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I've seen a number of websites describing the desktop cradle for the Incredible S but I can't find anyone who sells it. The model number appears to be HTC CR S460.
I'd love to get my hands on one of these. Has anyone seen them for sale?
Attached a pic for reference.
I've seen rumors of it "coming soon" but no actual product. There are a couple of third party cradles available if you search around.
i would get one of these if the display rotated, no point of looking at a sideways home page.
eganraC said:
i would get one of these if the display rotated, no point of looking at a sideways home page.
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It does. Both ways. But not upside down.
nimdae said:
It does. Both ways. But not upside down.
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Click to collapse
It might be just me, but how do you get your home page to rotate?
If it's not enabled by default, it will be somewhere in the settings. I know it's there because I was rather surprised to see it work when past versions of Sense that I'd used did not support it.
nimdae said:
If it's not enabled by default, it will be somewhere in the settings. I know it's there because I was rather surprised to see it work when past versions of Sense that I'd used did not support it.
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Click to collapse
ya..I can't seem to find out how. I looked all over my settings and can't find anything.
Interestingly, I can't find it either Maybe I'm crazy.
I'm about 98% sure that the rotation worked in Sense because I remember being surprised to see it long before I loaded up LauncherPro.
Now I'm concerned about my sanity!
I'll keep digging around. If I can't find it by tomorrow, I'll concede defeat and institutionalize myself.
nimdae said:
Interestingly, I can't find it either Maybe I'm crazy.
I'm about 98% sure that the rotation worked in Sense because I remember being surprised to see it long before I loaded up LauncherPro.
Now I'm concerned about my sanity!
I'll keep digging around. If I can't find it by tomorrow, I'll concede defeat and institutionalize myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works on the Incredible S, but there is no visible option in settings for us.
I remember having the feature out of the box. Maybe the guy at the verizon store did something to enable it. I definitely can't find it now.
Of course, I've been fiddling in secret menus as well.
Who knows. I'll jack with it tomorrow. If I find it, I'll post it. Otherwise, I'm switching back to LP.
nimdae said:
I remember having the feature out of the box. Maybe the guy at the verizon store did something to enable it. I definitely can't find it now.
Of course, I've been fiddling in secret menus as well.
Who knows. I'll jack with it tomorrow. If I find it, I'll post it. Otherwise, I'm switching back to LP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man, appreciate it. Its the only thing that's been really bothering me about this phone at the moment.
Well, I have to admit I couldn't find the option, but I did confirm with a friend that I showed him the fact it was working before. I'm not sure how it was working, but it is a feature of Sense and for some reason it's disabled.
On the bright side, if you really must stick with Sense, there have been hacks for quite some time to enable this feature on rooted devices. Once the unlock is released and you can root your device, you can then enable this once someone releases support for it in a ROM.
On the other hand, if you are not married to using Sense, you can also use another launcher. I'm pretty partial to LauncherPro.
nimdae said:
Well, I have to admit I couldn't find the option, but I did confirm with a friend that I showed him the fact it was working before. I'm not sure how it was working, but it is a feature of Sense and for some reason it's disabled.
On the bright side, if you really must tick with Sense, there have been hacks for quite some time to enable this feature on rooted devices. Once the unlock is released and you can root your device, you can then enable this once someone releases support for it in a ROM.
On the other hand, if you are not married to using Sense, you can also use another launcher. I'm pretty partial to LauncherPro.
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Click to collapse
Thanks bro, figured as much. I'm probably just gonna wait for rooted support when it comes out. I am a big sense nerd.
Sent from my ADR6350 using XDA App
For those looking for the official cradle for the Dinc 2 I have good news and bad news. The good news is that it is finally listed on Verizon's website:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/...ryDetails&archetypeId=12661&accessoryId=47607
The bad news is that it is out of stock and listed for $50 making in ridiculously expensive compared to cradles for other phones.
Hopefully when it finally gets into their system the price will drop.
If you don't need the official HTC cradle I found that most of the cradles my store sells for the thunderbolt work perfectly with the Inc2. I tested the one we have with mine and there isn't any wiggle room in the back when its in the dock, just a slight gap in the front of the cradle.
dreimond said:
If you don't need the official HTC cradle I found that most of the cradles my store sells for the thunderbolt work perfectly with the Inc2. I tested the one we have with mine and there isn't any wiggle room in the back when its in the dock, just a slight gap in the front of the cradle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's cheaper, that might be useful.
