Develop Bugs

[Q] Nexus as phone

I'm looking at maybe getting a Nexus 7 but I have a more general question. I'd like the 7 to replace my phone, a Galaxy S3 as I am now doing a Uni course and the larger screen would be handy, but I'd prefer to carry only one item and really don't want to have to get a new SIM/Data plan to run the tablet.
It seems tablets (presumably the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 included) don't do phone. They have 3G and 4G/LTE sometimes advertised but it is only for data as near as I can tell. Why wouldn't a manufacturer make a tablet that you could just add a BT headset and have the best of both worlds, a tablet for computing that is also your phone.
Or am I missing something here? (last experience was with a Xoom 2, but the missus has an Xperia Z 10" and it doesn't do phone either)
Is there a simple way to use the Nexus as a phone? I've seen recommendations about Google Talk but do these work OK? (I'm wondering why they don't seem more in use)

Journyman16 said:
I'm looking at maybe getting a Nexus 7 but I have a more general question. I'd like the 7 to replace my phone, a Galaxy S3 as I am now doing a Uni course and the larger screen would be handy, but I'd prefer to carry only one item and really don't want to have to get a new SIM/Data plan to run the tablet.
It seems tablets (presumably the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 included) don't do phone. They have 3G and 4G/LTE sometimes advertised but it is only for data as near as I can tell. Why wouldn't a manufacturer make a tablet that you could just add a BT headset and have the best of both worlds, a tablet for computing that is also your phone.
Or am I missing something here? (last experience was with a Xoom 2, but the missus has an Xperia Z 10" and it doesn't do phone either)
Is there a simple way to use the Nexus as a phone? I've seen recommendations about Google Talk but do these work OK? (I'm wondering why they don't seem more in use)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a few things you can do. You can get the LTE and hope dev's add phone support. I read somewhere earlier that on the old n7 (correct me if I'm wrong), they added SMS support ONLY.
Another option is to try a service like this, which will allow you to possibly make calls from your tablet in that way. http://www.engadget.com/2013/12/19/ppl-connect-virtual-phone/
You could also try an app like this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.moplus.gvphone
Another option I've used which works fairly well is called Groove: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.snrblabs.grooveip
another option is skype with landline calling.
Long answer as above, short answer: it's complicated, you can try it with different apps but YMMV. Good luck!

Journyman16 said:
I'm looking at maybe getting a Nexus 7 but I have a more general question. I'd like the 7 to replace my phone, a Galaxy S3 as I am now doing a Uni course and the larger screen would be handy, but I'd prefer to carry only one item and really don't want to have to get a new SIM/Data plan to run the tablet.
It seems tablets (presumably the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 included) don't do phone. They have 3G and 4G/LTE sometimes advertised but it is only for data as near as I can tell. Why wouldn't a manufacturer make a tablet that you could just add a BT headset and have the best of both worlds, a tablet for computing that is also your phone.
Or am I missing something here? (last experience was with a Xoom 2, but the missus has an Xperia Z 10" and it doesn't do phone either)
Is there a simple way to use the Nexus as a phone? I've seen recommendations about Google Talk but do these work OK? (I'm wondering why they don't seem more in use)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Short version: As an actual phone connected to the phone network making normal voice plan calls? No. That's not possible at this time and it's unlikely that's going to be working any time soon. Google has gone to some lengths to block this capability.
Slightly longer version: If you just want a phone and don't care about how? Yes. You can get a VoIP plan from any of a number of companies (Vonage, Comwave, MagicJack, etc) who include an Android phone app. In this case, you'll get a Data only SIM from your carrier, stick it in the N7 LTE and use the internet connection to make calls. Downside? If you want to receive calls, you'll have to run the VoIP app's service in the background and that'll eat up more battery. Also, no SMS directly. While the N7 LTE *does* technically support SMS, again Google has gone to some lengths to block outgoing SMS and limit the usefulness of incoming SMSes - there is a fix for this problem. But if you're VoIPing - then you'll have two phone numbers - the one for your VoIP phone and one for the SIM and that's the one you have to use for SMS.
On the other hand, some of the VoIP offer SMS support and there are some Android apps that allow you to route your SMS through their app, which basically restores SMS.
Oh and why haven't they made a phone/tablet? They have. For example: the Viewsonic ViewPad 7 does it. The Samsung Note 10.1 and 8 LTE version does it. The problem with the N7 is that Google's phone is the N5 and they want to keep the tablets and phones separate.

