Database Develop

Any Hope of a Workaround for US GSM-based Carriers?

I recently purchased a used droid 4 on ebay. Unfortunately it has been upgraded to the OTA release of ICS 4.04. Anyone working on lifting the simlock associated with the version of the bootlocker included with ICS (I'm assuming the bootloader is the origin of this simlock but technically I could be wrong)? Or is it a lost cause because it is signed? I know it's written to protected ram so any workaround would be nontrivial but does anyone have any possible exploit ideas? Motorola is unlocking a couple other models that they have out. Would petitioning them to include the droid 4 in their list of unlockable devices be a surefire path to getting the simlock lifted? Or should I consider this a lost cause and return my droid 4 to the ebay ether?
If anyone is considering working on this issue I would be more than glad to contribute. While I'm no Android expert I have a decent understanding of the OS and work in command line Linux for a living so I'd be glad to help. The selection of qwerty phones today is beyond attrocious.
One last thought. Is the idea of spoofing the carrier a possibility?
Sent from my SGH-T839 using Tapatalk

Hi blackstar,
So, I recently got a Droid 4 off of CraigsList that I wanted to use on StraightTalk, but found out that what I had perceived (that 2G/Edge was working on GSM North America) was incorrect.
They're not completely sure WHERE it's broken at the moment as far as SIM lock. Some have suggested it might be baked in the ROM -- but more than likely it is built into the modem.
Here have been some stabs at it -- and what to do in regards to getting the modem setup/altered.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1916869
A thought, though -- since we have SafeStrap and Root, doesn't that let us essentially bypass the bootloader in some ways? My understanding is that the bootloader was required to boot the device to a "correct" image and lock the load to Motorola's firmware, but SafeStrap/root gave us access to actually overwrite the RAM/memory and replace the existing kernel with a new one for the chance at custom ROMs. So, I'm not entirely sure it has to do with the bootloader.
To me, it seems like something that's potentially baked into their ROM or in the modem firmware. If it's in the modem firmware, it's a matter of figuring out what keys/values need to be adjusted and then run it. There have been talks about AT&T getting the Photon Q (Asanti) -- rumors that were back around April of this year... but we have yet to see it there and no news about it showing up anytime soon. Not sure if they scrapped the keyboard and then shipped it as a different device.
I would imagine that if we can have the lowest level debug logging enabled and plug in an American SIM, you might be able to figure out what is breaking. Not sure how low logcat can go...
That's my understanding of the current situation, from a programmer's point of view (though I don't code for Android). Spoofing might be interesting -- but if it's locked at the radio firmware, I don't think spoofing can adjust the frequencies. But more power to you if you can figure it out (and force me to find ANOTHER Droid 4, haha).
Good luck! Definitely talk with the OP of the Topic I sent you, since s/he has a pretty deep interest in this as well.
OH, and one more thought -- there was a thought to grab an AT&T version of the Bionic and Verizon version, wherein they had the same radios, but different firmware, and do a diff on them to figure out if some settings had changed, and then potentially patch that into the D4. That might be a good strategy, but that would require us to get dumps from a few different people -- something you might be able to facilitate if you guys all work together.
One final thought -- is there any way we could have a sticky'd topic for people to post their findings, so we don't have to keep scanning and finding this?

Much thanks terinfire.
Let me start off by saying I don't have any definitive information with regards to any of the good questions you posed but if I find out anything I'll be sure to update the thread.
I spent a good chunk of the weekend trying to educate myself on the situation. From what I understand (anyone feel free to correct me or point me to the appropriate thread if I'm completely reinventing the wheel), it seems like it comes down to two most likely scenarios. Either Verizon added an MCC/MCN lock in the baseband when pushing out the OTA ICS release or they placed a restriction in the radio interface layer (RIL) of the ICS ROM. My research hasn't quite enabled me to determine which scenario is more likely. My unscientific intuition (and wishful thinking) is that the restriction is in the ROM somewhere in the RIL (if that makes any sense, still learning the Android OS architecture).
I will post what I've mentioned above in the the forum you mentioned; hopefully I can garner an audience. I will also look into getting a sticky topic created.
Not too sure how to implement any of my intuitions noted above with regards to this problem but I will try and learn as it goes.
One more note - so it is claimed that the Samsung Galaxy III for Verizon can be unlocked to use domestic GSM carriers. I've found no confirmation. (https://plus.google.com/103583939320326217147/posts/b7JbBKjJVSQ)
Pertinent links I came across in my research that may be useful:
MCC/MCN Codes: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Network_Code
Radio Interface Layer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_Interface_Layer, http://www.kandroid.org/online-pdk/guide/telephony.html
RIL Header: https://code.google.com/p/linux-on-android/source/browse/radio/headers/ril.h
Qualcomm MDM660Device Specification: http://www.scribd.com/doc/54154049/...odem-Device-Specification-Advance-Information

Will developer edition get updates?