Believe it or not, I'm actually using a business card holder. I have to put it on the side with the data port up instead of down, which complicates things if I want to play video files, but it works otherwise. Unfortunately the only camera I have right now is on my phone so I can't really take a pic of the setup
Edit: This is kinda like what I'm using:
I can find it online for about thirty bucks. It's seidos version of the cradle for the tbolt. Works well and has a good quality feel to it.
Sent from my ADR6350
I have a couple of questions. Does it fit the phone with a case? And does it switch the rotation? Last question, it doesnt switch to the car dock mode right? Sorry i just got an android phone and am still figuring it out.
rudyutz said:
I have a couple of questions. Does it fit the phone with a case?
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Click to collapse
+1. and if so what size case will fit in it? im guessing the otterbox defendor wont come close but maybe the seidio surface case could work, or and amazon tpu case possibly? Not saying you would know the answer for sure but what would be your guess?
The cradle has an insert with it. When I took that off I was able to use it with my body glove case on and have a perfect fit. Anything larger would have issues but the feather cases, surface cases, and other slim designed cases will work.
Sent from my ADR6350
Just curious if anyone else is getting ready to upgrade now that it appears highly unlikely anyone is going to be able to get android wear 2.0 on the moto 360 and Motorola has already confirmed they won't. Personally, I think those new google "nexus" watch rumors seem really interesting.
Hello
Im waiting for the watch with new snapdragon 2100. Android Wear 2 dont change stuff so much that i cant wait until turn of the year 2016/2017. New coplication is not so big boom. And keyboard in small screen is it also no win.
Mayby new google watch or Moto 360 3gen , mayby Sony rounded smartwatch 4 ?
as of now, my gen 1 moto 360 still does its job. I feel that a change to any other watch would not be a significant upgrade, as it is hard to find a watch that looks both classy and sporty. my wishlist for my next watch would be a better battery and slimmer profile (and maybe more water resistant).
Mine does what I need it to do, like erm tells the time and keeps smart lock on the phone. As well as Google fit works, so no I'm not changing it.
In honesty, unless smartwatch prices drop a lot, I won't be getting another one this one gives up.
Without ever seeing the Fold in person and actually handling it I going to miss a few features based on the Specs I've read and videos I've watched. Here's my list.
Features I might miss:
1. Larger front facing screen...my caveat here is if the screen was larger it would probably be way too skinny anyway and would look really weird because of the dimensions..
2. Iris Scanner - love this feature on my N9. I know it's already gone on the S10's but it just works so well.
3. Update :MST for Samsung Pay is Probable for all phones. From what I've read, we're only getting NFC at least on AT&T but their website could be wrong since Samsung says it will have MST & AND NFC. That is always the beauty of Samsung Pay over various other Pay technologies. Worked just about everywhere for me.
4. MicroSD slot. OK, I might not use up the 512GB but do love the MicroSSD option which is great to easily move files and backups around., etc.
5. Waterproofing. I'm guessing that the Hinge is the problem and it would be difficult to waterproof the phone because of it.
6. The Fold would have been perfect if it had an S-Pen...with a selfie camera in the S-Pen (LOL!).
Features I'm not happy with (but I'll still live with):
1. That damn notch with a bezel on the big/inside screen. Almost made me bypass the pre-order. If that screen wasn't so large, I definitely would not have bought the phone. I swore I'd never buy a phone with a notch...Oh well.
2. (I know that this should probably be number one) The Crease! It remains to be seen but every video displays the crease in some manner. I find it funny that any article that I've read where Samsung has replied states that the crease is only seen in these **pre-production** models and the crease will not be seen on the final Fold versions. I'm not holding my breath on this one! So many reviewers stated that looking at the screen straight on and/or with a different wallpaper that the crease is barely visible or not visible at all. Now looking at the screen off to the side, the crease can be seen.
3. The batteries. They should have installed greater mAh capacity batteries. C'mon Samsung! You're using 2 separate batteries, give us more juice. You know we'll be on the 7.3" screen constantly!
4. I'm not really mad that they removed the headphone jack. I love options but 99% of the time I'm using BT headphones anyway.
5. The cameras. OK, we have LOTS of them! But for almost $2000.00 these cameras should have been even better than the S10/S10+'s cams. This Fold phone is Super Special and should have had a little bit more (can you say 10 X optical zoom? Might not have fit though).
6. I am still not fond of the Bixby functionality in comparison to Google Assistant. The Bixby routines are probably the best part of Bixby. I'll probably bypass Bixby.
7. Bixby button also being the fingerprint scanner. I'll lose my mind if I continually activate the Bixby button instead of unlocking my phone. That would make me crazy so I would use other software to disable Bixby altogether.
