Database Users

[Q] flashing stock firmware over old/ region

hello i require your assistance
i bought a samsung galaxy note 3 SM-n9009 in china. Upon bringing it back to singapore, i realised that i may not be able to use it with local telcos. I have limited knowledge of phone firmware, but if im not wrong, each telco has their own firmware. Hence, my question is, am i able to flash my local telco's firmware over the current one, and use my simcard on it without any drawbacks? and if so, how?
i have did a limited search and found that only european note 3 are region locked. im not sure if the current one is.
thank you for your help
for info: singapore local models are n9005.

Nuker22110 said:
hello i require your assistance
i bought a samsung galaxy note 3 SM-n9009 in china. Upon bringing it back to singapore, i realised that i may not be able to use it with local telcos. I have limited knowledge of phone firmware, but if im not wrong, each telco has their own firmware. Hence, my question is, am i able to flash my local telco's firmware over the current one, and use my simcard on it without any drawbacks? and if so, how?
i have did a limited search and found that only european note 3 are region locked. im not sure if the current one is.
thank you for your help
for info: singapore local models are n9005.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There isn't much info around about the N9009 model, Is it like the N9005? snapdragon? -- From what I can see it isn't possible, however it may be possible flashing N9005 firmware but I wouldn't hold your hopes too high.

radicalisto said:
There isn't much info around about the N9009 model, Is it like the N9005? snapdragon? -- From what I can see it isn't possible, however it may be possible flashing N9005 firmware but I wouldn't hold your hopes too high.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you for the fast reply. its a china dual sim model. how do i tell if its snapdragon? and if its possible how should i go about doing it?

Yup it's Snapdragon - Only N900 has Exynos (my bad should have realised straight away) ---
In regards to flashing, you need to read A LOT on here about the different flash routes you can take, compatability and methods. And be ready to be able to flash back to the software that it is on currently or you could end up with a bricked device. Once you have read up on everything, you can then decide if you feel you can flash your device or not, or if the device can handle it without messing it up.
Although saying that *eureka!*. Have a look if you can change your CSC/Modem radio -- that may work rather than trying to flash a new firmware.

radicalisto said:
Yup it's Snapdragon - Only N900 has Exynos (my bad should have realised straight away) ---
In regards to flashing, you need to read A LOT on here about the different flash routes you can take, compatability and methods. And be ready to be able to flash back to the software that it is on currently or you could end up with a bricked device. Once you have read up on everything, you can then decide if you feel you can flash your device or not, or if the device can handle it without messing it up.
Although saying that *eureka!*. Have a look if you can change your CSC/Modem radio -- that may work rather than trying to flash a new firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how could i go about checking to change the csc/ modem radio?

Have a look around the development section and you should find Modem radios/CSC files etc -- have a read and see what is there and if others have had similar issues, you may also find someone in that sub-forum with a wealth of knowledge regarding changing stuff (far more than me at least)

hopefully anyone else who has any experience would be able to shed some light on this matter

Theres not much research in n9009 cuz nobody has them
If i were you id try to flash a signapore csc and modem but no whole FW
hit 'thanks' if i helped you
SM-N9005 DBT-DMJ7 0x0
XDA Developers 4 premium app

[Q]

I have an i9500 I bought in Mozambique. Yes, Mozambique. But I have since moved to the US and want to maximize the value of the phone and take advantage of a new ROM.
I have read a number of thread about the CSC codes, but cannot understand clearly what this means. My CSC is i9500OJVFNG1
Since my phone is not a US variant, I get that it will never be 100% the best possible phone, i.e, lacking LTE.
I have not rooted this phone or changed anything from the 4.4.2 ROM that came OTA a while ago.
There is lots out there about the Russian 5.0.1 ROM, but I still do not understand the consequences of using that ROM.
The "dumb" question is how can I get the latest ROM, but the smarter question is to ask for help in understanding how this works and how I can become better at understanding how to upgrade ROMs. Please advise if there is another thread I need to look at (since searching has not helped). Many thanks.