Thanks guys... That's pretty much where I thought things were. I am puzzled as to why - I'd have thought something like the Nexus 7 with phone would be a Monty for market share. Let's face it, phone users are not going to want the bigger form factor anyway, but adding a phone to a tablet of reasonable size (i.e. large pocket) and reasonable weight (i.e.sub 400gm or so) would have people swarming to buy.
There's another reason, and one that is part of my reason for the question - some of us are older. Tiny screens running HD are not exactly eye friendly and Android doesn't do scaleability worth a damn until you are on a web page. A 7 or 8 inch screen at HD is far more readable than a 5 inch. And people my age have disposable income without having to ask our parents.
And once one company does it, they'd all have a version. The market would split in two, large and small screens. As it is, I wonder how many potential phablet users just think 'stuff it, I'll stick with my phone and my laptop/home desktop and bugger the upgrade.' Samsung 8 LTE might be the go - been looking at the Note 3 for exactly the reasons here...
Why Google decided to copy the phone companies in paradigm instead of breaking the market open I have no idea.

It's possible through Google Voice and a third party app. I use Talkatone but there are a few others. They're against the terms of service for Google Voice, and Google has announced that they'll be blocking third party apps like this sometime next year. But they work now anywhere you have a any data connection. However, there's a silver lining: Google added first party voip support for Google Voice lines in the iOS version of Google Hangouts. If you put connect the dots, it looks like Google will give first party voip support for Google Voice through the Android version of Hangouts. They've already pushed Hangouts one step closer to being a one-stop-shop for communication when they made it the default SMS app for the latest version of Android.
But just so you know if you do this or any other voip solution, you should know that you won't have 911 service. It might be worthwhile to purchase a cheap pay-as-you-go phone for that or just keep your old phone handy even if it doesn't have a plan anymore since 911 is ALWAYS available on all mobile phones that can connect to a cellular tower even if there is no paid service for them.

Voice + Voice app (for texting) + GrooveIP (paid version) is the easiest way to go. I suggest a Bluetooth headset unless you don't mind making all your calls in speaker phone. Learn from my mistakes and see if you can find a Bluetooth 4.0 headset as they're easier on battery life than 3.0 ... Plantronics has a half way decent Android app (look for the one with more than 4 stars).

Look up the Asus Fonepad. I would suggest the newest version, with the GB you want. It also has an SD slot. It is carrier ready. It isn't "pure" android, but it is close. And some of the extras are helpful.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

Journyman16 said:
I'm looking at maybe getting a Nexus 7 but I have a more general question. I'd like the 7 to replace my phone, a Galaxy S3 as I am now doing a Uni course and the larger screen would be handy, but I'd prefer to carry only one item and really don't want to have to get a new SIM/Data plan to run the tablet.
It seems tablets (presumably the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 included) don't do phone. They have 3G and 4G/LTE sometimes advertised but it is only for data as near as I can tell. Why wouldn't a manufacturer make a tablet that you could just add a BT headset and have the best of both worlds, a tablet for computing that is also your phone.
Or am I missing something here? (last experience was with a Xoom 2, but the missus has an Xperia Z 10" and it doesn't do phone either)
Is there a simple way to use the Nexus as a phone? I've seen recommendations about Google Talk but do these work OK? (I'm wondering why they don't seem more in use)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you are not in the U.S., the international version of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 may be what you need. You can even purchase an S pen that has Bluetooth headset capabilities built in. You would have a phone, tablet and notebook all in one device. Keep in mind last year's version was released in the spring, so an update is likely soon. It does not have nearly the ppi of the N7, and the battery life isn't great, but otherwise it's a good tablet. I have both and prefer the N7 for fun and for reading, but use the Note 8 at work every day. Unfortunately in the US we do not have access to the version with voice capabilities even though there is a data enabled version sold here. I'm not sure if the international version would work here either.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

Google Voice and Talkatone worked great when we went on a trip to Italy. I made free calls back to the US from anywhere with Wi-Fi .
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I've been using a 7" Nexus as my phone for over a year now (first 2012 wifi only, now 2013 LTE). Free incoming and outgoing calls, I just pay for a 4g data plan with Verizon.
- Texts with Google Voice.
- Incoming calls to Google Voice number ring my Callcentric VOIP #, which rings my PBX then rings the SIP app on the tablet (in my case CsipSimple).
- Outgoing calls go through the Gvoice trunk on Pbxes.org and the caller ID shows up as as my google voice number. Free calls to US and Canada.
Ever since I got the Nexus 2013 the call quality has actually gotten worse though, there must be some setting that needs to be tweaked somewhere (my setup confuses me sometimes)
Anyways look for guides by "acegolfer". He's the man for VOIP stuff.

