Xiaomi making money from software yet officially letting us unlock the bootloader? - Redmi K20 Pro / Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro Questions & Answe

So i have never used a Xiaomi device but im looking forward to getting the Mi 9T pro version ,what i got from searching was that one of the main reasons that Xiaomi devices are cheaper is that Xiaomi makes or intends to make most of its profit from showing ads and stuff on the software they have installed on their phones.
If this is the case, then im really curious to know why they would officially give users the tools to unlock their bootloaders ( i know the whole waiting game stuff but still they are officially supporting it ) and possibly root their phones and from what i've gathered it doesn't even void the warranty!!
wouldn't it make much more sense if they instead tried to lock their bootloaders so that users were forced to use their software?
to be clear im not saying that they should change their policy in this way, im very happy that i can root the device and not void the warranty . im just saying that it doesn't make a lot of sense that they'd officially give you the tools and permissions to stop them from profiting from the users.

Hxonper said:
So i have never used a Xiaomi device but im looking forward to getting the Mi 9T pro version ,what i got from searching was that one of the main reasons that Xiaomi devices are cheaper is that Xiaomi makes or intends to make most of its profit from showing ads and stuff on the software they have installed on their phones.
If this is the case, then im really curious to know why they would officially give users the tools to unlock their bootloaders ( i know the whole waiting game stuff but still they are officially supporting it ) and possibly root their phones and from what i've gathered it doesn't even void the warranty!!
wouldn't it make much more sense if they instead tried to lock their bootloaders so that users were forced to use their software?
to be clear im not saying that they should change their policy in this way, im very happy that i can root the device not void the warranty . im just saying that it doesn't make a lot of sense that they'd officially give you the tools and permissions to stop them from profiting from the users.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI i am using k20 pro china rom , yet to see any ads , lol cause i dont use most of their apps . the most forced ads i see is using this xda forum on pc , lol

Hxonper said:
So i have never used a Xiaomi device but im looking forward to getting the Mi 9T pro version ,what i got from searching was that one of the main reasons that Xiaomi devices are cheaper is that Xiaomi makes or intends to make most of its profit from showing ads and stuff on the software they have installed on their phones.
If this is the case, then im really curious to know why they would officially give users the tools to unlock their bootloaders ( i know the whole waiting game stuff but still they are officially supporting it ) and possibly root their phones and from what i've gathered it doesn't even void the warranty!!
wouldn't it make much more sense if they instead tried to lock their bootloaders so that users were forced to use their software?
to be clear im not saying that they should change their policy in this way, im very happy that i can root the device not void the warranty . im just saying that it doesn't make a lot of sense that they'd officially give you the tools and permissions to stop them from profiting from the users.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, well ok they shouldn't change their policy. Its a fine business model. Few people actually want to root the phone and do all that - they put up with the ads and all that, ads are relatively common online.
But not only that - those people who really want to remove such ads are the people like you and me even who /want/! to buy more of these phones and support the company further. Its not like you maybe will never buy another xiaomi. Once you get the phone you will see.
Its good to have it both ways though? It covers all bases. BUT! Ads are not the entire thing you are on about because like me and others over time we have considered ads wrong - ads don't make the phone completely, its a subsidy. Well just 'one of' several subsidies.
They give you the tools I think because if you really want to remove ads in order to use the phone then you must like the phone enough. Also I think that the 'big' ad days are further and further behind them as they become more profitable and can say to themselves they can make larger launch dates etc and be increasingly well known and purchased - they will probably find even better ways to implement these things.
So for people like you and me and others the ad-loss is not a big deal - its more a way for them to bring you the phone rather than to smack us round the ears with ads for the sake of it.
What a great phone.

