Database Develop

Defective Exchanges @ Gamestop

I have to say, that's one of the things I like about having an actual store to go to and deal with customer service face to face.
There's no way for them to put you on hold for 45mins to an hour, there's no waiting for the call or email that never comes, just to call back and find out there is no record of your complaint or call.
So I called my local Gamestop, the same girl that sold me my N7 was on shift. I asked her if she had any in stock for an exchange, she said "no, but let me pull it up in the computer". She tells me of 3 stores that have some in stock and asks if I need their number or address...
Since the next store was like 5 blocks away, I just drove there. They only had 1. I walk in and the sale person says "hey, hum, those aren't supposed to be sold yet, I don't think I can do the exchange until the SD of 8/7" (lol). He calls his manager, she didn't answer. He called another one on his cell, and that one told him, if I have my receipt and product, there was no problem doing the exchange.
He asks me what's wrong with it, I tell him I've randomly had a black line flash 3 times in the last week~. And although I was reluctant to exchange it after reading some of the stories behind other's defective units, as mine's was in top shape. He says yeah but if you can get a new one free, why not right? I said, yeap you're right.
So 5 mins later I walk out with my new exchange.
Now I am afraid to open and inspect it.. Heart's beating fast, I think I am gonna faint.. someone call 911..
Yeah, I really don't want to find out this one's defective.. I really, really enjoy this tablet. :silly:
-CC
P.S. Anyone know if you get the $25 credit again when registering a new unit on the same account?
EDIT: 23,618 units between serial numbers on my two units
OBSERVATIONS: This unit's back is darker than my previous one. The power and volume buttons feel more clicky, plasticy and tend to stick out more especially on the bottom. I am guessing different materials sources.

clockcycle said:
P.S. Anyone know if you get the $25 credit again when registering a new unit on the same account?
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Why would you get another $25 added to your account? There is/was a loophole where you could, but on new accounts with a different credit card on file I believe. Don't be surprised if Google closed it by now.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

nikon120 said:
Why would you get another $25 added to your account? There is/was a loophole where you could, but on new accounts with a different credit card on file I believe. Don't be surprised if Google closed it by now.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
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So then if I active it on another account it would get the credit, but not on the same one, if I have previously already done so?
I think the loophole you mention is where you could factory reset to get your credit in case you hadn't the first time around, correct? That's not what I'm talking about. I am talking about a new sealed never been registered unit.

I went to my store about a defective exchange, they only had 1 in store and it was on reserve so the guy called around then said he'd email the supplier. When it comes in they'll call me and I can exchange it out.

clockcycle said:
So 5 mins later I walk out with my new exchange.
Now I am afraid to open and inspect it.. Heart's beating fast, I think I am gonna faint.. someone call 911..
Yeah, I really don't want to find out this one's defective.. I really, really enjoy this tablet. :silly:
-CC
P.S. Anyone know if you get the $25 credit again when registering a new unit on the same account?
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OK enough drumroll... WHAT'S THE VERDICT???? Worse? Same? Better??

IPvFletch said:
OK enough drumroll... WHAT'S THE VERDICT???? Worse? Same? Better??
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Click to collapse
Just got a chance to sit with it. Initial outlook looks good, set up account, loaded up some apps. Unlocked bootloader, rooted, now applying updates. Sure wrong order, but I'm just getting her done..

Which root method you using? Toolkit v1.5.2? Glad to hear this one's HW is better. Praying mine is legit too! Should be here ~Monday..

IPvFletch said:
Which root method you using? Toolkit v1.5.2? Glad to hear this one's HW is better. Praying mine is legit too! Should be here ~Monday..
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Click to collapse
Originally yes, on this unit I did it manually, but basically the same exact thing the toolkit does, as it just does it for you via a script.
Honestly though, my first unit was perfect. I am not sure it was attributed to hardware, but more towards software, as it only seemed to be happening while in chrome and it might not have been google's or asus's fault. I didn't want to find out after it was too late to get an exchange.

I hear ya clockcycle.. I too have a love/hate relationship with Android... I typically love the HW and need to fix the SW.. But in the end, I'm always VERY happy...

Follow up on replacement unit. Seems a bit slower to sense/react to rotating and touch requires more pressure, less sensitive.
Sent from my grouper using Tapatalk

Funny. I bought my tablet at a GameStop and since then I have been to 5 more stores between Houston and Dallas and the only store that agreed to exchange my N7 didn't because I got to Waxahachie 20 mins after they closed. (My fault obv.)
One store refused to even though they had one in stock claiming only "That's a tablet. We can't do that. You have to contact the manufacturer."
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda app-developers app

eawooten said:
Funny. I bought my tablet at a GameStop and since then I have been to 5 more stores between Houston and Dallas and the only store that agreed to exchange my N7 didn't because I got to Waxahachie 20 mins after they closed. (My fault obv.)
One store refused to even though they had one in stock claiming only "That's a tablet. We can't do that. You have to contact the manufacturer."
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
They tried that as an option on me, I told them the manufacturer told me to deal with the place of purchase according to their policy and until that option is exhausted to resort to dealing with Google/ASUS warranty..
Some times some employees take returns personally, just get another rep on the phone or go in the store, FIRM but respectfully..
I ended up having to exchange this replacement as well, but really nothing wrong with the first one, 2nd one they were willing to exchange. 3rd one is just a "perfect" as the 1st and 2nd were... YMMV

clockcycle said:
Follow up on replacement unit. Seems a bit slower to sense/react to rotating and touch requires more pressure, less sensitive.
Sent from my grouper using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It really shouldn't be that different than your old unit. That's strange that touch would require more pressure.

