Database Develop

[Q] Is the Vzw Dev Edition worth it?

Like the title says, is the Verizon Wireless Dev Edition worth the extra $50 for the unlocked bootloader and additional 16gb?
Coming from moto devices with locked bootloaders (Droid 1, 3, Razr Maxx) you would think it would be an easy answer because of the unlocked bootloader the Dev Edition has. Just want to make sure if it's really worth it, as this will most likely be my last Moto device (Thx to Lenovo).

Do you want a warranty if you plan to unlock? Do you need the 32gb or is 16 good?
I don't see any other need for discussion ....its what you need. No one here can guess what you need?
But my quick answer ...soley based on the fact that 50 is not a huge amount of cash....yes. I'd get it for sure if I could have. Why not?
Sent from my Moto X cellular telephone...

Do you want root without having to jump through hoops and ladders, hoping that someone finds an exploit after each OTA? If so then yes, the extra cost (which is just for the extra 16gb) isn't that much in the big picture and is definitely worth the convenience if you are a root/rom user.
Also, I don't think Lenovo is going to ruin Motorola like everyone is thinking they are, but that's for a different topic.

For me yes. I don't want a device that I cannot unlock the bootloader.

It's the same price as a non-DE 32 GB Moto X. The real question is, "what's more important for you: a custom-designed phone or an unlockable bootloader?" For me, the decision was easy, I took the DE and bought a diztronic case to cover the white back.

rda990 said:
Like the title says, is the Verizon Wireless Dev Edition worth the extra $50 for the unlocked bootloader and additional 16gb?
Coming from moto devices with locked bootloaders (Droid 1, 3, Razr Maxx) you would think it would be an easy answer because of the unlocked bootloader the Dev Edition has. Just want to make sure if it's really worth it, as this will most likely be my last Moto device (Thx to Lenovo).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it is.

kj2112 said:
Do you want a warranty if you plan to unlock? Do you need the 32gb or is 16 good?
I don't see any other need for discussion ....its what you need. No one here can guess what you need?
But my quick answer ...soley based on the fact that 50 is not a huge amount of cash....yes. I'd get it for sure if I could have. Why not?
Sent from my Moto X cellular telephone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keeping the warranty while unlocked would be nice. I currently have a 64gb external + 16gb internal on my Razr Maxx, so I probably will need all the space possible.
I just wanted to hear some opinions of people, if think it's worth it or not and why.
detonation said:
Do you want root without having to jump through hoops and ladders, hoping that someone finds an exploit after each OTA? If so then yes, the extra cost (which is just for the extra 16gb) isn't that much in the big picture and is definitely worth the convenience if you are a root/rom user.
Also, I don't think Lenovo is going to ruin Motorola like everyone is thinking they are, but that's for a different topic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dev Edition comes rooted???
I really hope Lenovo doesn't, no one really knows. They could keep the Motorola name going for a few years and just get totally rid of it by slapping the name "Lenovo" on future moto hardware.
esmith818 said:
It's the same price as a non-DE 32 GB Moto X. The real question is, "what's more important for you: a custom-designed phone or an unlockable bootloader?" For me, the decision was easy, I took the DE and bought a diztronic case to cover the white back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All my phones have been protected with an Otterbox, never have been naked so there wouldn't be a point in getting a custom one.
How good is a diztronic compared to an Otterbox?
Thanks guys for your comments. I'll be ordering a Dev Edition later today, it's going to be hard letting go of my OG Razr Maxx.

rda990 said:
How good is a diztronic compared to an Otterbox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're an otter box guy, you'll want to stick with that brand. I have always gone case-less, but just can't stomach the white back on the DE. The diztronic is merely for looks -- I can't imagine it would be of any use if the phone were dropped.

rda990 said:
Dev Edition comes rooted???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, but it's about as easy as rooting a Nexus device (unlock the bootloader via Motorola's website, flash a custom recovery, then flash SU). And you get to keep your warranty.
Without the DE, you cannot unlock the bootloader, and to get root you need to downgrade to 4.2.2 and run an exploit which involves executing some scripts via telnut. And once the next OTA comes out, it's likely this method will be patched and you'd need to wait for another exploit to be found.

detonation said:
No, but it's about as easy as rooting a Nexus device (unlock the bootloader via Motorola's website, flash a custom recovery, then flash SU). And you get to keep your warranty.
Without the DE, you cannot unlock the bootloader, and to get root you need to downgrade to 4.2.2 and run an exploit which involves executing some scripts via telnut. And once the next OTA comes out, it's likely this method will be patched and you'd need to wait for another exploit to be found.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Other Moto x's can have unlocked bootloaders...except a couple. You just void warranty.
Just to be clear.
Sent from my Moto X cellular telephone...
---------- Post added at 04:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:06 PM ----------
Yes tho...if he gets an ordinary Verizon ....he can't unlock boot loader. Boo Verizon. Lol
Sent from my Moto X cellular telephone...