Journyman16 said:
Thanks guys... That's pretty much where I thought things were. I am puzzled as to why - I'd have thought something like the Nexus 7 with phone would be a Monty for market share. Let's face it, phone users are not going to want the bigger form factor anyway, but adding a phone to a tablet of reasonable size (i.e. large pocket) and reasonable weight (i.e.sub 400gm or so) would have people swarming to buy.
There's another reason, and one that is part of my reason for the question - some of us are older. Tiny screens running HD are not exactly eye friendly and Android doesn't do scaleability worth a damn until you are on a web page. A 7 or 8 inch screen at HD is far more readable than a 5 inch. And people my age have disposable income without having to ask our parents.
And once one company does it, they'd all have a version. The market would split in two, large and small screens. As it is, I wonder how many potential phablet users just think 'stuff it, I'll stick with my phone and my laptop/home desktop and bugger the upgrade.' Samsung 8 LTE might be the go - been looking at the Note 3 for exactly the reasons here...
Why Google decided to copy the phone companies in paradigm instead of breaking the market open I have no idea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are so right. There is nothing right now on the market with: (a) HD screen (1080x1920), (b) 4G, (c) 7" screen
Absolutely nothing. It is amazing the N7 cannot make phone calls.
And you are also right on the "age" but on general use as well. I struggle on my 4.5" smartphone - not only because my eyes are not as good anymore, but also because no web sites can display properly and as soon as you have the keyboard on the screen it's all gone.
The 7" and the weight is an ideal replacement for a smartphone! The business heads in Google obviously need to be sacked.

[Q] Talking Galaxy Tab s

Hey guys,
Just went to a major whse and bought the Galaxy Tab s. Looking over the specs I noticed it can mirror my Galaxy Note 3 via sidesync to send and receive calls. However one can't talk THROUGH the Tab s? I just talked to two live chat support and they said you can't. Both are bluetooth paired, sydsynced, both have microphones and speakers. All set up to be able to talk through the Tab s right? Nyet. no. Yet, my $80 dumb car stereo with bluetooth can and the sound comes through the speaker so why can't this whizz bang tablet? What am I doing wrong and missing?
Thanks for any hep.
I've searched google for w while now and I found ONE thread about downloading something onto my computer then onto the tablet after rooting but I'm not that technical. I'm three hours into the search and nothing. So either I'm asking the google the wrong question or a solution isn't there?

Yeah, call through secondary device, everybody wants, but AFAIK not solution around. Bummer.

I became so disappointed as you when I realized I couldn't speak and hear through tab when picking calls from note 3.
The solution we expect will require a BT phone in range with note 3. That is pretty redundant because tab has a BT phone built in as you said.
Sidesync is nice but is fresh and there is a lot of room for features and improvements on its next versions.
sydesinc for now acts just like a windows RDC and can't be used if you're tethering data from secondary device. it is nice but it's not enough.
Sent from my SM-T805M using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

pibach said:
Yeah, call through secondary device, everybody wants, but AFAIK not solution around. Bummer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aldrighi said:
I became so disappointed as you when I realized I couldn't speak and hear through tab when picking calls from note 3.
The solution we expect will require a BT phone in range with note 3. That is pretty redundant because tab has a BT phone built in as you said.
Sidesync is nice but is fresh and there is a lot of room for features and improvements on its next versions.
sydesinc for now acts just like a windows RDC and can't be used if you're tethering data from secondary device. it is nice but it's not enough.
Sent from my SM-T805M using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks guys just my luck. This is NOT what was advertised or rather a slick omittance and half truth in their advertisement. Even a gent from a major electronic magazine at the CES show stated after sydsyncing his phone "will be able to talk through the device and mirror your phone". Then went on to drag and drop a pic of his mirrored phone onto the Tab. I thought cool finally! So much for research.
It amazes me they went 9/10th of the way but thought it not useful to go that extra tenth to make it be a pass though device for calls.
Again, thank you for your answers.:good: Going back today to return it.

