Develop Bugs

ISIS vs Google Wallet

For the last 2 days I've been stumbling across this "ISIS Mobile payment" platform. It looks to be getting a lot of attention and is supported by AT&T, T Mobile, and Verizon. According to a few sources it will be available for a few devices (including ours) next month.
http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/28/isis-mobile-payment-system-primed-for-september-launch-supporte/
http://androidspin.com/2012/08/28/list-of-approved-isis-devices-by-carrier-do-you-have-one/
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-...ystem-to-debut-in-september-after-delays.html
http://androidcommunity.com/isis-mobile-payments-coming-in-september-20120828/
So my question is, why is ISIS getting the attention and props from the carriers over Google Wallet? Is it more secure? Is it financially supported by the carriers?
I'm confused...

the carriers want the money that such a service brings and are trying to screw Google
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

ISIS is a way for operators to get money out of NFC, that's why the operators are blocking Google Wallet from working. This is the same as Tethering.

The only thing starting next month is a test trial in Salt Lake City and Austin. Which, I believe, has been delayed from a previously announced July launch. I'm guessing a wider rollout will be sometime next year.

a4ol said:
ISIS is a way for operators to get money out of NFC, that's why the operators are blocking Google Wallet from working. This is the same as Tethering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting... Makes perfect sense.
I've been reading and saw few YouTube clips... And Iris system looks 10 times more difficult to purchase. (compared to google) the security is ten times greater due to constant changing of the back of plastic 3 digit security code. (whew!)
Google wallet is obviously less with security.
Since Iris is backed by the 3 major 4G and lte service. Many vendors and merchants will adapt this feature very soon. This payment system was long existed in South Korea (visited galaxy s2 days) and citizens use it like it's their wallet.
Not sure Americans would be able to adapt and execute the isis business model and availability of credit cards.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

woostar88 said:
Interesting... Makes perfect sense.
I've been reading and saw few YouTube clips... And Iris system looks 10 times more difficult to purchase. (compared to google) the security is ten times greater due to constant changing of the back of plastic 3 digit security code. (whew!)
Google wallet is obviously less with security.
Since Iris is backed by the 3 major 4G and lte service. Many vendors and merchants will adapt this feature very soon. This payment system was long existed in South Korea (visited galaxy s2 days) and citizens use it like it's their wallet.
Not sure Americans would be able to adapt and execute the isis business model and availability of credit cards.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bull**** NFC chip than. Just let us use google wallet... Perfect option why wait for something else that does the exact same ****ing thing.. Why let us use all these other Google apps but not Wallet? The limitations on our device (and all other devices) are ridiculous especially if you paid a lot of money for it (which we already do)...

SebasC said:
Bull**** NFC chip than. Just let us use google wallet... Perfect option why wait for something else that does the exact same ****ing thing.. Why let us use all these other Google apps but not Wallet? The limitations on our device (and all other devices) are ridiculous especially if you paid a lot of money for it (which we already do)...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1

Just after I left Verizon, they were fined by the FCC for blocking tethering apps. It was part of their agreement when acquiring LTE spectrum that the customer would be free to use whatever software they wanted on their devices. I wonder if they are also blocking Google Wallet since this would also be in breach of their agreement.
As for ATT and T-Mobile, it would be nice to have support without resorting to workarounds.

Infamous_Cheez said:
Just after I left Verizon, they were fined by the FCC for blocking tethering apps. It was part of their agreement when acquiring LTE spectrum that the customer would be free to use whatever software they wanted on their devices. I wonder if they are also blocking Google Wallet since this would also be in breach of their agreement.
As for ATT and T-Mobile, it would be nice to have support without resorting to workarounds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to think there's an Anti-Trust class action coming if they dont change their ways pretty quickly here.

woostar88 said:
Interesting... Makes perfect sense.
I've been reading and saw few YouTube clips... And Iris system looks 10 times more difficult to purchase. (compared to google) the security is ten times greater due to constant changing of the back of plastic 3 digit security code. (whew!)
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I tried using the Iris system and now I wear an eye patch.

woostar88 said:
Since Iris is backed by the 3 major 4G and lte service. Many vendors and merchants will adapt this feature very soon. This payment system was long existed in South Korea (visited galaxy s2 days) and citizens use it like it's their wallet.
Not sure Americans would be able to adapt and execute the isis business model and availability of credit cards.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess this ISIS release is a positive in this regard as it will give us more places to use Google Wallet. Right now I don't go to a single place regularly that allows me to use Google wallet.

