Walmart Demo - Acer Iconia A500

I apologize in advance about the lack of posts. I lurk often, but never really felt the need to create an account until now. I recently purchased a display Iconia tablet at Walmart. (We store used a retail version because we weren't sure if we were actually getting a demo unit in.)
So this was brand new. I took a chance purchasing it, because I'm almost certain there is some way to remove the software, albeit factory reset, rooting the thing, whatever. I haven't tried any of it, because I just got home from work. I thought before I'd even attempt it, I'd ask you guys, because I've always known this forum to be the go-to forum for anything Android related.
If all else fails, I'm allowed to return it for a refund.
Thanks.

theDELIRIUM said:
I apologize in advance about the lack of posts. I lurk often, but never really felt the need to create an account until now. I recently purchased a display Iconia tablet at Walmart. (We store used a retail version because we weren't sure if we were actually getting a demo unit in.)
So this was brand new. I took a chance purchasing it, because I'm almost certain there is some way to remove the software, albeit factory reset, rooting the thing, whatever. I haven't tried any of it, because I just got home from work. I thought before I'd even attempt it, I'd ask you guys, because I've always known this forum to be the go-to forum for anything Android related.
If all else fails, I'm allowed to return it for a refund.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's a good start.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1209988
There is a ton of development for this tablet. Use the search function. You will find an answer to any question that you have.

theDELIRIUM said:
I apologize in advance about the lack of posts. I lurk often, but never really felt the need to create an account until now. I recently purchased a display Iconia tablet at Walmart. (We store used a retail version because we weren't sure if we were actually getting a demo unit in.)
So this was brand new. I took a chance purchasing it, because I'm almost certain there is some way to remove the software, albeit factory reset, rooting the thing, whatever. I haven't tried any of it, because I just got home from work. I thought before I'd even attempt it, I'd ask you guys, because I've always known this forum to be the go-to forum for anything Android related.
If all else fails, I'm allowed to return it for a refund.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just so you know, you guys weren't supposed to do that and should have received a return authorization for it recently. Try sending back one other than that and your store is charged for the device rather than recieving credit, which comes off your bottom line, affecting your MyShare. But I know for a fact that you can basically turn it in to a retail version based on we had to as someone locked ours with a passcode and all reset methods on the tablet were useless to remove it. Just find a system image, rename it update.zip, put on the root of the SD card, boot into recovery by holding volume down and power, and let it do its thing
Sent from my ADR6400L using xda premium

My store is a bit odd about that. Any display devices we receive are usually thrown away or sold to associates after the item is deleted or recalled. The only thing we return are laptops and even so if a customer wants to buy the display, they don't hesitate to sell it.
But ill be attempting the suggestions now so hopefully everything goes smooth.

Good news! I purchased a demo as well and successfully rooted mine.
Sent from my A500 using XDA