Please Help: Trying to add Sprint CDMA/LTE Bands to my VZW G900V

I have a G900V bootloader unlocked currently running CM 13 and I would like to add Sprint CDMA & LTE bands so I can use a The Peoples Operator SIM card in an area that has better Sprint coverage than VZW. I read over this Guide on adding GSM & LTE Bands to the G900V and calculated the binaries to add the bands:
CDMA 0,1,10
LTE 2,4,13,25,26,41
CDMA Binary 10000000010
LTE Binary 100000000000000110000000000010000000010100
All set to go but I can't seem to get figure out how to get into USB Settings to change from AP to CP and MTP + ADB to RNDIS + DM + Modem, the dialer codes just don't seem to work even after changing efs/carrier/hiddenmenu from OFF to ON. I took a look at EFS Pro but it doesn't seem to have an option to Change from AP to CP. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

If your trying to get into diag mode this will do it running cm13.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1626638

jbgtenn said:
If your trying to get into diag mode this will do it running cm13.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1626638
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank yo for the link. Sadly I couldn't get the scripts to work on my G900V S5 CM13. But that link ended up leading me to this one CM13 QPST Editing files is a little above my paygrade so to speak, I've been following directions for years but still a total newb at most of this stuff but I am hoping I'm on the right track.

twolostminds said:
Thank yo for the link. Sadly I couldn't get the scripts to work on my G900V S5 CM13. But that link ended up leading me to this one CM13 QPST Editing files is a little above my paygrade so to speak, I've been following directions for years but still a total newb at most of this stuff but I am hoping I'm on the right track.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should work. Are you running the diag.sh script? I have same phone and cm13 and it works for me.

jbgtenn said:
It should work. Are you running the diag.sh script? I have same phone and cm13 and it works for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I run DIAG.SH and it just hangs there. I think I am going to do a fresh install of CM13 later this week and give it another shot.

this is what i'm trying to figure out, because i can get a good local S5 VZW but SPR use different LTE bands.
i know typically the saying is never flash anything for a different carrier of your model, but some people seem to do it with a ymmv statement, wondering if this may be the easier route to get it to just work like a native phone.
i've read several threads from people talking about carrier rom swap, some casually saying sure it can work, but no updates from OPs or others that said they would try, definitively saying that it worked or failed.
so... has anyone literally gotten something like the Odin flashable firmware at sammobile or someplace for the Verizon VZW sm-g900v and flashed it with the Sprint SPR sm-g900p stock firmware, completely changing its baseband, modem, everything so it now identifies and works the same as a Sprint phone?
or should i just keep waiting for another similarly cheap S5 bundle in a Sprint flavor?

Did you try *#0808#
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

twolostminds said:
I have a G900V bootloader unlocked currently running.......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never added any bands to my G900V myself but, I do know that it's plausible to do this.
From what I can tell, the only bands that are needed that the SM-G900P has vs the SM-G900V are specific to the 4G LTE.
Though I did confirm this using a few different locations, I believe that the following link is the best choice in viewing the comparisons between the two devices.
https://www.phonemore.com/compare/p...m-g900v-vs-samsung-galaxy-s5-sm-g900p/4561723
With that guidance...
The following link is one of the Guides available on the forum for adding Bands to a GS5. It was closed but, not because it wasn't working. It was closed because of the negative interactions from various members in there but, the guide and downloads are still good.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2886059
Please Note the success stories on the second post...
The following is another guide as well. Though, it's located within the Galaxy Note 4 area, you could say that the Galaxy Note 4 is the "Note" counterpart to the Galaxy S5.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3160864
Please Note that the OP does reflect some S5 information as well...
Those are just 2 thread examples to help accomplish what you're looking to do.
I do wish you the best of luck and hopefully the next post here will reflect your success!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.

thanks for the double check.
it looks like those are some of the threads and sites i've looked through already as i wanted to be sure i had the proper lte bands that the Sprint model came with, and it seemed possible.
however, with the increasing coverage of cybersecurity, i am increasingly hesitant the more closed source and leaked tools are involved (especially when i see some thread guides that have a mod edit for malicious download link removal).
i suppose i should just pass on the Verizon listing, and wait to spot a similarly good deal from a local person selling their personally cared for Sprint S5 plus spare battery charger case and 2nd battery all under $100 (i'm sure you can understand why i wanted to "make it work", hehe).

AT&T Wifi Calling on ROOTED T-Mobile S5

Hi,
I recently bought a T-Mobile S5 (SM-G900T). It's unlocked and I rooted and de-bloated the stock marshmallow ROM. The phone works wonderfully and it was nice getting a brand new phone that meets all my criteria (runs Google Maps fine, removable battery, SD Card, rootable) for under $150.
I use AT&T for my service. I'm wondering if anyone can tell me how to get AT&T Wifi calling working on this phone. The phone is rooted so I'm sure it's definitely possible with enough work but I'd like to know if anyone has already done this.
Thank you.
PS: please don't ask why I didn't get an SM-G900A. I didn't and what's done is done. Return/exchange period is over