8. Many early articles on the Fold stated that Samsung would give us a free year of Samsung Premium Care+. I'm hoping that when I receive the Fold, I'll be surprised and find documentation to sign up for our free year. I'm probably dreaming...
9. They should have offered more for Trade-ins. Only up to $300.00 where it was $550.00 for the S10 possible trade-in values. (I'm kind of glad though since I may just need to keep my Note 9 around for awhile).
Unknowns:
1. It remains to be seen if the developers will build apps to work with continuity and sizing, etc. If that isn't done then we might own a $2000.00 boring paperweight. I need my Kustom suite of Apps and if they don't work, the Fold will be almost useless to me).
2. Will the Fold just be too long to easily fit in my pocket. I never put any phones in a back pocket but occasionally put in front pocket. Most of the time it's in a zippered pocket in a jacket or purse or backpack or small waist pack. I'm really not too worried..yet! Hahaha!
3. We definitely need a variety of cases. I'm sure they'll come. The interest in the Fold has seemingly surpassed Samsung's expectations. Samsung kept the final Fold design under wraps so long that I think that's one of the reasons the case makers haven't delivered yet (or they thought that the Fold wouldn't have much interest). I need a super protective Clear Case. I want to show off that Martian green with Gold Hinge!! (and I want to look at it too).
Final observations:
With all of the unknowns and possible negatives, don't get me wrong. I want the Fold!
I love being an early adopter and have saved up for this thing. I've been following Samsung over the years and drooling at all of their foldable prototypes.
With Samsung's track record on gorgeous displays, I know I'll love the tablet screen. I think that the small front screen is not a deal breaker because I liken it to my Lock/AOD screen where I glance at information then move on to the larger screen. It will be just one more step to fully open the Fold. Not inconvenient when you know what's coming! A huge, beautiful screen.
The COOL factor for the Fold is priceless! I am so anxious to get it and I know the feeling will continue as others spot the phone and want to check it out.
If the Fold ends up being a fantastic phone for me, then I'll be selling off a few other Tablets I have as well as my N9.
This is going to be Big! Cannot wait to play!
What do you guys think?
I'm just hoping root comes easy and comes quickly. Do you guys think it will be rootable?
A.Priori said:
I'm just hoping root comes easy and comes quickly. Do you guys think it will be rootable?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based off of the limited amount of people that will buy and have this device probably not, but I could be wrong ?
I'll miss the spen even though I don't use it that often, but the main thing I'll miss about that functionality is being able to capture video as an animated gif (I don't know if this exists on the S series as I've only used Notes as far as Samsung's go). I'll probably use my old Wacom dumb capacitive stylus that's been sitting a drawer for a few years for the simple diagrams I draw in meetings using One note. It did the trick when I used to use an iPad all of the time.
The small screen might get irritating if I want to tap out a message as I already find it difficult using something as small as an iPhone SE. Although with keyboard customisation maybe bigger keys can make that easier.
The notch doesn't really bother me. A hole punch would be equally as distracting as a notch to me on a regular phone, but in a screen that big I can't see it being a problem.
I'm definitely changing the scaling and fitting more on that display. Apparently that's how you get many apps to use tablet mode rather than a big phone layout, so I'll be really happy if that's actually true. But I'd set my mind on getting one even before I heard about that so I won't mind if it doesn't work on everything.
I haven't seen whether Dex is available in tablet mode as it is on the larger Samsung tablets. That would be a killer app for me. I know we can use up to 3 apps, but it's not the same as having a few windows layered and tapping between them, especially if you're copying and pasting between a few documents and you want that bigger layout on each to see text placement properly. Maybe someone will manage to extract and develop an apk that doesn't require root for that.
With regards to the above, I used to have a Toshiba PDA that ran Windows Mobile and with it's 800x600 display you could change the screen scaling and achieve a similar effect. It was pretty great.
The thing I'm mainly looking forward to is reducing my travel kit from a phone, tablet, and kindle to just one device. Ok maybe not just one device, I'll have room for my Switch more often now. Airport security love giving my bags an extra search due to all of the gadgets I end up carrying, and hopefully this will mean I just sail through like most other people.
And while it may be an elitist prick move, I want people to notice it. Most friends and colleagues know I'm a tech geek, but nobody notices the tech anymore, as all of the phones and tablets look so similar. They don't realise it's something new or cool and don't ask. Plus, nowadays all it involves is showing off something a bit faster with more storage and a better camera. Nothing has done anything new for years now. This brings back that wow factor when new phones had something brand new and sparks conversation about the future again.
The US devices will have locked bootloaders just like the other US Samsung devices. Unless I've missed it there is no word on international devices yet. If you're like me and root is a necessity you might want to consider waiting until the situation is sorted out.