Related

Glitches with the transformer on 3.2

I just bought the transformer on Wednesday, and updated to 3.2 as soon as the battery was full enough to do so. I noticed that in the music app, sometimes when i clicked on one song, it would actually play a different one than what i chose. Also, yesterday when i clicked on the music app, thw mynet app opened instead. I went back to the home screem and tried again, but it still opened the wrong app. I force stopped the mynet app and tried again, but withis time it opened a game that i had installed.
I want to use this tablet for school starting on Tuesday, but I can't do that if it's not going to be reliable.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'd love to see this work for the upcoming schoolyear.
I need to figure this out right away, so I can return it to the store if it's not going to work for me.
Oh, also, could somebody leae point me to the asus dock test. I can't seem to find it, and I am not ure if my b60 dock passes.
As I was using my tablet just now, I had the launcher crash on me, and everything was running very slowly. I had to restart my device to get it to cooperate.
So far, this tablet has not been meeting my expectations, or living up to the good things others have said of it. Are these kind of errors new to the 3.2 update? Can I expect them to be fixed soon Or should I return this tablet before it is too late?
do a factory reset this should help
irekz said:
do a factory reset this should help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have it set to backup my data, but is there anything else I should do to backup before restoring?
There is a lot of info on this forum much of which can be found with a little searching, battery drain, charging and common problems all here just search and read just like i did.
DT39 said:
There is a lot of info on this forum much of which can be found with a little searching, battery drain, charging and common problems all here just search and read just like i did.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should buy an ipad. I'm sure there are 10 million more threads on ipad stuff than android tablet stuff. There, you will be much happier telling people to use the search function all day long.
Caltosax said:
I just bought the transformer on Wednesday, and updated to 3.2 as soon as the battery was full enough to do so. I noticed that in the music app, sometimes when i clicked on one song, it would actually play a different one than what i chose. Also, yesterday when i clicked on the music app, thw mynet app opened instead. I went back to the home screem and tried again, but it still opened the wrong app. I force stopped the mynet app and tried again, but withis time it opened a game that i had installed.
I want to use this tablet for school starting on Tuesday, but I can't do that if it's not going to be reliable.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'd love to see this work for the upcoming schoolyear.
I need to figure this out right away, so I can return it to the store if it's not going to work for me.
Oh, also, could somebody leae point me to the asus dock test. I can't seem to find it, and I am not ure if my b60 dock passes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have a defective product. If factory reset doesn't fix these problems, you should exchange it for another one.
My transformer does not behave like what you describe at all. It is probably the only android tablet that could compete face on with the ipad 2. Don't let a defective product deter you.
That or you can just go and get an ipad. Apple's already got an army of whiners. If you don't want to help yourself, you should join them.
goodintentions said:
You should buy an ipad. I'm sure there are 10 million more threads on ipad stuff than android tablet stuff. There, you will be much happier telling people to use the search function all day long.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why would i want a ipad i hate apple products! The reason for telling him to search was if you look at his total of 5 posts apart from this one he is asking for info that is already on the forum. The first person that i have ever suggested to use the search function.
So why don't you check your facts before flaming people.
goodintentions said:
You should buy an ipad. I'm sure there are 10 million more threads on ipad stuff than android tablet stuff. There, you will be much happier telling people to use the search function all day long.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AHH burn the heathen, how dare you even utter that i crap name on xda, burrrrn. haha, naa mate just kidding, but actually owning an ipad 2 and a transformer pad myself, i think its much of a muchness as to the amount of problems they have, with only difference being about $400 in price :/ oh, and this isnt a one off thing because im on my second ipad 2 now. first one got stolen out of my car :/ anyway, getting side tracked, i had (and still very rarley do) similar problems to you, but after flashing i think the clemyses kernal or something to that effect my problems sorta dissapeared. i only put the kernal on to overclock and for the voodoo sound but im not sure how its helped, mine hardly ever crashes now. dunno, but just my 2 cents worth....
DT39 said:
There is a lot of info on this forum much of which can be found with a little searching, battery drain, charging and common problems all here just search and read just like i did.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had tried to search for the answer to this problem, but I guess I wasn't using the right search terms because I wasn't finding anything that was of any use. I also searched for the thread on the asus dock test, but I again could not find what I was looking for.
I was in a hurry to figure this out because I start school tomorrow, so I couldn't afford to not find the information I was looking for. I'm sorry if posting this thread bothered you, but that is my reasoning behind it.
Caltosax said:
I had tried to search for the answer to this problem, but I guess I wasn't using the right search terms because I wasn't finding anything that was of any use. I also searched for the thread on the asus dock test, but I again could not find what I was looking for.
I was in a hurry to figure this out because I start school tomorrow, so I couldn't afford to not find the information I was looking for. I'm sorry if posting this thread bothered you, but that is my reasoning behind it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't worry about it, dude. Some people are anal about the search function. To them, if a newbie can only ask a question if he has spent about 4 hours with the search function.
I've played with the search function before. It really does not find what you try to look for at times.
It's less of a headache if you just ignore the people who are anal about the search. Simply telling people to do a search even though the topic can't be found in search is downright rude. I say this as someone who created a whole website to help dummies with the g-tablet. And take a look at my thanks points.
Simply telling people to do a search is non-productive.
Caltosax said:
I had tried to search for the answer to this problem, but I guess I wasn't using the right search terms because I wasn't finding anything that was of any use. I also searched for the thread on the asus dock test, but I again could not find what I was looking for.
I was in a hurry to figure this out because I start school tomorrow, so I couldn't afford to not find the information I was looking for. I'm sorry if posting this thread bothered you, but that is my reasoning behind it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Root your tablet.
2. Install Titanium Backup free from Market.
3. Backup all your data using it.
4. Wipe everything (from CWM, or do a factory reset).
5. Flash some good custom ROM (and by good custom rom, I mean Prime).
6. If you're paranoid, wipe everything again after flashing.
7. Restore your apps using Titanium Backup again (only user apps, don't touch system apps).
8. Enjoy running a polished custom ROM with additional goods support with an overclocked kernel happily.
I'm in no way a supporter of full wipe, but if you have weird bugs you're unable to resolve, wiping is often the only way to go. As for the custom rom, running unrooted stock is like knowingly having your Ferrari hardcapped to 80 miles per hour max.
The newer transformers have a locked boot loader. But if you can I would definitely root... My tablet is a beast I can't get this thing to crash out or stutter if I want it to... My buddy just bought his on Friday says it performs perfectly, but no root, factory reset, don't work, return it....
Sent from my Primed Transformer!