If the back is an issue just buy a new back off of eBay. They are pretty easy to get on and off.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

rda990 said:
....it's going to be hard letting go of my OG Razr Maxx.
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Click to collapse
I had a Razr MAXX and don't miss it at all. The Moto X is a much better phone. It won't match the battery life of the MAXX, but its worth the trade-off.

esmith818 said:
If you're an otter box guy, you'll want to stick with that brand. I have always gone case-less, but just can't stomach the white back on the DE. The diztronic is merely for looks -- I can't imagine it would be of any use if the phone were dropped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I'll just stick to Otterbox then. It's amazing how many times I've dropped my Razr Maxx (honestly over 100) and it's still running strong. My first Otterbox case started to show heavy signs of wear and tear so I got a brand new one from Otterbox thanks to their lifetime warranty :good:
detonation said:
No, but it's about as easy as rooting a Nexus device (unlock the bootloader via Motorola's website, flash a custom recovery, then flash SU). And you get to keep your warranty.
Without the DE, you cannot unlock the bootloader, and to get root you need to downgrade to 4.2.2 and run an exploit which involves executing some scripts via telnut. And once the next OTA comes out, it's likely this method will be patched and you'd need to wait for another exploit to be found.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very easy I see. I thought that with every OTA even on the DE you have to re-root. So on a DE/Unlocked Bootleader SU/Root stays permanently, thanks for clarifying.
Mr. Orange 645 said:
I had a Razr MAXX and don't miss it at all. The Moto X is a much better phone. It won't match the battery life of the MAXX, but its worth the trade-off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I might miss it more since I paid ~$500 for the Limited Edition (Employee Edition) one, so to me it is much more than just a Razr Maxx, dumb I know...How different is battery life between the too? I would think that the X would hang in there with the Droid regardless of battery size since the Maxx is 2 years old.

rda990 said:
I might miss it more since I paid ~$500 for the Limited Edition (Employee Edition) one, so to me it is much more than just a Razr Maxx, dumb I know...How different is battery life between the too? I would think that the X would hang in there with the Droid regardless of battery size since the Maxx is 2 years old.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the MAXX I could easily get 24+ hours with 5.5-6 hrs screen on time with heavy use. Some people on here have been able to get close to that with their X, but I'm getting closer to 3.5-4 hrs of screen on time.
As always you're mileage may vary.

rda990 said:
Very easy I see. I thought that with every OTA even on the DE you have to re-root. So on a DE/Unlocked Bootleader SU/Root stays permanently, thanks for clarifying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you do have to re-root after an OTA (assuming you haven't made system changes so that you can even take it) just like a Nexus, but it's still simply just reflashing a custom recovery and the SU zip. The bootloader stays unlocked.

For me yes its worth it. Rooting a non-Dev edition, looks like too much monkey business for me to be involved in. And I do like the extra 16gb.

Roland Stone said:
For me yes its worth it. Rooting a non-Dev edition, looks like too much monkey business for me to be involved in. And I do like the extra 16gb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting any unlocked x is the same.
Sent from my Moto X cellular telephone...

rda990 said:
Yea I'll just stick to Otterbox then. It's amazing how many times I've dropped my Razr Maxx (honestly over 100) and it's still running strong. ...
Very easy I see. I thought that with every OTA even on the DE you have to re-root. So on a DE/Unlocked Bootleader SU/Root stays permanently, thanks for clarifying. .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're going with a case, then the woven white back of the DE vs. customization of the moto maker version is off the table.
That brings it down to how much do you need root? and how easy do you want the root process to be.
Yes, you need to re-root for every OTA. To root in the first place, you flash a custom recovery (like TWRP), then flash/install SuperSU. To get ready for the next OTA, as long as you didn't touch system files, etc, just flash the stock recovery back on, take the OTA. Once its on there, re-root by flashing custom recovery then flash/install SuperSU.
I for one wanted root enough to purchase the Dev X for Verizon in early Nov, just two days before the first price drop. I don't regret it. Its easy to root, easy to put back to take OTA and re-root. And has 32gig (the 16gig version only had 11gig available to me out of the box which was not enough).

$50 for 16 GB was enough for me. The bootloader that is easier to unlock made the cost even more justifiable. I really don't care what my phone looks like as long as it is not gaudy, so the color choice, or lack thereof, didn't really bother me.
My only complaint with the phone is the current lack of development. Coming from a Galaxy Nexus toro, I knew there wouldn't be as much development, but it's drastically less. There have been no official releases from CM or AOKP which still baffles me.

