTE as Telstra LTE bands are not supported by the phone. So I assume HSPA+ works for you.
Regarding your firmware it is strange a little: you have android 5.0 installed but seems your baseband comes from a little bit newer release of the android 5.0 firmware - official stock G900PVPU1BOA6 (PDA) firmware should contain G900PVPU1BOA6 baseband/modem. It looks like somebody flashed newer modem after flashing firmware - is your flash counter/KNOX triggered already?
Anyway if you want to try fresh installation of the stock firmware try latest available one from sammobile.com compatible with your phone. To be honest I have no experience with this phone (my is SM-G900F) and even less with using it in Australia so do it at your own risk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh well.
I might just leave the firmware as is.
I'll just play around with removing apps
The flash counter/KNOX is still showing 0x0.
Any clues as to the GPS issues?? Or could it all be related??
Thanks so much for your help so far.

gwalch said:
Oh well.
I might just leave the firmware as is.
I'll just play around with removing apps
The flash counter/KNOX is still showing 0x0.
Any clues as to the GPS issues?? Or could it all be related??
Thanks so much for your help so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Found this on another forum: https://androidforums.com/threads/gps-fix-s5-dummies-guide.907733/
Try and play a little with your gps. Hopefully your issue is not hardware related and can be solved.
Edit: Also, (I am not pressing you) for some users upgrading firmware helped with gps issues - so it is up to you.
Regards

Many40.. I thank you very much for all your assistance so far.. very much appreciated.
I have tried that GPS Fix link you gave me and there is no change.
I think I'll just persevere with what I have and look at an upgrade the phone.
Cheers

Problem with BT setup for blind user

Hi to all.
First of all, let me apologize for my bad englisg/typos which may arise. My phone is the global version, Exynos chipset in 8/128 setup, buyed new 3 years ago and in pristine condition. I'm also a Senior Systems Engineer with a high background in hardware/software/telecom/SoC developing. I'm specifyng this to simply note I'm not a noob.
I'm a sight disabled person since 5 years ago, almost blind with a visual remain, that's why I buyed this handset as its screen was counted as the best of that moment.
One of the main things for which I use my phone is to auto detect and activate certain beacons, specifically the ones presentp in traffic lights (wich acoustically inform wether the light is red or green to safely cross the streets) and in bus stops (to know what's the next bus comimg), etc. For all this I need the device's BT set as 'always visible / discoverable'.
As you may know, beacons are auto activated when a BT device with a .DFA at the end of its name (i.e. 'Galaxy S10.DFA') enters his range. This way a blind person can walk around safely and obtain pertinent information with no need of manipulating the phone in every street crossroad, avoiding risks like someone stealing the handset or hitting and dropping the phone, etc.
I was using the free app Bluetooth Visibility Fix to have the BT set as always discoverable. Everything worked fine... 'till I updated to the last Samsung July 2022 Security Patch (released via OTA update somewhere between the 1st and 2nd August week). This update includes a 'Bluetooth stability improvements' item. From that on, it is simply impossible to use the app (or any other similar from the play store) to set the BT as 'Always visible'.
That made me feel totally dissapointed and of course fully discriminated. Not only me but I'm sure the ones who need this VITAL, yet simple adjustment just to make our lives safer and easier.
I'm wonderingn if there's an app blocking the BT settings that I can uninstall via ADB.
Or, if there's another solution that someone may think of.
Probably a downgrade would revert this situation, but I guess that solution would not be easier for my fellow disabled folks.
Also, I already tried the several BT settings within the Developer Options, but with no luck so far.
I'm circumventing this situation by carryng an old Galaxy J3 2016 configured with that app, but it is only a patch not a permanent solution, and not available to anyone. Note that many disabled people with a visual remains use to have top range Samsung phones because of the outstanding screen quality.
Please, I respectfully ask not issuing nonsense comments like blaning the big G, or 'it's a matter of security' or stupidities the like. If you're not part of the solution then you're part of the problem!
Having BT set as always visible has nothing to do with security. Any BT external connection request needs a explicit user permission in the form of accepting a pin code, etc. And anyway I feel that the way of setting BT is a matter that must be leaved to the user will...
Should I'll not be able to obtain some solutions on this, and being a member of the most important company of the world in terms of giving employment and support, not only to blind people but also to others with different dissabilities, I will publicly advise all of our members not to buy any items for such a discriminating company.
Please receive all my best wishes, and thanks in advance for whatever solution proposed.
Thanks in advance.
Manu

Get someone to help you roll it back and then block OTA updates and security updates.
That's the easiest solution... updates can and do break things.