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I am just another angry user, after the "fabulous" android 4.4.2 implementation made by Samsung for my (previously) beloved note3.
This is intended to be a an indictment made for a public conviction of Samsung, for what they did, and also a cry for help.
Please, if you have counterarguments and/or practical advices, expose them here.
I'm expecting at least an official position from Samsung, considering that customers of a 700 Euro flagship phablet deserve their complete attention.
I'm an Orange Romania customer, and I was one of the happy users of note3 (Orange firmware) until several days ago, when I decided to give up to the upgrade invitation message arrived, to move up to 4.4.2.
What I received:
1. The first and most important problem: no call recording program is working anymore. I do need such a program, because I receive a lot (I mean A LOT) of tasks and situations, only by voice calls, daily. Anyway, i really do not think I need to justify my needs, but I'm prepared to do it if absolutely necessary. Where is the solution, my "dear" Samsung ?
2. I'm not able anymore to read my IMAP4 mail account without activating synchronization. In the previous 4.3 version, with synchronization disabled, I was able to refresh manually the mail. Of course, with synchronization now enabled, the battery is drained in a day or less.
3. iGO cannot be used with maps and content kept on SD Card anymore. I've taken that SD card especially for my phone, now I am not able to use it. This is like a curse of Samsung, thrown in my face !
4. Adobe flash is now completely unusable. I used flash with dolphin very well on previous 4.3. Now, that hacked version presented here (thank you XDA) is extremely slow even on this monster hardware that is note 3. Where is that big difference from Apple, one of the reasons I've switched to Android several years ago, to be able to browse flash sites ?
5. If I'm not happy with an "improvement" offered by manufacturer, I think I'm entitled to request to keep my previous system, without any penalties (only at most with some excuses), but Samsung do not let me go back to the previous behavior of my phone. So, I'm not free anymore to use my own device as I wanted to do ? What the hell? What is then the difference that Samsung made in terms of freedom of use compared to Apple, well-known for their restrictions paranoia ? The freedom of Android and the efficiency of Samsung made me switch from Apple for good, several years ago, without regrets, but now Samsung seems that they started on the same path of restrictions. Maybe is time to look somewhere else and switch again...
I really think Samsung has to solve this. But not next month or next week, nor even tomorrow. Samsung must do something NOW: or a patch, or the ability to switch back to the exact previous behavior with 4.3
Thank you all for your opinions and (of course) valuable solutions.
LE:
Finally, after a long pain, a lot of nerves, but thanks to the supporting messages posted here, I've succeeded to "downgrade" my Note3 with kitkat , by changing it with a new one with latest JB 4.3 version, just asking for tech support at Orange and Samsung. If anyone interested, please read all thread, I simply asked them to restore lost functionalities, but I think I was really angry so their solution was to change the device.
Maybe some sticky messages (suggested in my post here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=51890578&postcount=22 would be useful for a lot of us).
The biggest problem is the Knox trigger that voids the warranty. I paid a lot of money for this phone and I should be able to use it however I want, rooted or unrooted, and they should have no right to void my warranty based on this.
I'm thinking to root this device and if I ever need to send the phone for repair and they won't, I'll play dumb and call for consumer rights.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 3
lvnatic said:
The biggest problem is the Knox trigger that voids the warranty. I paid a lot of money for this phone and I should be able to use it however I want, rooted or unrooted, and they should have no right to void my warranty based on this.
I'm thinking to root this device and if I ever need to send the phone for repair and they won't, I'll play dumb and call for consumer rights.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was going to buy this phone later but after reading the op I think I will wait first or look elsewhere. Samsung is really copying apple and apple should sue them again...
1. Call recording is working, there's a mod for that, but ur device should be rooted.
2-3. I dunno never use.
4. Flash player is working. There's a way to enable it in Kk, and can be used with boat browser (dunno others).
As for go back to 4.3, it is unable due to the bootloader installed. They keep on making patches to the bootloader. Something that we cannot stop them.
@nm8 : samsung vs apple = never ending stories.
Sent from N7105, DN3 with AGNi kernel.
I could understand why all android devices manufacturers are trying to keep their customers away from rooting, this is just because possible increases in customer support expenses.
But of course, I don't want to break my warranty agreement, and with 4.3 I didn't feel the need to root the note 3, it was completely functional.
@nm8 - Yes, Apple could sue Samsung again, now Samsung is copying even the worst habits from Apple, I don't understand that crayziness of Samsung.
@antique_sonic - Thank you, I know about the mod for call recording, but as I said, I want to play fair and safe, to keep my warranty. And the same with adobe flash, it worked perfectly in 4.3, why do I need now that headaches ?
There are also a lot of other troubles with SD Card in 4.4.2, just another example: I'm not able to keep my apps backed up with ES file explorer on SD Card anymore. I used to make copies of my apps because I've met sometimes problems with some apps after updates, so I was able to return to the previous version of that app (AirFun from Realtek is just an example of an app that lost some functionalities after update, so I was able to install the previous working version from backup).
I wonder if there are some "eyes" from Samsung staff on this forum, what is their official opinion about all these complains ?
Thank you,
You do realize the SDcard issue is GOOGLE's doing, not Samsung's?
Google updates the Kitkat permissions, Samsung had nothing to do withit. Any issues with apps you need to complain to their developers to update their permissions.
Thank you ShadowLea, most probably you're right in technical terms.
BUT the real problem is, if I'm not happy with this change in Google's android policy, as a Samsung's customer, I need to be able to choose to keep my previous functions as they were before upgrade. In other words, I must be able to revert to 4.3, without any pain, penalties and so on, at most with excuses from Samsung. Because Samsung is now forcing me to stay at 4.4.2, not Google ! Is it fair ?