The phone just isn't that popular for some crazy reason.....boo Google....hopefully the new guys turn Motorola around. Also the things that make the Moto x unique are gone on CM. So demand is low. Xposed fills the gap nicely tho.
Voiding warranties unlocking non dev boot loaders probably adds to the lack of interest too.
Sent from my Moto X cellular telephone...

Root Concerns

I might be speaking out of an uninformed thought here, but I'm concerned about our root status.
With the bounty being as high as it is, and me not being able to find anywhere that the Devs are collaborating, what are the odds it is taking so long (or even might NOT happen) because there is no developer collaboration for the insanely high bounty? I could be wrong, but I'm starting to wonder if that's the right way to go about it.
Then there's the concern that if we do achieve root, it'll be so late in the game that no one will be developing for our S5 at that point and will have moved on to another device.
Thoughts?

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think we NEED the bootloader unlocked in order to achieve root it just makes it a hell of a lot easier. I believe the Note 3 on certain carriers still has the bootloader locked but someone was able to find a vulnerability and used that to get root. But I do share your concern as many carriers are offering upgrades after a year and most developers and obviously users get new devices with their upgrade.

Correct, we don't need an unlock bootloader to have root, but, Kitkat update has patch all the vulnerabilities that were use in previous devices like the S4 and Note 3, currently all Note3 shipped with KitKat are stock with no root because of that. I personally think that root will not be achieved on the S5 (Verizon and AT&T), the Note 3 has been on the market way longer than the S5 and the bootloader still locked and root is thing of the past if the Device was shipped with KK from factory.
Besides most of the Devs are researchers and get better recognition/$$$ by giving the exploits to manufactures instead of making it public. Other Devs just like to make it for Fun, but with the locked bootloader there is not much fun but a lot of work instead, and since no everybody that pledges actually pays is not worth it for them to actually work on getting root for a device you can get unlocked on other networks (ex. T-Mo). If all S5 were to be shipped with a locked bootloader, you would had root by now.

Colerunn said:
I might be speaking out of an uninformed thought here, but I'm concerned about our root status.
With the bounty being as high as it is, and me not being able to find anywhere that the Devs are collaborating, what are the odds it is taking so long (or even might NOT happen) because there is no developer collaboration for the insanely high bounty? I could be wrong, but I'm starting to wonder if that's the right way to go about it.
Then there's the concern that if we do achieve root, it'll be so late in the game that no one will be developing for our S5 at that point and will have moved on to another device.
Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These are legitimate concerns that should have you reevaluating your next purchase based on carrier and manufacturer. The goal is to make AT&T and Verizon phones secure enough for the military and business accounts. That is where the big bucks lie for those carriers. Sprint and T-mobile are more geared towards the average pedestrian with their lower price plans and limited coverage, therefore do not worry about locked bootloaders and super secure phones. Other manufacturers such as HTC provide unlock to those seeking it and root has been very easy.
As for developer discussions regarding root...you have seen what the bounty threads turn into...with all that bickering and name calling it is not conducive to a development environment, so those people actually hampered progress. I am sure discussions are going on in private in some IRC channel without the needless interruptions and constant requests for ETA and "Are we there yet." And as mentioned there is a lot more $$$ in the private sectors rather than claim a half bounty and have a free root available.

I'm really regretting my purchase of the S5 without having root, and to hear that it may never come is really concerning.

Welp, sounds like it's time for me to bite the bullet then. I'm thinking I'll post my phone to Craigslist as looking to sell or trade for a T-mobile version. Worse-comes-to-worst, I'll ebay the phone for what I can get, and pay out of pocket the difference for a new one.
Raises a new question: international version or just a different U.S. carrier's?

The carriers are getting work and ideas from us, then adding those features to the phones. Then locking them up (Bootloaders, No Root) because - Like Kenny says, they want to be more secure for corporations. Some people use root for bad things like (Not paying for apps and Xposed modules blocking ads, and other things that they don't want us doing) I use root for LONG LASTING BATTERY LIFE and getting rid of bloatware apps running in the background I dont even use. Yes, it sucks we can't do the things we use to but, they have made it so we can Turn Off apps, Long Lasting battery with the Ultra Power Save feature, etc......(Things we did with root are now coming on the phone >Stole those ideas from us<
EDIT: LETS GO KINGO, YOU CAN DO IT !!!!!! Maybe soon Kingo can produce a root option. That would be awesome. I'm not leaving At&t, been there for 18 years. Great coverage and customer service has been awesome to me !!!

Don't need root for getting apps for free. Ever heard of Aptoide?
Sent from my stock, untouched Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 on the xda-developers app

LoopingCreeper said:
Don't need root for getting apps for free. Ever heard of Aptoide?
Sent from my stock, untouched Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 on the xda-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you know what I mean. They don't want us to have Root Access. You can do a lot of things with root man.