I know how stupid this question sounds, so hear me out before you tear my post apart.
I found out that if the boot loader becomes unlocked, then there are 4 apps that are deleted (Calculator is one, I don't recall the others). This seems really minor, but he post said that the One would refuse to update from that point forward because of the missing apps, throwing an error that prevents said updates. My fear is that future updates will be a rocky road and want to get some input from the community.
I'm wanting to get the developer edition, mostly because I want to have a phone that isn't tied to my carrier, has 64 Gigs of storage, and not have undeletable bloat-ware. Plus, I might develop for Android later down the road.
Should I get the carrier's phone, or can I put my fears at ease and get the developer edition?

This smells like fart...

Someone correct me if I'm wrong... But I would think without any carrier testing holding it back... Updates would come quicker for the developer edition.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

It isn't called a developer edition for nothing.
1st you'll get it bootloader unlocked by default so no more HTC Dev and no more removal of apps.
2nd it is a developer edition. It should recieve updates far earlier than other variants cause you'll likely recieve beta updates which aren't released yet for you guys to test our the firmware before distributing it officially.
Tactical Fart said:
I know how stupid this question sounds, so hear me out before you tear my post apart.
I found out that if the boot loader becomes unlocked, then there are 4 apps that are deleted (Calculator is one, I don't recall the others). This seems really minor, but he post said that the One would refuse to update from that point forward because of the missing apps, throwing an error that prevents said updates. My fear is that future updates will be a rocky road and want to get some input from the community.
I'm wanting to get the developer edition, mostly because I want to have a phone that isn't tied to my carrier, has 64 Gigs of storage, and not have undeletable bloat-ware. Plus, I might develop for Android later down the road.
Should I get the carrier's phone, or can I put my fears at ease and get the developer edition?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Looks like I'm getting the developer edition then. Thanks for the help guys.

Locked BL Consequences

Could someone please explain the consequences of having a locked BL? Especially wrt to the Moto X? Also, what is this SS that everyone keeps talking about?
TIA

I've been in your situation before and couldn't find help or answers, phone makers sign there software with a signature when it boots so when the phone loads it looks for that signature and won't load unless the os had that signature. When your boatloader is locked it means you can't install custom roms or fully root your phone, people have to find an exploit to root it, like case's rockmymoto exploit. SS is safe strap and it is a workaround for installing custom roms on a locked boatloader phone.
Sent from my XT1055 using xda app-developers app

charlie-n said:
I've been in your situation before and couldn't find help or answers, phone makers sign there software with a signature when it boots so when the phone loads it looks for that signature and won't load unless the os had that signature. When your boatloader is locked it means you can't install custom roms or fully root your phone, people have to find an exploit to root it, like case's rockmymoto exploit. SS is safe strap and it is a workaround for installing custom roms on a locked boatloader phone.
Sent from my XT1055 using xda app-developers app
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So basically then, something like the AT&T moto x can be rooted by using the rockmymoto exploit, but custom ROMs have to be made specifically to support SS?
Seeing as how I dont think development for the Moto X isnt going to take off on a major scale (like, say the Nexus), it would make no difference having a locked or unlocked BL, am I right?

anirudh412 said:
So basically then, something like the AT&T moto x can be rooted by using the rockmymoto exploit, but custom ROMs have to be made specifically to support SS?
Seeing as how I dont think development for the Moto X isnt going to take off on a major scale (like, say the Nexus), it would make no difference having a locked or unlocked BL, am I right?
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Click to collapse
well there are several roms out there for unlocked BL currently. The reason to have a unlocked BL: if you want to flash roms a lot, if you want to make sure that you always can have root (sometimes exploits for a FW won't come out), and if you want complete control over your phone.
Much less dev will be done for SS roms because people are finding it difficult to build them I believe. I only use SS to keep root and take newer otas, or run roms like eclipse that are based off of stock FW, then just trimmed down with added features and lots more.
If you have the money, having an unlocked BL is nice because you don't need exploits for roots and other things. I would go with one if money wasn't an issue purely for that fact. Not sure how they are getting OTAs right now, but sometimes unlocked BLs also get OTAs quicker than locked BLs. And they can always flash the OTA if there is a leak. You can also always downgrade your device to a different FW if you want with an unlocked BL.