rxonmymind said:
Thanks guys just my luck. This is NOT what was advertised or rather a slick omittance and half truth in their advertisement. Even a gent from a major electronic magazine at the CES show stated after sydsyncing his phone "will be able to talk through the device and mirror your phone". Then went on to drag and drop a pic of his mirrored phone onto the Tab. I thought cool finally! So much for research.
It amazes me they went 9/10th of the way but thought it not useful to go that extra tenth to make it be a pass though device for calls.
Again, thank you for your answers.:good: Going back today to return it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sad to say that is the case. It does work with S5 however. Did you update your software? I am wondering if that would take care of it. Not sure why it would with S 5 and not Note.

tenbender said:
Sad to say that is the case. It does work with S5 however.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you confirm you can make a call on S5 (actually pressing it on tab) through sidesync and speak on the mic of te tab?
can we bridge calls through devices or not? I just could't figure how.
Sent from my SM-T805M using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

aldrighi said:
So you confirm you can make a call on S5 (actually pressing it on tab) through sidesync and speak on the mic of te tab?
can we bridge calls through devices or not? I just could't figure how.
Sent from my SM-T805M using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to tether the entire call through my galaxy tab S via sidesync using my galaxy S4, however I can't tell if it works with my new Note 4. I called my partner while I was at home and they were at work, using sidesync, with my S4 in the next room on the charger, however I had it connected via wifi and bluetooth.

As far as i know,it only works with S5.
In a few days i have my Tab S 10.5 lte and that's the reason i will change my Note 3 into an S5.

Are Tablets a Waste of Money?

Hey guys I work for Bell here in Canada and have an opportunity to get a Samsung Galaxy tab s 10.5 for $50 upfront and 22.50 a month thereafter for two years on a term with the company.
I am unsure if I will use it, I have a HTC One m7 and love it, I have custom Roms constantly running on it and have on all my android devices.
I would love to watch movies and shows on the beautiful screen this tab is known for but also have chromecast so I have similar functionality at home already.
I am a university student and have an aging laptop which I do not like to carry around. Do you think a table could be good for school?
Also, 8 or 10.5 size? The 8.5 would be 10 upfront and the same monthly price thereafter.
Thank you for your time xda!!

Well I use mine for school also. It lasts 8 hours screen on time, but should last you the whole day if you use it for mixed usage(taking notes and other stuff). Its very thin and light to carry around. But this tablet is very fragile and can break when dropped. I have the 10.5. Its good if you want a screen as big as the laptop. But the 8.4 should do. There is slight lag on the homescreen but can be fixed but installing a different launcher.

Don't think tablets are a waste of money, but it depends on what you want to do with it. I actually have a few and just picked up the 10.5. My intent on the 10.5 was to use for work. It has worked out well as I picked up the matching keyboard with it. I am able to VPN into work and use it when remote, thus no need to fire up my laptop. I also have a Virtual Desktop environment at work, so with the 10.5 I can also connect to that once I am VPN'd in. Works great. Also works well for just browsing internet and note taking offline as well. To me well worth it.
However, the price you are mentioning seems to be a big high. Basically you are paying $590 for the 10.5. I would think you should be able to get it much cheaper than that if you pick it up directly. Check your local retailers for sales, particularly with the holiday season on us now.

Joshua3109 said:
Hey guys I work for Bell here in Canada and have an opportunity to get a Samsung Galaxy tab s 10.5 for $50 upfront and 22.50 a month thereafter for two years on a term with the company.
I am unsure if I will use it, I have a HTC One m7 and love it, I have custom Roms constantly running on it and have on all my android devices.
I would love to watch movies and shows on the beautiful screen this tab is known for but also have chromecast so I have similar functionality at home already.
I am a university student and have an aging laptop which I do not like to carry around. Do you think a table could be good for school?
Also, 8 or 10.5 size? The 8.5 would be 10 upfront and the same monthly price thereafter.
Thank you for your time xda!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well as for a waist of money it depends. If you like to lay in bed at night and do some reading watch a show play a game or two, then this is the most comfortable way to do it. Also If you want to be able to look stuff up on the fly while watching TV or hanging out with the family, this is also a great tool. Breaking out a laptop or going to the computer every time you want to do this isn't always the best idea. If you don't feel you will use it for things like this or traveling then might not be a good idea.
I know its easy to say I'll just use my phone. However sometimes its just not nice to use a smaller screen to get things done.
As for worth buying the way your are considering it...
The 10.5" would cost you a total of $590 this way when you can easily find it on amazon or Google shop for $435 - $450. I know not much savings but if you can afford it I would go that route.
The 8.5" would cost a total of $550. That's only $40 less for a much smaller screen. If you want something between a phone and a full size tab then this is a good option. Again online they are much cheaper. I didn't do much research on this as I was only interested in the 10.5.
If the only way you could afford this is to finance it and are going to take the leap go with the 10.5 more bang for you buck in the end.
Just my humble opinion. I'm sure more people will have more incite for you good luck. Love my 10.5 BTW.
DrClaw