I went back and for a replacement at the store I missed in my earlier post. It was still there a couple o days later.
Now, I'm experiencing a very slight screen lift that I could probably lay ignore, and flicker that is a reliable semi-hourly infuriation.
I think I'm going to have to exchange this for a third unit once the good serials start flowing steady.

taC nayN said:
It really shouldn't be that different than your old unit. That's strange that touch would require more pressure.
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Unless the replacement unit was assembled in another plant and or used materials from another source. Happens often. My 3rd unit acts differently as well. It's also less sensitive. It didn't want to apply the updates, once it "did", the about still claimed I was on the original and when I checked for an update would tell me I was up to date. After applying the screen protector, this unit also did not respond to touches at all (as others have reported with their units) but both my previous units were responsive with 1-2 hour(s) of drying. Which leads me to believe touch screen was a different brand from another source, or sensitivity settings are different. Who knows..
-CC
P.S. It's ok, it works..

You are making me all nervous now, I hope mine is the right amount sensitive when it shows up tomorrow(hopefully). I didn't know they used different materials on a line of devices. Interesting.

FML! Left my N7 on a plane.

So United has a horrible Lost and found system. I called them less then 30 minutes after walking off the plane. I wanted someone to walk to my seat and physically grab it. Since i was near the rear of the plane and the last one out of my row im pretty sure no other passenger would of grabbed it. All they could do is basically tell me to report it on the website and i "might" get a call. The thing is I know and have talked to a few flight attendants and it seems like a lot of the time there co-workers hide the stuff and keep it for themself. So instead of united actually doing a physical check it is pretty much as good as gone at this point. I really have no faith i will get it back. It was a flawless N7 16gb too!. Doubt I will buy a new one to replace it even though i really loved the device, I just have too much other things going on to afford it atm. So if I dont get a call/email in the next few days, it was nice being a part of these forums and loved the vibe here.

That sucks. Hope you able to get it back. Good luck!

This reminds me when I lost my old GBA case on a plane. It had so many good games in there, and the GBA itself. I still had my SP case though, that had the SP and games as well, so I didn't lose everything.
I miss you Nightmare in Dreamland.
Anyway, sorry to hear about losing your Nexus.

omg that is so sad. i almost cried reading your post.. I would hate to loose mine right now . It will come in handy starting next week. Wed i have to have a bicep tendon surgery..
boohooo
i so hope they do the honest thing and get it back to you

Get a case or sleeve that you can tether to your bag, belt, etc. Also, Case Logic LNE07 comes in red so it's hard to visually miss it.

Scythe024 said:
So United has a horrible Lost and found system. I called them less then 30 minutes after walking off the plane. I wanted someone to walk to my seat and physically grab it. Since i was near the rear of the plane and the last one out of my row im pretty sure no other passenger would of grabbed it. All they could do is basically tell me to report it on the website and i "might" get a call. The thing is I know and have talked to a few flight attendants and it seems like a lot of the time there co-workers hide the stuff and keep it for themself. So instead of united actually doing a physical check it is pretty much as good as gone at this point. I really have no faith i will get it back. It was a flawless N7 16gb too!. Doubt I will buy a new one to replace it even though i really loved the device, I just have too much other things going on to afford it atm. So if I dont get a call/email in the next few days, it was nice being a part of these forums and loved the vibe here.
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Click to collapse
United Airlines is the worst. From the most cramped planes with the worst seats in the industry, to the worst customer service there is. I used to fly Continental exclusively, but since the merger, no more. Good luck.

Any chance you had Lookout or some other tracking service installed? Sucks man. My wife is a flight attendant and she has turned in several Kindle's and what-not in, so perhaps there is a chance. Best of luck!

ExploreMN said:
Any chance you had Lookout or some other tracking service installed? Sucks man. My wife is a flight attendant and she has turned in several Kindle's and what-not in, so perhaps there is a chance. Best of luck!
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yes i have lookout installed.

You never know, I found someone's kindle on a Southwest flight and took it right up to the counter. They said they had already hear from the passenger and knew whose it was. Messing with other people's gadgets is bad mojo.

Scythe024 said:
yes i have lookout installed.
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Can you tell if it's still at the airport? If yes, that is a very good sign that it's probably been turned in (and someone turned it on and connected to wifi...but lets hope that was in an effort to identify you for good reasons). If it pops up online anywhere outside of the airport...it's pretty much gone. Hopefully you changed all your passwords to all your accounts too...notified any credit cards you have tied to any of those accounts, etc.

ExploreMN said:
Can you tell if it's still at the airport? If yes, that is a very good sign that it's probably been turned in (and someone turned it on and connected to wifi...but lets hope that was in an effort to identify you for good reasons). If it pops up online anywhere outside of the airport...it's pretty much gone. Hopefully you changed all your passwords to all your accounts too...notified any credit cards you have tied to any of those accounts, etc.
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it wasnt able to locate it which leads me to believe it wasnt turned on and connected to wifi. I had google wallet active on there but no credit card tied to it, just the $10 that came free.