The best part is fine print
www paywithisis com/terms-of-service.xhtml#four

Do you guys think Sprint have something do with Google Wallet not to be released on others carriers. And in the other hand some says that phones from other carriers not sprint doesnt have the corrected codes for wallet. That google would have to update them

gypsy214 said:
Do you guys think Sprint have something do with Google Wallet not to be released on others carriers. And in the other hand some says that phones from other carriers not sprint doesnt have the corrected codes for wallet. That google would have to update them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Plenty of people have Google Wallet up and running on other carriers besides Sprint. Obviously it is a work around, but anyone that truly wants to use Google Wallet doesn't have to look very far or put much effort in getting it to work for their device regardless of carrier.

ingenious247 said:
Yeah, I tried using the Iris system and now I wear an eye patch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think any one (other than me) got that. But very funny
sent from my t-mobile Galaxy S III

Eye saw what he did there.

No ISIS for you! (said in soup nazi voice)
I live in Salt Lake, one of the test cities. I got the isis sim card from tmobile but isis wouldn't install on my s3. I retored my stock rom and it installed just fine. Then I installed my stock rom after rooting and got the following (see image below) when i installed and tried to run isis.
Bottom line, u root, no isis.
So far the only isis specific terminal I've seen here in salt lake is the light rail system. I tried google wallet on it and it said I paid but the transaction never went through. I'm hoping the pay termials will take either. I applaud that isis may make nfc more visible and acceptable to the general public but restrictions make it doa.
All that said, im back to liquid smooth....

f*** Isis, Google FTW
btw how do the carriers make money off nfc with Isis?

AttachedSilver said:
f*** Isis, Google FTW
btw how do the carriers make money off nfc with Isis?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seriously? They get a cut of each transaction. How do you think atm's make money?
Here's your sign.

tony yayo said:
Seriously? They get a cut of each transaction. How do you think atm's make money?
Here's your sign.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So Google doesn't make money for the carriers & that's why they block it?

Isis Launched 10/22/2012

http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/1...ake-city-and-austin-heres-the-full-breakdown/
http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/22/isis-nfc-payments-go-live-in-austin-and-salt-lake-city/
I downloaded the At&T Isis App and after starting the App up, I receive the message "This phone does not meet requirements to run the Isis Wallet." Anyone else getting this?
I'm on full stock, non-rooted s3 so I'm a bit surprised by this. The app also says it won't work if you are rooted. This is terribly frustrating as I've been wanting to use Google Wallet forever now...

Are you in Austin or Salt Lake City?

-copyguy- said:
Are you in Austin or Salt Lake City?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I'm in Austin.
Edit: So after doing a bit of investing, in order to make this App work on your device you need to go into At&T and receive a new SIM card that is "secure". Will go in later today and report back. Hopefully I won't encounter clueless employees and can actually get the SIM that works with this (hopefully free).
Official Press release:
http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?p...goriesRssFeeds (AT&T All Categories RSS Feeds)

Please, don't.
Supporting Isis is supporting carrier collusion that is purposefully excluding Google Wallet and other competitors from compatible phones. I live in SLC and I absolutely will not support this crap. Also, it hardly supports any cards and is overall a huge waste of time and money.

ISIS can go FOAD.
The carriers blocked a viable Google Wallet on flimsy claims of "insecurity" and made millions of people go without it at all and are still waiting for them to finish their half-baked ISIS just so that they could dictate having a bigger percentage of the transaction pie.