Thank you,
The flash player problem is also Google and not Samsung.
Life isn't fair and Samsung already have your money so why should they care?
It's not like the other options are any better. None of the other manufacturers care about you either.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
dr.m0x said:
The flash player problem is also Google and not Samsung.
Life isn't fair and Samsung already have your money so why should they care?
It's not like the other options are any better. None of the other manufacturers care about you either.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He should root the monster and be happy. Like me. Lol
Sent from my ME173X using xda premium
He should root the monster and be happy. Like me. Lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you're right, but what about losing the warranty, if I will really need it in the future ?
Or maybe there is already out there a complete reversable rooting method for 4.4.2 that I don't know about ?
Thank you,
@dr.m0x - Ok, let's try to change something about this !
Still have no idea how to do it, but there must be a solution ! We must be the real owners of our paid devices, and we must be able to use them by our own rules, not their rules!
Thank you,
nick61 said:
Maybe you're right, but what about losing the warranty, if I will really need it in the future ?
Or maybe there is already out there a complete reversable rooting method for 4.4.2 that I don't know about ?
Thank you,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
reversable in terms of unroot = YES
reversable in terms of KNOX flag = NO (bounty hunter for this has reached $3K+, yet no one claims)
nick61 said:
@dr.m0x - Ok, let's try to change something about this !
Still have no idea how to do it, but there must be a solution ! We must be the real owners of our paid devices, and we must be able to use them by our own rules, not their rules!
Thank you,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
at the moment to be the "real owner" in terms to be able to fully utilize is only to root your device, and those "headache" setting for flash player. But "real owner" to be able to reverse KNOX flag is still a NO answer at the moment.
And "real owner" to be able to reverse/downgrade bootloader (without any problem), also stil a NO at the moment
Just do a few testing of common issue on Note 3 + read properly on how to root + use any other custom thingy (follow properly what the thread said), you are good to go.
Warranty so far is needed for those who never try to understand first what is the thread said.
Though all the devs here develop thing just for hobbies and free (donation is optional), they will do all the necessary testing on their device first before releasing it out. So, if their device can work, similar device to them should be able to work properly (doesn't necessary to claim your warranty, unless there's a hardware failure due to several tweaking you eager to try yourself without reading properly)
All I wrote here is just my opinion, just a thought. You may not agree, and not necessary to follow.
I'm totally with you... This actually looks like a "Double - penetration" by Sammy AND Google two companies destined to lose costumers... See? http://bbc.com/news/business-26933449
My unrooted, bloatware-ated, kit-kat-ed note 3 is half useful in practical terms than the rooted S3 I gave to my wife, if it weren't for the screen size, I would have change it with the old S3.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
I'm samsung user from galaxy s2, note 1. And now note 3. I'm happy to use both devices on previous.
But since knox implementation on note 3. I feel like stuck in some where I cannot do any what I want on the phone.
I though that having note 3 will same as having note 1 and s2. Freedom...
So, this probably will my last samsung device. Will switch to other brand if i change phone.
Sent from my SM-N9005
When you look at the perspective of root/ void warranty everybrand is more or less the same except nexus and sime new china brands like xiaomi or oppo. In htc you void your warranty by unlockibg bootloader. Sony same thing (sony devices you can backup your ta) lg as qfuses and the list can be larger.
I had twice problems with samsung knoxed devices (2 s4) and they never rejected warranty repairs. And you can allways kill your device in order to cheat samsung service. Like they cheat you putt a flag on your phone. So I decided to trip mine again and if they refuse warranty I will be give them a nice war.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Thank you all for your empathy and support.
Encouraged by all these messages, I've succeeded yesterday to CHANGE THE NOTE3 with a new one with latest 4.3 version at Orange service.
I don't know if they agreed to solve my request only because my old client status, but the service tech guy from Orange, specialized in Samsung devices, spent over 4 hours looking for all the flaws and troubles I've mentioned with 4.4.2. Also, he had several long phone conversations with a tech guy from Samsung.
My advice to everyone in the same situation is to try everything they could try, and also, if possible, DO NOT UPDATE TO 4.4.2 !
Now my device is completely restored to full functionalities: call recording, flash sites with the last official adobe flash apk and dolphin and reasonable speed, battery is again lasting at least 2 days of heavy use (calls, net, video, mails, everyday notes etc.)
Also, I've learned that even the "inside" guys from tech support have no other clever solution to downgrade or to solve my problems.
Both Orange and Samsung tech guys promised to inform and escalate my complaints about 4.4.2 implementation so maybe there will be a patch in the near future.
Thanks again XDA,
nick61 said:
I am just another angry user, after the "fabulous" android 4.4.2 implementation made by Samsung for my (previously) beloved note3.
This is intended to be a an indictment made for a public conviction of Samsung, for what they did, and also a cry for help.
Please, if you have counterarguments and/or practical advices, expose them here.
I'm expecting at least an official position from Samsung, considering that customers of a 700 Euro flagship phablet deserve their complete attention.
I'm an Orange Romania customer, and I was one of the happy users of note3 (Orange firmware) until several days ago, when I decided to give up to the upgrade invitation message arrived, to move up to 4.4.2.
What I received:
1. The first and most important problem: no call recording program is working anymore. I do need such a program, because I receive a lot (I mean A LOT) of tasks and situations, only by voice calls, daily. Anyway, i really do not think I need to justify my needs, but I'm prepared to do it if absolutely necessary. Where is the solution, my "dear" Samsung ?