Aimara said:
FYI i am using k20 pro china rom , yet to see any ads , lol cause i dont use most of their apps . the most forced ads i see is using this xda forum on pc , lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
interesting !! i thought only the global rom was nearly ad-free.
Haha there are ways around your pc browsing experience as well

SlimBeaner said:
Hi, well ok they shouldn't change their policy. Its a fine business model. Few people actually want to root the phone and do all that - they put up with the ads and all that, ads are relatively common online.
But not only that - those people who really want to remove such ads are the people like you and me even who /want/! to buy more of these phones and support the company further. Its not like you maybe will never buy another xiaomi. Once you get the phone you will see.
Its good to have it both ways though? It covers all bases. BUT! Ads are not the entire thing you are on about because like me and others over time we have considered ads wrong - ads don't make the phone completely, its a subsidy. Well just 'one of' several subsidies.
They give you the tools I think because if you really want to remove ads in order to use the phone then you must like the phone enough. Also I think that the 'big' ad days are further and further behind them as they become more profitable and can say to themselves they can make larger launch dates etc and be increasingly well known and purchased - they will probably find even better ways to implement these things.
So for people like you and me and others the ad-loss is not a big deal - its more a way for them to bring you the phone rather than to smack us round the ears with ads for the sake of it.
What a great phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well yeah it has been a positive point for me when i was considering whether i should get this device or not and yeah i agree the percentage of users who'd root their devices is very low.
however i just get suspicious when big tech companies try to be on the good side and well in this case sell flagship phones with low prices and also support those who only want the hardware!

Hxonper said:
interesting !! i thought only the global rom was nearly ad-free.
Haha there are ways around your pc browsing experience as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm these ads on PC seem to be Google based, wtf they keep showing the Adidas shoes I wanted to get but I am holding back, resist .... Haha

Real "flagship" phones costs around $200-$300 to make. Xiaomi is only making nominal profit from selling their hardware and yes, it also relies on ads through its MIUI OS to gain some more. But overall it is really not that surprising that other phone companies put huge margin of profit on their devices to make more money and many people think that's really how much it costs. lol
To put it into perspective, a $1,000 pixel phone actually costs around $250 to make. Same with iphones and Samsung phones. Samsung flagships might cost a bit higher because of its flagship parts.

I used to see ads on my old Mi4i. Those were on phone UI such as tasks view. I was pretty bummed about that. Few years later I'm on a Xiaomi phone again, but this time I'm using Netguard firewall with ad block host filters and haven't seen an ad yet.

BlackCommando said:
I used to see ads on my old Mi4i. Those were on phone UI such as tasks view. I was pretty bummed about that. Few years later I'm on a Xiaomi phone again, but this time I'm using Netguard firewall with ad block host filters and haven't seen an ad yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just use adguard DNS. No need to install anything. It also blocks ads on apps.
No link because moderators might think that I am advertising it, well, I am sort of, but it is my humble suggestion to you. :angel:

ntmalol said:
Just use adguard DNS. No need to install anything. It also blocks ads on apps.
No link because moderators might think that I am advertising it, well, I am sort of, but it is my humble suggestion to you. :angel:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I did use Adguard DNS and it blocked almost all ads. But I moved to Netguard to use multiple host files.
Another reason was that unfortunately MIUI firewall doesn't let us block wifi for system apps.

Been using Xiomi phones for 10 months now (both MIUI 10) and I'm yet to see an ad. I actually had no idea ads were included in MIUI.

ntmalol said:
Real "flagship" phones costs around $200-$300 to make. Xiaomi is only making nominal profit from selling their hardware and yes, it also relies on ads through its MIUI OS to gain some more. But overall it is really not that surprising that other phone companies put huge margin of profit on their devices to make more money and many people think that's really how much it costs. lol
To put it into perspective, a $1,000 pixel phone actually costs around $250 to make. Same with iphones and Samsung phones. Samsung flagships might cost a bit higher because of its flagship parts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, once Apple started selling phones for 1k $ and higher it also gave competitors like Samsung more room to increase their prices. "flagship" has kinda turned into a marketing term for the huge sum of money you need to pay rather than the top tier hardware and software support you're getting.

