Related
Does anyone have a feel yet for how much Verizon dogged down the Droid 3 with bloatware, bad hardware decisions, and/or just generally screwed up the specs from what Motorola originally intended it to be...?
For instance:
- is the GPS locked so Google Maps can't access it?
- is there Crapware that I won't want yet won't be able to uninstall?
- can't make it a hotspot?
- can't tether it without fees or 3rd-party software?
- are there other things Verizon has "branded" that will make me crazy(er)?
Should I hold out for an unlocked version on Ebay, or go for the one from Verizon and unlock it myself..?
Or...is the locked version kinda ok enough to deal with that unlocking it isn't worth it?
Thanks.
~Noob #4,000,001 (I watched the video)
Ok so as about what you asked here is what i see on my system.
There is some verizon apps preinstalled that cant be removed
V Cast Media Manager
V Cast Music
V Cast Tones
V Cast Videos
VZ Navigator.
they do not however seem to bog the system down at all.
it can be a hotspot but until rooted you will have to pay for it i assume. I never use this feature so not sure how all that works
I would also say you cant tether it without the verizon software to do so but again i do not use that feature
Maps uses GPS just fine, i have never heard of moto blocking the GPS from google maps before.
I personally think it is a great phone. i have hated the last couple versions of blur but this one i could live with just would like to have root to remove some of the verizon stuff. The system is snappy i think if you could get a staight vanilla rom like apex it would be even faster but i have yet to see the system lag or force close anything.
I would also be willing to bet someone will find a way to root it in the next couple weeks.
I would get it but just my opinion
XT860?
It looks like there will be a Canadian version on Bell in a few weeks too.
I'm in the UK, and all reports suggest that the Milestone 3 (as presumably it would be called) isn't getting a UK release, so I'm looking at all these other international models and am wondering which would be most appropriate.
My assumptions so far are:
1. Droid 3 is primarily CDMA, and although it has some GSM capability, I'm not sure that it's going to work terribly well in the UK.
2. The XT883 (Chinese Milestone 3) is primarily CDMA too, and will also potentially suffer from language issues, and also things like inability to access the Android market?
3. The XT860 from Bell might be a contender - I think I'm right in saying that Bell operate a GSM network, and obviously the phone will be in English/French out of the box.
I guess the hardest part will be making sure the device is unlocked, i.e. not tied to a network, and will operate in the UK before buying one from abroad.
Does anybody have any thoughts?
Cheers,
Steve.
The Canadians get the XT860 Motorola Milestone 3 4G, or should we say Faux G since its not 4G and everyone knows it.
Unlocking the Droid 3 is a *****, If you do not have account with them it is near impossible all the codes only do not work since the phone goes to a subsidy mode.
delete
Delete
With locked bootloaders on Motorola/Verizon devices, what implications does this have for customers/xda-community?
Thinking about switching to Verizon and getting a Motorola phone but I'm not sure what having a locked bootloader really means and what implications it has for us.
Does this prevent custom rom development? Can it eventually be easily unlocked?
It essentially limits how much a rom can be customized and prevents the use of custom kernals. In general, it does restrict development for the device.
If the bootloader does get unlocked somehow, there will probably be an easy way for the end user to do it.... the problem is getting it unlocked in the first place. It's not impossible, but it definitely is not an easy task.
CC Lemon said:
It essentially limits how much a rom can be customized and prevents the use of custom kernals. In general, it does restrict development for the device.
If the bootloader does get unlocked somehow, there will probably be an easy way for the end user to do it.... the problem is getting it unlocked in the first place. It's not impossible, but it definitely is not an easy task.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it.
So have you guys been able to get the bootloader on Bionic unlocked?
I'm really thinking about switching to Verizon, and Bionic & Razr were two phones I was looking at, but the locked bootloader has me a little worried.
SamsungVibrant said:
Got it.
So have you guys been able to get the bootloader on Bionic unlocked?
I'm really thinking about switching to Verizon, and Bionic & Razr were two phones I was looking at, but the locked bootloader has me a little worried.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the Bionic and have been able to flash pretty much anything I want. Only thing we're missing is a custom kernel, but the thing is so snappy stock that you don't really need it.
I'm running Liberty right now and it's wicked quick and the themes are pretty cool too. I was even able to change my boot image from the Droid stock to The Matrix. If your wanting to root right now then Bionic is awesome, but you probably won't have to wait very long for the Razr to be rootable as well. Just personal preference I suppose.