2. I'm not able anymore to read my IMAP4 mail account without activating synchronization. In the previous 4.3 version, with synchronization disabled, I was able to refresh manually the mail. Of course, with synchronization now enabled, the battery is drained in a day or less.
3. iGO cannot be used with maps and content kept on SD Card anymore. I've taken that SD card especially for my phone, now I am not able to use it. This is like a curse of Samsung, thrown in my face !
4. Adobe flash is now completely unusable. I used flash with dolphin very well on previous 4.3. Now, that hacked version presented here (thank you XDA) is extremely slow even on this monster hardware that is note 3. Where is that big difference from Apple, one of the reasons I've switched to Android several years ago, to be able to browse flash sites ?
5. If I'm not happy with an "improvement" offered by manufacturer, I think I'm entitled to request to keep my previous system, without any penalties (only at most with some excuses), but Samsung do not let me go back to the previous behavior of my phone. So, I'm not free anymore to use my own device as I wanted to do ? What the hell? What is then the difference that Samsung made in terms of freedom of use compared to Apple, well-known for their restrictions paranoia ? The freedom of Android and the efficiency of Samsung made me switch from Apple for good, several years ago, without regrets, but now Samsung seems that they started on the same path of restrictions. Maybe is time to look somewhere else and switch again...
I really think Samsung has to solve this. But not next month or next week, nor even tomorrow. Samsung must do something NOW: or a patch, or the ability to switch back to the exact previous behavior with 4.3
1....pe forum gasesti versiunea modificata pentru adobe flash care merge f bine pe kitkat cu firefox de exemplu.
2. Daca copiezi continutul igo pe internal nu pe external o sa iti functioneze perfect. Oricum asta e vina google si nu samsung, si mai avem si 32 interni, deci destul loc
3. Pentru mail iti recomand K-9 mail client il regasesti pe play store.
4. Inregistrarea convorbirilor e putintel ilegala fara mandat...deci...cred totusi ca te plangi prea tare pt niste chestii care din cate stiu eu au toate rezolvare pe aici pe la xda
My poit is that all of his problems has an workaround here on xda. Only first one need a root. The rest of them is a metter of minutes of searching xda.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@calinormy
Thank you for your message (let's keep it in english if anyone else is interested).
Point by point (in fact covered in the first post):
1. Yes, I've already tried the hacked flash for 4.4.2, is unbelievable slow on such a monster (hardware speaking) as note3. Official old version is stable and flawless in 4.3
2. Ok, that's true, but I want to use the internal speedy memory for other stuff, and I want to organize files on my own rules, not their's... yes, this is a Google's problem, but my request to Samsung is to let me downgrade from 4.4.2 if I do not like it.
3. I'll check it
4. Concerning call recording, the legal issues are exclusively my problems, not Samsung's. In fact, is not even a legal problem, if the other person is informed about recording.
But please read my last post, they've changed my phone with another new one with 4.3 !
Thank you,
Glad you got your problems sorted. KK is ****, said the man who refuses to try it. Because it's ****
New firmware doesn't always mean better. For me, Gingerbread was a hell of a lot better than ICS.
To be frank... I don't know what the hell is beneficial "for me" by upgrading to kitkat All the changes in KitKat are about implementing restrictions by Samsung or Google If I wanted to be restricted I would have chosen an iPhone in the first place... They simply sh&#tted on what all android is about :silly: and the as#hole sammy even lured people into upgrading. Never again will I trust all those official phone reviewers on forums or youtube... the ordinary man's experience is what counts.
Hi,
Stock ROMs aren't really trustworthy by default (e.g., phandroid.com/2014/11/06/carrier-iq-settlement).
Some manufacturers' devices aren't really trustworthy, even with stock ROMs removed (e.g., theepochtimes.com/n3/830922-chinas-xiaomi-smartphones-may-be-spying-on-you).
Cyanogenmod went donwhill:
We may collect information such as occupation, language, zip code, area code, unique device identifier, location, and the time zone where your product or device is used so that we can better understand customer behavior and improve our products, services, and advertising.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(from cyngn.com/legal/privacy-policy) They started on this path long ago, but I won’t go there now.
I would like to buy a new Android phone. I won’t have national secrets on it, but I still don't want any Google-style spying. Assuming I don't add GApps, is PAC ROM a good choice for me? Does it respect the privacy of its users? Does it contain any components that would ever connect anywhere to trunsmit any information like GApps do. Obivously, I'm not talking about user initiated events.
One more thing, does it have a permission manager? Ideally, something that allows the user to choose for each permission for each apps whether real, fake or blank data is shared, but a bit cleaner than XPrivacy.
Thanks!
Well, PAC have permission-per-app management, I dont know what you need, give it a try and back at us your feelings.
Sent from my Xperia Z2 using XDA Free mobile app
afaik
the C in PAC stands for CYANOGENMOD
you quoted from cyng -> the profit department
I've been an iPhone user for years but I've always wanted to move on to Android because of how much more freedom it provides compared to IOS. Jailbreaking was somewhat simple to do but Apple would be quick to patch that out and they are just so restrictive, on top of having weak hardware it was enough for me to want to move on. I've owned my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge for a week now and I'm still getting used to this new OS and so far I'm finding the edge screen to be annoying because the way I hold the phone my skin would touch the edge and it would just make the side bar continuously pull out. Anyways I'm looking to get the most out of my new phone.
1. Is there any way for me to prevent my phone from auto updating? yesterday it said there was an update available and I didnt want to immediately rush into updating on the chance I would be missing out on rooting my device but then a couple of hours later my phone would light up and it would update all my applications as well as the firmware without my consent. As wonderful as that sounds I would prefer to make that choice myself so I dont accidentally update past a firmware where its possible to root. Even after updating is it possible to rollback at all or no? My device is now on 6.0.1 so I hope I'm not too screwed.