Thordelan said:
Been using Xiomi phones for 10 months now (both MIUI 10) and I'm yet to see an ad. I actually had no idea ads were included in MIUI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great but also not great !!! great that they don't bombard you with ads and don't ruin your experience and also not great cause showing ads is their way of making money and when that's not happening then what are they up to? idk maybe that's just me being paranoid

BlackCommando said:
Thanks, I did use Adguard DNS and it blocked almost all ads. But I moved to Netguard to use multiple host files.
Another reason was that unfortunately MIUI firewall doesn't let us block wifi for system apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is for you and everyone who is reading this, you can disable MSA (MIUI System Ads).
--Go to the setting menu
--Go to Additional settings
--Tap on Authorization & revocation option
--Disable MSA (MIUI System Ads).
after turning msa off, the phone will stop collecting data from your device and sending you ads.
Unfortunately, to get an ad-free user experience you must disable ads recommendation in Mi Browser, Mi Security, Mi Music, and other Mi apps manually.
Posted with help from https://c.mi.com/thread-1864821-1-0.html

ntmalol said:
This is for you and everyone who is reading this, you can disable MSA (MIUI System Ads).
--Go to the setting menu
--Go to Additional settings
--Tap on Authorization & revocation option
--Disable MSA (MIUI System Ads).
after turning msa off, the phone will stop collecting data from your device and sending you ads.
Unfortunately, to get an ad-free user experience you must disable ads recommendation in Mi Browser, Mi Security, Mi Music, and other Mi apps manually.
Posted with help from https://c.mi.com/thread-1864821-1-0.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you for your response . i hope it does really stop the data collection. in case it doesn't, does rooting, changing the recovery to a custom one and also installing a custom Rom like LOS stop Xiaomi from collecting data?
and also i read that in order to unlock the bootloader i need to install the vendor and firmware for my device , could this act as a backdoor for xiaomi?

If you use miui select to not send data ( should be during setup , other places as well ) .
Xiaomi eu removes all adds in apps ( but that could be considered custom rom ) .
I had adds in apps in mi global , im using miuimix custom rom so i have yet to see an add in apps ( besides browser ).
I don't think id buy a phone that don't allow bootloader unlock. As long as i have a choice I can't complain.

Related

[Q] New to WIndows Phone OS - Bloody Ads!!