Thanks for all the help guys, I picked up a 10.5 t805 lte.
Great purchase, I'm picking up the Samsung keyboard to go with it soon!

Joshua3109 said:
Thanks for all the help guys, I picked up a 10.5 t805 lte.
Great purchase, I'm picking up the Samsung keyboard to go with it soon!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great choice! Did you get the bronze or the white one? People think I buy expensive electronics because the bronze looks like gold to them lol. Luckly, it already has apps that can be used for typing and writing reports. Hancom office is the name i think.

The bronze, and oh man it looks incredible with the keyboard

Questions before Buying Tab S4 835

Hi
After my note 12.2 crashed in 2015 and I had to stop using it (save the newborn and first Christmas pics so I can image it when I get time) I have been without a tablet. I am desperate for one and the s6 has no headphone jack.
I'm trying to buy a tab s4 on ebay. The LTE 6gb 256 unlocked Korean version. I want to make sure that I get the right one that has no bloat Korean software.
Someone said that you need to get the non - cell provider version here
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s4/help/lte-verizon-version-providers-t3826965/page2
I have searched here to the best of my ability, but I can't find out how to tell them apart.
I would like to know the following if anyone can help I would be grateful.
1. How do I tell the non carrier version of the Korean 6bg unlocked LTE S4 835 from the carrier versions? I just want to make sure that I get the correct tablet on ebay.
2. Is the bootloader unlocked on the Korean version? I thought I read that but can't find it now.
3. Is it rootable? I just want LMT and adblock
I think this is the guide I would use, correct?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...-0-sm-t83x-t3928278/post79483624#post79483624
4. Is there anything else you would think I need to know about before buying this?
Thank you very much for your help. I'm grateful. I've just been without a tablet for a long time and don't want to screw up this purchase. I LOVED my 12.2 and I really screwed up buying my note 9 from Verizon. I should have gotten the international version. I despise that Facebook is an undeleteable system app on the note 9. I just want to get one of the last decent android tablets and it seems like the tab s4 from Korea is it.
Sincerely
MH

Additional note
Hi
I just wanted to add that the main use for me will be
Reading pdfs and ebooks in fbreader - main desired use even though I will spend more time overall surfing and email and Twitter, etc... I really need a way to read things quickly that just works AND that can do the other things that I don't want a laptop or desktop for.
Surfing Twitter insta
Calendar
Email
Carrying around at work for light use at meetings
I have a thinkpad X1 yoga for laptop and meeting note typing use. I like it but it's cumbersome and not as intuitive as my 12.2 used to be for twitter and reading books so I really need a replacement for my 12.2
Again a really big thank you for any help you can offer me.

Galaxy S20 vs Note 8

Can someone explain to me why I would pay $1400.00 for galaxy S20 when ok have a note 8? I use my phone now for photos, videos, vlogging, texts, and emails
Thanks,

You're right, might as well just get the note 1 then, it can do all those things just fine...

I mean it is really up to you if you see the value, or lack thereof, for your daily needs of buying the phone. The specs appear to be great on paper but no one will know for sure until we get to go hands-on. If it won't put you in any financial strain go for it, it's shiny and new, if it doesn't interest you, wait till a phone drops and go for it or you could just stay stuck always waiting for the next best thing. Either way, I'm buying one, good luck.

If you still have a note 8 that means you really don't care about cutting edge tech. In that case save a little money and get a note 10 or if you need the 5g you can get a note with that too

Rayg1022 said:
Can someone explain to me why I would pay $1400.00 for galaxy S20 when ok have a note 8? I use my phone now for photos, videos, vlogging, texts, and emails
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really. It's up to you to decide if you want to pay $1400 for it or not.