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Hi all - glad to find a decent size community of Arc owners even if it isn't huge like other devices have. Because the Arc is a bit "limited" at this time, it makes me especially appreciate the advice and support here even more.
I need your advice and maybe this discussion will help some others facing a similar dilemma.
OK - I've had my Arc a few days and I'm getting itchy feet - I want to set-up my Arc but I'm having trouble having to compromise on one thing or the other.
So, as I have a branded model and can't unlock the bootloader, I only have 3 options for now:
1. Stay with 2.3.2 and have root - I do miss apps that require root, and of course, I really want to get rid of the bloatware. Even more than that, I HATE the Orange branding (how the hell do they manage to make a screen so ugly with the black and orange crap )
2. Update to 2.3.3 - of course, I want the benefits of the updates, even though I haven't run in to the camera bug and other issues yet (have to do some reading to find out about those). But then I'd have NO root. On the other hand, I have read of problems with Gingerbreak anyway.
3. Sell my branded Arc and buy a sim-free one (bit of hassle and not sure I'd unlock the bootloader at this stage anyway (until we see whether we will get custom roms with locked bootloader, etc).
4. Drastic option - sell the phone and buy a Desire HD. I have never touched a Desire HD but was considering this because I really want the 4.2" or 4.3" screen. I chose the Arc because it looks great, is feather light (can't believe the weight of it still), screen quality compared to Desire HD and of course, because of the camera/video. I won't pay Galaxy S2 money and there isn't anything else with the Arc screen size so I think the Desire HD would be my only choice (but I don't really want to change phones).
So, what have others chosen to do and why ?? And, I'd be interested to know what peoples view on the future of the Arc is -- if I'm stuck with the choice of only rooting phone or having updates, I think I'd probably switch now. But, I am an optimist and I love the Arcs hardware so I'm hoping its worth sticking with it.
Look forward to hearing your views about which way to go NOW and the likely FUTURE of the Arc.
You should have updated SE Arc to 2.3.3. After Arc was updated, it works better, no battery drain, all softwares run stable.
Arc is better than Desire HD a lot of things such as Desire HD has radio non stable, can not use camera at night and more .
minhsu said:
You should have updated SE Arc to 2.3.3. After Arc was updated, it works better, no battery drain, all softwares run stable.
Arc is better than Desire HD a lot of things such as Desire HD has radio non stable, can not use camera at night and more .
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Click to collapse
Yes - I agree with you based on what I have read about Desire HD. But the flexibility of custom roms, overclocking, root, etc is of some value too - and I could buy the Desire HD for about €100 less, therefore, giving me some cash to buy a compact camera.
Right now - my choice is about whether I have the update to 2.3.3 or stick with 2.3.2. and root. I read that some users on XDA forums have decided not to update because they want to stay rooted. I suppose I'm interested in why, and what are the pros and cons.
On the issues about the future for the Arc, I'm interested in speculation or peoples views about what might happen.
Frenchdroid said:
I read that some users on XDA forums have decided not to update because they want to stay rooted. I suppose I'm interested in why, and what are the pros and cons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I updated but have reverted back to 2.3.2 because some phones cant be boot unlocked, and while I would rather be up to date the need to be rooted outweighs it. I used 2.3.3 since last Tuesday and have only just reverted back last night so couldn't really comment on the differences.
I'm just about to reflash too and reroot because I've messed something up while removing stuff lol, I just wish we had xRecovery to make this process simpler.
i will recommend going to 2.3.3 by updating via SEUS or PC Companion...and then unlock your bootloader and then root u r arc because 2.3.3 is better firmware and also i have heard that custom rom's are being developed for arc
Hi - You can use flashtool to put the UK Generic 2.3.3. ROM onto your phone.. avoids all the Orange bloatware.. Won't be rooted of course, but actually runs extremely well..
I have a bootloader unlocked one so I've installed the pre rooted UK Generic, but have only used it to mod the battery icon in the notification bar and the screen off CRT animation.. haven't actually removed anything at all...
im_iceman said:
Hi - You can use flashtool to put the UK Generic 2.3.3. ROM onto your phone.. avoids all the Orange bloatware.. Won't be rooted of course, but actually runs extremely well..
I have a bootloader unlocked one so I've installed the pre rooted UK Generic, but have only used it to mod the battery icon in the notification bar and the screen off CRT animation.. haven't actually removed anything at all...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Iceman (and all).