Hi,
I got my first windows phone yesterday - the lovely Nokia Lumia 1520. It's running windows 8 and I'm loving the phone and it makes a refreshing change to Android which I've used for the last god knows how many years (my first Android device was a HTC Hero).
Anyway, I've downloaded a few apps and the one that thing that jumps out, and is quite annoying, is the amount of advertisements in these apps. Without exception, every app I've installed has ads and some are very obtrusive.
Anyway, maybe I've picked a bad bunch, or maybe I haven't, but is there some app/hack I can do that will allow me to block these ads? On Android you could root your handset and install Adaway. Is there something similar for Windows phone 8?
Cheers.
Nothing for Lumias right now. Even on ATIV phones (Samsung), which are by far the most "deeply" hacked at this point, the only thing possible at this time would be manually editing the HOSTS file.
For what it's worth, most WP apps have an option to buy them and remove the ads. Support developers, don't just ask for free apps with no compensation to the people who make them!
GoodDayToDie said:
Nothing for Lumias right now. Even on ATIV phones (Samsung), which are by far the most "deeply" hacked at this point, the only thing possible at this time would be manually editing the HOSTS file.
For what it's worth, most WP apps have an option to buy them and remove the ads. Support developers, don't just ask for free apps with no compensation to the people who make them!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, happy to pay for an app if (1) it's worth paying for and (2) it defo removes the apps.
If it's a case that most free apps have ads embedded and paid don't then I can live with that.
TheMadMan10 said:
Ok, happy to pay for an app if (1) it's worth paying for and (2) it defo removes the apps.
If it's a case that most free apps have ads embedded and paid don't then I can live with that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most paid apps do not have ads.
and those which do, are easily identifies because they get low ratings.
You know, these apps don't write themselves, and the ads in apps are one of the few advertisement policies which actually gives something to the developers (unlike 99% of ad on the web)
mcosmin222 said:
Most paid apps do not have ads.
and those which do, are easily identifies because they get low ratings.
You know, these apps don't write themselves, and the ads in apps are one of the few advertisement policies which actually gives something to the developers (unlike 99% of ad on the web)/QUOTE]
Understood, but the consumer has the ability to determine whether they are happy to have ads in the apps, especially when they have paid for the app. As I've already said, I'm happy to pay for apps, particularly if it's an app worth paying for. However, if it has obtrusive ads then I will not pay for it, irrespective of the reason why the ad is in there.
I'm paid for a few apps this afternoon and they are all good and I'm happy to have paid for them. I'll support the developers of these apps no problem, providing they don't give me a bucket load of ads.
Maybe the ads look bigger on the 1520 due to the size of the resolution. I don't think the ads I've viewed are optimised for a 6 inch screen with a 1920 x 1080 resolution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TheMadMan10 said:
mcosmin222 said:
Most paid apps do not have ads.
and those which do, are easily identifies because they get low ratings.
You know, these apps don't write themselves, and the ads in apps are one of the few advertisement policies which actually gives something to the developers (unlike 99% of ad on the web)/QUOTE]
Understood, but the consumer has the ability to determine whether they are happy to have ads in the apps, especially when they have paid for the app. As I've already said, I'm happy to pay for apps, particularly if it's an app worth paying for. However, if it has obtrusive ads then I will not pay for it, irrespective of the reason why the ad is in there.
I'm paid for a few apps this afternoon and they are all good and I'm happy to have paid for them. I'll support the developers of these apps no problem, providing they don't give me a bucket load of ads.
Maybe the ads look bigger on the 1520 due to the size of the resolution. I don't think the ads I've viewed are optimised for a 6 inch screen with a 1920 x 1080 resolution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if a paid app has ads, it is time to look for a replacement.
Just saying
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TheMadMan10 said:
Understood, but the consumer has the ability to determine whether they are happy to have ads in the apps, especially when they have paid for the app. As I've already said, I'm happy to pay for apps, particularly if it's an app worth paying for. However, if it has obtrusive ads then I will not pay for it, irrespective of the reason why the ad is in there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not had a single paid app that has advertisements. Often the "trial" or free version of an app has ads, but that's something I can live with as it is a way I get to have the app and the developer gets his reimbursement. Every time I went from free/trial to paid, ads were removed.
And I must say that, compared to my android device the ads in the windows phone apps are mostly unintrusive. Most of the time they are only text based, very seldom is it a graphical banner. But by far not as annoying as the flashing ads i've seen in free android apps.
Afaik, there are only a few advertising SDKs out there for Windows Phone, and they aren't really used in an abusive way yet. I just find it weird I see the same ads in app as I see when I use the device browser. The ad I most frequently see is for Lumias (for the past few weeks its been the 2520....) Hmm....
Sent from my RM-860 using Tapatalk

[need advice] after ~10 yrs kitkat and xposed, what are my options on a samsung note8