Returning my Nexus

Hi, I am returning my N7 due to screen lift to Sam's Club and just had a couple questions.
Once I get my new N7 will I be able to download all of the programs that I have already purchased with my existing unit. Also if I have left over from the promotional 25$, will it be available once I get my new N7 or should I use it all up before I return it?
And lastly how do I completely clean out my N7 before I return it?
Thanks in advance,
proeddie said:
Hi, I am returning my N7 due to screen lift to Sam's Club and just had a couple questions.
Once I get my new N7 will I be able to download all of the programs that I have already purchased with my existing unit. Also if I have left over from the promotional 25$, will it be available once I get my new N7 or should I use it all up before I return it?
And lastly how do I completely clean out my N7 before I return it?
Thanks in advance,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) All your programs and the $25 credit are connected to your google account, not the device. So long as the hardware is compatible, your google play purchases will work on any android device. The $25 credit will expire in just over one year from now, so no hurry.
2) Go into settings-->Backup & Reset and click "factory reset device." (If you're rooted, and forgive me for assuming from your questions that you're not, you'll need to do more).
BTW- you can put your question directly into the title; makes the forum easier to use for others, and is better if someone here is searching the forum with the same question (instead of "returning my nexus" something like "what should I do before I return my nexus 7 to the store?"

[Q] Dead Nexus?