2. I have some preinstalled apps I am positive I will never use in my life such as Uber (I drive my own car) and Facebook (I dont have Facebook and dont plan on it anytime soon). I saw options to disable it but I would prefer if it was outright deleted so is it possible? I would like to save on the space that it takes up no matter how minuscule that may be especially on apps that are just dead weight.
My phone is Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge and my service provider is AT&T.
I'm exactly in the same boat as you, having just moved to Samsung/Android after using iphones since it's first release. It feels so great to have the freedom that comes with the S7 Edge.
I too found the edge screen to be annoying, but as soon as I bought my case ( OtterBox Commuter) that issue you describe quickly dissapeared, I beleive any case will deliver the same result, as you'd been griping the actual case and not the edge screen .
There is a way to disable your play store updates through the play store settings.
As far as firmware updates you can control these in the Settings - About options. However I don't beleive that Android updates are there to plug any capabilities of rooting Android, from my understanding as long as the baseband is unlocked, and that will depend on which version of the Edge you have then it will remain rootable regardless of any software updates pushed. However someone with more android experience is probably best to confirm this.
I'm suprised that your device came pre-installed with Uber and Facebook, I had to install them through play store and likewise am able to uninstall them. There is an app called package disabler in the app store but as the name suggests it only disables them which you say you have the option to anyway. I beleive a root will be able to fix that.
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
first time android user
To be very honest i did hands on many android smartphone but my love to windows phone always increase respectively
. Do you really think a hard core windows lover its gonna be easy to sift at android .
On the T-Mobile version you can hit postpone when it pops up and then schedule it.
Thank you ih8un for your response. I guess I'll wait until rooting becomes available in order to delete these preinstalled apps.
Can anyone confirm if firmware updates can patch out rooting? If yes how do I disable or prevent firmware updating? I cant seem to find that option anywhere in the settings.
*You have got snapdragon version which have locked bootloader so unless samsung and at&t push out official update that unlock it, it is unlikely your device will get rooted at least not normal method.
1.It is possible but unlikely that new update can make root impossible(assume that your s7 get bootloader unlocked and root by flashing supersu) but if your device get root in special way by using exploits(like jailbreaking ios) update will patch up exploit and disable rooting.
2.Uninstall preinstall app will recover no space for user since system partition has fixed size and separate from data partition.
(Preinstall apps is in system partition. User apps and data is in data partition)
Also once your device is rooted it will list your software as custom and disable ota update.
Sent from my SM-A9000 using Tapatalk
@RemixDeluxe couple things.
Package DisablerPro even though they don't uninstall the apps such as Uber it does disable and they won't show up in your folder nor update.
To stop automatic app update go to Playstore settings and check the do not auto update box.
As far as firmware update I took the update so no biggie
Since the bootloader on the G935A ATT is locked down tight I seriously doubt there'll be a root exploit but if someone does find one if you root you won't have to worry about auto updates because the device won't be able to take the OTA.
I use a thin Speck case and Case Mate makes a good case as well and they will eliminate the incidental screen touches.
I've had the Galaxy S series of devices since the S2 and I've got to say in my humble opinion of course you won't find a finer device.
Yes I've owned several other android devices as well.
I've bought the international S7 Edge and that device is fully rootable so if you can come up with the money it's an idea to consider.
Even the Tmobile S7 Edge bootloader is locked down now so that's out of the question.
I hope I've answered some of your questions.
Feel free to hit me up if you have more.
"And on that bombshell!"
Sent from my Smokin G935A
NonXtreme said:
*You have got snapdragon version which have locked bootloader so unless samsung and at&t push out official update that unlock it, it is unlikely your device will get rooted at least not normal method.
1.It is possible but unlikely that new update can make root impossible(assume that your s7 get bootloader unlocked and root by flashing supersu) but if your device get root in special way by using exploits(like jailbreaking ios) update will patch up exploit and disable rooting.
2.Uninstall preinstall app will recover no space for user since system partition has fixed size and separate from data partition.
(Preinstall apps is in system partition. User apps and data is in data partition)
Also once your device is rooted it will list your software as custom and disable ota update.
Sent from my SM-A9000 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm confused by your post, I thought rooting the phone was the equivalent to jailbreaking on IOS as in it makes the device open source but by no means is it official by the developers of the OS.
So are you saying I can only disable updates once my phone is rooted? I mean how would I stop it in the first place so I can get root to begin with? sounds like a catch 22.
s7freak said:
@RemixDeluxe couple things.
Package DisablerPro even though they don't uninstall the apps such as Uber it does disable and they won't show up in your folder nor update.
To stop automatic app update go to Playstore settings and check the do not auto update box.
As far as firmware update I took the update so no biggie
Since the bootloader on the G935A ATT is locked down tight I seriously doubt there'll be a root exploit but if someone does find one if you root you won't have to worry about auto updates because the device won't be able to take the OTA.
I use a thin Speck case and Case Mate makes a good case as well and they will eliminate the incidental screen touches.
I've had the Galaxy S series of devices since the S2 and I've got to say in my humble opinion of course you won't find a finer device.
Yes I've owned several other android devices as well.
I've bought the international S7 Edge and that device is fully rootable so if you can come up with the money it's an idea to consider.
Even the Tmobile S7 Edge bootloader is locked down now so that's out of the question.
I hope I've answered some of your questions.
Feel free to hit me up if you have more.
"And on that bombshell!"