Went to AT&T and switched out my SIM for a new one and now can use ISIS. Its free to do and they were prepared (I was the 3rd person to come in to do this). It comes with $10 preloaded onto the app and you can get an additional $15 if you make the card "reloadable". I walked down a few blocks to the Whole Foods and purchased lunch with it. Funny how the people that work there still don't know you can now pay by NFC with your cell. I also had a women behind me comment on it and asked if her Iphone5 can do that too
Anyways, look...I didn't create this thread to start a debate over ISIS. At the end of the day, ISIS supports my AMEX card which is the only one I use anyways. What exactly is Google Wallet doing that ISIS isn't for me right now? I've been wanting to use Gwallet forever, and I would be happy to switch over to it if carries allow it, but until then, I'll let Google fight that war.

Death&co said:
Anyways, look...I didn't create this thread to start a debate over ISIS. At the end of the day, ISIS supports my AMEX card which is the only one I use anyways. What exactly is Google Wallet doing that ISIS isn't for me right now? I've been wanting to use Gwallet forever, and I would be happy to switch over to it if carries allow it, but until then, I'll let Google fight that war.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is that this attitude is telling the carriers "It's okay, you can do whatever you want because I'll just go along with it. It's not my battle to fight." It IS your battle to fight, as their customer. Google isn't preventing you from using Wallet, your carrier is. And the only way you can tell them that is not okay is by not using the payment system they have basically illegally colluded to create. We can only hope the FCC gets involved sooner rather than later.
Anyway, there is no telling you that Google Wallet is doing anything for you right now, because you aren't being allowed to use it.
edit: I also just went to the FCC page and filed a complaint about Isis. If enough people do this we may get an investigation.

Death&co said:
I also had a women behind me comment on it and asked if her Iphone5 can do that too
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:good::highfive::laugh:

It doesn't like root and I think it uses the Samsung status field that says modified or normal to figure it out. We just need a way to make the phone report normal now.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747

mobilehavoc said:
It doesn't like root and I think it uses the Samsung status field that says modified or normal to figure it out. We just need a way to make the phone report normal now.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True it does not like root.
I unrooted but still have the Modified status and ISIS installed and setup. My cards still havent been added, but dont know if thats an ISIS thing or related to the fact that I _was_ rooted.
Figured Id give it a try, then back to Google Wallet.

Any word on if this gets billed as "ISIS $TRANSACTION_VENDOR" or directly as "$TRANSACTION_VENDOR"? Google Wallet bills as something like "GOOGLE WALLET $TRANSACTION_VENDOR" causing bonus rewards on cards to get thrown off. This means like transactions like gas or restaurants that normally should get 2-5% rewards only get 1% making wallet not financially worth the convenience.

Are the sim cards ONLY in SLC and Austin? Also, does Isis work on any paypass terminal like gwallet or only Isis enabled terminals?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium

GJMarmots said:
True it does not like root.
I unrooted but still have the Modified status and ISIS installed and setup. My cards still havent been added, but dont know if thats an ISIS thing or related to the fact that I _was_ rooted.
Figured Id give it a try, then back to Google Wallet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What did you use to unroot?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747

cmjkxa said:
Are the sim cards ONLY in SLC and Austin? Also, does Isis work on any paypass terminal like gwallet or only Isis enabled terminals?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, sim cards only in SLC and Austin, but it should work anywhere you see the wireless pay sign (three wireless waves). There are supposedly some Isis specific terminals that let you redeem rewards and payment at the same time but even here in SLC havent seen those.
mobilehavoc said:
What did you use to unroot?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just went into SuperSU and selected Unroot. It did its thing, and rebooted my S3 and tada Isis stopped complaining and let me setup a wallet. But still no cards added, will have to call about that.