Edit... One other thing I ran into today in regards to a potential S-pen is that a reviewer was opining the screen was too soft to support writing. That was a stated opinion not a fact from Samsung. So a guess but not an unreasonable one; It isn't hard to imagine the screen not being able to hold up to a pen.
Here’s an important notice for current and future Galaxy Fold owners
https://www.sammobile.com/2019/04/1...portant-notice/amp/?__twitter_impression=true
SAMSUNG GALAXY FOLD ??????
Where did you see the info regarding Samsung pay? Can't find any info about that
nique0201 said:
Where did you see the info regarding Samsung pay? Can't find any info about that
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Click to collapse
The specs on Samsung.com for the Fold only show NFC for Samsung Pay. They did the same thing on the Galaxy Watches.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
A.Priori said:
I'm just hoping root comes easy and comes quickly. Do you guys think it will be rootable?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doubtful on AT&T or T-MO devices... You know it's always that locked bootloader thing in US phones.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
AlanJC said:
I'll miss the spen even though I don't use it that often, but the main thing I'll miss about that functionality is being able to capture video as an animated gif (I don't know if this exists on the S series as I've only used Notes as far as Samsung's go). I'll probably use my old Wacom dumb capacitive stylus that's been sitting a drawer for a few years for the simple diagrams I draw in meetings using One note. It did the trick when I used to use an iPad all of the time.
The small screen might get irritating if I want to tap out a message as I already find it difficult using something as small as an iPhone SE. Although with keyboard customisation maybe bigger keys can make that easier.
The notch doesn't really bother me. A hole punch would be equally as distracting as a notch to me on a regular phone, but in a screen that big I can't see it being a problem.
I'm definitely changing the scaling and fitting more on that display. Apparently that's how you get many apps to use tablet mode rather than a big phone layout, so I'll be really happy if that's actually true. But I'd set my mind on getting one even before I heard about that so I won't mind if it doesn't work on everything.
I haven't seen whether Dex is available in tablet mode
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like we'll still be able to create a gif from a video (you could still have done it on the S9's too). Here's a tutorial for the S10's so I'm sure the Fold will be able to make one too:
https://www.phonearena.com/news/How...or-S10e-without-downloading-any-apps_id115228
Also, it is Dex ready/capable.
Great points you've made in your response! Thx!
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
burrzoo said:
The specs on Samsung.com for the Fold only show NFC for Samsung Pay. They did the same thing on the Galaxy Watches.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has MST, confirmed.
"Credit & debit cards: supports MST and/or NFC"
Source: https://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/galaxy-fold/specs/
Bjray said:
It has MST, confirmed.
"Credit & debit cards: supports MST and/or NFC"
Source: https://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/galaxy-fold/specs/
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Click to collapse
This would be great! I'm wondering if it's for Non US Folds. I'm hoping it's for everyone. I wish I had the eSim/nano sim option but not with my carrier (AT&T).
MST not listed in their specs but hopefully it's just incorrect. Thank you for the clarification.
https://www.att.com/buy/phones/samsung-galaxy-fold-512gb-space-silver.html
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
good that was almost a dealbreaker!!! no MST , because NFC hasnt really caught on the way they promised 6 years ago... at least not in places i frequent.
A.Priori said:
I'm just hoping root comes easy and comes quickly. Do you guys think it will be rootable?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're kidding, right?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxkAVnl6RVw&list=PLLjWNJiWtHZV-rqGklsgrjoK1ssOJfvrE&index=6
I'm out of here. I'm a rooter and right now I'm now feeling the love with dropping 2k on this device and then killing the warranty. This isn't a complaint per se, it's just not the right tree to be sniffing around for those like me that will most def flog the thing. I do hope all who buy in enjoy the bejesus out of themselves. Good luck gents.
nique0201 said:
good that was almost a dealbreaker!!! no MST , because NFC hasnt really caught on the way they promised 6 years ago... at least not in places i frequent.