Hello there. I went to Los Angeles last month and after a little research on tablet pcs, I decided to buy a nexus for my wife. Since I had no time to order it online, decided to visit a retail store at Santa Monica called Macmall.
I was bringing this as a gift, so I bought it and opened it right away just to make sure it was working properly.
So, I went back to argentina, wife happy with her nexus, until yesterday.
She came crying saying that the nexus was broken.
The screen is showing nothing but vertical lines. The touchscreen is responding to finger swipes and sound works, but of course all of that is useless since screen is defective.
She swears she didn't hit, drop or wet the tablet pc, I did check it many times and it has absolutely no signs of mistreatment.
I turned it off, soft reset pressing power for ten seconds, removed the cover and the battery, and once, I was able to see the Google logo properly but quickly vanished into lines again.
So... What options do you think I have?
Nexus is not being sold on my country and Google is giving me no support at all.
I contacted Asus through their website, still waiting for an answer but I'm not sure if they will help since I'm far away from USA.
I'll appreciate any help, or piece of advice you can give me.
You might be in luck. I had a problem with the speaker once, thinking it was the hardware, and I thought I would have to return it. I think for fixing your screen problem, you should reflash the stock Rom. If you are unfamiliar with what I am trying to say, it is basically like reinstalling the stock Operating System (Android). Find out how to reflash the stock Rom. Since you could see the Google logo properly, i'm pretty sure it isn't hardware. Might just be a corrupted stock Rom. Here is a guide that should work: Click Here. It will wipe all of your data/storage so it will be like your Nexus 7 came out of the box.
Best of luck recovering it!
Edit: What is also very weird is it seems like it happened suddenly. Not out of the box, but randomly.
Ryan35310 said:
You might be in luck. I had a problem with the speaker once, thinking it was the hardware, and I thought I would have to return it. I think for fixing your screen problem, you should reflash the stock Rom. If you are unfamiliar with what I am trying to say, it is basically like reinstalling the stock Operating System (Android). Find out how to reflash the stock Rom. Since you could see the Google logo properly, i'm pretty sure it isn't hardware. Might just be a corrupted stock Rom. Here is a guide that should
Edit: What is also very weird is it seems like it happened suddenly. Not out of the box, but randomly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the answer. I may have not expressed myself correctly.
I'm not seeing anything on the screen but those annoying vertical lines.
After removing the battery a few times, once showed me the Google logo, just a one second flash, and then the lines again.
The only person I saw with this very same problem, had it as you said, straight from the box.
I asked my wife and she updated the nexus a few days ago and barely used it, so even if it sounds weird it could be a software issue.
Question is, will I be able to reinstall the stock OS just guessing where to push, I mean, with only those lines on the screen. I'm like... Blindfolded
alechair said:
Thanks for the answer. I may have not expressed myself correctly.
I'm not seeing anything on the screen but those annoying vertical lines.
After removing the battery a few times, once showed me the Google logo, just a one second flash, and then the lines again.
The only person I saw with this very same problem, had it as you said, straight from the box.
I asked my wife and she updated the nexus a few days ago and barely used it, so even if it sounds weird it could be a software issue.
Question is, will I be able to reinstall the stock OS just guessing where to push, I mean, with only those lines on the screen. I'm like... Blindfolded
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh now I see. First, anyway, do not manually remove your battery. That might affect something. To force shutdown hold down the volume down and power button for about 10-20 seconds until it turns off. Now, with the vertical lines, now i'm pretty sure since you clarified, it is the software. I think I know a fix for reflashing the stock Rom. Use this toolkit: Here. Click the option "Flash stock and unroot". Try that and it will Flash stock. Try software updating once it works and you could boot up without the problem. If it still has the problem if you software update (Unlikely), then just do that again and keep it at stock version.
Hope this helps!
Ryan35310 said:
Oh now I see. First, anyway, do not manually remove your battery. That might affect something. To force shutdown hold down the volume down and power button for about 10-20 seconds until it turns off. Now, with the vertical lines, now i'm pretty sure since you clarified, it is the software. I think I know a fix for reflashing the stock Rom. Use this toolkit:Here. Click the option "Flash stock and unroot". Try that and it will Flash stock. Try software updating once it works and you could boot up without the problem. If it still has the problem if you software update (Unlikely), then just do that again and keep it at stock version.
Hope this helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once again, thanks.:good:
I'm still not allowed to post any URLs, but I found a video on youtube of a guy with exactly the same problem.
Just search "Jon417silka nexus" and you'll see it.