GJMarmots said:
Yes, sim cards only in SLC and Austin, but it should work anywhere you see the wireless pay sign (three wireless waves). There are supposedly some Isis specific terminals that let you redeem rewards and payment at the same time but even here in SLC havent seen those.
I just went into SuperSU and selected Unroot. It did its thing, and rebooted my S3 and tada Isis stopped complaining and let me setup a wallet. But still no cards added, will have to call about that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you still have busybox installed yet ISIS worked? What does your status say in Settings - about. Modified or Normal?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747

mobilehavoc said:
So you still have busybox installed yet ISIS worked? What does your status say in Settings - about. Modified or Normal?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im still new to Android, so not sure what Busybox is. But unless SuperSU took it out, its safe to assume its still there.
It says Modified. Its my understanding that the only way to make it go back to Normal is to do a full reflash of the stock firmware. Something Im not interested in doing. I read TriangleAway would reset the Flash counter but not the Status.
Also I did not use TriangleAway, nor did i use a method of rooting that would not trip the Flash Counter.
So with that being said it may explain why Isis isnt working. However I have not revealed that fact to support, because I used to work in support and when people here something "off" they latch on to it. The problem I have is the Isis App not connecting to the Isis servers to download the cards.
ATT sent me to Isis directly who has sent it to their server team.
So it could be my past rooting causing issues or something dumb on their end.
I have Google Wallet installed on the device as well, so who knows it thats playing havoc too. I have never tested Google Wallet at a terminal yet so unsure if its actually working.
But as Superm1 noted, Im not keen to use GWallet or Isis for main payment just so I can lose out on rewards or buyer protection.

Went ahead and picked up one of the new sim cards just because I could. When and if it supports root and Jelly Bean is when I might start using it.. Until then it just seems useless

Death&co said:
Went to AT&T and switched out my SIM for a new one and now can use ISIS. Its free to do and they were prepared (I was the 3rd person to come in to do this). It comes with $10 preloaded onto the app and you can get an additional $15 if you make the card "reloadable". I walked down a few blocks to the Whole Foods and purchased lunch with it. Funny how the people that work there still don't know you can now pay by NFC with your cell. I also had a women behind me comment on it and asked if her Iphone5 can do that too
Anyways, look...I didn't create this thread to start a debate over ISIS. At the end of the day, ISIS supports my AMEX card which is the only one I use anyways. What exactly is Google Wallet doing that ISIS isn't for me right now? I've been wanting to use Gwallet forever, and I would be happy to switch over to it if carries allow it, but until then, I'll let Google fight that war.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If Isis works I'm all for it. In the beginning Google wallet wasn't much to get excited about either. You could only use Citi or prepaid wallet cards. As far as security is concerned, the argument can go both ways. As far as Isis doesn't charge some hidden fee I couldn't care less. I look forward to getting it out when it comes to my area.

superm1 said:
Any word on if this gets billed as "ISIS $TRANSACTION_VENDOR" or directly as "$TRANSACTION_VENDOR"? Google Wallet bills as something like "GOOGLE WALLET $TRANSACTION_VENDOR" causing bonus rewards on cards to get thrown off. This means like transactions like gas or restaurants that normally should get 2-5% rewards only get 1% making wallet not financially worth the convenience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have my AMEX card linked to Isis. Used it at Whole Foods and checked my Amex pending charges online. Has the normal Whole Foods vendor charge so I'm still getting points just fine. There is nothing in my statement that mentions Isis at all :good:

Death&co said:
I have my AMEX card linked to Isis. Used it at Whole Foods and checked my Amex pending charges online. Has the normal Whole Foods vendor charge so I'm still getting points just fine. There is nothing in my statement that mentions Isis at all :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's awesome, thanks for confirming. I can't wait to get myself an ISIS enabled SIM now

Unlocking Cellphones Becomes Illegal Saturday. Better hurry if you plan on switching.

In October 2012, the Librarian of Congress, who determines exemptions to a strict anti-hacking law called the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), decided that unlocking mobile phones would no longer be allowed. But the librarian provided a 90-day window during which people could still buy a phone and unlock it. That window closes on January 26.
Unlocking a phone frees it from restrictions that keep the device from working on more than one carrier's network, allowing it run on other networks that use the same wireless standard. This can be useful to international travellers who need their phones to work on different networks. Other people just like the freedom of being able to switch carriers as they please.
http://www.livescience.com/26541-unlocking-cellphones-becomes-illegal.html
Maybe this might wake some people up since it is tyranny that directly effects you .