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Click to collapse
I was just reading AT&T version of the manual & no mention of MST, only NFC. THAT would be stupid to me & I'd really miss it.
http://downloadcenter.samsung....d_EN_UM_P_9.0_040919_FINAL.pdf
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
hi my name is abdelrahman and i am new to samsung i happened to carry huwaei and sony mobiles before but i always wished to carry a note phone since its the flagship of android ...sadly it caused me to hate samsung and its ridiculous apps
1) Contacts display options the description doesn't appear like Huawei (my older phone) and this is not a hard option to do just put viewing options in contacts display SO I CAN SEE THE DESCRIPTION OF EACH CONTACT UNDER ITS NAME which is very important to me and i didnt find any application that have this option also instaklling the huwaei contact app on my note10+ failed i dont know why
2) No smart select for the sim card it's only either select one of the sims always to be used or select the sim each time (my huwaei used to know that if i am calling my contact on his number for example x the phone was used to make the phone call with sim 1 for example because i used to do this for some time and the phone picked it up automatically....and so on
3) Connectivity Issues (it's very slow switching between networks)
4) No dedicated 4G mode it's bundled with 2G/3G/4G which is frustrating there must be a seperate option for 4G only like the wcdma only option on my older mate 8 there used to be a 4G button in the notification panel which enforce the use of only 4G network
5) Music media players that comes with the device doesn't fast forward or rewind the song itself and cant be done by linking it to the bluetooth of the car (solved by downloading another player but i was surprised by this problem really i didn't think that this is an option since now i cant be hand free while driving because i have to scroll the music playing bar now just to fast forward or rewind)
6) The need to say hi bixby every time u want to use it is ridiculous there must be something about it
Seems like you need to go back to Huawei....
I ame from iPhone 1st,2nd and 3rd gen, then I switched over to Samsung and never looked back. Each platform has its ups and downs...
Sent from my SM-N975U1 using Tapatalk
Jiannu1385 said:
Seems like you need to go back to Huawei....
I ame from iPhone 1st,2nd and 3rd gen, then I switched over to Samsung and never looked back. Each platform has its ups and downs...
Sent from my SM-N975U1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my friend for sure u will never look back to iphone since its not on the same level of the competition what i mean is how can a 4 year old phone from a chinease manufacturer have small features but very vital like this and samsung doesnt
Different phones offer different options, pretty much always. A 4 year old phone will have things newer phones got rid of, there are definitely times where they get rid of things we liked and used (like an IR blaster for example). Also, OS updates almost always lose some options from the previous version. I held off on updating my Note 9 to Pie because I liked the available options of Oreo better. Still have my Note 9 on Oreo, still like the drop down quick settings better than my Note 10+ has on Pie. That's just an example.
Unfortunately, there is always some give and take when changing phone brands, OS systems, etc. Overall newer phones are overwhelmingly better, but there are still things that we wish we could have back that get lost over time.
I second that opinion, maybe you should go back to Huawei.
I can't comment on dual SIM, since I don't have it, but for example #1 personally I much more prefer Samsung way, than the way you describe Huawei does it. Much cleaner that way and I really don't need any descriptions on most of my contacts, like really do I need descriptions for Dad, Mom, wife or Elisa my daughter? If I need descriptions I put them in the title like Jimmy -plumber, chinese broadway etc.
While I understand you got used to do it your way, yours maybe not the only or even better way, personally I would either accept it or leave. Can't help with number 3, never had that issue, #4 I think there are settings for this, but don't remember where, because I would never use it, if there is no LTE signal of course I want to have any connection available, much better than nothing and I think there is a setting to always prefer LTE. #5 as you already found out particular player/car BT issue and #6 I never used Bixby can't comment much, but I would imagine there have to be some way to tell the phone you're talking to it, instead of friend? no? Maybe try hello Google instead. BTW that newest Huawei 30 pro looks like an awesome phone, was even thinking of getting it myself, if it only had s-pen.
pete4k said:
I second that opinion, maybe you should go back to Huawei.
I can't comment on dual SIM, since I don't have it, but for example #1 personally I much more prefer Samsung way, than the way you describe Huawei does it. Much cleaner that way and I really don't need any descriptions on most of my contacts, like really do I need descriptions for Dad, Mom, wife or Elisa my daughter? If I need descriptions I put them in the title like Jimmy -plumber, chinese broadway etc.
While I understand you got used to do it your way, yours maybe not the only or even better way, personally I would either accept it or leave. Can't help with number 3, never had that issue, #4 I think there are settings for this, but don't remember where, because I would never use it, if there is no LTE signal of course I want to have any connection available, much better than nothing and I think there is a setting to always prefer LTE. #5 as you already found out particular player/car BT issue and #6 I never used Bixby can't comment much, but I would imagine there have to be some way to tell the phone you're talking to it, instead of friend? no? Maybe try hello Google instead. BTW that newest Huawei 30 pro looks like an awesome phone, was even thinking of getting it myself, if it only had s-pen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it has an m-pen btw ...the problem is here mobiles are very expensive i cant also buy this mobile now so i feel like kinda fooled into this brand ...i guess this options wont be a must for u but it made my life easier
anbo2015 said:
it has an m-pen btw ...the problem is here mobiles are very expensive i cant also buy this mobile now so i feel like kinda fooled into this brand ...i guess this options wont be a must for u but it made my life easier
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand, once you past free return period, or if you don't even get one, it can be frustrating to switch to new phone and find out it works different, but at least for contacts the workaround I gave you should be easy enough? Also, if you really need phone set to LTE only I'll try to dig out the instructions?