If your on ATT prepaid as I am, same phone, they do not support it, only post paid can use that service. Was just at ATT store changing a battery and asked while there.

shellcode said:
Hi, I recently bought a T-Mobile S5 (SM-G900T). It's unlocked and I rooted and de-bloated the stock marshmallow ROM...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have this variant myself but, you have a few options.
You can try looking at the following threads/link that's specific to your device for some of those options...
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2800402
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3736650
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2723817
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2770849
https://forums.androidcentral.com/t-mobile/421217-wifi-calling.html
... or you could use some type of VoIP (Voice over IP) or SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) app.
Here's a few links to help you with this option.
https://www.androidauthority.com/be...p-calls-wi-fi-calling-internet-calling-87396/
http://www.toptenreviews.com/services/articles/best-voip-app-apple-android/
I don't use any of the above myself but, those would be a good start for you...
Good Luck!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.

ahvamaria said:
If your on ATT prepaid as I am, same phone, they do not support it, only post paid can use that service. Was just at ATT store changing a battery and asked while there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am on a post-paid family plan. Wifi calling is definitely supported. I've used it on other AT&T devices.

Ibuprophen said:
I don't have this variant myself but, you have a few options.
You can try looking at the following threads/link that's specific to your device for some of those options...
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2800402
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3736650
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2723817
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2770849
https://forums.androidcentral.com/t-mobile/421217-wifi-calling.html
... or you could use some type of VoIP (Voice over IP) or SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) app.
Here's a few links to help you with this option.
https://www.androidauthority.com/be...p-calls-wi-fi-calling-internet-calling-87396/
http://www.toptenreviews.com/services/articles/best-voip-app-apple-android/
I don't use any of the above myself but, those would be a good start for you...
Good Luck!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks but I don't see any mention of AT&T Wifi calling on any of those T-Mobile ROMs. Maybe I missed something? In either case, I'd prefer not to switch ROMs but I could use it to see what was done to make AT&T Wifi calling work.
I'm not actually interested in phone calls with wifi calling. I want to receive text messages at work where I have no signal.

shellcode said:
Thanks but I don't see any mention of AT&T Wifi calling on any of those T-Mobile ROMs. Maybe I missed something? In either case, I'd prefer not to switch ROMs but I could use it to see what was done to make AT&T Wifi calling work.
I'm not actually interested in phone calls with wifi calling. I want to receive text messages at work where I have no signal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you say you'd prefer not to switch ROMs, is it because you prefer running the stock / official ROM? Or is it because you don't want to go through the process?
The US Snapdragon variants of the S5 have the same hardware, they're just tuned differently via the EFS/modem settings and run different firmware images based on carrier. You can run a different carrier firmware on your device just fine. I recently completed a switch over on a SM-G900P (Sprint variant) to the SM-G900T (T-Mobile) software. All T-Mobile specific features, including Wi-Fi Calling, are functional as if it was a T-Mobile variant.
What I'm proposing is, if you like the stock software, you can have it, with AT&T features instead of T-Mobile. It'll function exactly as if it were an AT&T variant, purchased as such, rather than as a T-Mobile variant.
The process I used should be applicable to any Snapdragon variant, however. As I had to figure out much of this process for myself, there's no guides or information out there presently. But if you'd like, I could help you through the process.

Moved to Q&A

Arbiter said:
When you say you'd prefer not to switch ROMs, is it because you prefer running the stock / official ROM? Or is it because you don't want to go through the process?
The US Snapdragon variants of the S5 have the same hardware, they're just tuned differently via the EFS/modem settings and run different firmware images based on carrier. You can run a different carrier firmware on your device just fine. I recently completed a switch over on a SM-G900P (Sprint variant) to the SM-G900T (T-Mobile) software. All T-Mobile specific features, including Wi-Fi Calling, are functional as if it was a T-Mobile variant.
What I'm proposing is, if you like the stock software, you can have it, with AT&T features instead of T-Mobile. It'll function exactly as if it were an AT&T variant, purchased as such, rather than as a T-Mobile variant.
The process I used should be applicable to any Snapdragon variant, however. As I had to figure out much of this process for myself, there's no guides or information out there presently. But if you'd like, I could help you through the process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now, there's an interesting suggestion! Are you saying I can get the SM-G900A firmware from sammobile (or some other source) and just ODIN flash that to my SM-G900T? If so, that would give me AT&T wifi-calling. I was under the impression that there were hardware differences and that you couldn't flash firmware from one variant to another or you'd end up with a brick. I guess that's not true?
I don't particularly *like* the stock firmware but I just want something that will work well with the least amount of tweaking. I'll de-bloat myself it but top speed is not as much of a priority as battery life and all phone functions (camera, bluetooth) working as it did from the factory. So, (debloated) stock is good enough for me.
Thanks!