Sent from my Smokin G935A
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont care about applications updating since that doesnt affect the OS in terms of exploits but for firmware updates I want to be able to not update because I imagine Samsung or AT&T (whoever it concerns) would not want their customers to root their devices and have open souce access they arent suppose to have. Maybe I'm too used to Apple stomping out jailbreak and I should ease up with Android updates, this is all new to me so forgive my lack of understanding.
RemixDeluxe said:
I dont care about applications updating since that doesnt affect the OS in terms of exploits but for firmware updates I want to be able to not update because I imagine Samsung or AT&T (whoever it concerns) would not want their customers to root their devices and have open souce access they arent suppose to have. Maybe I'm too used to Apple stomping out jailbreak and I should ease up with Android updates, this is all new to me so forgive my lack of understanding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly I doubt very seriously if there will be root for the ATT, Verizon, TMO s7 edge. Just like the s6 edge or Note5. There was root for a very short period for the s6 edge but the exploit was patched very quickly. It seems devs aren't even trying to find root for ATT devices since the bootloaders are so tightly locked.
As far as updates to the OS since root isn't available there's no worry about exploits being patched.
It sucks tremendously but the major carriers are more concerned with security than anything else.
Tomorrow my ATT s7 edge is going back to the corporate store and from now on I'll be buying the international versions outright.
I've been lucky since I've had a couple other devices that I was able to sell on Swappa to offset the cost.
"And on that bombshell!"
Sent from my Smokin G935A
I really wanted to root my device, its half the fun of owning a new device and this really bums me out I may possible never get to experience that.
So am I completely screwed out of rooting or do you think there will be some workarounds in the foreseeable future?
Thanks for keeping me informed.
RemixDeluxe said:
I really wanted to root my device, its half the fun of owning a new device and this really bums me out I may possible never get to experience that.
So am I completely screwed out of rooting or do you think there will be some workarounds in the foreseeable future?
Thanks for keeping me informed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never underestimate the xda community even if it looks grim now I'm keeping a positive outlook that us variants will eventually have root. But maybe that's just wishful thinking. But there are plenty of modifications and customization options available to us without the need of root.
I have a couple of requests in regards to some applications if anyone would be generous enough to suggest anything.
1. Are there any applications to get free inapp purchases without root?
2. Anyway to stop ads in apps or while viewing youtube videos? I've tried a few adblockers but they dont seem to do much if anything at all.
3. I used this app on my iPhone called Mewseek which allowed you to download music on the fly and listen to it instantly. Is there any equivalent of that on Android?
Has anyone else seen this yet? It's a supposed secure OS for nexus devices. https://copperhead.co/android/downloads If anyone checks it out, let us know how it goes.
Wow I never seen this.:laugh:
Looks interesting, Im gonna check it further. Probably a AOSP based with some patches, fdroid, and some anti-gapps apps?
Most definitely curious as to how this runs....they want you to relock the bootloader though...????????????
Runs really nice. But there is no open source support for my android wear watch which I need.
No thank you. I would rather trust google and NSA, instead of some no name offshore company.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA Labs
suhridkhan said:
No thank you. I would rather trust google and NSA, instead of some no name offshore company.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Toronto is off-shore?
Lol
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA-Developers mobile app
Locking the bootloader is good for your security.
Sent from a 128th Legion Stormtrooper 6P
toronto is offshore? do you think they live in igloos still aswell?
also this is just aosp with google signatures,
i tested for fun, boot animation is crap,
some lag going n settings,
no playstore access, no gapps at all from what i saw,
secure unsure, i dont know enough to rip apart the source and see if any holes from the company,
I was intrigued by Copperhead since reading about the Unaphone, another Google free operating system. Unlike Unaphone, whom's developers were providing it only for their proprietary hardware, when I saw CopperheadOS I knew I was going to try it for sure!
Previously running Resurrection, my phone already had an unlocked bootloader. Even if it hadn't, flashing Copperhead using the developer's instructions is very easy.
First impressions were good. The phone was noticeably more responsive, lacking google services normally running, and stable since the OS itself is based on stock which was considerably more stable than other roms I've tried. All the features you would expect from 6.0.1 are present and working. What is not preset however is the Google Play store or services! I didn't appreciate the implications of not having google services before actually trying to use a phone without them. Although it is possible to sideload gapps, one would rather negate the point of this ROM.
Poking around the settings the first thing I noticed were granular security settings with detailed descriptions. There is also a nice security versus performance slider for the layman. The idea of preventing exploits using the techniques in this rom is my main reason for using it.
After an evening of use, the vast majority of closed-source-paid apps I was able to replace with open-source alternatives. There are a few exceptions I am still trying to figure out, but overall, I think if you are willing to cut the google-cloud-services cord its worth a try. If you really must, most apk's for closed apps can be found and installed but these decisions should probably be weighed carefully.
I never realized my reliance on google and closed apps until I tried to use an OS that doesn't rely on them. Trying this rom is a good exercise in living off the google grid; or at the least driving the use of google services back into the browser.
At the end of the day this rom has its place for the privacy and security minded enthusiast, but for the average user, sticking to something with google services is probably more realistic.
longview41 said:
Toronto is off-shore?
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pacman photog said:
toronto is offshore? do you think they live in igloos still aswell?
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The 'offshore' part was simply a figure of speech.
What I mean is that if you don't trust google with your data, you have more reason not to trust an unknown company.
At least google is transparent about my data, and gives me control of how much I want to share with them. https://myactivity.google.com/myactivity
Installed it yesterday on a Nexus 5x and so far it runs great. It indeed seems really security orientated with no default root or GApps. Didn't try to activate xposed (which I hope will work) or related stuff yet but so far I intend to keep it.