I'm dowloading this NexusRootToolkit you recommended, it's +200MB so it'll take a while.
I have no skills on flashing or rooting any device, but I have read the instructions and doesn't seem to be too complicated.
I'll be awake all night trying to solve it if it's necessary.
I'll let you know how it went in a few hours.
Well... I finally downloaded the nexus root toolkit.
It was kinda easy actually, just had some hard time trying to enable the USB debugging mode, since... well i can't see anything on the screen.
I was able to download the drivers, and run the stock rom but, unfortunately, no luck on the screen.
Im just seeing green lines which i assume is the green android logo on the center on the first boot or something.
by the way, google answered me today saying somthing like, they cant do anything since im outside the us, so i have to contact asus.
It's too bad flashing the stock rom didn't fix it, I'd say it seems to be a hardware problem.
Even if you were in USA, google will only help you if you bought it within 14 days from Google Play Store.
You should call Asus Argentina [ http://latin.asus.com/Static_WebPage/Service_center_argentina/ ] and explain what is wrong, and give them the serial number. The number is located somewhere on the box, and on a removable sticker on the bottom back of the Nexus [As well as in the Settings, but you cannot read the screen so that is useless]. If you can't find the serial number, you might be able to get it via adb, but I'm not sure.
Asus has a 1 year warranty on tablets, but I'm not completely positive what they will say since it was bought in USA, and you are now in Argentina. But hopefully they will be able to RMA it and repair/replace your device. gl!
Yeah, it has to be hardware. I think you should follow Sikagoon7's advice and return it because it is under law. It couldn't be your or your wife's fault, because as you described, there were no scratches or anything. I guess it just might be a bad device. Replace it because the Nexus 7 is so worth it.
Probly gpu chipset. Its getting distorting at high frequency. Since first logo is a small frequency image and some times provided for BIOS its show normal. (Thats my guess)
Sent from my LG-P500 using xda premium
I was giving up all my hopes on this, plugged the nexus to the computer and clicked the OEM lock to return to its original factory state.
You know... I don't want them to say my warranty it's void for messing with it.
Of course, I didn't noticed any changes, swiped my finger a couple times and then...
WHAT THE....
The lines vanished and screen started to function properly, a few lines were noticeable for a few moments, now the screen is fine.
Now things got even weirder...
My wife it's been using it for two hours, with Monsters Ate My Condo (which may be pushing the cpu a little bit) and it's working flawlessly.
Problem is... I'm pretty sure that if the screen turns off it will die again.
Is there a way to keep the nexus always on, never go to sleep, just dim the screen to minium brightness or something...
Any other solution you guys think i can try is also welcome.
Please understand that returning this to Asus will be my last resort (if they decide to accept it, which I'm not sure).
Once again, thanks for everyone's time and replies
If you can not turn off your screen without it breaking it I would RMA it back to Asus.
Travisdroidx2 said:
If you can not turn off your screen without it breaking it I would RMA it back to Asus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well... It worked properly for two hours, now it died again.
I wanted RMA to be my last resort, but I'm running out of options here...
Did you already start the RMA process?
Sent from my LG-P500 using xda premium
maztahbr said:
Did you already start the RMA process?
Sent from my LG-P500 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I haven't.
I don't even know where to start...
The fact that I live in Argentina may be a complication.
Since Asus is does not sell the Nexus here, they probably won't help me at all.
And the distance may be a problem since shipping to USA is quite expensive.
I contacted Asus via their global website, still waiting for an answer.
This option kind of sucks but maybe you should sell it cheaper to someone on xda have them use the warranty exchange and you could buy another one also possibly from xda. Like i said it sucks but it may be your best option at this point.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
---------- Post added at 06:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:28 PM ----------
Also make sure to link back to this thread if you decide to take that route.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
I'm gonna bump this old thread I started about a year ago, to share with you guys the rest of the story.
I contacted north american ASUS RMA by email since Google is not taking any responsibility for their tablet.
And latin american ASUS won't take my warranty as valid.
I tried to explain my complicated situation to the RMA guy. It was a little hard to understand since my english is not flawless.
But I had a friend flying to united states, he carried my broken nexus with him and sent it to repair as soon as he arrived.
Tricky part was: he was only staying for 10 days. So ASUS had ten days to receive, repair, and send the Nexus back to my friend so he could bring it to Argentina.
I crossed my fingers and decided to wait, fortunately they did a good job and now it's working back again.
However I noticed the battery doesn't lasts for as long as I expected...
Anyway thanks to everyone for sharing ideas and for your time.