Regarding Huawei m-pen, it's good to know, but if the pen is not stored inside the phone, I'll keep on loosing it, I tried that before, unless there is a case with build-in pen storage, because that could work.
You should change back to Huawei. Then you might find something useful in Samsung but not in Huawei.
I don't want the description below the contact, then will make the contact list extra long to scroll. I usually put the name and the company name just behind the name. If I really want the description like emails, I just click the name to see it.
I don't use 2 sim cards. But I think you still can choose which sim card to call. Just extra steps.
There is no 4G alone option. It is not a bad thing. I tried to set it 3G only, but when I traveled, where the place has bad 3G service, then no one can call or msg me but I totally forgot I did that. So no 4G only might be a good thing for places with inconsistent 4G coverage.
To fast forward a song, just drag the progress bar. If you want a fast speed, it is in the setting.
Just long press the power/Bixby button can bring up the Bixby voice. So you doesn't need to say Hi Bixby. Surprisingly you are using Bixby when the rest of us not.
pete4k said:
I second that opinion, maybe you should go back to Huawei.
I can't comment on dual SIM, since I don't have it, but for example #1 personally I much more prefer Samsung way, than the way you describe Huawei does it. Much cleaner that way and I really don't need any descriptions on most of my contacts, like really do I need descriptions for Dad, Mom, wife or Elisa my daughter? If I need descriptions I put them in the title like Jimmy -plumber, chinese broadway etc.
While I understand you got used to do it your way, yours maybe not the only or even better way, personally I would either accept it or leave. Can't help with number 3, never had that issue, #4 I think there are settings for this, but don't remember where, because I would never use it, if there is no LTE signal of course I want to have any connection available, much better than nothing and I think there is a setting to always prefer LTE. #5 as you already found out particular player/car BT issue and #6 I never used Bixby can't comment much, but I would imagine there have to be some way to tell the phone you're talking to it, instead of friend? no? Maybe try hello Google instead. BTW that newest Huawei 30 pro looks like an awesome phone, was even thinking of getting it myself, if it only had s-pen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does work with their spen but it's not built in
For Contacts and Dual Sim issue, there are several Apps that can do the function you require like Truecaller and for Music as well, you can try 3rd party Apps
I don't know how widely known this is or how many people have this on their radar, but there seems to be a very healthy market out there for "new" or "like-new", once-flagship smartphone models. And it's somehow being successfully filled by operations that, as far as I have been able to deduce, manage to collect used smartphones en-masse (from where? e-waste collectors/recyclers? buying them off of the original manufacturers -- perhaps as discards from their repair departments -- for $cheap$? unclear), they then take out any still-working internals/guts from the units they've collected, fabricate brand-new external casings (of the same material as the original product...so, glass, metals, plastics, etc.) that can almost pass for the genuine article even under close scrutiny, re-package the working electronics (mainboards, etc.) in those new casings, and then even go to the lengths to make counterfeit packaging for these re-manufactured phones that LOOKS like the original manufacturers' retail box for that model, shrink-wrap them, and then (usually) turn around and sell the phone as "new".
These guys are all over eBay and AliExpress (& similar outfits). I was quite stunned when I first ran into this, and realized what was going on. You mean there are enough people that will buy these, and at the prices that they're asking for them, for this to be profitable and worth doing at scale? Amazing.
It's hard to call the entire result "counterfeit" exactly, since there are enough original components in what gets shipped. Honestly, I'm not sure what to call them. But one of the problems is that, as amazing as the work of these refurbishers is, many (most) are being more than a bit deceptive when they go out of their way to re-create the original retail packaging and then list them as "brand new in box / old stock". That's a straight-up lie. (Also, many of them come packaged with very obviously 100% counterfeit accessories, like chargers and earbuds which are made to look like the original OEM accessories *externally*, but which absolutely are not original under-the-hood.)