Just another quick question (I have searched but no answers found) - what is the difference between global and UK generic ?? The main thing is that I remove the Orange branding but would be nice to know the difference anyway.
global has more language options the uk genric
Iceman,
You said these.
a. "use flashtool to put the UK Generic 2.3.3. ROM onto your phone"
b. "I have a bootloader unlocked one so I've installed the pre rooted UK Generic"
Just want to confirm some details to what you said and mean --
a. means that you used flashtool to put the Generic 2.3.3 ROM (which is an .ftf file) onto your phone. This is a non-rooted (ie Generic 2.3.3 ROM)
but then in order to have your phone rooted, you had your bootloader unlocked then - b. installed the pre rooted UK Generic - meaning which downloaded the .IMG file and on top of using flashtool (mention in a.) you used fastboot to flahs this pre-rooted .IMG file onto your phone.
Are those basically correct?
Thanks anyway!
Sorry to interrupt here but I have a 3 branded arc which I got today. I flashed the uk generic rom to get rid of the bloatware and it worked a treat.
Ok, its not rooted but it boots quicker and seems to run better.
Don't bother about desire HD.
2.3.2 for me has random reboot and camera video/audio out of sync. So I will not go back to 2.3.2 just for the root.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA Premium App
is there a way to get back to original se 2.3.2 once i upgraded to 2.3.3?
thank you
loryb84 said:
is there a way to get back to original se 2.3.2 once i upgraded to 2.3.3?
thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Run the flashtool, it's what I did.
XperienceD said:
Run the flashtool, it's what I did.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, where did you find the original se rom to flash?thank you
loryb84 said:
Ok, where did you find the original se rom to flash?thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have a browse of the dev section.
ricstc said:
Iceman,
You said these.
a. "use flashtool to put the UK Generic 2.3.3. ROM onto your phone"
b. "I have a bootloader unlocked one so I've installed the pre rooted UK Generic"
Just want to confirm some details to what you said and mean --
a. means that you used flashtool to put the Generic 2.3.3 ROM (which is an .ftf file) onto your phone. This is a non-rooted (ie Generic 2.3.3 ROM)
but then in order to have your phone rooted, you had your bootloader unlocked then - b. installed the pre rooted UK Generic - meaning which downloaded the .IMG file and on top of using flashtool (mention in a.) you used fastboot to flahs this pre-rooted .IMG file onto your phone.
Are those basically correct?
Thanks anyway!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi - Yes - I flashed UK generic using flashtool, then fastboot flashed the rooted .img over the top - did it this way to ensure that I get the right kernel and baseband etc..
Thanks and keep up the good work and info flow
Hey guys, I was hoping I would'nt have to do this but i'm at a loss now.
I own the blue xperia play 4g phone and currently using it with straight talk service with their unlocked sim. Everything was fine until I decided to start trying out custom roms.
No matter what I tried, I could get them to load, work , function ect BUT I had weird issues where people could not hear me for the 1st call, but if I called them right back they could. It just seemed to be random and I could'nt put my finger on it.
So I flashed back to the stock 2.3.3 R800AT firmware, and then updated thru their Sony patch they made me do on the phone...and everything was fine again.
Well I got adventurous again, and UNLOCKED my bootloader. So NOW....after doing custom roms, I CANNOT reload my old R800at 2.3.3 firmware and get the OFFICIAL update from them. So i'm stuck with an upgradeable working 2.3.3 (this is the 2.3.3 before the update they put out, I know it does'nt go to 2.3.4. but its some kinda 2.3.3 update) with NO further updates.
So after tons of research i'm HOPING its the baseband I need ??? I dont know what else to do. Only other option is if some kind soul wants to send me over their AT&T r800AT 2.3.3 UPDATED firmware I'll just go back to stock but i'd prefer to keep using my custom roms!!!
***maybe if someone who has the blue xperia play 4g version, would post the "baseband" version they see on their phone, even that would help!!!***
Any help would be great and more than appreciated.
God bless and thanks guys,
Jason
jaygrae said:
Hey guys, I was hoping I would'nt have to do this but i'm at a loss now.
I own the blue xperia play 4g phone and currently using it with straight talk service with their unlocked sim. Everything was fine until I decided to start trying out custom roms.
No matter what I tried, I could get them to load, work , function ect BUT I had weird issues where people could not hear me for the 1st call, but if I called them right back they could. It just seemed to be random and I could'nt put my finger on it.