LuckyColdJohnson said:
Well, you know what I mean. They don't want us to have Root Access. You can do a lot of things with root man.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know what your mean. Freedom can be used to get in app purchaces for free. That is kinda getting apps for free and it requires root.
Sent from my stock, untouched Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 on the xda-developers app

For me, ans more of a power user, the Root abilities were to get a smooother better battery life custom solution. I used Adaway and some apps for better performance. Other than that, root didnt mean much to me. I do miss the rebel aspect of it and that alone rather makes me wish I had bought the HTC M8 instead of the S5 last week.
Best of luck to the Devs that find us a root or AT&T to provide unlocking.

I'm with you guys. I'm just out to up my battery life, remove ads (admittedly. Can you blame me?), and have a few hardware changes, like reassigning buttons, switching music with my volume keys and such.
Biggest want? Titanium backup. I relied on that app more than I'd like to admit, as well as TWRP or ClockWork (depending on the phone/ROM I was using at the time).
It's just nice to be free with something I bought full price, SO I COULD HAVE THE FREEDOM TO DO WHAT I WANTED WITH IT.
Either way, We'll see what happens. All I want is root permissions.
Here's a curious thought, though. The AT&T S4 isn't rooted, but they have a workaround (loki mod). Anyone know if something like that is in the works for us?

I agree. Hopefully we will get an Root option (Maybe Kingo will come through again like with the Note 3) but their saying nobody has a root option for 4.4 on At&t phones. Don't see much talk about almost getting there as well. Chainfire was also saying that new Android firmware is about to start breaking root apps. 4.4.3 and on could be the start to the end of custom roms and root for Samsung devices (At&t). I too thought about going with an HTC device, I just love the S5's camera. I don't know what to think about these new phones man. It was so much fun installing and customizing our phones how we wanted to. Its sad and depressing watching these loved things go away. I'm not on my phone as much anymore.

I'm personally getting ready to purchase another device, I love my GS5 even tho it isn't rooted but I'm just not liking the size of it. I got it for $10 with my team member discount but I think I'm going to either get a T-Mobile one or European S5. Idk I want to stay with Samsung but this whole locked phone thing is discouraging.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using XDA Premium HD app

LuckyColdJohnson said:
I agree. Hopefully we will get an Root option (Maybe Kingo will come through again like with the Note 3) but their saying nobody has a root option for 4.4 on At&t phones. Don't see much talk about almost getting there as well. Chainfire was also saying that new Android firmware is about to start breaking root apps. 4.4.3 and on could be the start to the end of custom roms and root for Samsung devices (At&t). I too thought about going with an HTC device, I just love the S5's camera. I don't know what to think about these new phones man. It was so much fun installing and customizing our phones how we wanted to. Its sad and depressing watching these loved things go away. I'm not on my phone as much anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the only reason I kept and probably will keep my Nexus 5...

Colerunn said:
I might be speaking out of an uninformed thought here, but I'm concerned about our root status.
With the bounty being as high as it is, and me not being able to find anywhere that the Devs are collaborating, what are the odds it is taking so long (or even might NOT happen) because there is no developer collaboration for the insanely high bounty? I could be wrong, but I'm starting to wonder if that's the right way to go about it.
Then there's the concern that if we do achieve root, it'll be so late in the game that no one will be developing for our S5 at that point and will have moved on to another device.
Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen maybe one or two times since I've been a member of XDA where a bounty worked achieve root or an unlocked bootloader. Honestly, I doubt many of the devs who work on that type of stuff bought an AT&T S5. If it was me, I would have gone T-Mobile or International, as I'm sure most have.
Also, as someone said above, not everyone pays their pledges. The longer a bounty lasts, the bigger chance people who have pledged early have moved on or are not following anymore. I'm willing to bet that if a bounty was close to 2K, the most a dev could hope for is maybe $500, if their lucky. That's still quite a bit of money, but no where near what was pledged. Past experiences dictate present actions.
Sent from my VK810 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
---------- Post added at 04:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:05 AM ----------
KennyG123 said:
These are legitimate concerns that should have you reevaluating your next purchase based on carrier and manufacturer. The goal is to make AT&T and Verizon phones secure enough for the military and business accounts. That is where the big bucks lie for those carriers. Sprint and T-mobile are more geared towards the average pedestrian with their lower price plans and limited coverage, therefore do not worry about locked bootloaders and super secure phones. Other manufacturers such as HTC provide unlock to those seeking it and root has been very easy.
As for developer discussions regarding root...you have seen what the bounty threads turn into...with all that bickering and name calling it is not conducive to a development environment, so those people actually hampered progress. I am sure discussions are going on in private in some IRC channel without the needless interruptions and constant requests for ETA and "Are we there yet." And as mentioned there is a lot more $$$ in the private sectors rather than claim a half bounty and have a free root available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The carriers should make separate phones for consumers and businesses. That would be great.
Sent from my VK810 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Skizzy034 said:
The carriers should make separate phones for consumers and businesses. That would be great.
Sent from my VK810 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some do...sort of...they are called developer's editions and you usually have to wait a few months for their release.