Scythe024 said:
So United has a horrible Lost and found system. I called them less then 30 minutes after walking off the plane. I wanted someone to walk to my seat and physically grab it. Since i was near the rear of the plane and the last one out of my row im pretty sure no other passenger would of grabbed it. All they could do is basically tell me to report it on the website and i "might" get a call. The thing is I know and have talked to a few flight attendants and it seems like a lot of the time there co-workers hide the stuff and keep it for themself. So instead of united actually doing a physical check it is pretty much as good as gone at this point. I really have no faith i will get it back. It was a flawless N7 16gb too!. Doubt I will buy a new one to replace it even though i really loved the device, I just have too much other things going on to afford it atm. So if I dont get a call/email in the next few days, it was nice being a part of these forums and loved the vibe here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you bought it with a credit card you might have some buyer protection like, replacement for stolen or broken items. I buy everything with American express, I have a 90 day window in which they will replace if lost, stolen, broken, etc.... Plus they extend any warranty an additional year...
Visa has something like this on a few of the cards...

Scythe024 said:
it wasnt able to locate it which leads me to believe it wasnt turned on and connected to wifi. I had google wallet active on there but no credit card tied to it, just the $10 that came free.
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you need to input your passcode anyway, unless you have it stored in your tablet for someone to find out

I am really surprised that Google doesn't have an easy way to register our devices. Every Android device has numbers associated with it that can't be changed. The MAC addresses for both the WiFi and Bluetooth interfaces are unique, so every device that has either of these radios could be identified. It should be part of the OS that these tablets can't install any software if the registered owner reports it lost or stolen. If the device has cameras, a picture should be taken when it's connected to the internet. These pictures could be retrieved when a valid case number or subpoena is provided. At least a warning should appear on the tablet saying it has been reported lost or stolen. Make it a pain to use a misappropriated tablet.
Yes, I know there are programs out there that do this for you, but they are easily circumvented by doing a full factory reset of the device. Come on Google! Take a bite out of crime!

Jroyd said:
I am really surprised that Google doesn't have an easy way to register our devices. Every Android device has numbers associated with it that can't be changed. The MAC addresses for both the WiFi and Bluetooth interfaces are unique, so every device that has either of these radios could be identified. It should be part of the OS that these tablets can't install any software if the registered owner reports it lost or stolen. If the device has cameras, a picture should be taken when it's connected to the internet. These pictures could be retrieved when a valid case number or subpoena is provided. At least a warning should appear on the tablet saying it has been reported lost or stolen. Make it a pain to use a misappropriated tablet.
Yes, I know there are programs out there that do this for you, but they are easily circumvented by doing a full factory reset of the device. Come on Google! Take a bite out of crime!
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Someone on another thread said that somebody sold them a Nexus 7 that was apparently known to Google as stolen, and I guess Play access was disabled or something, I don't know the exact details though...

An app is only easily removed if it is loaded as a user app. If it is am system app a standard reset went be enough. On the other hand maybe they will be smart enough to take it further.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

A very similar thing happened to me on a BA flight inbound to heathrow years ago. On that occasion i left a case containing some sennheiser noise cancelling headphones and an ipod nano in the seat pocket. I realized just a short distance from the gate and went back but they wouldn't let me back on. They never found for me either. I was eventually told that "I think someone has add it mate".

Jroyd said:
... If the device has cameras, a picture should be taken when it's connected to the internet. These pictures could be retrieved when a valid case number or subpoena is provided. At least a warning should appear on the tablet saying it has been reported lost or stolen.
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Click to collapse
I have my devices set to take front and rear photos on evey boot and on multiple incorrect passcodes which are uploaded staight to dropbox and google plus. They also text each other with gps coordinates on every boot. Again, this is only useful if the thief doesn't factory reset or flash a new rom.
I wonder if devs could implement a passcode for cwm et al to secure the flashing process?
Sent from my GT-P7500 using xda app-developers app

goto play.google.com and install plan B remotely, youll be able to track it once it's online, as long as it's still tied to your google account
---------- Post added at 06:15 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:14 AM ----------
drhunter said:
I have my devices set to take front and rear photos on evey boot and on multiple incorrect passcodes which are uploaded staight to dropbox and google plus. They also text each other with gps coordinates on every boot. Again, this is only useful if the thief doesn't factory reset or flash a new rom.
I wonder if devs could implement a passcode for cwm et al to secure the flashing process?
Sent from my GT-P7500 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
This was discussed before but i think they said they couldn't because it could lock you out of your device

Slate on a plane!!
Sorry, just had too
I read on Google's help pages that they can remotely lock a device so might be worth calling them. If someone can't use it they might put it back in lost property or something.

So my Nexus 7 just got stolen from my car

I went to a job site (a car dealership) and left it in the drivers seat. It was raining and I'm guessing that with my tools and boxes, that I forgot to lock it with the remote or it did not lock. I didn't notice it missing until I went to my second job and went to hide it (which I normally do). I didn't hide it at the dealership because I was only planning on being there 20 minutes that turned into 2 hours.
I looked everywhere, being in denial, but I distinctly remember putting it in my car because it was raining and I had to conceal it while I ran out to my car.
Kinda sucks. Not only because I'll have to buy another one (I just bought one from Walmart so I can exchange it when the 32gb comes out), but also because I had a $20 case on it and an SGP Matte SP. I blame the iPad Mini. Thats probably what they thought it was!
I know there are plenty of threads about Anti-theft stuff but I'm kinda in a rush to push something to it from the play store. Ceribus or something rings a bell. Any suggestions?
I just installed Cerebus but I don't think it'll work without prior setup. I downloaded Plan B but I'm not sure it'll work either because it mentions it will only try to locate within the first 10 minutes.