shellcode said:
Now, there's an interesting suggestion! Are you saying I can get the SM-G900A firmware from sammobile (or some other source) and just ODIN flash that to my SM-G900T? If so, that would give me AT&T wifi-calling. I was under the impression that there were hardware differences and that you couldn't flash firmware from one variant to another or you'd end up with a brick. I guess that's not true?
I don't particularly *like* the stock firmware but I just want something that will work well with the least amount of tweaking. I'll de-bloat myself it but top speed is not as much of a priority as battery life and all phone functions (camera, bluetooth) working as it did from the factory. So, (debloated) stock is good enough for me.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, any stock firmware is as close to factory functionality as possible. When switching carrier firmware, you gain the features of the target firmware, without any bugs or other problems.
You do have to take care in doing it correctly. It's not meant to be done on an S5, and there's no documented method out there, such as Prince Comsy's Odin for the S7, for example. Also in regards to that, the flash is not done via Odin. There's some parts which require it, however, there's no way to flash a full other carrier firmware via Odin on an S5, as far as I know. The device bootloader rejects the firmware due to a software check failure.
That aside, if done correctly, it functions identically to the desired firmware variant in my testing.
There are only two things you need to concern yourself with. The first is whether your device presently has the proper frequencies activated in its EFS configuration. If not, you won't receive coverage where the bands used aren't active on your phone. If this is a problem, it is possible to manually activate additional frequencies via QPST and QXDM. You may also desire to do this anyways, for increased roaming compatibility and coverage. This is another thing you have to be careful while doing, however.
The second thing to consider, is whether you care about OTA updates. Or more precisely, that you won't be able to use them. This is arguably of little consequence, as its unlikely anymore updates will be released for the S5. But if there is an update, you'll have to apply it manually by the same process used to convert your firmware variant. If you were to accept an OTA, it could brick your phone. This is due to the fact that we don't flash the boodloader from other variants, for safety reasons. An OTA update would likely apply (or attempt to apply) the bootloader from the converted firmware. The outcome of this is unknown. It's possible that it works without issue, but if it doesn't, it has the potential to hard brick the device. For this reason, I haven't tested it, as other firmwares can be loaded by a mismatched bootloader without issue. Due to that, I recommend disabling all OTA checks / settings for additional safety. As a note, updates via Kies, Smart Switch, Odin, or any other utility are also a no-go. Updates must be applied manually if you want them.
If neither of those two things is a problem for you, then you might be happy with converting your firmware to another variant. It does work quite well when done correctly.
If you're interested in doing this, I could guide you through the process. It would be more convenient via instant messaging, so we could directly communicate in real time for the parts that will be specific to your device.
If you would like to, send me a PM to coordinate IM details. I use Telegram and Wire, and if neither is suitable for you, and you're okay exchanging phone numbers, I also use Signal if you'd prefer. I also use some other services as well, though I less prefer them. If none if the above are suitable, perhaps we can find one we have in common.

shellcode said:
Now, there's an interesting suggestion! Are you saying I can get the SM-G900A firmware from sammobile (or some other source) and just ODIN flash that to my SM-G900T?...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could be wrong here but, based upon what I had read (my take on it), I don't believe that @Arbiter was recommending that you install the stock firmware rather an option that Arbiter had suggested to see if the WiFi Calling option is made available (based upon that members experience).
Am I correct @Arbiter?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.

Ibuprophen said:
I could be wrong here but, based upon what I had read (my take on it), I don't believe that @Arbiter was recommending that you install the stock firmware rather an option that Arbiter had suggested to see if the WiFi Calling option is made available (based upon that members experience).
Am I correct @Arbiter?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To clarify, I'm suggesting that if you want all carrier specific features (including Wi-Fi Calling), it can be done by cross-flashing the target carrier's firmware.
If the target firmware is correctly installed, and the corresponding CSC is properly installed in both the support files and configured in EFS (a simple three letter change to a file on the EFS partition), then all features for that carrier will be available.
This is the only way I know to achieve full functionality with another carrier's features. There doesn't appear to be any available research or success in simply transplanting the necessary programs and libraries to handle carrier features on a non-carrier ROM for the S5.