KennyG123 said:
Some do...sort of...they are called developer's editions and you usually have to wait a few months for their release.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey KennyG, I just got the s5 Active, will y'all be opening up a thread for that soon? Thanks

Colerunn said:
Welp, sounds like it's time for me to bite the bullet then. I'm thinking I'll post my phone to Craigslist as looking to sell or trade for a T-mobile version. Worse-comes-to-worst, I'll ebay the phone for what I can get, and pay out of pocket the difference for a new one.
Raises a new question: international version or just a different U.S. carrier's?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MetroPCS S5 for $649+ $30 unlock code from cellunlocker-dot-net and you have a wide open west device ready for custom recovery/roms, the works. Also will be carrier unlocked and completely unbranded. Radio has all the LTE bands for TMO and ATT, LTE works. Was using Alliance Rom at the time.
I did sell mine and picked up an M8. Just prefer the feel in hand, 32GB (what was SEC thinking 16GB on a top tier device!) and of course the IPS LCD just looks better to my old, tired eyes than the SuperAMOLED+. Of course everyone's preferences are different.
If you're a night owl and prefer full darkness viewing the AMOLED displays can't be beat. Using LUX I was able to turn down the brightness to just about nothing and the contrast is still outstanding. LCDs (of course) wash out since they do have finite limits of contrast at low levels...
But in normal environments, wow, the IPS display looks spectacular...
In any case, expecting root on an ATT device these days is probably going to lead to major disappointment. Personally, I'd rather use an iOS device than a locked bootloader device (S4/S5).
When you're used to having the freedom of root and can no longer do the things you get used to it's like a punishment, having virtual shackles around your feet and expected to run a 10K on a day with 80 degree dewpoints. Oh yes and with a family of hungry black bears right behind you...

LuckyColdJohnson said:
Hey KennyG, I just got the s5 Active, will y'all be opening up a thread for that soon? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really needed if it is just as locked down and basically same hardware will see how it goes.

[Q] So I got a Moto X for free today... (AT&T XT1058)

And I've spent the past 1-2 hours reading around 50-ish threads and several hundred posts, and while I'm sure I already know the answer to this question I'm still going to ask it outright.
The specifics:
AT&T XT1058 pure stock Moto X running Android KitKat 4.4.4 as up to date as possible.
Is it rooted? NO
Is the bootloader unlocked? NO
Now, based on those two facts, and after reading all about SunShine (which is pretty awesome so thanks for that one, jcase and the crew that developed it), it seems if I want root then my only potential option at this point in time is "The Chinese Guy" if he's still in business to get a proper bootloader unlock which of course opens this device up entirely to whatever I might care to do.
Honestly the only reasons I care about root access would be for Titanium Backup (since I did purchase that in the past so it's like if I can't make full use of the app itself (because it requires root access to really do everything it's capable of doing) the money was more or less just given away for nothing, and a few other apps that require root level privilege (ES File Explorer root access, a few Wi-Fi tools, that's about it).
Of course, having the fully unlocked bootloader would let me play around with ROMs, kernels, and whatever I damned well please.
So the actual question I hinted at with the beginning of this post is:
For the moment, am I correct in the belief that my only option at all at this time meaning today and into the immediate foreseeable future to do anything with this device is "The Chinese Guy" ... if I want to be able to do more things with the device?
This is my second Moto X, the first one was the trial offer I took advantage of for a penny and I did enjoy the device while I had it, so when I got the chance to get one for free earlier today (traded a laptop for it that was also given to me) I jumped at it.
I understand that with 4.4.4 on it I can't roll back to any previous version, sadly, and that since SunShine requires root to even test the device (the temp root thing, ain't happening) that's a dead end leaving "The Chinese Guy" again as the only potential.
Just looking for a confirmation, that's all.
Thanks...

Yes, on the XT1058 from ATT with 4.4.4 on it, that is the latest rom/update, you can't downgrade (without risk of bricking the phone) and the China Middleman is the only hope of unlocking your bootloader and/or rooting. (to be clear, I mean the China Middleman doesn't actually root your phone, but once bootloader unlocked you will be able to root)
And yes, having an unlocked bootloader is the only way to flash any rom that isn't the stock Moto rom for the ATT XT1058.
And yes, Sunshine wont work since you can't even temp root 4.4.4.
I am not aware of any new root processes for 4.4.4 with locked bootloader coming, or ways to make Sunshine work on 4.4.4. If something newer is coming, it either wasn't announced yet, or I missed the announcement.
That being said, since it sounds like you got this phone used, rather than new.. who knows what the original owner did to it.. If it was someone who followed these boards, there is a SLIGHT chance they were trying to be tricky, and upgraded only parts of your phone to 4.4.4. Boot into FastbootAp/Bootloader mode, and check the version (second line from the top). If it is 30.B7, you're fully on 4.4.4 and you are stuck. If your bootloader is not 30.B7, then you might have a chance to downgrade your rom safely, and then use sunshine (post the version if its not 30.B7)