They don't only deal in Sony phones, but Xperia models do seem to be a big seller for these guys, and I had a couple of Z5 Compact samples pass through my hands a couple of years ago...I got curious and wanted to see for myself what one would actually get if someone were to purchase one of these. My takeaway from this was that it's truly amazing how much attention they pay to certain details on one hand, while they simultaneously cut obvious corners on the other. The back glass wasn't original on either, but it was EASILY the best non-OEM Z5c back glass replica I've ever seen (99.9% of the ones you see listed on eBay -- even the ones that purport to be "original" -- are utter crap). The plastic shell/housing was IMMACULATE and with zero scratches/gouges/markings of any kind, as if they managed to sweet-talk Sony into letting them have the original injection molds...the texture was perfect, the color was 100% spot-on, etc. But the earbuds and charger included in the box were garbage (e.g., the charger was labeled as a genuine Sony QC2.0 model, but the label printing was all smudged up, it got SUPER hot, it felt much lighter and hollower than the genuine article, and I tested it and it NEVER went into Quickcharge mode...counterfeit all the way around), the printed literature that was included didn't look at ALL like what Sony includes in their boxes, the card stock they used for the box itself was thinner, and there are issues with the printing on the box (again: counterfeit).
Anyway, one of the things that struck me was that both of the phones still had their bootloader lock & original contents of the TA partition intact. It got me thinking: hmm, I wonder what the odds of that are?... Not everybody unlocks their bootloaders, of course, but amongst Android users, and perhaps especially among Xperia owners, I get the impression that it's not exactly uncommon. At the same time, preserving one's TA partition -- assuming it's even possible on your specific model -- is knowledge that's obscure enough and fiddly enough to execute on that most people who unlock their Xperia's bootloader probably don't even bother...and not only because of the relative difficulty, but also because they probably don't even realize it's a thing. I'd be shocked if most simply didn't Google "xperia bootloader unlock" and then click the link to the official Sony web page at the top of the results that walks them through how to do it. So if I were a betting man, I'd wager that of all Xperias out there with bootloaders that have been unlocked by their owners, easily the majority of them have permanently lost their DRM keys.
Could it be that these refurbishing shops have somehow found a way to regenerate the contents of the TA partition for the models they remanufacture? It seems hard to believe that they could do this without access to the original Sony root signing keys, but...?
For the longest time, when it came to Xperia flagship models sold by these guys, the Kitakami device family was pretty much where they seemed to have stalled out at, as far as what the newest models were that they were selling. But over the last couple of years, I've seen Tone, Yoshino, and even Tama devices of this caliber now flooding the market. I'm super tempted to pick up, say, an XZ1 Compact that's been refurbished in this way, just to see if it is as good as the Z5c samples I've seen were. But in addition to potentially just providing us with access to tons of cosmetically-flawless stock of XZ1c at somewhat-reasonable prices, I have to wonder if this also provides at least a glimmer of hope that it's *possible* to truly restore all of the software on these models to 100% from-the-factory state (complete with bootloader lock, recomputed DRM keys, etc.). I'd sure love to know where they're finding all of the phones they're rebuilding, what exactly (if anything) the software side of the rebuild process entails, and if they *do* have access to special knowledge or tools, how they acquired them...
If anyone out there has bought one of the reman'd XZ1 Compacts, I'd love to know what your experience has been like.
Here is an interesting Youtube video I found by one of these outfits (perhaps the main one even?), showing them going through a QC checklist on a Z3c post-refurbishment but before being packaged up. It's very interesting...the protective plastic with the incorrect "Xperia Z3 mini" text is very clearly not the same as the original (one of those areas where their attention to detail is less impressive...and interestingly, both of my Z5c samples had the *exact same diagram* on theirs and *also* said "Xperia Z5 mini"), but you can also see a reproduction phone barcode sticker that is laid out to look like what Sony would print and stick on the original retail box.
I think unlocked phones are *very* uncommon.
I've unlocked mine before DRM key backup solution was available. Not really missing those keys TBH.
Indeed incredible that they just seem to recreate the outer casings. It involved making new injection molds and whatnot, although in China that's not that expensive nowadays I think. Especially since many Chinese companies make it their business to produce counterfeit products and probably can do it very efficiently.
As for DRM, I'd be surprised if more than 1% of consumers unlock their bootloader, so I guess it's not that surprising to get them locked from such sources.
Got myself a XZ1c (G8441) from eBay. It was listed as new. The phone itself looks good and seems like new.
It came with UCH20 charger (AC 0061-BR).
Included headphones are MH410c.
Charger and headphones work well, but they have really cheap feel to them. I'm pretty sure they are knockoffs.
Also the user manual is definitely not original Sony manual. Just some generic pictures and text.
I purchased a brand new XZ1c G8441 and everything about it was A1 till my carrier shut down the 2100mhz 3G band and the phone revealed it's true identity as a SO-02K and no longer would make or receive calls. The seller will not respond to my emails so I have no idea as to the history of the phone, but I would be none the wiser, (and totally happy) if the network had not changed. I have been caught with 2 other phones in the same scenario, where they were working and presented as global phone and they all stopped working on the same day.