Good luck with your decision to switch, but if you are going to I refer you to this post.
2fast4u89 said:
I have the Bionic and have been able to flash pretty much anything I want. Only thing we're missing is a custom kernel, but the thing is so snappy stock that you don't really need it.
I'm running Liberty right now and it's wicked quick and the themes are pretty cool too. I was even able to change my boot image from the Droid stock to The Matrix. If your wanting to root right now then Bionic is awesome, but you probably won't have to wait very long for the Razr to be rootable as well. Just personal preference I suppose.
Good luck with your decision to switch, but if you are going to I refer you to this post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I just wish that 4gb promotion would still be around when the Galaxy Nexus comes around. I'm considering that phone also, but I don't like that it doesn't have a microsd slot.
If verizon doesn't support voice and data at the same time, does that mean you can't use Google Navigation in your car at the same time while talking on the phone? That might be a reason I don't switch to Verizon. I like having navigation running on the screen while I'm on the phone.
An unlocked bootloader is nice but not necessary. I went from a Droid X (locked bootloader) to a thunderbolt (better specs and an unlocked bootloader) and my X was just as fast with better battery life. Now I have a bionic and its great, the only issue for me is the screen.
I've found phones with unlocked boot loaders seem to stand a test of time, more Dev's work on them, and when more dev's work on them, the higher value (IMHO)... My D1 was/is awesome, the only reason I upgraded was for the 4G finally coming to VA.
The Nexus is DEFINITELY going to be the next big thing, zero doubt in my mind. Hell, its not even out and its already been rooted. Samsung products (although cheap feeling) are always pretty open.
what about data and talk at the same time on verizon?
My other concern is about the Verizon network itself.
Using Google Navigation/maps requires constant data stream for the directions and map tiles, re-routing, etc.
If Verizon doesn't have voice/data at the same time, does that mean if you are in your car talking on bluetooth, google nav won't run correctly in the background because of no data network access?
SamsungVibrant said:
My other concern is about the Verizon network itself.
Using Google Navigation/maps requires constant data stream for the directions and map tiles, re-routing, etc.
If Verizon doesn't have voice/data at the same time, does that mean if you are in your car talking on bluetooth, google nav won't run correctly in the background because of no data network access?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are on 4G, data and calls work at the same time. I think the thunderbolt is the only phone to have the dual 3G radios allowing it to do both on 3G, but then again I have not tried with my bionic. I am always in a 4G area.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using XDA App
nosympathy said:
If you are on 4G, data and calls work at the same time. I think the thunderbolt is the only phone to have the dual 3G radios allowing it to do both on 3G, but then again I have not tried with my bionic. I am always in a 4G area.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh really...on Verizon 4G LTE you can have voice and data at the same time? I didn't know! Great!
SamsungVibrant said:
Thanks. I just wish that 4gb promotion would still be around when the Galaxy Nexus comes around. I'm considering that phone also, but I don't like that it doesn't have a microsd slot.
If verizon doesn't support voice and data at the same time, does that mean you can't use Google Navigation in your car at the same time while talking on the phone? That might be a reason I don't switch to Verizon. I like having navigation running on the screen while I'm on the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
confused...bionic.. On vzw obviously... I can talk and use data all day? What you Talkin about willis!!
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk
What he's talking about is Simultaneous Voice Data Optimized or SVDO for short. SVDO is the ability to do voice and data at the same time. This is not a problem for a Verizon 4G phone as long as you're on a 4G network. The game changes if you're on a Verizon 3G network though. To my knowledge the HTC Thunderbolt is the only Verzion phone that can do SVDO on the 3G network. This feat takes a special antenna and radio setup that is unique to the Thunderbolt.
You may recall many of the AT&T commercials that boasted the AT&T iPhone was the only iPhone where you could talk and browse the web at the same time. They were able to say that because the Verizon iPhone was not capable of SVDO over 3G.
2fast4u89 said:
I have the Bionic and have been able to flash pretty much anything I want. Only thing we're missing is a custom kernel, but the thing is so snappy stock that you don't really need it.
I'm running Liberty right now and it's wicked quick and the themes are pretty cool too. I was even able to change my boot image from the Droid stock to The Matrix. If your wanting to root right now then Bionic is awesome, but you probably won't have to wait very long for the Razr to be rootable as well. Just personal preference I suppose.
Good luck with your decision to switch, but if you are going to I refer you to this post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will miui come to this phone
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using xda premium
Actually, in a 3G scenario, once you start the navigator you can talk all you want and still navigate. The only time it needs to pull data is if you miss a turn and need to re-route.