So I flashed back to the stock 2.3.3 R800AT firmware, and then updated thru their Sony patch they made me do on the phone...and everything was fine again.
Well I got adventurous again, and UNLOCKED my bootloader. So NOW....after doing custom roms, I CANNOT reload my old R800at 2.3.3 firmware and get the OFFICIAL update from them. So i'm stuck with an upgradeable working 2.3.3 (this is the 2.3.3 before the update they put out, I know it does'nt go to 2.3.4. but its some kinda 2.3.3 update) with NO further updates.
So after tons of research i'm HOPING its the baseband I need ??? I dont know what else to do. Only other option is if some kind soul wants to send me over their AT&T r800AT 2.3.3 UPDATED firmware I'll just go back to stock but i'd prefer to keep using my custom roms!!!
***maybe if someone who has the blue xperia play 4g version, would post the "baseband" version they see on their phone, even that would help!!!***
Any help would be great and more than appreciated.
God bless and thanks guys,
Jason
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh my friend, you are in the same boat as me. xD
All you need to do is get the stock 2.3.3 AT&T firmware, But you can also use r800i firmwares and update to 2.3.4 with the latest firmware.
Theres a thread somewhere containing the firmware, if not you can find it on google.
(Which is what im doing right now with straight talk) only negative thing I see is so far H instead of H+.
Dito on the baseband, the flashtool links with FTF 2.3.3 is down my phone is softbricked though
Cetus90 said:
Dito on the baseband, the flashtool links with FTF 2.3.3 is down my phone is softbricked though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If alejandrissimo unlocked your phone you should have OTA updates. If you unlocked it with another method then im not sure what to tell you, gotta find the updated FTF files.
Guys good news here
I was correct in thinking it was the baseband on our phone that is causing the problem. I think its due to the fact we are 4g rather than 3g.
So how did i fix this problem??? Simple. I was able to use the doomkernel v13 (any seem to work), actually install the rom of choice, (i'm using Jokawild 2.5), and then downloaded/installed baseband file -36.
I also installed the -36 libs package that was somewhere posted on here its the new .386 version.
Everything is working now and i'm happy. Going to save the baseband/lib files so i have them forever incase something happens.
Take care, God bless and thank you for your input/time. I could'nt go another day with them stock at&t roms!!!!
jaygrae said:
Guys good news here
I was correct in thinking it was the baseband on our phone that is causing the problem. I think its due to the fact we are 4g rather than 3g.
So how did i fix this problem??? Simple. I was able to use the doomkernel v13 (any seem to work), actually install the rom of choice, (i'm using Jokawild 2.5), and then downloaded/installed baseband file -36.
I also installed the -36 libs package that was somewhere posted on here its the new .386 version.
Everything is working now and i'm happy. Going to save the baseband/lib files so i have them forever incase something happens.
Take care, God bless and thank you for your input/time. I could'nt go another day with them stock at&t roms!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello hello, I need your help. I've got the generic North Am. 2.3.4 (.42) and I'm having this problem. I've got an unlocked bootloader and I want to install the baseband file. Can I do that with a generic rom? What is the process for installing a baseband file and libs package? Where can I get these files? Thanks.
SonyFanboy said:
Hello hello, I need your help. I've got the generic North Am. 2.3.4 (.42) and I'm having this problem. I've got an unlocked bootloader and I want to install the baseband file. Can I do that with a generic rom? What is the process for installing a baseband file and libs package? Where can I get these files? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I have the same or a similar problem. I frequently encounter a similar situation where it could take 10+ seconds before the other person can hear me speak, but I can hear them the whole time. By now most of my friends and family know how to deal with it, but before they would just hang up on me. Then they could hear me if I called them. If I reboot the phone, it fixes it for a while, but then it comes back after some time and takes another reboot to resolve.
My phone is a SIM unlocked, bootloader locked Xperia Play R800a model from last year's Google I/O. It uses the same frequencies as AT&T for 3G and 2G and I'm using it on AT&T as well. I have the Generic North America 4.0.2.A.0.42 (Android 2.3.4) ROM installed, and it has Baseband 8x55A-AAABQMAZM-203028D-56.
I found a separate thread with the -36 Baseband here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1469473
I'm considering flashing this over my current -56 Baseband to see if it improves the situation. As I recall, I never had this sort of trouble when I first got the phone. It's really only been since I updated to Firmware .42 that I've had these problems. Is it safe to do this?
Thanks!