Thanks for the info, and yes the bootloader is 30.B7 (2014-06-23). Oh well... it is most definitely used but still in excellent condition (just some cosmetic scrapes and scuffs on the rubberized corners of the back cover). It's a good phone, a solid one, so I'll hang on to it for the time being, just need to get the carrier unlocked for use with T-Mobile but that'll be after the first of November.
It's a Moto X for free, I suppose I really shouldn't complain.

Just hit up jcase on IRC, who makes Sunshine. He's currently working on supporting XT1058 with 4.4.4 -- I have the same one, with the same bootloader. Wait a bit. Looks like he usually publishes stuff every few months. I think we may have an early Christmas gift. Well, it will cost us $25, though.

If he's able to do it then I'll look into it at that time, I may just offload this for a profit, not really sure at the moment. The camera is really depressing, was just outside taking some images here in downtown Las Vegas because we have this huge music festival this weekend (www.lifeisbeautiful.com) and the picture quality is just utterly abysmal - I tried the latest updated Motorola Camera app, Focal, Google Camera, and several others and they all just can't make the actual physical camera do anything decent. Exposures are always wrong, focus is seemingly permanently soft, there's no sharpness at all to most anything regardless of the lighting conditions, etc.
I could ramble on forever but, again it was free so I guess I'll shut up.

I had no idea that I posted something illegal my bad
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk

I used the Chinese guy to unlock, and haven't looked back. I still run Stock w/ Root, and was worth the $45 to not worry about it anymore. If your gonna keep it, get the unlock code.

Well that Chinese middleman isn't responding to contacts by anyone at the moment so that's a dead end and this one was built on 11-11-2013 so he'd probably not be able to get me one anyway. I just got the carrier unlock code last night and used it without issues. I put it on craigslist along with the Motorola Skip I had and never used, maybe someone will want it. It's still a great phone, but for me, the lack of being able to root it or most anything else makes it basically not something I really need these days. I have a "dumbphone" that works fine and has done so for many years.
Thanks for the info and suggestions, peeps...

Conflicted

I've been reading the several threads on this forum, and on the regular Verizon S6 forum, yet still remain on the fence about forking over a large sum of money for this device. Forgive me for my rambling but any thoughts on this would be appreciated.
I've been using smartphones since 2007, starting with my windows mobile XV6800 (htc). Been tinkering with them, and unlocking my phones even before Android devices were available. Touch Pro II, Dinc, Tbolt, GSIII, and now HTC one (m7) Of all these phones, by far, the GSIII was my favorite. It had such great dev support, and root/bootloader unlock was achieved within a few months of it being out. M7 was a bit of a hassle to root, and gain S-off, but still doable. But now, all I am reading is that it is very likely GS6 will never get rooted (at least us poor saps on Verizon). Another caveat: I still have unlimited data, and have been paying full price for my phones since GSIII so don't want to make an impulsive purchase by any means. So my question is this: given the technology that is available now, is there any advantage to unlocking this phone other than flashing cleaner debloated ROMS, or custom kernels? The WiFi tether can be accomplished via FoxFi, and there is a working debloat tool floating around. For some reason, I cannot wrap my head around paying a large sum of money for a device and not being able to modify it to my liking. Considering other phones such as M9, or LGG4, that might be more rootable but I'm just not feeling the coolness factor on those as much as GS6.
What I remember about the GS3 is that root was achieved before the bootloader unlock. It took quite a bit of time but eventually we were able to flash an unencrypted aboot.img to the appropriate partition when it was leaked by an insider, and voila, we were unlocked. I'm assuming that resource is not available to us anymore.
I'd love to hear some opinions on this from other flashaholics that have taken the leap and gone with this locked down device.

