Database Users

FireOS v5

FYI - apparently a new build of FireOS v5 is in the works which may arrive with other implications (eg: ability to root).
http://motherboard.vice.com/read/amazon-will-restore-device-encryption-after-backlash

Every day, every device made Is under the implications of getting an update. yes the sky is falling For every android product made but only for those who have not rooted and also who have not disabled updates. re-enabling updates and taking an ota is always discourage.

rp201 said:
Every day, every device made Is under the implications of getting an update. yes the sky is falling For every android product made but only for those who have not rooted and also who have not disabled updates. re-enabling updates and taking an ota is always discourage.
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Thanks for your thoughts. OP was not an anticipation of a new release (good/bad depending on perspective) but a heads-up for those who track such developments and appreciate the implications. Advanced users, code maintainers, support enthusiasts, etc.
For those on FireOS 5.1.1 who have not rooted the pending release of a new version provides fair notice that the ability to root, install custom roms, etc. may be compromised should OTA update be taken. Decision time for some (at minimum root and block OTA).

Hmm encryption on here would slow it down wouldn't it.

Pond-life said:
Hmm encryption on here would slow it down wouldn't it.
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Absolutely given no hardware acceleration. FUD feature for majority of users assuming passwords and such are not stored on device and lock screen is password protected. If your tab falls into the wrong hands few are going to dig for personal data if it is not easy to access. Device will either be discarded or wiped. That said there are clearly cases where device encryption is beneficial/necessary. Glad Amazon is doing the right thing and returning the feature to FireOS which historically has been off by default.

First time owner of an Android device, have a couple of questions

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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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?

SM-G935U Galaxy S7 Edge (Unlocked) - May 1st Security Patches

Had the Nexus 6P - but even with Franco kernel and normal use battery life wasn't long enough. Saw the release of the S7 Edge unlocked which was great so I went and picked it up from best buy last night. Big reason is the monthly update cycle and keeping everything patched from a security standpoint without the Verizon bloat and slow release cycles.
Went to check the patch level and saw "Android security patch level: May 1, 2016". Checked for updates and are none.
Anyone else experiencing this? Appears to be missing June for sure and the newly released July security patches.

kennedyd013 said:
Had the Nexus 6P - but even with Franco kernel and normal use battery life wasn't long enough. Saw the release of the S7 Edge unlocked which was great so I went and picked it up from best buy last night. Big reason is the monthly update cycle and keeping everything patched from a security standpoint without the Verizon bloat and slow release cycles.
Went to check the patch level and saw "Android security patch level: May 1, 2016". Checked for updates and are none.
Anyone else experiencing this? Appears to be missing June for sure and the newly released July security patches.
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Yeah mine has the same update. Does yours have the briefing feed on the left of your home screen? I noticed mine doesn't like the carrier ones do.

Same here..
Alaris said:
Yeah mine has the same update. Does yours have the briefing feed on the left of your home screen? I noticed mine doesn't like the carrier ones do.
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Yep - same with me - no briefing feed when you swipe left - nothing there.
Wonder whats happening - would hope Samsung provides updates to their own phone.. ?

I'm guessing it's because the phone just came out that they haven't released an update with the latest security patches yet. They probably have to set up their update servers for this new phone and a bunch of other behind the scenes stuff to get updates rolling. I would assume that it will get something within the next couple weeks and then continue to keep up with the other variants.

Does this variant of the S7 Edge have an unlocked bootloader?

No unlocked bootloader - just not tied to an individual carrier i.e. verizon, etc. with the extra bloatware.
Still no updates yet to the SM-G935U.

Ended up returning it and going back to my Nexus - no updates really sucks.

Has anyone figured out how to get briefing on the left screen. I used that a lot and i can't get it to work. Even went to the play store and Samsung store, got briefing but it won't let me enable it on the home screen settings...?

I've gone round and round with Samsung support about this particular unlocked device. The bottom line is that they are saying OTA updates for these devices might not be available because those are normally pushed through the carrier. They suggested to use their Smart Switch tool to apply updates. Even though this is a terrible idea and they should use OTA (with the invention of non-carrier WiFi these days ), I checked using this tool and surprise... there were no updates available.
I'll spare everyone the entire conversation, but this is how it ended:
"We understand. If you have an unlocked the latest updates for firmware and security can be done through Smart Switch. If you have checked for an update using Smart Switch and there aren't any currently available, we couldn't speculate on when that may change. In many cases this wouldn't be delivered OTA because OTA updates are normally pushed by carriers. Unlocked devices may not be able to get updates directly from the carrier currently being used. ^Jay"

Mine just updated today with the August 1st security patches. If had to guess, they waited until the Olympics were over since they handed these unlocked devices out to every athlete in attendance and they didn't want them receiving updates during the event.

Hopefully now that the unlocked models have received their first update, they will continue to get regular updates at the same time as other variants.

just checked for update - 164.13 mb ) ( g935v flashed to g935u)

Interesting
secsquirl said:
Mine just updated today with the August 1st security patches. If had to guess, they waited until the Olympics were over since they handed these unlocked devices out to every athlete in attendance and they didn't want them receiving updates during the event.
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Thanks for posting this one, thats good to hear. I wonder if they will proceed further. Good to hear Samsung's infrastructure will support updates in the future. I wonder if its only for security patches or if they will do incremental updates to OS as well, like Android N for example.