Personally I want to see CM9 on the Bionic asap. While I (sadly) prefer the "Motorola Enhancements" to stock Gingerbread, I think I will prefer stock Ice Cream Sandwich from the looks of it.
Hopefully we see it sooner as opposed to later.
Just wait for the Galaxy Nexus
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using XDA App on UNL3ASH3D R3BLURR3D V2.3 and will continue to be sent from here until I buy the Galaxy Nexus 32GB
I would wait, being unlocked diff. limits the device, biggest thing personally is the ability to overclock the device, I speed this thing would diff fly as dual core and has the potential but with no unlocked bootloader to run custom kernel it sucks
I have a non rooted stock ROM, is there any hotspot wifi app available for the TBolt ?
I had the Samsung Droid Charge and I found an app from SVTP that allowed hotspot without Verizon charges.
valv507 said:
I have a non rooted stock ROM, is there any hotspot wifi app available for the TBolt ?
I had the Samsung Droid Charge and I found an app from SVTP that allowed hotspot without Verizon charges.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this
Or THIS
Those are for Tethering, not WiFi Hotspot, but thanks anyway.
valv507 said:
Those are for Tethering, not WiFi Hotspot, but thanks anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you do realize that tethering will also allow you to use your device's connection through a PC or laptop, right?
Similar concept, just uses USB instead of wifi.
Anyway, here is a WIFI APP (no root needed)
Can't verizon bust you for this?, I'm not trying to do the "holier than thou" thing, because I am interested in this...Just was wondering...I know at&t started nailing people for it.
ronartest2005 said:
Can't verizon bust you for this?, I'm not trying to do the "holier than thou" thing, because I am interested in this...Just was wondering...I know at&t started nailing people for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe the running concensus is that yes, they can bust you. Possibly by sending you a bill and/or enrolling you in the wifi tether plan. I'm sure they could legally void your contract and/or refuse service to you as well (there goes that grandfathered unlimited data plan). That said, I don't know how many cases there are of them actually doing this, so from what I've seen, people say to just keep it within reason.
Hello XDA members this is my first post on the XDA forums. I am about to upgrade to a droid bionic from my droid x. I am able to use the verizon hotspot app threw teamblackhats hotspot hack without verizon knowing I am using my phone as a hotspot. I have searched around all the android/bionic forums for the past week and have been searching for a way to use a hotspot app that has infrastructure mode working on the bionic and the only one I have found is the built in verizon hotspot. However verizon can still detect that you are using hotspot even if you do the SQllite entitlement hack. So does anyone know of an app/hotspot trick that lets you use your phone as a hotspot with infrastructure mode without the verizon hotspot or verizon knowing? If you give me "Foxfi" or "Wifi Tether For Root Users" as an answer can you please tell me if those apps can use infrastructure mode and bypass the Network Access identifier switch that verizon has built into their LTE phones??
I have emailed both Foxfi developers and Wifi tether for root users developers however I have still not received a response and it has been 2 weeks since I have asked them.
Here is a thread that can give you an idea of what I am talking about http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1260968 post #12 on page 2.
By the way I already know there are apps out there that can use wifi threw bluetooth and adhoc mode, but I need infrastructure mode and that's why I have included the information that I did in this post.
rootforce said:
If you give me "Foxfi" or "Wifi Tether For Root Users" as an answer can you please tell me if those apps can use infrastructure mode and bypass the Network Access identifier switch that verizon has built into their LTE phones??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quick question. How much data are you using that you're paranoid about Verizon finding out about the NAI switcher?
Because if you're not going to be doing it too heavily, I've used Wireless Tether For Root Users (http://code.google.com/p/android-wifi-tether) for 3 years across a Droid, Droid Bionic, and SGS3 without any issues whatsoever from Verizon. It uses a legit infrastructure mode.
However, there's no such thing as a safe tether workaround if Verizon ever decides to do deep packet detection on you. They'll be able to see desktop browser user-agent strings and that will blow your whole cover immediately.
projektorboy said:
Quick question. How much data are you using that you're paranoid about Verizon finding out about the NAI switcher?
Because if you're not going to be doing it too heavily, I've used Wireless Tether For Root Users for 3 years across a Droid, Droid Bionic, and SGS3 without any issues whatsoever from Verizon. It uses a legit infrastructure mode.