jayboyyyy said:
well there are several roms out there for unlocked BL currently. The reason to have a unlocked BL: if you want to flash roms a lot, if you want to make sure that you always can have root (sometimes exploits for a FW won't come out), and if you want complete control over your phone.
Much less dev will be done for SS roms because people are finding it difficult to build them I believe. I only use SS to keep root and take newer otas, or run roms like eclipse that are based off of stock FW, then just trimmed down with added features and lots more.
If you have the money, having an unlocked BL is nice because you don't need exploits for roots and other things. I would go with one if money wasn't an issue purely for that fact. Not sure how they are getting OTAs right now, but sometimes unlocked BLs also get OTAs quicker than locked BLs. And they can always flash the OTA if there is a leak. You can also always downgrade your device to a different FW if you want with an unlocked BL.
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Money isnt the issue here. The thing is the Moto X isnt available in my country, but someone is selling their AT&T moto on local ebay. I jumped ship from using android for so many years to an iPhone 5 (my current phone) because I just wanted a phone I could use. Kinda grew tired of flashing ROMS and kernels all the time. The Moto X hits the sweet spot with the perfect size and stutter free operation. To me, this is the perfect android phone. All I need is root and a custom launcher. That is available for the AT&T phones I believe? And as you said, ECLIPSE is available for me to flash if I feel like.
Other than that, apps like lightflow and others dont differentiate b/w locked and unlocked BLs, do they?

anirudh412 said:
Could someone please explain the consequences of having a locked BL? Especially wrt to the Moto X? Also, what is this SS that everyone keeps talking about?
TIA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Straight from the man himself in regards to SafeStrap.
http://rootzwiki.com/topic/104161-recovery-locked-safestrap-recovery-v365-2013-11-13/

Any locked BL users care to give their 0.02 about life with a locked BL? :silly:

anirudh412 said:
Money isnt the issue here. The thing is the Moto X isnt available in my country, but someone is selling their AT&T moto on local ebay. I jumped ship from using android for so many years to an iPhone 5 (my current phone) because I just wanted a phone I could use. Kinda grew tired of flashing ROMS and kernels all the time. The Moto X hits the sweet spot with the perfect size and stutter free operation. To me, this is the perfect android phone. All I need is root and a custom launcher. That is available for the AT&T phones I believe? And as you said, ECLIPSE is available for me to flash if I feel like.
Other than that, apps like lightflow and others dont differentiate b/w locked and unlocked BLs, do they?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
before you pull the trigger make sure the phone will work in your area. IDK about all of the other country phone stuff, but I have seen people posting about what lte bands and radios each different model of the moto x can support. Also, some models you can flash other carriers FW on them, some you can't. And if you buy some models with for some carriers, you can unlock the BL then move it to ATT or whatever service you are using. Like i said, IDK about all of that so that will take some reading and investigating on your part.
I also don't know about lightflow, but basically once you have root, all rooted apps should be able to do what they do. I personally know of nothing that requires an unlocked BL to work (besides flashing roms, kernals, radios, or other stuff). Just root. I'm assuming lightflow is like any other app that requires root. Don't believe any app should ever be changing anything to your bootloader (besides exploits that come in the form of an app).
Im on a lock BL fyi. Had the money for the dev but once root came out for the phone, I decided to go with subsidized. All I wanted was root. And it seems kitkat will have a root exploit made by jcase so im not worried about the future either.

jayboyyyy said:
before you pull the trigger make sure the phone will work in your area. IDK about all of the other country phone stuff, but I have seen people posting about what lte bands and radios each different model of the moto x can support. Also, some models you can flash other carriers FW on them, some you can't. And if you buy some models with for some carriers, you can unlock the BL then move it to ATT or whatever service you are using. Like i said, IDK about all of that so that will take some reading and investigating on your part.
I also don't know about lightflow, but basically once you have root, all rooted apps should be able to do what they do. I personally know of nothing that requires an unlocked BL to work (besides flashing roms, kernals, radios, or other stuff). Just root. I'm assuming lightflow is like any other app that requires root. Don't believe any app should ever be changing anything to your bootloader (besides exploits that come in the form of an app).
I'm on a lock BL fyi. Had the money for the dev but once root came out for the phone, I decided to go with subsidized. All I wanted was root. And it seems kitkat will have a root exploit made by jcase so im not worried about the future either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, it just occurred to me I wouldn't need lightflow on the MotoX, it doesn't have a notification light
Either way, even if I do have an unlocked BL, flashing AOSP is out of the question as I wouldnt want to miss out on Active Notifs and always listening G Now. Stock ROM with a few tweaks is all I need.
Under ideal situations (read global release of perhaps the best android phone to date), I wouldn't be in this predicament.