[Q] Re-enabling a Nexus7 that was "remotely disabled" by Google?

So I have kind of an interesting situation. A few weeks ago, I ordered a new Nexus7 8gb for a gift direct from the Google Play store, and shipped via UPS. On the day it was delivered, UPS's tracking showed "Delivered to the front door" however it never made it there. So I called Google Play Support and they had me reply to an e-mail with the words "I consent" to allow them to refund the charge and "remotely disable the device" to make it "unusable as a phone or as a computing device for any purpose".
So I did that and they promptly refunded me, and I placed a new order, which ended up being delivered with no problems. However, yesterday my neighbor knocked on my door with the original shipment in hand, apparently it had been delivered next door, and they were away at the time so they hadn't seen the package until then. Out of curiosity I booted up the tablet fully expecting it to be bricked once I connected it to wifi or at most after I had attached my google account or tried to do anything on the Play Store app. However, it has so far worked flawlessly with no visible restrictions, I even updated all the apps and performed a system update with no issues.
Just to be on the safe, and more honest, side though I sent Google a follow-up e-mail to let them know what happened and that the device had not been disabled. They responded just to say that it "can be disabled at any time from now" and to make sure anything I had on there is backed up.
So my question(s) to you guys are, first has anyone had any experience with this, aka Google remotely disabling the device, and know what actually happens to it? And second, since it appears Google has no desire to collect the hardware back from me, is there any way to bring it back to life after that the disabling action has happened, via a hard-wipe and using custom ROMs ect, or will it be essentially a $200 paperweight?
Thanks!
I think, tho maybe wrong but when they send out the "kill" signal it goes out for limited time so that if the item is not switched on during that period then when it is switched on it could/should be fine.
I may be wrong but past experience with a found iphone would suggest this to be the case.
As for the last bit I would as assume that once killed only google can breathe life back into it.
Transmitted from either Nexus7 - Tab2 - GT-N7000 - i9100
alferret said:
I think, tho maybe wrong but when they send out the "kill" signal it goes out for limited time so that if the item is not switched on during that period then when it is switched on it could/should be fine.
I may be wrong but past experience with a found iphone would suggest this to be the case.
As for the last bit I would as assume that once killed only google can breathe life back into it.
Transmitted from either Nexus7 - Tab2 - GT-N7000 - i9100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah ok, well if thats the case maybe I should just power it off and wait awhile before attempting to use it, if theres a chance I would be able to avoid their "kill signal" altogether.
I just assumed at the very least they would blacklist the tablet's IMEI/serial immediately, so that even if the device itself wasn't bricked it wouldn't be unable to utilize any of google's services.
Flash a custom ROM and recovery asap I say.
Good on you for being honest and telling Google about what happened. Good karma goes a long way! I'm more surprised though they didn't request you send it back to them.
styckx said:
Good on you for being honest and telling Google about what happened. Good karma goes a long way! I'm more surprised though they didn't request you send it back to them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I was surprised too when they didn't respond back with instructions to send it back to them or at least have UPS come pick it up, since it was UPS who was really the one at fault.
It just seems like a waste to me that a shiny new Nexus 7 will now most likely just become trash, which is what led me to ask here if there was anything I could do to save it from an early grave.
Spare parts (screen and battery)
Sent from my LG-P500 using xda premium
Am I the only one who thinks this is wrong?
Sent from my HTC One XL using Tapatalk 2
I will give you a hundred bucks for it. I don't mind the risk involved since you contacted Google to see if they wanted it back. PM me.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
superchilpil said:
Am I the only one who thinks this is wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure how its wrong if I notified them that I recovered the device, and all they said was "it will be disabled soon" and made no mention or request to have it sent back to them? Its apparent they don't want or need it back (I'm guessing the costs they'd incur in return shipping, handling, repackaging it, ect. would make it not really worth it for them to try to resell.), so is it wrong I'm trying to get some use out of it?
Also I believe I read that they file a claim with UPS in these instances, so most likely receive some type of reimbursement from UPS to at least mitigate the loss, which is probably another reason they haven't asked me to send it back. *shrug*
@shibbybypass - regarding your offer I'm not sure what I'm gonna do with it yet, probably going to just let it sit awhile and see what happens. But I will keep your offer in mind.
superchilpil said:
Am I the only one who thinks this is wrong?
Sent from my HTC One XL using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you are
He contacted the vendor, they did not request the unit back. Nothing wrong here.
Now if he didn't contact google, and was trying to get around the kill signal; that's another story. But unless you are calling the OP a liar.. nothing to see here.
Dude what is the status of the device now ???
Is it still working, I have a friend with the same case
But his device still on and google said its scheduled to be disabled
Wow! It's amazing how much control the corporations have over our devices. I have heard about this "kill switch" but did not believe it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Soldier-3Point0 said:
Wow! It's amazing how much control the corporations have over our devices. I have heard about this "kill switch" but did not believe it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think there are apps that give us something like that if the device is lost or stolen.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
We owned computer / networking business in the mid 80s to mid 90s.. what happens is the seller files a claim with ups. they are compensated for there loss. UPS Does not care about the item at that point . UNLESS Google files to ups item has been found. Then ups will ask for it But only Sometimes.Obviously google is not taking this second step.. Im sure this happens more then you would think. UPS Looses alot of packages. they just handle so many more its not so well known..
As far as them killing or locking the device.. Its only for google WALLET And the wallet nfc function. If you unlock lock then re-unlock the device it will have a new nfc id .
Here is how i know the above sentence..
First i bought a 8 gb nexus 7 from play store. (8 was out of stock ). It had bad screen lift. I called google and they said i could it order a 16 then gat a rma for the 8 when the 16 comes.. So the day i got the 16 gb . before i took it out of the box. I called google got the rma for 8 gb. Got the email telling me to disable wallet. I did so.. after i opened the 16 setting it up the screen cracked under (another story i will not get into here) I called google to explain what happened . they told me to send it back and to keep the 8 until i got a replacement for the 16. While setting the 8 gb tablet back up google wallet would NOT Work..
i called google back . they told me to unlock it again . lock it back. Remove it from my wallet account.. Then i could unlock it again and set it up...
this i done. and it worked fine. So it makes me think they do NOT RENDER THE DEVICE DISABLED Only the wallet features..
sorry for. such a long story ..
since you asked them if they wanted it back and they did not . i would say your fine with keeping it.. Keep the emails documenting you contacting them.
Good Luck