Unfortunately I don't think there's anything that will provide any security without prior setup. Everything I've seen needs to be configured.

Lookout plan b... its on the market. You can push it to your device from the market website
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Yea I pushed Plan B. It went missing some time between 3:30pm and 5:30pm. I noticed it gone about 6pm. After driving back to my office to check my desk, back home, walmart, and home, it is now 11pm.
If I'd stolen a device, it would have been factory defaulted the instance I had a second to do it.
I'm in pretty good with the staff at the Dealership. My gf also works for the same group (different property though). She said they have security cameras all over. I'll get them to look at the tapes and see who it was.

Feel sorry about your loss. I don't think any security app help it, it's useless IMO. If the thief is smart enough, he/she will disable gps and wifi. So there is nothing you can do about it.

First thing i did on mine was installing cerberus. You can never be sure.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

Fortunately a lot of idiots aren't bright enough to wipe/reset the device. Just ask that idiot Horizon Air flight attendant
http://www.padgadget.com/2012/09/24...ks-travelers-stolen-ipad-to-flight-attendant/
Best of luck to you.

Keep us posted
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Jafmf95 said:
Fortunately a lot of idiots aren't bright enough to wipe/reset the device. Just ask that idiot Horizon Air flight attendant
http://www.padgadget.com/2012/09/24...ks-travelers-stolen-ipad-to-flight-attendant/
Best of luck to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to mention that if you unlock and root your device you can install Cerberus as a system app so even if they do a factory reset Cerberus is still installed and active so you can track it. In this case only the thief smart enough to actually flash it with a new ROM will be free and clear. I don't remember how much it cost...I think like $1-2 was it, so even if it only gives you a 10% change of recovery...isn't that worth a couple bucks?

Dang. I know exactly how you feel. Hang in there; it may yet re-surface. I realize the almost hopeless optimism in saying that, but I`ve had my faith in humanity restored several times when losing stuff in the past. Let us know what happens! ps: Make Cerberus the first app you install with the new tab (or the old one, if/when it`s returned). good luck!

I talked to the big guy at the dealership and he told me they have security cameras there, so Monday they are going to look at them. Should be easy considering I was there for work and have my exact time there down to 2 hours.
Although I'm not sure what knowing who did it would do for me unless it was an employee... which they could fire them... but it was probably a hobo or a customer. Perhaps then one of the sales guys may know of them and hopefully has their address or something.
I haven't had any emails from those security apps that I tried...
I was thinking after I bought my new one that no only am I out the tablet but the $20 case and $20 SGP SP. So almost $300.
My mother-in-law suggested to claim it on my homeowners insurance because I had a tree fall on my home and I already paid my deductible for the year (which might be per incident). I have yet to call them yet. Probably do that Monday too.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

There isnt a option to Google lock the n7 ?(as last resort)
Sent from my LG-P500 using xda premium

Not sure if its related but look here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=33357157
Must be an incredible coincidence if that isn't yours (same place, both recent, etc).

superste2201 said:
Not sure if its related but look here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=33357157
Must be an incredible coincidence if that isn't yours (same place, both recent, etc).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*face palm*

superste2201 said:
Not sure if its related but look here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=33357157
Must be an incredible coincidence if that isn't yours (same place, both recent, etc).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The guy's taking the piss. Besides, i believe they're on opposite sides of the Atlantic.

ExploreMN said:
Not to mention that if you unlock and root your device you can install Cerberus as a system app so even if they do a factory reset Cerberus is still installed and active so you can track it. In this case only the thief smart enough to actually flash it with a new ROM will be free and clear. I don't remember how much it cost...I think like $1-2 was it, so even if it only gives you a 10% change of recovery...isn't that worth a couple bucks?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About 3 euro actually.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

Yea I dunno. Sounds exactly like my situation. Wtf. Pretty ballsy to come here and openly say you stole it.
He says he's joking but what kind of joke has that many details in coincidence?! Dealership, same day, unlocked car, laying there in the seat, my tools.
Well the ****s on camera mofo! Its a car dealership and we're going through the cameras Monday and getting the police involved.
Dude should do the right thing and return it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA Premium HD app

tntgdh said:
About 3 euro actually.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
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I looked up my receipt... cost me $1.06 US dollars...
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

The only way he was joking is if he was deliberately poking fun at me... which is pretty sick.
I sent the mod and him a PM.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA Premium HD app

Please do keep us informed on this, I would love to know how this goes for you. Best of luck. =)