Glad I already unlocked my note 2
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app

A lot of things are illegal but still get done. It is always a risk. I am sure this will not be enforced highly
Sent from my SGH-T889

I agree
Sent from my Vivid 4G using Tapatalk 2

Nolenm04 said:
Glad I already unlocked my note 2
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can our device be unlocked without another carriers sim card?

Some_dude36 said:
Can our device be unlocked without another carriers sim card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes there is multiple threads on how to do it
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app

Thanks,
Looks like it is only illegal if you are still on contract and no worries if you paid full retail.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app

Some_dude36 said:
In October 2012, the Librarian of Congress, who determines exemptions to a strict anti-hacking law called the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), decided that unlocking mobile phones would no longer be allowed. But the librarian provided a 90-day window during which people could still buy a phone and unlock it. That window closes on January 26.
Unlocking a phone frees it from restrictions that keep the device from working on more than one carrier's network, allowing it run on other networks that use the same wireless standard. This can be useful to international travellers who need their phones to work on different networks. Other people just like the freedom of being able to switch carriers as they please.
http://www.livescience.com/26541-unlocking-cellphones-becomes-illegal.html
Maybe this might wake some people up since it is tyranny that directly effects you .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your joking right? Jesus Christ, what has this country become. I have the right to choose what carrier to use my phone on and if it requires unlocking IDGAF

JOSE89178 said:
Your joking right? Jesus Christ, what has this country become. I have the right to choose what carrier to use my phone on and if it requires unlocking IDGAF
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
a country where a company can sue any other company that has rounded edges on their products... 'merica
one big question I have is whether or not the government will track websites such as xda and arrest people that tell other how to unlock their phones... you do know that "hackers" get more jail time than child rapists

eurohomie said:
a country where a company can sue any other company that has rounded edges on their products... 'merica
one big question I have is whether or not the government will track websites such as xda and arrest people that tell other how to unlock their phones... you do know that "hackers" get more jail time than child rapists
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha thats true. Whats next? Using cases is gonna be illegal cause it has the same shape as the phone? Or better yet, using a different charger. & Yea they probably might start monitoring XDA Forums for "Illegal Activity".

Well, that settles it for me...I'm going to buy only unlocked
phones directly from China...way more cheaper and these
gready *****s (it all comes to money for them) can kiss my
hard earned money good buy...

And so it begins - we are all going to be bound by the testicles by carriers, just as we are by the gas pump. Once an accessory becomes a necessity in our society, somebody wants to control it, for monetary purposes. Whether it be by law (lobbyists), or policy (in a way, law)...
Umm, well all I have to say is I saw this coming. Here is an interesting thread/article I wrote almost exactly a year ago.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1475122
Furthermore, I'll say that this new "law" sounds like somebody being upset over T-Mobile taking iPhone contracts away from them... and doing it with half the cost to the consumer. It appears they are the ones being targeted by this.
This country is sad.

If I paid for it I'll do as I like .... This is bs ...
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium

mrufokid said:
If I paid for it I'll do as I like .... This is bs ...
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We'll see how far this law goes to enforce... but this is the beginning of an era of technological slavery

It is actually still very legal to have your phone unlocked by the carrier, please read the actual ruling details.
http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...l-under-dmca-for-smartphones-but-not-tablets/
In other words, phones you already have, as well as those purchased between now and next January, can be unlocked. But phones purchased after January 2013 can only be unlocked with the carrier's permission
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hate the spread of misinformation, just about as much as people freaking the f&#@ out about things they didn't even take the time to confirm to be true, don't you all ever ask yourself "is this for real?"?

daveid said:
It is actually still very legal to have your phone unlocked by the carrier, please read the actual ruling details.
http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...l-under-dmca-for-smartphones-but-not-tablets/
I hate the spread of misinformation, just about as much as people freaking the f&#@ out about things they didn't even take the time to confirm to be true, don't you all ever ask yourself "is this for real?"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"... can only be unlocked with carrier's permission..."
Seems pretty black and white to me. Well that appears to read that regardless of anything, you need to have carrier's permission. Regardless of its status. This reads very black and white... T-Mobile purchased = you ask their permission to unlock it.
Did I miss something?