Copperhead is trusted. They will be working with Guardian Project and Fdroid to build a complete system. Read this post for more info: https://copperhead.co/blog/2016/03/29/crowdfunding-partnership-announced
mg.degroot said:
Installed it yesterday on a Nexus 5x and so far it runs great. It indeed seems really security orientated with no default root or GApps. Didn't try to activate xposed (which I hope will work) or related stuff yet but so far I intend to keep it.
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Please let us know if you're able to root, install xposed and still relock the bootloader.
mg.degroot said:
Installed it yesterday on a Nexus 5x and so far it runs great. It indeed seems really security orientated with no default root or GApps. Didn't try to activate xposed (which I hope will work) or related stuff yet but so far I intend to keep it.
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Could you please share some screenshots... Would like to try the OS... But would like to see how it is ...
Also do you see the sRGB mode in developer options... Without it the colors on the Nexus 6P are inaccurate at best...
Stop asking about features or customisation options, this rom has none. Its about security, not features
kbBT4A5e said:
I was intrigued by Copperhead since reading about ...
After an evening of use, the vast majority of closed-source-paid apps I was able to replace with open-source alternatives. There are a few exceptions I am still trying to figure out, but overall, I think if you are willing to cut the google-cloud-services cord its worth a try. If you really must, most apk's for closed apps can be found and installed but these decisions should probably be weighed carefully.
I never realized my reliance on google and closed apps until I tried to use an OS that doesn't rely on them. Trying this rom is a good exercise in living off the google grid; or at the least driving the use of google services back into the browser.
At the end of the day this rom has its place for the privacy and security minded enthusiast, but for the average user, sticking to something with google services is probably more realistic.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for sharing your experience. So we have decide if security is really more important than our investment and dependency in the Google ecosystem. I depend on G too much. My email is like my passport or online identification. I dont sideload unknown or unverified apps, dont visit links i dont know about, etc. Yes, i can still be remotely exploited, but i am not a gov official or some sort of millionaire with top secret info on my phone, as most of us. You saved me couple of hours of my day
A little update since I've been running this for about 2 weeks. I sideloaded gapps and the phone has been running fine, but found out today while trying to install the latest OTA update from copperhead it fails to install due to inconsistencies detected in the system partition since I installed gapps; from a security standpoint this feature is great. Unfortunately I can't function without gapps. In order to get the latest security updates, which is probably more important than the security features cooked into copperhead, I must: reflash the device with the latest full image, install twrp, sideload gapps, restore the copperhead recovery, then reinstall all my apps.
This being the case to get OTA updates, unless you can really commit to opensource with no gapps its not really worth the hassle.
Using it for an extended period I did notice the device was a bit slow even on medium security settings. Originally I had it maxed right out, but it wasn't usable. On medium it was a small price to pay for security but its hard to quantify the value.
I think its time to return to an AOSP rom for me.
I'm running it currently runs great but I can't figure out how to fix the dreaded APN issues :\ Tried almost every fix on XDA haven't gotten Any dev help either :\ other than the lack of data its a great ROM. Apparently I'm not alone judging by the other post on XDA about this. Apparently this is a known issue with no real fix. Sucks since its the only reason I got this phone
Hi guys add me also 09945673600
Mini-rant
OK, so I have to rant (just briefly) about the whole state of Samsung phones at the moment. Basically, we spend gobs of money on expensive devices and get locked down pre-loaded junk in return. Oh, they are physically impressive, have good specs, and are aesthetically nice gadgets. But would you spend $1600 bucks on a new laptop that came with software you couldn’t remove and could only be upgraded for the next 4 years?!?!
I have wanted to experiment with LineageOS for years. I bought a used Samsung S8+ in 2018 and quickly found out that LineageOS was a no go because Samsung locks the bootloaders on all US and Canadian models. So, that was never going to happen unless some guru found a hack.
Now, five years later, I went out of my way to find a Global/European S10+ (an SM-G975F) specifically so that I could install LineageOS. Now, I managed to do that easily enough. But now I am stuck with a phone that has poor reception and slow LTE speeds because it is missing LTE bands used in Canada (i.e. the SM-G975F uses different bands than the SM-G975W).
So here we are… making tradeoffs again.
And while I like fiddling with things like this, I have to wonder... why are we here in the first place? I just want a phone that doesn’t come preloaded with junk that I don’t want. I don’t want Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok or even Office 365 pre-installed and non-removable. It is like moving into a new house and finding out that the builder picked out furniture for the living room and, while you can push it off to the side and cover it with a blanket, you can never actually remove it. Why is the builder picking out furniture for me in the first place?
Some will say they like the furniture the builder picked. Most will say they don’t hate it or that they found a way to cover it up sufficiently that they don’t really notice it anymore. That isn’t really the point though, is it?
LineageOS on the other hand comes with nothing that it shouldn’t. Oh, and you can have LineageOS if you like (if you stand on your head and find a way to order a phone from another market) but then you have crummy reception forever. Oh, and when you are done you are a 2nd class citizen who can't use the NFC chip on his/her phone to pay for things because you were a "bad person" who found a way to remove the builder's sofa from your living room.
Oh, there are tricks… download this tool or that… but some don’t work anymore because of update XYZ…
Why can’t I just turn on the LTE bands I need??!?! Like, seriously, why not?!?!
Or better yet, why doesn’t my phone do it for me when it sees the Bell SIM card?!?!
Whose phone is this anyway?!?!
The state of Samsung phones in North America is garbage. Full stop. Pure garbage. No, I am not being too harsh.