HTC One hot; Sprint: Never install apps or load music

I visited a Sprint store (#827) Monday, June 3, 2013 to explain a problem I had over the weekend with my HTC One -- overheating and very, very hot to the touch. I left the store with these strange instructions: to never download *any* apps from Google Play Marketplace, do not stream *any* music with the phone, and do *not* store 22 GB of data on a phone advertised to hold 32Gb.
I started my Sprint Store visit in Tampa by explaining that Saturday in Orlando near Disney, my phone started heating up. The metal housing was very hot to the touch, and the "Battery Widget Reborn" full app I had listed the temp greater than 115-degrees Fahrenheit (usually never higher than 95, 85 coming out of sleep). I told them the temperature readout declined and the phone felt cooler after I turned it off for a while, or put the phone into airplane mode, and also later when I drove away from the Disney area toward downtown Orlando. The problem was not resolved by a reboot alone. When I took the phone out of airplane mode or turned it on, the phone started getting hotter... about 5 degrees per minute.
I requested that they check the phone and make sure that I wasn't dealing with a safety problem and not just a one-day fluke.
The first tech I dealt with said she had to go to lunch, described her new diet for me, and told me that she wasn't sure where the power button is on the HTC One because they change the location of the power button so much on these phones. But, she was very friendly and listened to my problem. She said it would take about an hour to review and I could come back.
I came back an hour later, the second tech came to me, and told me that the problem is that I was using 22Gb out of the internal 32Gb for apps. I told him that most of it was actually music files, and he disagreed with me and told me that I'm wrong! More on that later. Then, he had me talk to a man who's name tag read "Assistant Store Manager." That man told me that because they could not replicate the problem, there's nothing he can do for me.
I explained my only intent was for the phone to be looked at to make sure there is not a chronic safety concern... I don't want the phone to explode in my ear, or something. He said that's not possible, and not to worry. Here were their suggested courses of action:
1. Do not use 22Gb out of 32Gb.
The second tech showed me that I am using 22Gb out of 32Gb, and that's why the phone overheated. He said it's just like a computer, I can't fill it with that many apps. The manager also reiterated this point -- you cannot fill the phone's internal storage with 22Gb of information. I explained to the tech that most of it is music files. He said that's impossible, this phone streams music. I explained that I had used a USB cable to transfer the music mp3 files to the phone. He said that I am mistaken. I showed him that the list of thousands of songs was listed under "On Device Only", but he again said that I was incorrect. He showed me under "downloaded apps" that in the bar that says "Phone Storage" that the phone contained 22 Gb of apps. I tried to explain to him that indicates the phone's current total storage, not only referring to only apps. He said I was wrong. I invited him to plug the phone into a computer, and look at the storage's total file system, and see for himself that much of that is music. He refused.
2. Battery Widget Reborn probably caused it too
The manager said that because Battery Widget Reborn is an app that didn't come with the phone, it cannot be trusted. He then advised me to *never* download *any* apps from the Google play marketplace, because they might not correctly work with my phone causing the problems I described. I told him that I didn't install any new apps this weekend, and that I'd been using Battery Widget Reborn for mostly the entire time I'd had the phone, and that it's very highly rated on the Play store, and that I've never had a problem. The tech said apps like Battery Widget Reborn and FlickFolio probably caused battery problems, because he'd never heard of FlickFolio. That leads me to the next piece of advice...
3. Don't fill the device's storage:
The tech and manager both pointed out the device is like a computer, that I cannot fill it with 22 Gb of apps, or I would have these problems. I again tried to explain that some of that storage is music (without any files, first turned on, the storage shows about 6Gb full). Regardless, I pointed out that there was no disclaimer when I purchased the phone that said I was not allowed to fill 22 Gb out of 32 or the phone wouldn't function. They said that doesn't matter, just don't do it. Also, they recommended that I shouldn't use any non-preinstalled HTC apps. Even apps by Google can cause problems. Which leads me to the next advice...
4. Don't use Google Music.
The tech said that Google Music is only capable of streaming, not playing music files locally. I explained that I actually had MP3 files saved on the phone. He said that's not possible. The only way that Google Play Music function is to stream music from the cloud, and that's probably why I had overheating problems. I invited him to plug my phone into a computer to see that, in fact, I had music saved on the device. He refused. He instructed me to never install Google Play Music. I checked later, and found out that this software comes pre-installed on my phone.
5. All HTC Phones have battery problems.
I told the manager that the tech had just told me all HTC phones have battery problems, and said if that it's a known issue that all HTC phones have problems, why would they even sell it in the first place. I asked if he would exchange it for another manufacturer's phone if it's well known by the repair tech that HTC phones have battery problems like this. The manager would not disagree with but would not confirm that all HTC phones have battery problems, but he said that all phones could be expected to overheat. He said that since I had the phone for a month and a half, no exchanges or refunds would be given.
I told the manager that I think it's suspicious to be instructed to never download apps from the Google play marketplace, to never store music, and to never store anything on the internal storage bedsides what came on the phone. What's the point of having a phone, I incredulously questioned.
He explained that the device isn't just a phone, that it's a little computer and it's doing a lot more than just being a telephone. At that time, I felt engaging in such semantics was a little pompous jab at me, but maybe I misunderstood. I explained that I said "phone" idiomatically -- that I know that the device is a computing-capable device that includes a method of making calls referred to as a telephone, not that I believed the device was "only a phone" because I said "phone".
He tried to explain that I shouldn't keep multiple apps open in Android. I told him that I know that already, and I always close apps. The assistant manager, after giving me this advice, didn't know how to display current apps on the HTC One. I had to show him. He advised me to do a thing he didn't know how to do himself, and I had to show him how.
The assistant manager offered the following:
1. I've had the phone for more than a month and a half, I cannot switch phones under contract
2. I can have a refurbished model provided under insurance at my deductible's expense under Total Equipment Protection if I want to.
3. They can document my problem for later if it happens again
4. They can wipe the phone back to stock
I opted to have the phone wiped back to stock on the spot. I told the manager that my problem is that I don't want any monetary resolution, I wanted the phone to be looked at from a safety standpoint. He said he would notate my account as such.
I think it's interesting that upon having a wiped phone, I perceived no discernable speed difference between my phone with 22 Gb space used and the factory-fresh 6 Gb space used. I really don't think that using 22 Gb of internal space has any real impact on the phone's function, and since I'd been using that amount of space for a month and a half, I don't believe it caused my phone to become suddenly and acutely hot to the touch.
The only difference to predicate the sudden and acute onset of extreme case heat was where I was using the phone -- around a lot of other people. My theory is that the phone couldn't get a signal being around all those other sprint customers, and its radios just banged away until the phone's metal exterior radiated that heat from the equipment to my pants pocket and skin.
And I told them that. I told them I didn't think it was right how incredibly hot the device got, to where I would touch others and have them wince and say "Ow!", and I was worried that no one had ever taken an HTC One into a large event with many people trying to use their phone like that before.
All they could do was blame me for downloading any apps from the Google Play Store, and telling me that it's impossible to load mp3 files onto the phone. And for that, I fault them and their customer service today. I'm very concerned that the "official" Sprint store employee advice is that I cannot add songs to my phone, or stream music, or install any applications that didn't pre-installed on the phone from HTC, and to definately not use Google Play Music that actually comes pre-installed on the phone. Also, the Sprint repair employee verbalized that all HTCs have battery problems so don't worry. Really?
I wondered, does HTC endorse all of this advice? I've contacted HTC to find out if they endorse Sprint employees advising never to fill 22Gb out of 32Gb, and they've already messaged me back and told me this is incorrect advice. So, does Sprint truly endorse this advice?
I have crossposted this on the Sprint forums, also emailed the store's manager and district manager directly.