Hi all,
I have been a Samsung Note User from day one (and Note1). To keep apps in check, I always used xposed plus xprivacy or LBE. Today, I am totally aware my Note4 is totally outdated but I really got used to being able to deny data and (maybe more importantly) network access to any app at will.
I have been keeping to use my old phone because whenever I looked for viable app-fencing solutions on the current android versions, everything seemed very volatile and unstable. Recently my company gave me a Note8 and although I am not a big friend of the modern "glass brick" design trend at all, it is hard to ignore the advances in terms of hardware power and that my trusty old Note begins to be unable to execute certain new apps.
I presume most of you are using current Android versions. So I'd like to ask you which solutions are you using to prevent unwanted data and privacy drain on your devices. I my dreams I would continue to be able to willingly decide whether any app may be allowed to use either Wifi or mobile networks (bonus prize: depending on if the app is in foreground or not), be able to suppress advertising extensions in apps and deny access to privacy-related data like position, unique IDs and contact database.
Which solutions would I use to achieve as many of these goals as possible on Android 7 or even 8? Maybe even some without rooting?
Thank you very much for you suggestions and input..
Much of that is backed right into nougat and Oreo. Many permissions can be denied (depending on the app developers). Root on the newer samsungs seems to be problematic.
Bitmixer said:
Hi all,
I have been a Samsung Note User from day one (and Note1). To keep apps in check, I always used xposed plus xprivacy or LBE. Today, I am totally aware my Note4 is totally outdated but I really got used to being able to deny data and (maybe more importantly) network access to any app at will.
I have been keeping to use my old phone because whenever I looked for viable app-fencing solutions on the current android versions, everything seemed very volatile and unstable. Recently my company gave me a Note8 and although I am not a big friend of the modern "glass brick" design trend at all, it is hard to ignore the advances in terms of hardware power and that my trusty old Note begins to be unable to execute certain new apps.
I presume most of you are using current Android versions. So I'd like to ask you which solutions are you using to prevent unwanted data and privacy drain on your devices. I my dreams I would continue to be able to willingly decide whether any app may be allowed to use either Wifi or mobile networks (bonus prize: depending on if the app is in foreground or not), be able to suppress advertising extensions in apps and deny access to privacy-related data like position, unique IDs and contact database.
Which solutions would I use to achieve as many of these goals as possible on Android 7 or even 8? Maybe even some without rooting?
Thank you very much for you suggestions and input..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey! We are together in this! I am exactly the same on my Motorola x play! Been using xprivacy and xposed too for ages on all apps, plus a firewall too.
Give a look at f-droid app store and xposed itself, on the download tab. There is the new xprivacy LUA for android 6/7, and it's the successor of the old version. Haven't tested out yet, but seems to be more or less the same, judging by what I read.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/modules/xprivacylua6-0-android-privacy-manager-t3730663
Also... Give a look at a good firewall, to block rogue internet access for all the nasty apps out there.
Anything just give me a shout. It's good to know I am not alone! [emoji108][emoji56]
Sent from my XT1563 using Tapatalk
madbat99 said:
Much of that is backed right into nougat and Oreo. Many permissions can be denied (depending on the app developers). Root on the newer samsungs seems to be problematic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply, madbat.
I have seen the new permission management in oreo. Please understand that to me it is important that not an app developer decides what I can deny but I want to be able to make that decision myself. Moreover, as far as my knowledge goes, android does not allow to deny network access to apps when I deem they shouldn't have any business on my uplink. Most importantly this applies for any Amazon apps and most apps from their store. All of them are trying to phone home every few minutes(!).
Ev0luti0n_ said:
Hey! We are together in this! I am exactly the same on my Motorola x play! Been using xprivacy and xposed too for ages on all apps, plus a firewall too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had hoped I am not alone
Ev0luti0n_ said:
(...) There is the new xprivacy LUA for android 6/7, and it's the successor of the old version. Haven't tested out yet, but seems to be more or less the same, judging by what I read.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have read about that one and to me it appears like it is not quite there. Last time I looked, the developer was about to REMOVE protection of several sensitive data points like IMEI. Also, like madcat mentioned, rooting the latest Samsung devices can be problematic and I might get some problems bricking a $1000 company device
Ev0luti0n_ said:
Also... Give a look at a good firewall, to block rogue internet access for all the nasty apps out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any recommendations here?
kind regards
Oh... I use afwall, which requires root. I did read here on XDA, that there is a good no root firewall here, but I can't remember the name. ..
Also you won't be able to root the device? I am not sure you are going to have much luck... [emoji848]
Sent from my XT1563 using Tapatalk
Ev0luti0n_ said:
Also you won't be able to root the device? I am not sure you are going to have much luck... [emoji848]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I am able to root it, just a little reluctant yet Like, waiting for someone to finally discover a rooting method that does not invalidate knox for the note8
Hey guys, I have a question. What firewall were you talking about for KitKat?

What should I do with my recently bought P30 Pro?