morrowa2 said:
I've been reading the several threads on this forum, and on the regular Verizon S6 forum, yet still remain on the fence about forking over a large sum of money for this device. Forgive me for my rambling but any thoughts on this would be appreciated.
I've been using smartphones since 2007, starting with my windows mobile XV6800 (htc). Been tinkering with them, and unlocking my phones even before Android devices were available. Touch Pro II, Dinc, Tbolt, GSIII, and now HTC one (m7) Of all these phones, by far, the GSIII was my favorite. It had such great dev support, and root/bootloader unlock was achieved within a few months of it being out. M7 was a bit of a hassle to root, and gain S-off, but still doable. But now, all I am reading is that it is very likely GS6 will never get rooted (at least us poor saps on Verizon). Another caveat: I still have unlimited data, and have been paying full price for my phones since GSIII so don't want to make an impulsive purchase by any means. So my question is this: given the technology that is available now, is there any advantage to unlocking this phone other than flashing cleaner debloated ROMS, or custom kernels? The WiFi tether can be accomplished via FoxFi, and there is a working debloat tool floating around. For some reason, I cannot wrap my head around paying a large sum of money for a device and not being able to modify it to my liking. Considering other phones such as M9, or LGG4, that might be more rootable but I'm just not feeling the coolness factor on those as much as GS6.
What I remember about the GS3 is that root was achieved before the bootloader unlock. It took quite a bit of time but eventually we were able to flash an unencrypted aboot.img to the appropriate partition when it was leaked by an insider, and voila, we were unlocked. I'm assuming that resource is not available to us anymore.
I'd love to hear some opinions on this from other flashaholics that have taken the leap and gone with this locked down device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had quite a number of phones (as you can see from my signature lol) and flashed more than you see there. I enjoy toying around and changing to my liking. With that being said, I went and got this device because I loved the edges and the look. I think the themes that Samsung has allowed give you some of that customization ability. Though you can't uninstall apps or alter some things, Idk, there was just something about it I loved.
I don't think we are going to see an unlocked bootloader anytime soon, or a root either, but it's still a great device in my eyes.
Sent from my SM-G925V using XDA Free mobile app

eorsini said:
I have had quite a number of phones (as you can see from my signature lol) and flashed more than you see there. I enjoy toying around and changing to my liking. With that being said, I went and got this device because I loved the edges and the look. I think the themes that Samsung has allowed give you some of that customization ability. Though you can't uninstall apps or alter some things, Idk, there was just something about it I loved.
I don't think we are going to see an unlocked bootloader anytime soon, or a root either, but it's still a great device in my eyes.
Sent from my SM-G925V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! That's the direction I'm leaning.

I always say if you are conflicted, then the answer is no. Pretty much always.

JasonJoel said:
I always say if you are conflicted, then the answer is no. Pretty much always.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Life isn't about being safe and reserved, it's about throwing yourself out there, getting banged up, and then doing it all over again.
I say, if you're conflicted, then go for it... It's always better to have learned from an experience than to say 'what if' or 'I should've'...
Yeah it's cash but so what, the biggest risk here is disappointment; you can always sell the device.
*If you want an example, ask me about the time while on vacation I got stranded in Reno after someone stole the entire contents of my bank account... So with no money, gear, or a plan, I decided to hitchhike to Burning Man with an Irishman, an Mexican and a polyamorous Swiss couple I met at a grocery store. I can assure you good times were had and yes... At the beginning I was most assuredly conflicted.

Could not disagree more. But whatever, I don't really care of he buys an S6 or not. Lol

I'm open to all opinions here. I'm currently on m7 and I abhor the stock software, while the latest aosp ROMs have been incredibly buggy. Just itchy to get a new phone that is actually functional. Thanks for the advice.
Sent from my One using XDA Free mobile app

I don't know if this is the best phone I've ever had but it's by fast the best Samsung device I've ever had. Go for it!

I posted earlier but wanted to give an update:
After 2 weeks this is definitely the best Samsung Galaxy I've ever had. It's fast, responsive, and I still oogle the screen and it's curves. I don't even think about rooting or anything because with the themes and Nova Launcher it's a whole new phone. My battery is actually really good too which is just another bonus. I say try it if you are conflicted. Worst case you can return it on the 13th day and you only lose a little money.
Sent from my SM-G925V using XDA Free mobile app

I came from some rooted stuff myself, but aside from a few things that I had on my Galaxy Nexus with Sourcery ROM, the main advantage that root gave me was the tethering. FoxFi solved that on the Edge. If I want to change up the look on my phone, I can throw another launcher on whenever, icon packs, etc, and none of those require root. So I was also sitting on the fence until launch, and then it dawned on me ... what would root REALLY give me, that I can't find a workaround not anyway? Do I want root just for the sake of being able to? Sure there are still some apps you can't take off altogether, but with the 64g version, I'm not going to see a huge chunk of space taken out by them, and with a 3rd party launcher, I can just hide them altogether. That's actually the only main complaint about stock, is that I can't hide them in the stock drawer.
All that said, I'm VERY happy with the phone as it sits. Such an improvement over my G2 (which was still a great phone for me til the day I traded in), that giving up root options (at least for now, even if forever) was a trade-off well worth taking.