They sound like a bunch of idiots. Was this is a corporate store? I would try calling support and talking to them about it and see what they can do for ya since the store wont.

That's the strangest customer service experience I have ever heard. I've been told if they couldn't replicate the problem that it wasn't something that could be solved but that's it. The staff at that store should be replaced.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium

That is some ignorant [email protected]#$ right there, man. Try another store...
But then again, most phone store employees don't know anything about the phones they sell, and the few who do won't help you. Lol.

Strange Experience
scarletspider1982 said:
That's the strangest customer service experience I have ever heard. I've been told if they couldn't replicate the problem that it wasn't something that could be solved but that's it. The staff at that store should be replaced.
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Click to collapse
It was so weird.
I don't even care about the period of time when it was hot, I know it was the signal. I'm very upset at all of these strange recommendations made by the "repair" staff and store assistant manager. It was just.. surreal. I'm sure that my puzzled look of disbelief probably just egged them on in their series of apparent lies.
I've emailed the store's manager and the district manager. HTC, as I said, already replied and said the store's staff is completely wrong.

x714x said:
They sound like a bunch of idiots. Was this is a corporate store?
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Click to collapse
What does that have to do with anything?

TonyTurboII said:
What does that have to do with anything?
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Click to collapse
He means... Not every sprint store has idiots working in them as people may think.
via sexy phONE.

It's really sad to say but more times than not Sprint employees have given me advice just like that! I think there's more employees that work for Sprint that got no idea what their talking about then there is that do know what their talking about. Sad, but true.
Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk 2

I've noticed one very real fact about dealing with people in any technology field. The majority just don't know. I work in the security industry as a alarm system service technician, the people who are "managers" don't have a 1/16 of the knowledge I do when it comes to the technical aspect of the industry. The problem is they are the ones who answer the phones or deal with the customer. I have never once called sprint for a technical issue nor will I ever. I know more about how this phone works than they ever will. Why waste your time and frustration? But I digress.

I would have put the phone in airplane mode and then played Google Music, but it sounds like they would have been too dumb to understand.
Sent from my HTCONE using xda app-developers app

The vast majority of Sprint corporate retail employees are morons, the in store "techs" are technically inept.
And it doesn't help that the store and district managers don't care, they only care about the amount of services and accessories sold.

Should have taken it to radioshack... Those people should be fired immediately...
Sent from my Sprint HTC ONE using xda premium

BamAlmighty said:
The vast majority of Sprint corporate retail employees are morons, the in store "techs" are technically inept.
And it doesn't help that the store and district managers don't care, they only care about the amount of services and accessories sold.
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Click to collapse
I work at a 3rd party sprint store (repair center) and we have to deal with angry customers all the time that's come from a corporate store. If you can try to make it to a archtelecom owned sprint store. We hold the record 5 years running for highest customer satisfaction. That's over corporate and every other sprint authorized store including bestbuy, radioshack and the sorts. I would highly advise avoiding radioshack and never ever never ever take your phone to bestbuy(geeksquad) for phone issues. They are below corporate with customer satisfaction and have even made things worse in almost every location in the 12 states I've had to visit.
Sent from my HTCONE using xda premium

Was your phone in sleep? Last time I went to Orlando the data was unusable, so maybe you had some background apps trying to use the internet? Just a guess
Sent from my HTCONE using xda premium

reception was prolly bad and or phone was on roaming...i noticed my phone got hot because of those reasons before :/

I'm almost in tears laughing at their recommendations. Did they also explain how "the internet is a series of tubes"?
Sent from my EVO using xda premium

They are a bunch of idiots... Dealing with people who don't know what they are talking about, but think they do, just gets me every time.
But seriously if you don't know how to read you probably won't understand any of this.