1) All phones should come with basic firmware that makes the phone work and nothing else. The phone should not be used as an on-ramp into whichever ecosystem is paying the manufacturer more. OEM apps (i.e. Samung Calculator, Samsung DeX, etc.) are fine but no 3rd party junk like Facebook and Instagram. That is what the store is for.
2) All bootloaders should be unlockable and re-lockable once custom firmware is loaded if that firmware is itself signed. No "tripping Knox" or this nonsense.
3) All radio/LTE/carrier settings should be accessible and customizable with easily selectable presets for major carriers worldwide.
Anything else is a closed ecosystem that doesn't respect your basic property rights.
OK, done ranting... Maybe someone from Samsung will notice and maybe it will make a difference.
Best regards,
The Fish
I run two stock N10+'s, a N975U and a N975U1.
Running on Android 9* and 10 respectively. Neither have had their firmware upgraded. I use Package Disabler to block about 70-80 apks and settings are heavily optimized. Both run fast, stable and fullfill their mission with almost no issues and little maintenance. Excellent SOT and standby time.
Both are compatible with AT&T and as such there are no reception issues. You check and verify this before you purchase. Slam the sim card in and they're good to go. Once optimized and running well, don't upgrade firmware or update apps and it will run fine for years. Don't do the above and you will need to find work arounds... if they exist.
Current load on this N10+ will be 3yo this June. No malware during that time. Still looks, feels and runs like new. Only repair has been a battery. After a steep learning curve I'm very pleased with these devices. They are still a joy to use. However I can't say the same for the proceeding Samsung flagships and will never own one of them for a litany of reasons*.
Samsung phones with/in this SOC/generation can run well in capable hands, stock, if used as described.
*has last Android 9 firmware update
**lol, don't get me started
blackhawk said:
Neither have had their firmware upgraded. I use Package Disabler to block about 70-80 apks and settings are heavily optimized. Both run fast, stable and fullfill their mission with almost no issues and little maintenance.
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This kind of proves my point. I am not saying there isn't a way to get your Samsung phone running the way you want it. I am saying that the hoops we have to jump through and the tradeoffs we have to make are unacceptable.
Why do you have to use Package Disabler to block about 70-80 apks?!?! Why should you have to block *any* APKs at all?
Why do you have to stick with old, outdated firmware? Why do you have to make this tradeoff? Why do we have to have a hostile relationship with Samsung?
Why can't we have a nice phone, no bloatware, no junk, no apps we don't want. Get updates for a reasonable amount of time (i.e. till the hardware no longer supports it)?
blackhawk said:
Both are compatible with AT&T and as such there are no reception issues. You check and verify this before you purchase. Slam the sim card in and they're good to go.
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Sure. And I knew ahead of time when I purchased the Global S10+ (the SM-G975F) that it didn't support all the same LTE bands as the Canadian model (the SM-G975W). But again, I had to make tradeoffs because I wanted to run LineageOS. Again, why do we have to choose between two crummy options?!?! Where are the good options?!?
I am daring to imagine a world where this is better. Really, we used to have phones locked to service providers and 5-year contracts. Those were the bad old days. But these days right now (with the bloatware, etc.) are also not great. It reminds me of the Windows XP era of PCs where you would buy a new PC and be prompted to sign up for 100 different services upon initial bootup. Only difference then was you could re-install the operating system on your PC and free yourself from the OEM bloatware. But now, with phones, they make even that impossible with locked bootloaders.
Basically, if I could unlock the bootloader of a Canadian SM-G975W that would be ideal. Any why isn't it like that anyway?!?! Isn't that the way it should be to begin with?
Locked bootloaders with no option to unlock should be illegal.
The Fish
thefish123 said:
This kind of proves my point. I am not saying there isn't a way to get your Samsung phone running the way you want it. I am saying that the hoops we have to jump through and the tradeoffs we have to make are unacceptable.
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I'm a pragmatist, I use what works.
thefish123 said:
Why do you have to use Package Disabler to block about 70-80 apks?!?! Why should you have to block *any* APKs at all?
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It's only blocking what I consider bloatware. 10 or 15 of those apks are apps I installed but chose to kept disabled 99% of the time.
thefish123 said:
Why do you have to stick with old, outdated firmware? Why do you have to make this tradeoff? Why do we have to have a hostile relationship with Samsung?
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It's your choice to upgrade and there's no reason to upgrade if the firmware is fulfilling its mission if you're running Android 9 or higher. If you lack wherewithal you pay a price...
thefish123 said:
Why can't we have a nice phone, no bloatware, no junk, no apps we don't want. Get updates for a reasonable amount of time (i.e. till the hardware no longer supports it)?
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Updates and upgrades aren't needed on an optimized device that's running well. New phones with the newest firmware are running like crap in case you didn't notice. Very little speed increase in most routine activities and horrible SOT on most.
thefish123 said:
Sure. And I knew ahead of time when I purchased the Global S10+ (the SM-G975F) that it didn't support all the same LTE bands as the Canadian model (the SM-G975W). But again, I had to make tradeoffs because I wanted to run LineageOS. Again, why do we have to choose between two crummy options?!?! Where are the good options?!?
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Well you knew there be connectivity issues and that should have flagged it. Custom roms have custom problems with a limited user/support base.
thefish123 said:
I am daring to imagine a world where this is better. Really, we used to have phones locked to service providers and 5-year contracts. Those were the bad old days. But these days right now (with the bloatware, etc.) are also not great. It reminds me of the Windows XP era of PCs where you would buy a new PC and be prompted to sign up for 100 different services upon initial bootup. Only difference then was you could re-install the operating system on your PC and free yourself from the OEM bloatware. But now, with phones, they make even that impossible with locked bootloaders.