Samsung Galaxy S4 Demo Unit

Hey there you guys!
(Optional reading)
I am all new in this forum, and I have a few questions about a Demo unit I have gotten my hands on.
Before anyone, asks me how I can have a Demo unit, and if it's stolen, then allow me to explain. Even though you only have my word for it, I hope it is enough.
I work at a electronic store, here in Denmark. (Elgiganten)
Anyway, we had a Samsung Galaxy S4 Demo Unit, in the store.
I was told by my boss to throw in the trash,I asked if I could take it home, which he allowed me.
(Actual post)
Anyway!
What this post is about, Is that I have a few questions about it.
I have been googling and checked out this forum, about the Demo units.
The can't ever be "real" phones ever. They simple miss the modem and antenna hardware.
I don't think that I quite understand, whether it is possible to flash the phone with original/modified firmware.
As far as I have understood, a lot of demo units have been F***ed up, and ended up with no Wifi options and stuff.
I was wondering, if there is a known way to flash it?
And what's I am suppose to do exactly?
I was wondering if I bought a replacement motherboard and threw in it, would work?
Like one I can buy on Ebay?
I'm sorry for the long post, and the loads of question.
I hope that you guys can help get it up and running properly, whether it is without the calling compatibilitys or not
So thank you very much!
- Madsmaten
So it's not really a phone, it's a 5 inch tablet?
Skipjacks said:
So it's not really a phone, it's a 5 inch tablet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess you could say so
Madsmaten said:
I guess you could say so
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd be hard pressed to believe that Samsung went to a lot of trouble to write an entirely different rom for it. So I'd guess that it's got the same rom as the normal 9505
But I can see where trying to flash a rom it it could go badly. So using odin to root it might be risky. It also might work flawlessly with ease. There is only one way to find out...and sometimes in life you've got to roll the dice.
I would also think you could easily toss a different motherboard in it. You could probably add the radio antenna too. I'd also be hard pressed to believe that Samsung made an entirely different plastic housing just for the demo. So it's probably got all the space and screw holes and all tha tstuff to hold the radio antennea.
So you can either use it as a wifi table as it sits now, with touchwiz, or take a chance and see if you can root it. You didn't pay anything for it so there's not too much risk. That said, how much custominzation do you need for what's probably going to end up being a tablet for the bathroom? It'll probably play games fine, browse the web fine, etc. Do you really need to flash a custom rom to it for those purposes?
I might just leave it alone and enjoy the free wifi device. Makes a great MP3 player / Pandora streamer / etc too.
Skipjacks said:
I'd be hard pressed to believe that Samsung went to a lot of trouble to write an entirely different rom for it. So I'd guess that it's got the same rom as the normal 9505
But I can see where trying to flash a rom it it could go badly. So using odin to root it might be risky. It also might work flawlessly with ease. There is only one way to find out...and sometimes in life you've got to roll the dice.
I would also think you could easily toss a different motherboard in it. You could probably add the radio antenna too. I'd also be hard pressed to believe that Samsung made an entirely different plastic housing just for the demo. So it's probably got all the space and screw holes and all tha tstuff to hold the radio antennea.
So you can either use it as a wifi table as it sits now, with touchwiz, or take a chance and see if you can root it. You didn't pay anything for it so there's not too much risk. That said, how much custominzation do you need for what's probably going to end up being a tablet for the bathroom? It'll probably play games fine, browse the web fine, etc. Do you really need to flash a custom rom to it for those purposes?
I might just leave it alone and enjoy the free wifi device. Makes a great MP3 player / Pandora streamer / etc too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the answer!
I would be delighted with it, using it as a tablet in my home.
The thing, is the Galaxy resets everything every 15 minutes, or reboot.
Which is obvously damn annoying.
And that is why, I am asking these questions
- Madsmaten
Madsmaten said:
Thanks for the answer!
I would be delighted with it, using it as a tablet in my home.
The thing, is the Galaxy resets everything every 15 minutes, or reboot.
Which is obvously damn annoying.
And that is why, I am asking these questions
- Madsmaten
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that's stupid. Maybe it is a different rom afterall....
If its not usable now then you really have nothing to lose by flashing a rom in odin.
Sent from your phone. You should be more careful where you leave that thing.

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