Every single excuse they came up with is utter b.s. I'm almost maxed out on my phone between 110 apps/widgets, 1000 songs/videos and 1000+ pics.
Phone works fine, I clock almost 18-20 hours a day.
Sent from my HTCONE using xda premium

dsEVOlve said:
I'm almost in tears laughing at their recommendations. Did they also explain how "the internet is a series of tubes"?
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Heheh

I have actually been "Banned" from my local Corporate Store in large part because of the knowledge I have gained from XDA! I have had many similar experiences over my 16 year love / hate relationship with Sprint, as the OP had and have held my ground and argued using factual technical info.
Sometimes I won, but most often I left the store angry and frustrated. The last visit got me banned when I argued that Google Music can play local files stored on the phone. I left the store using the app to play from my phone and proving to a store full of customers that the staff is clueless. Of course the choice words I used while leaving probably contributed to me being asked not to return...

My phone was lost, tracking app has come alive!

Greetings good people of the xda-developers forum!
After a little reading around I figure this is the most apropriate forum to post this thread in, correct me if I'm wrong.
Earlier this year I lost my phone in a cab after a night out, the driver decided to keep my phone instead of turning it in (usually if you leave something in a taxi in this region, you'll have it back with a little humiliation from the taxi-central the day after, not this time though).
A couple months after loosing it, I got a "emergency message" from my lost phone, and it went on and off for a little while untill yesterday when it apparently was taken into use! I have an "invisible" tracking app installed that will survive factory resets and gives me the opportunity to take pictures, record sound and some more.
Anyway, the phone has moved a couple countries away since it was initially lost, so I've lost hope of reclaiming it. My plan now is to give an honest shot at making my phone the most annoying device the new owner has ever had!
I come to this forum now, looking for inspiration/ideas and warning where warnings are due!
Is there anything I really shouldn't do, that could come back and bite me?
What would you do if you were in my situation?
Any good ideas of how to bother this guy?
So far I've only really come up with the idea of wiping his data from time to time..
I appreciate any ideas or warnings!
Thanks!

vengeful said:
Greetings good people of the xda-developers forum!
After a little reading around I figure this is the most apropriate forum to post this thread in, correct me if I'm wrong.
Earlier this year I lost my phone in a cab after a night out, the driver decided to keep my phone instead of turning it in (usually if you leave something in a taxi in this region, you'll have it back with a little humiliation from the taxi-central the day after, not this time though).
A couple months after loosing it, I got a "emergency message" from my lost phone, and it went on and off for a little while untill yesterday when it apparently was taken into use! I have an "invisible" tracking app installed that will survive factory resets and gives me the opportunity to take pictures, record sound and some more.
Anyway, the phone has moved a couple countries away since it was initially lost, so I've lost hope of reclaiming it. My plan now is to give an honest shot at making my phone the most annoying device the new owner has ever had!
I come to this forum now, looking for inspiration/ideas and warning where warnings are due!
Is there anything I really shouldn't do, that could come back and bite me?
What would you do if you were in my situation?
Any good ideas of how to bother this guy?
So far I've only really come up with the idea of wiping his data from time to time..
I appreciate any ideas or warnings!
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it will not back bite you if have retail invoice of that phone do whatever you want

Isn't it possible, even with sim card phones, to call your carrier, report it stolen, and have it basically bricked so Noone can use it again. I know they can with like sprint and Verizon phones that don't take sim cards. But I've heard of it happening with sim devices too. I would just try calling your carrier.
If that don't work. I'd leave it alone. The person who has your phone now probably isn't the person who took it. Which is why it was sold out of the country. And that person most likely doesn't deserve all that crap
Contemplating getting the S5....

SaintCity86 said:
Isn't it possible, even with sim card phones, to call your carrier, report it stolen, and have it basically bricked so Noone can use it again. I know they can with like sprint and Verizon phones that don't take sim cards. But I've heard of it happening with sim devices too. I would just try calling your carrier.
If that don't work. I'd leave it alone. The person who has your phone now probably isn't the person who took it. Which is why it was sold out of the country. And that person most likely doesn't deserve all that crap
Contemplating getting the S5....
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That's the nasty part of stealing a phone. The Carrier will lock the "ESN" (Electronic Serial Number) so all they need to do is flash it over to another carrier... I.E. if you have a GSN type phone from say AT&T you can flash the software over to T-Mobile who doesn't give a flying flip about a stolen ESN (As a example) I personally have T-Mobile... They did try to make a law making req the manufacture to add a "Kill Switch" allowing the consumer to render the phone useless how ever that did not pass... SO Basically some one steals your phone that's it nothing you can do but buy another phone or hack into it like the OP..
TO OP: I'd go Impractical Jokers Style. Ease drop on him and play really dirty sounds (Porn sounds... moans/grunts etc) then Fry the phone... **** that guy he had to know it was stolen and if he didn't he's a fool... Check your ESN's People!