I was just told by my DM that We are actually going to start charging a $3.99 fee for Unlocking Devices effective 01/31/13. Are DM also said this is going to apply to all stores and CS is going to charge the fee as well. Seems like a Monopoly to me.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium

Last phone I unlocked was my mytouch 4g. Just happened to be in the store and they did it for me. And if jose is right about the $4 they ate going to charge. I dont care, if I go back home again for a vacation. It will still be cheaper to unlock and buy a sim then to roam.

mrufokid said:
If I paid for it I'll do as I like .... This is bs ...
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IKR
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium

"You can also pay full price for a phone, not the discounted price that comes with a two-year service contract, to receive the device unlocked from the get-go."
I paid full retail. As T-Mobile is no longer subsidizing phones, they should all be unlocked when you buy them after 1/26/13.

SGH-T889 but not T-Mobile phone.....

I bought a new Note 2 from an Authorised T-Mobile store for a price which was about 100 dollars less than what most T-mobile stores sell. It came in a non T-mobile box and didn't have t-Mobile branding on the back which I never noticed until I got home. It had the normal sticker on the side of the box with the IMEI, SGH-T889 model number and SKU etc etc. I put my sim in fired it up and went to phone info. It showed T-Moble and showed there was software update which it did. Phone starts up with usual T-mobile startup movie thing and seems to work ok. in my apartment I was only getting edge but out and about it shows LTE and 4G. The edge thing bugged me (my Nexus 4 gets 3G and H in the same place) and I went to a T-Mobile Chat with a rep and they checked the IMEI and guess what... they say ....."Based on our records, the phone is not verified as a T-Mobile phone". WTF!!!!!!
Obviously I'm heading back to the store tomorrow, but anyone know what is going on? Anyone heard of this before. Is it a "gray market" phone if such things exist. The store looks like it is authorised. T-Mobile sign on outside wall and all t-Mobile branding and handsets inside.
Totally new one on me.

Probably the tmobile rom loaded onto a n7100, that's the only thing I can think of. That still doesn't explain the, label "t889" you said...strange
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app

salmanaman said:
Probably the tmobile rom loaded onto a n7100, that's the only thing I can think of. That still doesn't explain the, label "t889" you said...strange
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It gets better. the battery doesn't have any Samsung marking on it and when I looked at the label under the battery it does show the little Samsung Logo, gives the FCC ID and says rated 3.8V ------- 1,300mA
I'm not much with electrical stuff but the battery says 3100mAh. does 1,300mA equate to 3100mAh. I guess mA = miliamps and mAh is miliamp hours. My first though was that the label in the phone was misprinted and it should say 3100mA and not 1300mA.
Definitely interesting stuff for me

Can you post some screen shots man?

needabottle said:
It gets better. the battery doesn't have any Samsung marking on it and when I looked at the label under the battery it does show the little Samsung Logo, gives the FCC ID and says rated 3.8V ------- 1,300mA
I'm not much with electrical stuff but the battery says 3100mAh. does 1,300mA equate to 3100mAh. I guess mA = miliamps and mAh is miliamp hours. My first though was that the label in the phone was misprinted and it should say 3100mA and not 1300mA.
Definitely interesting stuff for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats normal. I cant explain it, but based off about 5 legit direct from tmo sght889's, they all said that.

First thing coming to my mind is that someone got a bootleg phone, purchased a real one aswell, said it messed up, and returned the bootleg one to the tmo store. Then somehow they got it to u.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using XDA Premium HD app

You just better hope they let you exchange it. You dont want them to tell you that they cant because its a phony phone and blaming you that you swaped the legit one to that one.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app

moabizzi said:
First thing coming to my mind is that someone got a bootleg phone, purchased a real one aswell, said it messed up, and returned the bootleg one to the tmo store. Then somehow they got it to u.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it was an official T-Mobile store, they would've checked the phone's IMEI to verify.
If anything, OP said the store looked like it was authorized. Just because they have T-Mobile stickers on the window pane and sell t-mobile phones doesn't make it a T-Mobile phone. They're just a dependent authorized reseller and to be honest, t-mobile has little to no business as to how the operate.