Arbiter said:
To clarify, I'm suggesting that if you want all carrier specific features (including Wi-Fi Calling), it can be done by cross-flashing the target carrier's firmware...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I apologize for my misunderstanding but, I will have to "Respectfully Disagree" with you.
Though Custom Firmwares may be lacking some/many of the carrier specific apps and those features these apps utilize but, there's ways to obtain them either directly or indirectly via installing, flashing and/or porting them to a device.
Just to clarify... I'm not stating that this applies to all carrier specific apps and/or features but, I've seen this done for many of them on a Verizon S5 device with a custom firmware installed.
Maybe we just have to end this respectfully with "Agreeing to Disagree"... :thumbup:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.

Ibuprophen said:
I apologize for my misunderstanding but, I will have to "Respectfully Disagree" with you.
Though Custom Firmwares may be lacking some/many of the carrier specific apps and those features these apps utilize but, there's ways to obtain them either directly or indirectly via installing, flashing and/or porting them to a device.
Just to clarify... I'm not stating that this applies to all carrier specific apps and/or features but, I've seen this done for many of them on a Verizon S5 device with a custom firmware installed.
Maybe we just have to end this respectfully with "Agreeing to Disagree"... :thumbup:
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you've seen this done, would you point us towards the correct direction in order to get at&t wifi calling on a G900T-based stock (or non-stock) OS? I have been trying different techniques and have only succeeded in causing bootloops :\
I don't want to use a bootloader locked G900A OS.

Way to change language in S5

Hi,
Yep, change the language.
No, it's not that simple as you might think - like open up preferences and choose correct language. Or install some kind of soft that doesn't work properly (not localized to the end).
Phone I'm referring to, is made for US market probably, hence no European languages there. It's SCH-G900P, and from what I googled, it's a Galaxy S5 Sport (for US).
From what I know, best way is to reprogram the firmware with European version. But, but.... I've got few details to find out, like:
* which FW to pick - is that country and network, which phone is operating in ? For example, I need to change language to Polish - so is it a difference between Polish networks (in terms of FW features that I'm going to download) ? Is it more safe to pick exactly the same network firmware, or it makes no difference at all (maybe except some bloatware) ?
* what about WiFi calling feature - for example British BTU and British EE are quite different - first one (unbranded) won't allow this, and second one (EE) - will do, so maybe it's better to use British EE firmware to get more features (and other languages should be built-in) ?
* S5 do have 2 various CPUs (from what I know), does it matter, or all FWs are common ?
Thank you forany clues.
Cheers,

biuro74 said:
Hi, Yep, change the language...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to SamMobile, the CSC selection for the Sprint S5 (SM-G900P) is as follows.
BST = Australia (Boost Mobile)
SPR = USA (Sprint)
XAS = USA (Sprint)
VMU = USA (Sprint)
XAR = Cellular South
The only other option would be (if it can be done) is to Unlock the Bootloader and search for a way to be able to flash a Compatible Custom Firmware that has the language your looking for like the SM-G900F.
I've never tried this myself on either of my S5 Devices but, see if any one of the following threads/links are helpful.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3387820
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3183913
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2823193
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3505344
http://support-us.samsung.com/cyber...751!1797991381!1524662799420&from_osc=&ia_cd=
http://www.hardreset.info/devices/samsung/samsung-g900p-galaxy-s5-sprint/codes/
http://www.hardreset.info/devices/samsung/samsung-g900p-galaxy-s5-sprint/faq/language/
https://www.sammobile.com/forum/thr...ions-and-Checking-Device-Status-problem/page2
Good Luck!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.

Ibuprophen said:
The only other option would be (if it can be done) is to Unlock the Bootloader and search for a way to be able to flash a Compatible Custom Firmware that has the language your looking for like the SM-G900F.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for reply.
I don't know how it happened, but apparently I had unlocked bootloader as I was able to install TWRP and flash custom kernel with no hassle.
Now looks like there's only one custom firmware that supports multiple languages, including Polish: Beanstalk (thread present in Sprint S5 group). However I can't check the rest of its features as Pixel Launcher constantly hangs up.

biuro74 said:
Thanks for reply. I don't know how it happened, but apparently I had unlocked bootloader as I was able to install TWRP and flash custom kernel with no hassle....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure but, I had thought that the LineageOS has a multilingual feature...
You can always ask this question within the following Official LineageOS thread for the klte variants.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3680666
Just keep in mind that the LineageOS for your device is the "KLTEDV" and the above thread is the support thread for all variants that doesn't have their own Official LineageOS thread (like yours).
If you need to, you can always try to obtain some member guidance within the following Q&A thread that's specific to all GS5 devices.
https://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.