MechaBouncer said:
I think I have the same or a similar problem. I frequently encounter a similar situation where it could take 10+ seconds before the other person can hear me speak, but I can hear them the whole time. By now most of my friends and family know how to deal with it, but before they would just hang up on me. Then they could hear me if I called them. If I reboot the phone, it fixes it for a while, but then it comes back after some time and takes another reboot to resolve.
My phone is a SIM unlocked, bootloader locked Xperia Play R800a model from last year's Google I/O. It uses the same frequencies as AT&T for 3G and 2G and I'm using it on AT&T as well. I have the Generic North America 4.0.2.A.0.42 (Android 2.3.4) ROM installed, and it has Baseband 8x55A-AAABQMAZM-203028D-56.
I found a separate thread with the -36 Baseband here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1469473
I'm considering flashing this over my current -56 Baseband to see if it improves the situation. As I recall, I never had this sort of trouble when I first got the phone. It's really only been since I updated to Firmware .42 that I've had these problems. Is it safe to do this?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wanted to add that on Friday I installed the -36 baseband with mine and I'm getting 4G+ (I hit 12MBs at mobilespeedtest.com). And my calls have stopped being cut off.
SonyFanboy said:
I wanted to add that on Friday I installed the -36 baseband with mine and I'm getting 4G+ (I hit 12MBs at mobilespeedtest.com). And my calls have stopped being cut off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! That's also funny because I also installed the -36 baseband last night. So far, so good. Calls and data both work as normal. I'll need to do more testing to be sure whether it fixed my problem or not.
Now did you just install the baseband or did you also flash or push the libs to it as well? All I did was use Flashtool to flash the baseband .ftf file.
hi,
I got myself a sony ericsson xperia arc s
bought it in a store, doesnt belong to any carrier (I live in israel)
I tried upgrading to LT18i_4.1.A.0.562_NCB build,
but during the flashing process it gave me an error...
ERR_SEVERITY="MAJOR";ERR_CLASS="MEMORY_CLASS";ERR_STATIC="HASH_VER";ERR_DYNAMIC="Final data verification failed
the installation didnt go through and when i tried turning on the phone it showed the "SONY" logo, and then a symbol of a triange and "!" and a symbol of a phone - then shuts down.
I tried to flash it again but nothing helped,
eventualy I downloaded LT18a arc s_2.3.4, 4.0.2.A.0.42_Generic USA Build
and flashed it, everything works "like a charm"
but I want to put ICS on it.... any suggestions? anything I could have done wrong?
B.T.W
in the "about phone" my model number is lt18a, and on the back of the phone its written lt18i
so which one is it?
the in advance, I realy hope its the right forum....
seems like u have older version of flashtools...to flash ICS, use the latest flashtools. older version cant flash ICS..and make sure data verification is unchecked..
and it really doesn't matter if it says lt18a or 18i...maybe u flashed lt18a firmware...u need to flash lt18i firmware...
it was clearly mentioned when .562 came out officially, that final verification should be unchecked....while flashing thru flashtool (a version below v.8)
so anyone else?
the two of you gave me 2 different answers,
I didnt use an older version of Flashtool, im using the latest 0.9
any other suggestions? I just dont want to mess up the phone...
why dont you try the latest 4.0.4 firmware?
do you think it will work? im afraid it would give me that weird screen again and I wont be able to turn on the phone again,
if im currently on a 2.3.4 usa generic, can flash the latest cm7? or jjhybrid aswell? or do i need to be on 4.0.4 build before i do it?
ok, so I downloaded LT18i_4.1.B.0.431_(1254-2184)
if i understand correctly its the latest 4.0.4 for xperia divices
my device SI is (1254-1958)
Im currently using (2.3.4, 4.0.2.A.0.42_Generic USA)
My device is rooted thx to DooMLoRD's rooting tool, and of cource its bootloader is unlocked.
so in anyones opinion, can I just flash the generic rom thats listed above?
pls answer,
thnks
yea man..u can flash any .431 firmware...use the latest firmware with data verification unchecked
Ok, good news!
Managed to flash the latest FW! Am currently on 4.0.4
Everything is smooth! Battery life seems to be a bit better but only time will tell...
Anyway thx for every reply!
Thread may be locked now...
Hi there.
I have a stock ROM .042, and I want to re-flash a it (or a newer stock ROM that can be rooted) to solve some problems I'm having with my Xperia Play (R800i, from Spain). I once flashed the official ROM I have, so I know it's not difficult, but I need help to refresh my memory and to solve some quick doubts:
- What is the newest ROM for my R800i that can be rooted? I thought it was the .042, but I read of somebody with the .058 rooted (wich I think is newer than .042). Where can I download this newer ROM (I already have the .042)?