After the last two day's news, I'm thinking about what should I do.
Should I sell It and buy a more "future proof" cellphone?
Should I keep It, and install all the future updates that I dont know where they will bring me (HongMeng? An Android without PlayStore)?
Should I keep It and don't install any fookin thing, and use It as a Android 9 until It die (my last phone was a LG, I'm completely used to be without the latest security and system updates)?
About the phone, I got a black 8gb 256gb version and I'm completely lovin' it.
One thing I've already decided: I will retire Gmail and Chrome, and start using ProtonMail and Firefox.
Enviado de meu VOG-L29 usando o Tapatalk
Huawei was already issued a 90 day temporary operation license of sorts so i'm sure within these 90 days, they'd work something out with the US government.
There will always be security updates. How it 'used' to work is, Google used to provide security patches to these companies like a month before they make it public on AOSP. So the only difference now would be that security updates will be released slower than before, maybe a month or two delay? Just my opinion on it. I personally have done some thinking and i've decided to stick to my P30 Pro.
My updates are still coming in
Csetoue said:
After the last two day's news, I'm thinking about what should I do.
Should I sell It and buy a more "future proof" cellphone?
Should I keep It, and install all the future updates that I dont know where they will bring me (HongMeng? An Android without PlayStore)?
Should I keep It and don't install any fookin thing, and use It as a Android 9 until It die (my last phone was a LG, I'm completely used to be without the latest security and system updates)?
About the phone, I got a black 8gb 256gb version and I'm completely lovin' it.
One thing I've already decided: I will retire Gmail and Chrome, and start using ProtonMail and Firefox.
Enviado de meu VOG-L29 usando o Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
stick with it unless you wont get updates anymore or blocked to use google apps and services why are you worried about the future of your phone? even worst case scenario huawei may unlock the bootloader of the phone and as they announced they are working on their own operating system. the only affected mobile about the ban news is for future huawei phones the current ones and old ones will still work as a normal phone as it should be
desiregeek said:
My updates are still coming in
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Current devices are all supported. There's no need for panic. Only future devices will be effected.
JJay666 said:
Current devices are all supported. There's no need for panic. Only future devices will be effected.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe they won't be affected. We have to remeber that Trump is going to make a huge lost of money in USA tech industries. How many dollars Microsoft, Google, Intel and others will lose? Something will happen and there won't be issues in the future.
deus_ex_yue said:
Maybe they won't be affected. We have to remeber that Trump is going to make a huge lost of money in USA tech industries. How many dollars Microsoft, Google, Intel and others will lose? Something will happen and there won't be issues in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$11 Billion
https://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-huawei-supply-chain-software-hardware-backup-20190520-story.html
I think the best way is to sit tight and wait what happens. This ban clearly is a political move to flex some muscle. They will come up with a solution. Just look at the market share of Huawei. If they stop making business with us companies a lot of them will be in severe trouble. Also Google has no interest since Samsung and Huawei are the reason why Android is competing with iOS. If they cut off Huawei and force them to develop their own tech (OS and hardware) they will come back even stronger independent on the Americans. There is a well written article on BBC for more detail.
Sit tight, wait what happens. Don't make a rushed decision that loses you money (selling it now for less than u paid for.)
BBC News - Microchips, massive blow: Huawei's vulnerability explained
Trump will make Huawei great again and again.
Emui10 upgrade will still be there.
---------- Post added at 02:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:38 PM ----------