However, there's no such thing as a safe tether workaround if Verizon ever decides to do deep packet detection on you. They'll be able to see desktop browser user-agent strings and that will blow your whole cover immediately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll say i will be using 7-10 gigs of data per month. I have unlimited data grandfathered in and I have been out of contract with verizon for the past 2 months. I appreciate the info about wifi tether for root users. Please tell me projektor which setup method is infrastructure mode in wifi tether? its hostapd(master) right?
Bummer i was hoping there was a way to make it undetectable.
projektorboy said:
Quick question. How much data are you using that you're paranoid about Verizon finding out about the NAI switcher?
Because if you're not going to be doing it too heavily, I've used Wireless Tether For Root Users (http://code.google.com/p/android-wifi-tether) for 3 years across a Droid, Droid Bionic, and SGS3 without any issues whatsoever from Verizon. It uses a legit infrastructure mode.
However, there's no such thing as a safe tether workaround if Verizon ever decides to do deep packet detection on you. They'll be able to see desktop browser user-agent strings and that will blow your whole cover immediately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm. What if, though, the tethering is to an Android tablet?
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Infinity TF700 running Android JB (rooted) via Tapatalk HD
johnlgalt said:
Hmmm. What if, though, the tethering is to an Android tablet?
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Infinity TF700 running Android JB (rooted) via Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I heard bluetooth tethering works with pdanet. Try usb tethering on pdanet as well? theres a lot of variables. Sorry i dont have ur tablet to test it out
oops. I was unclear. I meant would they be able to read browser headers and notice a difference if I had my Android tablet tethered to my Android phone? (I've always assumed yes, but it made me wonder - if the browser headers were identical, would then notice the difference without actually delving deeper)?
I know I can tether my Infinity to my BIONIC, because I do it on a (nearly) daily basis. So, I was just asking the question more as an academic question than anything else.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Infinity TF700 running Android JB (rooted) via Tapatalk HD
from my understanding yes they can tell. i believe the mac address used on the tethered device is somehow revealed to vzw.
Sent from my DROIDX using xda app-developers app
Hey guys,
I know this may be just another in a long line of tethering threads so sorry in advance.
I'm moving from T-Mobile to AIO and I'm curious about tethering. I've heard the Nexus 5 now forwards you through seperate APNs for AT&T and T-Mobile. I'm guessing the Moto X does this too. I've been using T-Mobile and I my rare tethering doesn't go over their allotment, but I want it to be available when I need it on AIO.
Can anyone tell me if the Moto X will report when I try to tether. If so, what is the solution? I'd prefer to stick with stock if possible.
I use the XT1053 to tether on AT&T with no issues at all. And I've been through several billing cycles.
Sent from my XT1053 using xda app-developers app
I've been (Bluetooth) tethering using GoPhone for the past 5 months (3 on the Moto X) without issue. I couldn't find anything on the AIO website indicating what their recommended APN settings are, but you'll most likely need to add 'dun' to the APN Type for tethering to work.
Poke_N_PDA said:
Hey guys,
I know this may be just another in a long line of tethering threads so sorry in advance.
I'm moving from T-Mobile to AIO and I'm curious about tethering. I've heard the Nexus 5 now forwards you through seperate APNs for AT&T and T-Mobile. I'm guessing the Moto X does this too. I've been using T-Mobile and I my rare tethering doesn't go over their allotment, but I want it to be available when I need it on AIO.
Can anyone tell me if the Moto X will report when I try to tether. If so, what is the solution? I'd prefer to stick with stock if possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if it reports but I tethered via WiFi and USB both on H2O and AT&T GoPhone. Just checked the setting in UI. I have not done a lot of it, just to see that it works.
OK, I've really started diving into this and I'm learning a good bit. However, I still have more I've got to learn. I'm probably going to be downloading the AOSP later this week and working through some of the items in it.
So far, I can tell that some carriers actually have APNs written into Android AOSP for routing their tethering traffic through. From what I could tell, T-Mobile is the only US one. I saw others I recognized like Rodgers and Orange.
However, there is also the element of "APN Type" of DUN. I've read some say that this causes a flag to be set that carriers "COULD" use to tell if you are tethering. This would make sense considering I'm seeing some talk of a database value called "tethering_dun_required".
Once I get this all worked out, I might just write up a full up post for all of XDA on Android and Tethering. Plus, then it could get fact checked by the peer here.
Quick summary on the what this means for the question I asked, I don't think AT&T can tell right now. However, Android Kit Kat and above may be forcing DUN on my APN when I'm tething which they could in theory use. However, I'm not sure on that fact.