- In this time I suppose that have appeared new tools to flash our Xplays. What's the best way to flash my Xplay? I would apreciate a link to a tutorial please.
- After that, what's the best way to root the Xplay?
- How can I save all the SMS i have on the phone? I have important and personal conversations I don't want to get lost.
- Any advice you can give me before flashing?
Miles Wolf said:
Hi there.
I have a stock ROM .042, and I want to re-flash a it (or a newer stock ROM that can be rooted) to solve some problems I'm having with my Xperia Play (R800i, from Spain). I once flashed the official ROM I have, so I know it's not difficult, but I need help to refresh my memory and to solve some quick doubts:
- What is the newest ROM for my R800i that can be rooted? I thought it was the .042, but I read of somebody with the .058 rooted (wich I think is newer than .042). Where can I download this newer ROM (I already have the .042)?
If you bootloader is unlocked, you can flash a custom kernel and have root on any ROM. I'm currently on the .069 version and everything is working fine.
- In this time I suppose that have appeared new tools to flash our Xplays. What's the best way to flash my Xplay? I would apreciate a link to a tutorial please.
You can either use the ADB tool that comes with the Android SDK, or use Flashtool (http://androxyde.github.com/)
- After that, what's the best way to root the Xplay?
If you install a custom kernel, it will automatically root your ROM (I suggest using DooMLord's kernel: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1176502)
- How can I save all the SMS i have on the phone? I have important and personal conversations I don't want to get lost.
Just search for "SMS backup" in the Play Store, and you should find a number of apps that do the job.
- Any advice you can give me before flashing?
Don't unplug your device during transfer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't forget to click the thanks button.
Hi,
today I try to flash KTG kernel on my girlfriend Arc S with ICS stock Sony rom.
I have rooted it with tool (Eroot_V1.3.4) and says rooted.
Even Flashtool says "Root access allowed" but when I try to flash KTG kernel from Flashtool on Fastboot mode, obtain an error (See attachment).
This Arc S is with Unlocked Bootloader, and works perfectly.
I want to flash KTG to install a custom ICS ROM (Zohaib one).
With my old Arc S I do it without problem...this problem never happened to me. Now I don't know how flash kernel.
I try to re-root device with Flashtool option (My LT18i-->Root) but even that options, after launched., says ROOTED, busybox installed and I see SuperUser on apps in the device.
Someone can help me? Read Flashtool video logs....what's happened?
How can I flash KTG with this problem? It's related with ?
you probably fixed that by now, and I am no expert, but I just solved a lot of my problems by using a real old flashtool v 6. something.
It had no problems acknowledging bootlader status- unlocked which I had convinced myself was relocked. It rooted no probs first try with the padlock and fastboot installed .img which I just couldnt get to happen with other versions.
I also could not uninstall system apps no matter which rom/kernel i tried, I had SU in the apps but it was if wasnt really rooted.
I am finding a lot of dead links, figures because this phone so old now, and the forums are just too big to navigate. I am now trying Rush with UHD 5.0 since today, but it is chewing through the battery, any advice?
Any old files you could send me?
kenmystro said:
you probably fixed that by now, and I am no expert, but I just solved a lot of my problems by using a real old flashtool v 6. something.
It had no problems acknowledging bootlader status- unlocked which I had convinced myself was relocked. It rooted no probs first try with the padlock and fastboot installed .img which I just couldnt get to happen with other versions.
I also could not uninstall system apps no matter which rom/kernel i tried, I had SU in the apps but it was if wasnt really rooted.
I am finding a lot of dead links, figures because this phone so old now, and the forums are just too big to navigate. I am now trying Rush with UHD 5.0 since today, but it is chewing through the battery, any advice?
Any old files you could send me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have fixed the problem selling that Arc S.. Now I'm on my Z1C only.
But thanks very much for your answer and attention...these problems are known about root.
For root ICS Arc S, use EasyRootToolKit from this forum...for me works (disable antivirus first)
As ROM, I use for years Xperia T ROM from Zohaib, that goes well and mantain stock features of Arc S.
Or, if you want to try something different, you can try "Superjellybean ROM" that goes well on my Arc S...flash SuperFusion Kernel and try the lightness of Jelly Bean 4.1.2
Have a nice day!