Pictures please so we know what exactly what you are seeing.

Guys thanks for your thoughts. Went back to the store, they basically said "tough doodoos". $70 restocking fee...... We tested the phone and it would get LTE/4G and 1 bar. It was therefore working fine according to them. His note 2 was pulling down some insane speed of over 20 megawoopdeedoos on speedtest. Mine was lucky to connect. If I set the network to 4G/3G/2G it wouldn't get any signal at all. Just a circle with a line through it. Called the T-Mobile tech line. This guy said yes it was a verifiable T-Mobile phone. What.... but your colleague last night said it wasn't............ Seller refused to swop or refund so I left. Went to T-Mobile store. They said it was probably a refurb phone and that basically it was a crapshoot with them and that they couldn't help. They gave me a new sim card in case it was the problem but no change. Phone seems to cycle from no signal to 3 bars on E to 1 bar on LTE/4G to no signal at all just sitting on my desk.
Unfortunately I paid with a debit card. the store wouldn't accept credit cards. The charge is still pending but Chase said they couldn't stop it. However as the phone is defective / suspect, advertised as new but probably a refurb they said to contact claims once the charge has gone through and they will see about reversing it. No idea if that will be successful. So ultimately, I might get a refund. If not I guess I could try Samsung and see if it can be looked at / repaired. I could start flashing Roms and play with it or I could throw it through the shops window :laugh:
I have to say that this has turned out like a twilight zone episode...hmmmm, what's that music...dee,dee,dee dee, dee, dee, dee dee.......
Oh and just for clarification. The area I am in has great coverage. Spent about 30 mins on the chat with a T-mobile guy today trying to troubleshoot the connection problems.

You can try this app out to see if it is a genuine note 2 t889. Otherwise it might just be a modem or rom issue if it is a genuine unless theres broken internal parts.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hotdog.truth
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app

That is unreal man. I would be so upset at them not exchanging it, but unfortunately for you it tested out fine.
Crazy how two different reps said two different things.
Feel for you man. Hope you get refunded and things work out.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2

Thanks. Downloaded it and it says its genuine SGH-T889 which is what the 2nd T-Mobile guys con firmed.
OK, here the question to the knowledgeable guys out there.....
I immediately updated the phone as soon as I got it. Could the update have been bad and shagged the radio or maybe the initial ROM flash have been bad? I guess I could go do a complete restore using Odin and see what happens. Is there anyway of doing it so it doesn't trip the flash counter? I'd hate to end up taking it to Samsung if that's my only option and they say I did the dirty deed and they won't touch it.
e46tuning said:
You can try this app out to see if it is a genuine note 2 t889. Otherwise it might just be a modem or rom issue if it is a genuine unless theres broken internal parts.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hotdog.truth
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

It could possibly be a bad download.
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Im not expert but possibly you could turn off lte and switch apn to old one and try speed test again. It helped me with my slow speeds after update.
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needabottle said:
Guys thanks for your thoughts. Went back to the store, they basically said "tough doodoos". $70 restocking fee...... We tested the phone and it would get LTE/4G and 1 bar. It was therefore working fine according to them. His note 2 was pulling down some insane speed of over 20 megawoopdeedoos on speedtest. Mine was lucky to connect. If I set the network to 4G/3G/2G it wouldn't get any signal at all. Just a circle with a line through it. Called the T-Mobile tech line. This guy said yes it was a verifiable T-Mobile phone. What.... but your colleague last night said it wasn't............ Seller refused to swop or refund so I left. Went to T-Mobile store. They said it was probably a refurb phone and that basically it was a crapshoot with them and that they couldn't help. They gave me a new sim card in case it was the problem but no change. Phone seems to cycle from no signal to 3 bars on E to 1 bar on LTE/4G to no signal at all just sitting on my desk.
Unfortunately I paid with a debit card. the store wouldn't accept credit cards. The charge is still pending but Chase said they couldn't stop it. However as the phone is defective / suspect, advertised as new but probably a refurb they said to contact claims once the charge has gone through and they will see about reversing it. No idea if that will be successful. So ultimately, I might get a refund. If not I guess I could try Samsung and see if it can be looked at / repaired. I could start flashing Roms and play with it or I could throw it through the shops window :laugh:
I have to say that this has turned out like a twilight zone episode...hmmmm, what's that music...dee,dee,dee dee, dee, dee, dee dee.......
Oh and just for clarification. The area I am in has great coverage. Spent about 30 mins on the chat with a T-mobile guy today trying to troubleshoot the connection problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When a retailer doesn't accept credit cards, that should raise a red flag concerning the legitmacy. Debit cards are less secure since it's a direct line to your bank account. Besides that, there isn't any difference between debit and credit, provided they are the same (ie Visa, MasterCard, etc). I almost never use my debit card except to acess an ATM. Even if it was an international version, it shouldn't have issues connecting to T-Mobile's network.