jayboyyyy said:
Im on a lock BL fyi. Had the money for the dev but once root came out for the phone, I decided to go with subsidized. All I wanted was root. And it seems kitkat will have a root exploit made by jcase so im not worried about the future either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
May I take the liberty of asking which phones have you used before? I have read a few threads and the general consensus is that this phone is smoother than the 'so-called' flagships like the GS4 and the One. Would you happen to agree? As I said before, I just need a phone that works without lag. I am not a heavy user by any means. Texting, whatsapp and a few occasional games like the Clash of Clans. The GPU is quite capable from what I have heard

anirudh412 said:
May I take the liberty of asking which phones have you used before? I have read a few threads and the general consensus is that this phone is smoother than the 'so-called' flagships like the GS4 and the One. Would you happen to agree? As I said before, I just need a phone that works without lag. I am not a heavy user by any means. Texting, whatsapp and a few occasional games like the Clash of Clans. The GPU is quite capable from what I have heard
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ya the phone is just as quick if not quicker than those flagship phones. while its hardware is not "superior" the code behind everything and the processors set up how they are make it just as snappy as those other phones. I never owned either of the two you described but I have played with them all for enough time. You won't be disappointed with the phone at all. A lot of people think it is the best android phone generally that has been released. I;'m in that boat. Closes equivalent to an apple product (flow , feel, etc) that I have used. Those other phones are great as well. Id go htc one over sg4. I was about to buy those phones but then held out to see when/if the moto x was going to be released. Glad I did. went with this phone over those. The size of the phone is perfect for me. I don't like huge screens that barely fit in my pcoket. Battery life is solid (i dont use this things for 6 hours a day like others, not sure how they generate an income ha). the features are amazing and change how you use your phone. Truely the first phone I have seen that released some cool features that were extremely useful and not just eye candy. Google backing moto is a big plus too, you know that if anyone is going to get good treatment, it will at least have to be moto. take the plunge, no chance you will regret it.

jayboyyyy said:
ya the phone is just as quick if not quicker than those flagship phones. while its hardware is not "superior" the code behind everything and the processors set up how they are make it just as snappy as those other phones. I never owned either of the two you described but I have played with them all for enough time. You won't be disappointed with the phone at all. A lot of people think it is the best android phone generally that has been released. I;'m in that boat. Closes equivalent to an apple product (flow , feel, etc) that I have used. Those other phones are great as well. Id go htc one over sg4. I was about to buy those phones but then held out to see when/if the moto x was going to be released. Glad I did. went with this phone over those. The size of the phone is perfect for me. I don't like huge screens that barely fit in my pcoket. Battery life is solid (i dont use this things for 6 hours a day like others, not sure how they generate an income ha). the features are amazing and change how you use your phone. Truely the first phone I have seen that released some cool features that were extremely useful and not just eye candy. Google backing moto is a big plus too, you know that if anyone is going to get good treatment, it will at least have to be moto. take the plunge, no chance you will regret it.
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Click to collapse
Thank you so much for taking the time to help me out. Moto X, here I come :highfive:

[Q] I would like to ask about 4.4

There is to my knowledge a 4.4.2 rom out, though it's only available for the non AT&T brand s4 active due to the lack of a bootloader, unless I read it wrong which I may have due to being a bit tired. I know that there is safestrap for AT&T because I have it and have been able to relocate the post, so could someone perhaps explain to me the full issue? I'm fairly knowledgeable to a bit of all this but I'd hardly call myself experienced. Don't feel the need to speak to me as if I were five though, if worse comes to worse I'll ask you to elaborate

Nicknakin said:
There is to my knowledge a 4.4.2 rom out, though it's only available for the non AT&T brand s4 active due to the lack of a bootloader, unless I read it wrong which I may have due to being a bit tired. I know that there is safestrap for AT&T because I have it and have been able to relocate the post, so could someone perhaps explain to me the full issue? I'm fairly knowledgeable to a bit of all this but I'd hardly call myself experienced. Don't feel the need to speak to me as if I were five though, if worse comes to worse I'll ask you to elaborate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The issue is that the i537 has a locked bootloader. The bootloader checks the signature of the kernel, so if the signatures don't match, the flash of the new kernel will fail. All of these pieces have been signed by Samsung, so without their key there's nothing we can do. The i9295 does not have this restriction so the can flash anything they want.