I'll buy your phone for 300$.
Hope so. Want to stick with Android. Don't want no HongMeng os.
Can't imagine how the assistant on HongMeng will be like. We'll probably have to activate it by saying, " Ni hao, ah hong " No disrespect to the asians here. Just kidding. In all seriousness, hope they stick to AOSP.
I'm currently hoping unlock codes get back in business and go back to flashing modded roms, kinda miss those ol days.
Sent from my VOG-L29 using Tapatalk
So actually I bought my p30 pro literally few hours before Trump's decision, and now I am in the same boat as the OP. I love the phone, but at the moment, I don't know what to do : to return it and replace it for s10 pro or stick with it. I really want to keep the Huawei, but shutting down all android services, apps and updates for Maps, Gmail and Drive for example after 90 days is really not an option for me, because I am heavily dependent on Google at work and at home as well. So do you think if it is possible, after those 90 days of temporary google license expire, we will wake up without Google Maps, Drive and if we still have the apps, not receiving updates for them? I strongly need your opinion on that, because I still have some days left in which I can switch to the Samsung.. I should note that I don't care that much for OS updates and it won't be that big of a pain for me. Google apps and app updates are the things that bother me.
vaskovass said:
So actually I bought my p30 pro literally few hours before Trump's decision, and now I am in the same boat as the OP. I love the phone, but at the moment, I don't know what to do : to return it and replace it for s10 pro or stick with it. I really want to keep the Huawei, but shutting down all android services, apps and updates for Maps, Gmail and Drive for example after 90 days is really not an option for me, because I am heavily dependent on Google at work and at home as well. So do you think if it is possible, after those 90 days of temporary google license expire, we will wake up without Google Maps, Drive and if we still have the apps, not receiving updates for them? I strongly need your opinion on that, because I still have some days left in which I can switch to the Samsung.. I should note that I don't care that much for OS updates and it won't be that big of a pain for me. Google apps and app updates are the things that bother me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no need to worry about already released phone like P30 Pro as it will work as normal (google already clarified this). you will get apps update and etc, only no major OS upgrade ( because it will need new certification/license) if this thing keep going on.
Side note: I hate suckers that offers 300 or 400 for the mighty p30 pro and I hate losers who would actually sell it ... Lol
So we won't get Android Q ? Who cares ! Since u love ur phone with it's strong battery camera and design , don't make it look like it's the end of the world. Ur actual usage won't be effected.
JJay666 said:
Can't imagine how the assistant on HongMeng will be like. We'll probably have to activate it by saying, " Ni hao, ah hong " No disrespect to the asians here. Just kidding. In all seriousness, hope they stick to AOSP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am Chinese, find it funny, lol.
The question is, are we gonna just stuck on Android 9 but we will still get updates for Google app(maps, YouTube, Gmail etc), or we are going to lose updates(or even worse permition to use) Google apps after the 3 months period?
papavales said:
The question is, are we gonna just stuck on Android 9 but we will still get updates for Google app(maps, YouTube, Gmail etc), or we are going to lose updates(or even worse permition to use) Google apps after the 3 months period?
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Click to collapse
You wont lose any access. Already mentioned numerous times and by google themselves that all current devices will remain the same. Android Q will be delayed and as for security updates, after the temporary agreement is lifted, then it will be delayed as well but most definitely huawei will work something out with google so keep calm. Also Huawei will definitely work something out with google , maybe another extension, etc.
My updates are still working and coming in o. Google Play Store