jerm1027 said:
When a retailer doesn't accept credit cards, that should raise a red flag concerning the legitmacy. Debit cards are less secure since it's a direct line to your bank account. Besides that, there isn't any difference between debit and credit, provided they are the same (ie Visa, MasterCard, etc). I almost never use my debit card except to acess an ATM. Even if it was an international version, it shouldn't have issues connecting to T-Mobile's network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I feel like a bit of a donkey..... I never even thought about it...I'm a trusting sod....thou art too full of the milk of human kindness .. as lady Macbeth said.... and they looked like genuine T-Mobile extravaganza. Well I guess tomorrow the charge will go through and I'll see if Chase can do something. Believe me it would give me the greatest of pleasure to be able to walk into the shop and plonk the phone on the counter, smile and bid the guy good day

This story. .....Just doesn't add up. ....whether you paid full retail or not you have 14 days or 30 days for a full refund or exchange. ..how you buy a device , then the next day you accept being denied a refund or exchange -_- , and T-Mobile can tell if a device is refurbish or not. ......try again with this story, just doesn't add up
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2

This is indeed an odd story...you mentioned you bought the phone from an authorized tmobile dealer so I dont understand why they cant exchange it or provide a refund? ??
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium

Is this store listed on T_mobile's website?
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app

[Q] Help me with testing a used SGN 3

I'm looking at a used T-Mobile Galaxy Note 3, unlocked, tomorrow.
What should I look out for, so I don't get landed with a problematic unit?
It's had a fall, and the seller had the screen replaced. Front camera is not working.
It's very, very affordable, and I'll never be able to buy one at full price.
I just don't want to find out that a whole bunch of other hidden stuff is not working, after handing over the money.
And the Note 3 is pretty complex, compared to my old Dinc2.
Is there a "test mode", where hardware errors would show up?
The front camera replacement is really cheap, and I'm handy with fixing things, as long as I can find a good guide, so I'm hoping to end up with a fully functioning phone at the fraction of the price.
Of course, there will be no warranty, but at least I won't have to worry about Knox and can root the phone.

The biggest thing I can think of is a blocked IMEI. You should probably have the exchange done at a T-Mobile store and have them check it. Also have them note it in your and the sellers accounts that ownership has changed so he can't call tomorrow and claim the phone stolen and get it blocked b
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

phil.culler said:
The biggest thing I can think of is a blocked IMEI. You should probably have the exchange done at a T-Mobile store and have them check it. Also have them note it in your and the sellers accounts that ownership has changed so he can't call tomorrow and claim the phone stolen and get it blocked b
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Thanks! I'll definitely meet outside a T-mobile store!
There are too many dishonest people selling stuff on craigslist, unfortunately.

siskiou said:
Thanks! I'll definitely meet outside a T-mobile store!
There are too many dishonest people selling stuff on craigslist, unfortunately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also be sure to confirm the seller has paid off the device if they stop making the payment after selling it to you the device will get blacklisted.
Sent from my massive Note 3 using Tapatalk.

Just make sure there is no EIP left on the phone and also have T Mobile transfer the IMEI to your account there and then. Also for the test do type in *#0*#

Meet INSIDE the store please. And make sure its not a fake by verifying the serial number in settings and also back of the battery.
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