Which carrier do you have? The conclusion that it's not a legit G8441 feels like an odd one.
Some carriers (I'm looking at you, AT&T) will only do VOLTE on certain phones - even though it supports it.
I've also had very spotty reception in different places, and I'm 99.9% sure I have a G8441. I 100% get LTE on some streets, and on others only 2G.
One of my understandings for a very clear distinction is the existence of NFC on the phone. The SO-02K doesn't have it, nor will it have the stylized N on the back panel. The G8441 will. Mine has it, and I've seen Android recognize it, even though it's not something I normally use. Does yours?
While I suppose it's possible someone took a SO-02K and put it in a G8441 case to resell, the chances of that (and profit, given the work) seem extremely small.
Which might suggest it's carrier issues instead of hardware ones - as does the fact that other phones had similar problems.
Hi, All the things you have questioned are valid questions. My suspicions that the phone is not legitimate was arrived at by multiple components of information. Firstly the fact that the XZ1c no longer works on the Optus network and my XZ1 G8341 still works suggests that the XZ1c does not have the 900mhz band. Secondly the XZ1c is identified as a SO-02K when connected to Sony Xperia companion. Thirdly in the service infounder software the phone identifies as "Docomo=LTECA-user" The XZ1c has the N on the rear cover although I have never been able to get it to work. There is a high likelihood of the XZ1c having a new case as all the phones I have purchased recently that stopped working on calls, all present as new, however, the firmware on the XZ1C is global firmware and the phone presents itself in nearly all ways as a G8441. I had 2 Xperia XZ3s that both had the same firmware, one stopped being able to make calls the other still works. I am 99% sure someone has worked out how to make these phone present as global phones until the hardware restrictions tell the truth.
tonsofquestions said:
While I suppose it's possible someone took a SO-02K and put it in a G8441 case to resell, the chances of that (and profit, given the work) seem extremely small.
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There seems to be a massive amount of "refurbished phones" now on ebay and Aliexpress, that present in every way as new, so it would seem that putting old phones in new cases is the new market that many sellers are jumping on.
Ah, interesting. Yes, if it's presenting to some things as a DO-02K, then that seems possible. Now I'm tempted to check mine. Which is the "service infounder software"? My computer can't run the Xperia Companion.
It's possible the re-casing phones is a thing. I was just surprised people would do it for such an old phone, and that cases would even be findable still. But it's entirely possible I don't know what I'm talking about here.
You get to the service info menu by typing in *#*#7378423#*#* into the keypad on your phone, it will then come up with Service info and Service tests. Service info has a sub menu "software info", The XZ3s that I have where one works one does not, both show in service info the same model and firmware and software. but if I check the IMEI they are 2 different models PM-1150-BV and PM-1155-BV, The 1155 says that NFC is not available in the test whereas the XZ1c has the NFC as testable.
Ah, right. I recall that menu. I've always had trouble getting in to it on my XZ1c. I enter that code, but it rarely pops open, even though other ones like `*#*#4636#*#*` work just fine. I never understood why, and figured it was something with my ROM.
tonsofquestions said:
Ah, right. I recall that menu. I've always had trouble getting in to it on my XZ1c. I enter that code, but it rarely pops open, even though other ones like `*#*#4636#*#*` work just fine. I never understood why, and figured it was something with my ROM.
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It works on my XZ1c, but it is not instant, and can take 10-15 seconds to appear. The XZ2C despite what some say about it, is a better phone in my opinion. the screen is better, more responsive and the phone is generally faster. I just purchased a couple of Samsung S10e phones as the 3G has taken a nose dive in performance for the phones I have that still work. Can take 20 seconds for a call to initiate after pressing send
I did a little more digging, and it's a ROM thing. My ROM doesn't even have the APK, and it won't install since it's missing some xperia library or other. I'm guessing you're stock, or something built on it. That explains why I haven't been able to open it for ages...
Just received from Ebay a new G8441 model from China (13 days to Spain).
It's a real G8441!! and have a 20 band confirmed with NetMonster and always have a LTE 4G.
I also checked Service info/Software info: GLOBAL-LTE4A-user. PM-1061-BV
I also did a factory reset, and it's still G8441.
My main phone is a XZ1 compact for 5 years, and i decided buy a new one, because eco in calls, and gps sometimes works sometimes not.
The new one is exactly the same phone. The only difference is the display, it's not the same, it's a little bit darker, but who cares.