Thanks for all the feedback. I broke down and ordered the 128 GB model in black. Trading in my old smartphones will help with the cost. They said I'll receive it on Friday ☺
Sent from my One using XDA Free mobile app

morrowa2 said:
Thanks for all the feedback. I broke down and ordered the 128 GB model in black. Trading in my old smartphones will help with the cost. They said I'll receive it on Friday ☺
Sent from my One using XDA Free mobile app
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Click to collapse
Good deal man. Hope you like it as much as I do.
Sent from my SM-G925V using XDA Free mobile app

morrowa2 said:
Thanks for all the feedback. I broke down and ordered the 128 GB model in black. Trading in my old smartphones will help with the cost. They said I'll receive it on Friday ☺
Sent from my One using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You made a good choice, as far as I'm concerned. I've been crash flashing a hell of a lot longer than my "joined xda" date would lead you to believe, and while I will ALWAYS miss the days of uninhibited GS3 flashing and I found myself doing it less and less as phones got better.
That being said, I still want root - and will still hold out hope that we'll get it. I imagine we will, but it will be a while and I think it's important for all of us to temper our expectations when it comes to that. Just enjoy this beautiful, unique device and try not to let it get you down.
Not to mention there's still plenty of new(er) devices (tablets, phones, etc) that can and will always be unlockable/rootable ... so you can get your kicks with them while you wait!
Welcome to the GS6E family!

Root is dead

tiny70thomas said:
Root is dead
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not according to this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=60546194
Sent from my One using XDA Free mobile app

Just got a Droid Turbo after selling my LG G4, is it worth the Root?

I havent rooted a device before but the idea of getting rid of the bloatware that came on the phone and extending battery life as well as increasing performance is appealing to me.
Is your device rooted? and do you feel its worth it?
I also dont really know where to start with rooting it, I had a friend reccommend Kingoroot, but I am not sure which root is 'best' per se.
I also believe I need to unlock my bootloader...Not sure if it is unlocked already, it is a refurbished verizon unloicked phone.
Pardon my ignorance I am just getting into this stuff.

zwalk said:
I havent rooted a device before but the idea of getting rid of the bloatware that came on the phone and extending battery life as well as increasing performance is appealing to me.
Is your device rooted? and do you feel its worth it?
I also dont really know where to start with rooting it, I had a friend reccommend Kingoroot, but I am not sure which root is 'best' per se.
I also believe I need to unlock my bootloader...Not sure if it is unlocked already, it is a refurbished verizon unloicked phone.
Pardon my ignorance I am just getting into this stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Hopefully you didn't do any updating. http://forum.xda-developers.com/droid-turbo/general/guide-how-to-unlock-bootloader-install-t3292684

Its on 5.1 currently and trying to get me to update I cleared my cache to get rid.of the update file

Wow that's a long and slightly intimidating process.
Hopefully the performance battery life and lack of bloat is worth it

I owned two XT1225 (the international version of the Droid Turbo) and won a FREE, NEW AT&T LG G4 last summer, when it was first released. (I'm on AT&T.) Stayed in the box. The LG G4 is an excellent phone, but just doesn't hit all the cumulative features of the Quark. I even bought a Qi wireless back plate for the LG G4, to enable that feature -- but still never used the phone.
Sold it on eBay a few months ago and bought a 3rd XT1225 to keep as backup for me and my wife. So, yeah, it's worth it.

I love the phone. It's awesome, I'm just getting cold feet on the root. It's the first time I've tried it.
So the root makes a big difference?

zwalk said:
I love the phone. It's awesome, I'm just getting cold feet on the root. It's the first time I've tried it.
So the root makes a big difference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking the phone lets you do the following things:
Remove bloat
Use the Xposed framework to customize your phone in almost any way you can imagine
Install custom roms, including roms that are a more recent version of Android than what Motorola slowly rolls out
Use security programs like Cerberus to give your phone remote commands if it is lost/stolen
Use battery optimization programs like Amplify and Greenify
Tweak your kernel to favor power over battery life, or vice versa
Other stuff that I can't think of right now

Another reason is to install a custom recovery (TWRP) after boot loader is unlocked. TWRP allows you to make a back up of everything on your phone.

It's worth it just to keep your phone relevant. Odds are we'll see android n with the unlocked boot loader I doubt we'll see it without
Sent from my DROID Turbo using XDA-Developers mobile app

There are youtube videos showing the Sunshine unlock, root, and TWRP process. It's really easy and takes only a few minutes.
The first phone I rooted was the Samsung Intercept back before all of the "One Click Root" apps came about. I had to mate it with my computer and run a long string of ADB commands. That's when I learned about Paths and Environmental Variables. Then installing ClockworkMod Recovery... You had to pull the battery out at a precise moment to get the recovery to stick before the first boot or else the phone reverted to stock recovery. But all of that hinged on if you got the Samsung drivers to work right. If that's wasn't intimidating, then I don't know what is.