General Living and Getting Around Happily with the CN Version without Speaking or Understanding Chinese

Just got the Find X3 Pro, my 3rd Oppo CN phone. I now prefer the Chinese version, not just for the lower price you can find it at, but for the challenge of digging around the settings to reveal some cool surprises that the Chinese-only models have. I may have gotten lucky when I bought the Find 7 from oppostyle.com, when they were still selling phones for the U.S., and was able to register for a back-up account with heytap or whatever it was called then. But I can still log-in, access the storage, and this time was easily able to use the Clone Phone feature to save all my hard-earned settings.
This time it seems you can delete a lot more bloat than you could before without worrying about the bootloader. But the thing I'm really excited about (and it may have been there before) is the assistive Breeno Translate button, which you can park to the side in the little tab bar. I used to have to make screenshots to translate but now you can just tap it, highlight an area on the screen and it pulls up a box with the admittedly not-so-hot-translation. That has allowed me to look for the word "Free" and get in the Theme Store to download what I am unable to figure out how to pay for (2 Koko Coins?), like cool video ringtones and wallpapers. Working on that.
Also, you still have to really dig to allow a lot of permissions for the apps you take for granted, like Outlook, etc., but even that seems less harsh.
Anyway, love the phone, love Oppo. If you like tinkering in the settings, the CN version can be more than rewarding.
My wife also had a Find 7. Amazing phone for that generation!
Who do you use for service?
AT&T. Getting 4G with LTE but not 5G.
jeepguynola said:
AT&T. Getting 4G with LTE but not 5G.
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Click to collapse
Thanks. I really want to buy this, but I have Verizon. It should work, but you never know with them.
jeepguynola said:
Just got the Find X3 Pro, my 3rd Oppo CN phone. I now prefer the Chinese version, not just for the lower price you can find it at, but for the challenge of digging around the settings to reveal some cool surprises that the Chinese-only models have. I may have gotten lucky when I bought the Find 7 from oppostyle.com, when they were still selling phones for the U.S., and was able to register for a back-up account with heytap or whatever it was called then. But I can still log-in, access the storage, and this time was easily able to use the Clone Phone feature to save all my hard-earned settings.
This time it seems you can delete a lot more bloat than you could before without worrying about the bootloader. But the thing I'm really excited about (and it may have been there before) is the assistive Breeno Translate button, which you can park to the side in the little tab bar. I used to have to make screenshots to translate but now you can just tap it, highlight an area on the screen and it pulls up a box with the admittedly not-so-hot-translation. That has allowed me to look for the word "Free" and get in the Theme Store to download what I am unable to figure out how to pay for (2 Koko Coins?), like cool video ringtones and wallpapers. Working on that.
Also, you still have to really dig to allow a lot of permissions for the apps you take for granted, like Outlook, etc., but even that seems less harsh.
Anyway, love the phone, love Oppo. If you like tinkering in the settings, the CN version can be more than rewarding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks to your tip, I managed to find the themes for free. But do you know how to buy paid ones? There are a lot of cool ones, but I don't understand what Koko Coins are. Can you buy with real money with an international credit card? Or is it that only the Chinese can buy?
brunolongo said:
Thanks to your tip, I managed to find the themes for free. But do you know how to buy paid ones? There are a lot of cool ones, but I don't understand what Koko Coins are. Can you buy with real money with an international credit card? Or is it that only the Chinese can buy?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried everything for that, including trying to purchase a card on AliPay. Doesn't work. You can get some of teh paid themes by installing a set of 3 other apps, which I have done several times without problems. You just have to install, open, close and then remove. Then you get the paid theme. If you figure a workaround for KoKo coins, please let me know. They have some awesome themes.

Question Is there a way to get rid of all the Google DARK UX pushy feathures?

Im not impressed at all by my Pixel since Black Friday. I actually received a S21 at work and its WAYYYYY better.
Anyway, a lot of BS feathures are problematic. I feel like Im being spied all the time by google rather than owning a phone.
I want for example to get rid of the google lens icon and the google bar.
Is there any way to do that?
Fennec23 said:
I feel like Im being spied all the time by google rather than owning a phone.
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Click to collapse
Congrats on buying the Google phone then.
If you want to deactivate system apps enable developer settings, enable ADB, connect your phone to your PC and disable Google Lens and Google Search system apps / packages using Universal Android Debloater GUI and maybe other googly bloat.
Want to have more privacy? Learn about flashing your phone, unlock the bootloader, flash Graphene OS, Calyx OS, Lineage OS or something like that.
Maybe root your device and block trackers and stuff using Adaway. Or stay unrooted and use something like personalDNSfilter.
Maybe selling it is a good choice for you
Fennec23 said:
Im not impressed at all by my Pixel since Black Friday. I actually received a S21 at work and its WAYYYYY better.
Anyway, a lot of BS feathures are problematic. I feel like Im being spied all the time by google rather than owning a phone.
I want for example to get rid of the google lens icon and the google bar.
Is there any way to do that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All of that spyware crap is preinstalled on ALL android phones, not just pixel. They're a bit more in your face on pixel maybe though, since gooble is showcasing it there.
My recommendation would be to switch to grapheneOS. If you absolutely MUST use proprietary gooble bits, grapheneos implements a unique compatibility layer to cause it all to run as a conventional user-installed application instead of demanding excessive permissions.

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