[Q] Verizon Moto X - Android 5.0

Hi Guys,
I am pretty blind when it comes to these things so if its been answered, I am sorry - politely direct me to thread of origin.
Anyway, I am wondering with all the News of the Soak Test, generally after the pure edition update comes out, how long does it take for the Verizon update? Is the update regulated for the most part or does it take Verizon considerably more time after release for them to add their bloatware? Should I expect it a few weeks after pure edition OTA (RTM) is released or what?
Thanks - Any feedback is appreciated.
Regards - HMPace

Look at the thread that is about the update http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x-2014/help/5-0-update-motorola-t2925432

jdubya42 said:
Look at the thread that is about the update http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x-2014/help/5-0-update-motorola-t2925432
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Yes, but that does not cover the scope of Verizon or Carrier based updates - that only examines when the Pure Version will get the update and this is why this thread was created....

hasamoder said:
Yes, but that does not cover the scope of Verizon or Carrier based updates - that only examines when the Pure Version will get the update and this is why this thread was created....
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At the beginning of the thread they discussed when the update could possibly happen. Nobody knows when it will hit, but certainly before the end of November.

jdubya42 said:
At the beginning of the thread they discussed when the update could possibly happen. Nobody knows when it will hit, but certainly before the end of November.
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Sure, I read through that thread and I understand that General Consumption Update will happen soon (likely before end of November) but does this also apply to the Verizon model as well; Lets say in a month time the update get pushed out to all T-Mobile Pure Edition Moto X's will Verizon users have to wait longer? Do Verizon and AT&T Phones get the update at the same time? (as they are different models)...

hasamoder said:
Sure, I read through that thread and I understand that General Consumption Update will happen soon (likely before end of November) but does this also apply to the Verizon model as well; Lets say in a month time the update get pushed out to all T-Mobile Pure Edition Moto X's will Verizon users have to wait longer? Do Verizon and AT&T Phones get the update at the same time? (as they are different models)...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, the carriers won't get updates at the same time. But, nobody can really pinpoint anything.

jdubya42 said:
No, the carriers won't get updates at the same time. But, nobody can really pinpoint anything.
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Fair Enough - thanks for feedback, By chance do you know how long AT&T / Verizon Users had to wait for the update to get pushed to the Moto X 2013? I was looking online and could not find the difference in time as a reference...

hasamoder said:
Fair Enough - thanks for feedback, By chance do you know how long AT&T / Verizon Users had to wait for the update to get pushed to the Moto X 2013? I was looking online and could not find the difference in time as a reference...
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I want to say that's in the other thread. If not I definitely saw it in another thread. I know the 2013 X got it before the Nexus.

jdubya42 said:
I want to say that's in the other thread. If not I definitely saw it in another thread. I know the 2013 X got it before the Nexus.
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But in any case I shouldn't have to wait to next year say to get update, it will be pushed in somewhat a timely manner? I have seen a lot of threads where Carriers have delayed an update months to add bloatware, but I guess this is different been a close to stock phone. that is tightly linked with google philosophy.

hasamoder said:
But in any case I shouldn't have to wait to next year say to get update, it will be pushed in somewhat a timely manner? I have seen a lot of threads where Carriers have delayed an update months to add bloatware, but I guess this is different been a close to stock phone. that is tightly linked with google philosophy.
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I definitely think the update will happen before the end of November. Hopefully shortly after the Nexus 5. I think you're right about the stock software not slowing the update down.

We're in uncharted territory here, there's no historical precedent to refer back to so literally no one knows anything.

https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/answers/prod_answer_detail/a_id/97143/
If you want to refer to last year check out above link

Vzw note 3 took forever to update to kk. I'm patiently waiting for lp. I hate vzw

bmwh0r3 said:
Vzw note 3 took forever to update to kk. I'm patiently waiting for lp. I hate vzw
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I despise Verizon for this and other reasons. What's annoying is not even a word. Like, at least just throw out there "Yep, we haven't gotten around to it yet. "