Just got this tonight. I didn't have automatic update turned on but I checked and this showed up. Idk if i should do it or not.

I'm on T-Mobile with the SM-G935U. I got the update a few weeks ago and now it shows the Aug 1,2016 Android security update.

As far as root and bootloader unlock should i not do the update or just go for it?

Can the sm-g935U be flashed using DFS Tools? Does these codes bring up the diag menu?
##3424#
###366633#
Can someone please try those codes and see if the diag menu shows.
Thanks

PapaDocta said:
Can the sm-g935U be flashed using DFS Tools? Does these codes bring up the diag menu?
##3424#
###366633#
Can someone please try those codes and see if the diag menu shows.
Thanks
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Click to collapse
Those codes don't bring up anything. Neither does *#0*# - I'm still on the damned May 1, 2016 Security update and it doesn't seem to think I need one.

Who's responsible for security updates?

My X Style Pure (2015) was updated last Fall to the first version of Nougat (7.0) and has received nothing since October 2017. Moto/Lenovo isn't going to update the OS any further. I'd assumed that I'd still get the monthly security updates.
I know I can use an unofficial ROM to get the phone to Oreo. But will I get security updates? Is the carrier (Verizon) responsible or Moto/Lenovo? Would I have to do it myself, and if so, how?
Just curious as I don't think I've ever seen an answer to this.

The manufacturer is responsible for security updates for as long as they support the device. This assumes that there is no carrier interference with the process: something quite common in the US. Since this device is no longer supported, neither Lenovo nor the carrier is responsible for providing further updates. That now falls to the developer of the custom ROM you choose to use. Most developers are good about providing security updates, but they aren't required to do so either, unlike Lenovo or the carrier.

That's good to know--and a practice that needs to change. I think that the phone manufacturer should continue providing those updates far longer than they do.

TheHarbinger said:
That's good to know--and a practice that needs to change. I think that the phone manufacturer should continue providing those updates far longer than they do.
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LoL...I agree but in the Android ecosystem, it is unlikely to change. You want consistent regular timely updates for at least 2 years on date of release, then a Google phone (Pixel devices) is the only way to go. Ultimately, it is all about getting people to upgrade and therefore increasing profit. While batteries being "built in and not user replaceable" does lead to slimmer devices, it also means people will upgrade more as their battery life depletes over time. It seems there are a lot of people experiencing sudden battery problems shortly after 2 years on the MXPE. Strange...

Galaxy View update to 6.0 or greater? Project XCloud purposes

Project XCloud is coming out soon and the Galaxy View tablets will be the perfect tablets to have portable xbox gaming on the go however the minimum requirements for Project XCloud is 6.0 (Marshmallow) or higher! The highest version the original Galaxy View has is 5.1 (Lollipop) now I'm aware their's custom roms for higher android versions but I don't want to strip the original software from Samsung in favor of other roms, is there anything we can do to have the software updated? Mine is the AT&T 64GB Black model that is LTE + Wifi.

Bump, I'm in the exact same boat

AOSP-ish?
What're you guys slow? Lmao! Sry jk! They've already released the Galaxy View 2. Being that the last official update for GV1 is what? 2016; I believe? I don't think there is anything we can do for an official update from Samsung. *shrug* MAYBE try e-signing some type of online petition? Maybe Fakebook? Twatter? (*sp-Squatter) Instascram?
I would also think that Samsung would have to be linked or tagged to make it count. I'm going to take a VERY ROUGH guesstimate on what would actually grab SS Dev's attention: ~10-25k people?
I was actually thinking of the possibility of doing a "just enough" mod of the View2 stock firmware to get it working, they have relatively the same physical attributes and when you .mk the Android Package if conf files are all in order it should work for the most part. Now I'm aware this is STILL not an "official" update/firmware but it's the closest you'll get without them damn lazy devs at SS signing the apks themselves. *shrug*
Feedback?

GhoztXero said:
What're you guys slow? Lmao! Sry jk! They've already released the Galaxy View 2. Being that the last official update for GV1 is what? 2016; I believe? I don't think there is anything we can do for an official update from Samsung. *shrug* MAYBE try e-signing some type of online petition? Maybe Fakebook? Twatter? (*sp-Squatter) Instascram?
I would also think that Samsung would have to be linked or tagged to make it count. I'm going to take a VERY ROUGH guesstimate on what would actually grab SS Dev's attention: ~10-25k people?
I was actually thinking of the possibility of doing a "just enough" mod of the View2 stock firmware to get it working, they have relatively the same physical attributes and when you .mk the Android Package if conf files are all in order it should work for the most part. Now I'm aware this is STILL not an "official" update/firmware but it's the closest you'll get without them damn lazy devs at SS signing the apks themselves. *shrug*
Feedback?
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samsung is as worthless as their tvs! they update once maybe twice the software and then it is dead. because they are too busy trying to rip everyone off for the next $1000 phone or TV to care about keeping their stuff up to date. i have been sitting at 5.1 forever and the tablet lags so much now i have to disable 90% of the apps because they are memory hogs especially google apps. even updating the rom to 6.0 would make the tablet run smoother, but that will never happen.