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It's not that bad if you shop smart. I bought out my AT&T N10+ at 2 years. It's almost identical to my carrier unlocked variant. I want the boot loader locked for security. No way I'm touching the firmware as these are premium flagships that run extremely well as is. I have very little to gain and lots to lose... including time.
thefish123 said:
Basically, if I could unlock the bootloader of a Canadian SM-G975W that would be ideal. Any why isn't it like that anyway?!?! Isn't that the way it should be to begin with?
Locked bootloaders with no option to unlock should be illegal.
The Fish
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You buy Samsung flagships for the premium hardware and then work within the framework that's available and what works best for you. You can root the Exynos variants but their hardware is almost always inferior to the Snaps. Consequences.
At this point both Samsung and Android newest products are so out of line that they are unusable to me. I don't care what they do, screw them. I'm in a holding pattern for 3+ more years happily using my N10+'s... I don't care. All my issues are worked out because I threw time at them to do so and I'm very satisfied with the outcome.
In 3+ years I will reevaluate the situation and decide what to do. Right now as things stand I don't reccomend any new Samsung's or anything Android version above Android 10. Unfortunately I have no easy solutions for you other than what I did. Even that isn't simple fix but it's a zero risk fix. I refuse to risk damaging these N10+'s by mucking with their firmware unless its needed for repair.
blackhawk said:
Well you knew there be connectivity issues and that should have flagged it. Custom roms have custom problems with a limited user/support base.
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The reason I purchased this specific model was so that I could run a custom ROM. But the connectivity issues are not caused by the custom rom. They are caused by the fact that I am using a phone designed for a different market where different LTE bands are used.
And yes, I knew that ahead of time. And I am not regretting that. But you are missing the point. The radio in my phone is perfectly capable of using the LTE bands that my carrier uses. So why shouldn't there be a straightforward way to enable them?
What if I used to live in Europe and moved to Canada? Should I be forced to buy a new phone just because Samsung doesn't let me change LTE bands? Or if I travel between Europe and Canada on business then I just have to suffer with crummy reception?
My point is one of ownership, property rights.
thefish123 said:
The reason I purchased this specific model was so that I could run a custom ROM. But the connectivity issues are not caused by the custom rom. They are caused by the fact that I am using a phone designed for a different market where different LTE bands are used.
And yes, I knew that ahead of time. And I am not regretting that. But you are missing the point. The radio in my phone is perfectly capable of using the LTE bands that my carrier uses. So why shouldn't there be a straightforward way to enable them?
What if I used to live in Europe and moved to Canada? Should I be forced to buy a new phone just because Samsung doesn't let me change LTE bands? Or if I travel between Europe and Canada on business then I just have to suffer with crummy reception?
My point is one of ownership, property rights.
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Connectivity is paramount. Regardless of what your user rights should be, you need to work within the limits of the options available. The square peg round hole thing...
You may be able to enable those bands and that's probably where you should be directing your energy. I purposely try to avoid having to do that as much as possible and never had to. You dove down the rabbit hole, hopefully it's not too deep. Try looking at the hidden phone user settings first... I guess.
blackhawk said:
Connectivity is paramount. Regardless of what your user rights should be, you need to work within the limits of the options available. The square peg round hole thing...
You may be able to enable those bands and that's probably where you should be directing your energy. I purposely try to avoid having to do that as much as possible and never had to. You dove down the rabbit hole, hopefully it's not too deep. Try looking at the hidden phone user settings first... I guess.
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Yes, I agree. Being a phone is the most important thing that a phone does. And I am directing my energies in that direction as well. But in the process, it occures to me that a messed-up antagonistic anti-customer ecosystem this whole thing is. We would *never* accept this from a computer company, a car manufacturer, or a home builder. Yet, for some reason, we accept it from phone makers like Samsung and that we need to work within these [artificially imposed] limits.
Anyway, yes, there used to be a hidden phone menu (why hidden?) that would have let me enable the bands that I need. But Samsung removed it sometime last year with an update. Again, why?!?!
I'll keep looking. I'm sure I will figure out something in time inspite of Samsung, not because of them.
The Fish
What OS version are you on?
The band selections are probably still there although means of access may have changed.
My knowledge in this area is very limited. The sim card always configured it perfectly for me.
Best to check with your carrier to be sure that phone model is on their white list.
You could try seeing if someone help you from your carrier tech support...sometimes you get lucky if you try enough.
blackhawk said:
What OS version are you on?
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I am running LineageOS 19.1.
blackhawk said:
The band selections are probably still there although means of access may have changed.
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The band selection app is categorically *not* there anymore because it A) it was part of the Samsung firmware and B) even if I was on Samsung firmware it wouldn't be there anymore either because Samsung removed it.
There used to be a tool you could download that would allow you to access the "hidden" band selection app. But it stopped working because Samsung removed the hidden app altogeather. Like I said in my original post on this thread "Oh, there are tricks… download this tool or that… but some don’t work anymore because of update XYZ…"
My point is that the whole nonsense of disabled bands and locked bootloaders is infuriating. I is like buying a computer that can only access the internet at full speed in Europe and if you fly to Canada and use it there you get penalized with 1/2 speed. Oh, and even through you could change it with the flip of a switch that switch is buried, disabled, hidden behind locked doors.
The Google Pixel 7 Pro has all the bands turned on (i.e. there is one phone for the whole world) and the boot loader is unlocked. Just saying...
At some point I will probably prevail in getting the bands I need turned on. And then I will likely be very happy with this phone for the next 5+ years. But none of that changes the fact that this anti-consumer predatory behavior on the part of Samsung is unacceptable.
The Fish