abhishek 9650 said:
it will not back bite you if have retail invoice of that phone do whatever you want
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Click to collapse
For the record, I do have the invoice.
SaintCity86 said:
Isn't it possible, even with sim card phones, to call your carrier, report it stolen, and have it basically bricked so Noone can use it again. I know they can with like sprint and Verizon phones that don't take sim cards. But I've heard of it happening with sim devices too. I would just try calling your carrier.
If that don't work. I'd leave it alone. The person who has your phone now probably isn't the person who took it. Which is why it was sold out of the country. And that person most likely doesn't deserve all that crap
Contemplating getting the S5....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is indeed possible, but not flawless. There is supposed to be some automation to it in the country the phone was initially lost, but either this automation failed or it's sucess is the reason it left that country. Problem is though, the idea is that they block the IMEI from the networks, but some countries are not part of this agreement/system.
I think the guy who is currently in posession of the phone knows perfectly well how it was acquired. Judging from pictures taken through the phone, the taxi-driver and the current holder of the phone may very well be related. Also, the phone had it's language changed to Arabic by the taxi-driver, this has not been changed by the new user (not that it prooves anything). There is also the fact that the SIM inserted in the phone in the country I lost it in, followed the phone over to the current country, where it was replaced by what appears to be a prepaid SIM. I don't think this phone was up for sale anywhere, I think the taxidriver sold or gave it away to some family member coming to visit.
As mentioned, I have no hope of having it returned. I'm not gonna push this too far, but I do feel like putting a dent in his joy over his shadily acquired device.
Drooling a little over the HTC One M8

Tangodown78 said:
That's the nasty part of stealing a phone. The Carrier will lock the "ESN" (Electronic Serial Number) so all they need to do is flash it over to another carrier... I.E. if you have a GSN type phone from say AT&T you can flash the software over to T-Mobile who doesn't give a flying flip about a stolen ESN (As a example) I personally have T-Mobile... They did try to make a law making req the manufacture to add a "Kill Switch" allowing the consumer to render the phone useless how ever that did not pass... SO Basically some one steals your phone that's it nothing you can do but buy another phone or hack into it like the OP..
TO OP: I'd go Impractical Jokers Style. Ease drop on him and play really dirty sounds (Porn sounds... moans/grunts etc) then Fry the phone... **** that guy he had to know it was stolen and if he didn't he's a fool... Check your ESN's People!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I've understood, in the European countries that are part of this agreement any locked IMEI number will be locked out of all mobile networks, this can only be worked around by changing the IMEI number or shipping the phone off to some country that is not part of this agreement. In the country my phone was lost the police send a notification to the networks when they recieve a lost/stolen report. Not sure if it went through in my case.
My list of options are limited to what my tracking software allows me to do, sadly (or happily, depending how you look at it) my programming skills are not by far sufficient for me to go beyond what the software offers, allthough I reckon someone with the right knowledge could use the tracking software as a backdoor into the device?

Wow. I'll be honest, I never thought them tracking apps would ever give you anything useful, but if your able to basically see every picture they take, take pictures yourself...I think that's crazy... wipe the phone....
What exactly can you do with yours? Read texts sent and received on the phone? Does it gps track its location on demand? Even if the gps is disabled in the device itself?
You said the one you have stays on the device even after restores and factory resets? What's the name of the app?
As for the locked esns.... If an American cell company like tmo locks one up, is that gonna stick over any of the carriers in the US? Basically, all 4 of them?
Cuz I know before, as long as you had a sim card, it didn't matter, you just swapped it for a new one.
Contemplating getting the S5....

Wish they did that here... though the explanation was for the poster above me... Id use what ever i could to screw with him... what ever happens good luck messing with the dirt bag
Sent from my LG-D959 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I would also like to know this app

Go the South Park route. Some cartoon parodies of Mohammed should be effective. Then again, if they are in a Muslim country they could get in a lot of trouble if they have certain content on their device.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app

yea... Mocking Mohammad not general a good idea... it will get you killed. I wouldn't want that on any one's conscience

Tangodown78 said:
yea... Mocking Mohammad not general a good idea... it will get you killed. I wouldn't want that on any one's conscience
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No different than mocking L. Ron Hubbard or Jesus. All of them are con men and are fair game. Don't believe the hype.
I am very spiritual, believe in a higher power, but I will never bow down to some schmuck just because I am told to.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app

c5satellite2 said:
No different than mocking L. Ron Hubbard or Jesus. All of them are con men and are fair game. Don't believe the hype.
I am very spiritual, believe in a higher power, but I will never bow down to some schmuck just because I am told to.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app
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Click to collapse
Bro, dafuq, don't insult other members of xda. Calling religious icons schmucks will insult some people. THIS IS NO PLACE TO HAVE A RELIGIOUS WAR. So stfu and leave the thread back to it's topic. Thank you.

I'm using Cerberus. I had the same app installed without root access/without placing it in system/apps on another phone I lost a couple months earlier, in which case it gave me absolutely nothing. This one however, installed in system/apps with root access, appears to be "immortal".
I reckon they will have a comprehensive list of what you can do with the app on their homepage.
I don't know anything about how things are done in the US.
I'm not gonna do religious insults. I wan't to annoy him, not make him want my head on a stick.
Yesterday a sound recording convinced me he was in a crowded area, so I couldn't resist the urge to sound the alarm. Which is played at max volume. The picture taken of him when he touched the screen to stop it was not optimal, but it did have a feeling of desperation to it
App is still active today